Potter 19 - Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

A Non-Turtle Tale by Ted Duke

[I think the story below demonstrates that a P-19, with its heavy daggerboard down and locked, approaches keelboat stability and is not easily capsized - HLG]

Now, I am one of those who has tried to capsize the P19 (UNintentionally), and it DIDN'T!

My son and I were sailing on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia near Roanoke. There had been light winds, and they were dieing. Tom noticed a buildup of clouds and after several minutes I agreed we should head in to the marina. We started in under sail but the winds were off the port bow and very light. I started the engine and left it in neutral. Tom went forward to drop the jib (no downhaul), and I pulled the mainsail sheet in tight and cleated it to make it easier to drop the mainsail (mistake). Then I went to the mast to lower the mainsail. Suddenly the wind shifted almost 180 degrees and "commenced to blow hard enough to scare the fearless." I am usually very cautious and NOT the risktaker. I am 61 and have some experience in small boats and 20 yrs as a Naval Officer, carriers, small boats, and just observations of the sea and weather. I thought I was being cautious.

The Potter rolled over on her side and tried to stick the mainsail in the water, but the wind would spill and she would try to right herself and then do it again. SCARY to two new sailors. Neither of us could budge the sails. I climbed back to the tiller, released the main and turned into the wind as best I could. Tom got the jib down easily then. I got the motor in gear. Tom lowered the main. By the time he got it down it was not only blowing it was raining so hard I couldn't see far enough to see where I was going. Tom sat by the mast and directed me ashore. I don't know how much wind we had, but it was MORE than I wanted.

LESSONS we learned:

In summary, I have MORE confidence in the Potter than I did, and have learned a couple of valuable lessons.