Accidental Jibes

YachtRacerMan · #1 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008

Back when I was growing up sailing there was one day that I will never forget. I was sailing downwind in a dinghy when I reached over to assist my crew with the centerboard. With a slight wind shift and a small distraction I turn the rudder just enough to cause the accidental jibe. The next thing I remember was laying in the bottom of the boat with my head covered in blood. It turned out that my injury was not severe, but if my head was half an inch closer to the end of the boom I could have woke up in the ER. So ending the day with a small gash on the top of my head and one lesson to never forget. Take extra pre-caution when sailing downwind, always know the wind direction, and pay attention.

nolatom · #2 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008

In about 45 years of sailing, I only got hit by the boom once.

I still don't remember the ten minutes or so just after, until I regained consciousness, nor why I didn't sense it coming, which I always figured I would.

Life's full of new experiences. This is one I'll try not to repeat.

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008

Two Words: Dutchman Boombrake.

T34C · #4 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008

It is called the BOOM for a reason.

One word: Duck!

GreenEgg · #5 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Two Words: Dutchman Boombrake.

Good idea. Thanks.

GreenEgg · #6 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by T34C

It is called the BOOM for a reason.

One word: Duck!

Then they should scream out "Boom!", not "Duck!".

CharlieCobra · #7 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008

All this fancy gear I see everybody post up about just doesn't go on a classic yacht where everything is either wood or bronze. Not and look worth a damn. Besides, ya have to be standing up for my boom to hit ya, that and be over 6' tall if in the cockpit. If you are standing up, ya best have yer head out yer ass to start with.

Faster · #8 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenEgg

Then they should scream out "Boom!", not "Duck!".

Ironically the common pre-gybe call on our boat is "Heads up! Gybing"

Fortunately nobody's ever taken that one literally

!

artbyjody · #9 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlieCobra

All this fancy gear I see everybody post up about just doesn't go on a classic yacht where everything is either wood or bronze. Not and look worth a damn. Besides, ya have to be standing up for my boom to hit ya, that and be over 6' tall if in the cockpit. If you are standing up, ya best have yer head out yer ass to start with.

You wait to tell me that AFTER I have sailed with ya... thanks

CharlieCobra · #10 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008

Ya didn't get dinged did ya?