Boat Balls

[Andyman]

I've never seen this and thought it was rather interesting.
Boat Balls 2 - YouTube

[DRFerron]

From what I hear, doing something similar is not uncommon. Stupid for a novice sailor to attempt, however.

[rikhall]

My best guess is that they are not Novice Sailors. They are flying a US courtesy flag and it looks like maybe a Jack on the stern.

Probably been sailing that Alden 58 for a long time!

Rik

[DRFerron]

Originally Posted by rikhall

My best guess is that they are not Novice Sailors.
Rik

Actually, I know the people in the video aren't novice sailors. I was putting that out there for the novice sailors, "kids don't try this at home."

[SVAuspicious]

A friend of mine followed that boat under a bridge the first time they did it, running from a serious storm and heading for a hole. Jay took pictures that ended up in a number of magazines. The crew were thoughtful and careful. If you look carefully you'll see a number of control lines on the bags. Those guys definitely knew what they were doing.

It is indeed a metaphor for the TV commercials that say: "professional drivers on a closed course." Not for those who don't really truly understand the forces involved and the angles at which they are applied. Like so many things that require skill, those who can do it well make it look easy.

[LarryandSusanMacDonald]

Just don't leave the portholes open!

[JimMcGee]

Just imagine the pucker factor the first time they did it

Here's another video of the same boat from a different angle

[GaryHLucas]

I lean to one side when I get boat balls too. Oh man, today was a REALLY bad day!

Gary H. Lucas

[jrd22]

I've watched those a couple of times and always wonder about the halyard chafing and possibly breaking at the top of the mast with it being pulled so far off to the side like that. I'd be needing an adult beverage (or three) after going under the bridge for the first time.

[smackdaddy]

It's not the boat...it's the sailor that needs the balls.