I just got back from checking our boat after last nights storm. All was well with Tursiops but as was posted, the beautiful Yawl moored just north of us was sunk. Only thing visible were the masts sticking out of the water at about a 30 deg angle. Very sad to see.

My question is, I also saw the headsail on another boat (near Gary's mooring) partially shredded and still getting beaten up by the wind. It appeared as though the unfurled/shredded portion of the sail was growing.

I really really wanted to board the boat and see if I could do something to help. I couldn't think of anything other than trying to drop the sail.

I feel bad but I decided not to try because of me being by myself, it being an unfamiliar boat, and I was afraid I might cause more damage trying to unfurl the sail in the pretty strong winds out there this evening.

I should have tried getting the vessel registration and tried to track down the owner to let them know what was going on but I didn't think of it until I got home.

What's a guy to do?

I have often gone aboard boats at SSYC to tighten a line or secure a piece of gear. Others have done the same for me.

The weather Wednesday evening were pretty extreme. Deck work in a lightning storm is not a real good choice unless it is going help prevent a sinking. Winds strong enough to unfurl a genoa are too strong for just one person to tackle when dealing with a big sail.

Being by yourself, you really could have done nothing other than contact the dock master and have them, in turn, contact the owner.

I have a new dockmate at SSYC. Prior to the last round of high winds, I noticed his genoa was very loosely wrapped. I warned him that SSYC didn't have the same wind/wave protection that he enjoyed at McKinley and he should consider re-furling his genoa tighter. He said it was OK and not to worry. Well ... he's shopping for a replacement.

I was surprise to hear that Zach lost his genoa too. I had been on his boat the evening before and it looked pretty good. What I didn't pay attention too was how many extra wraps he had with the sheets to secure the clew.

I will say, the storm over the north half of the city was pretty to watch from SSYC ... until is hit us.

I understand your situation, Al. Several years back I made port after a storm had knocked me repeatedly flat, to find that Gene's had taken some similar damage. Knowing him (somewhat), I simply boarded his vessal and tried to secure his sail. I was able to make cell contact with him (via MCSC) and let him know about it.

Since then, I have always determined I should have my name and phone number clearly visible in the cockpit... but always seem to foget to do it. Truth: I think every skipper SHOULD do so. Really, we are all leery of boarding someone else's vessal, and am sure we'd all feel better calling and/or leaving a message explaining who we are, and WHY we have just boarded the boat.

But, even to a unknown boat: should I, or shouldn't I?

And I resolve it like this: would I want some unknown sailor boarding my vessal to attempt to minimize my taking damage?

Hell yes! Worse comes to worse, owner spots me on his vessal, I then explain my actions and the owner can already see the damage. As in, how angry would YOU be if you found a stranger skipper on Tursiops without your permission, attempting to secure your vessal from further damage?

Yup, besides a "Thanks", a beer might even be in order.

Good idea Gary (number in cockpit)! I saw on the cam that the sail is still fluttering.

I hereby give anyone permission to board my boat to secure and/or remove something to avoid destruction or sinking! It took me about two hours to get that partially shredded sail down in that wind Thursday morning. I was worried about it de-masting the boat!

it appears that the leech line, or whatever that is called, somehow came loose and then wrapped itself around a shroud. As it tightened, it tore open the entire leading edge of the sail. With that loose, the sail was able to, with the force of the wind, tear and start unwinding itself from the furler.

The clew where the sheets were wrapped around (at least two full turns I put on wednesday afternoon) and down to the bottom was still tight and undamaged when I got down there, and the furling line was still tight and secure to the cleat.

A rip horizontal under the numbers in between two seams, and the UV shade on almost the entire leech edge is torn off at the seam..

Great idea and good common sense as always Gary.

Zach, WOW is all I can come up with.

I have my phone number painted on our mooring ball. Didn't even think to look at the stricken boats mooring.

I WILL be making up a contact card to keep in the cockpit. Would also be great to have on a trip while away from the boat.

After thinking about it a while, I wish I'd at least tried to take a closer look.

My wife always kids me about wanting to help everyone. It's kind of a selfish thing for me. It feels much better to help, or at least attempt to help, than look the other way.

Oh well NEXT TIME.

Signed----------------still learning after all these years.

Zach: can the sail be salvaged? I've seen some remarkable repairs done, and if it'll work long enough to then 'save up' for the unexpected expense of replacing a sail...

As for me, I've thought I should get a laminated (water proof) sign, identifying my name as owner, cell #, home and even work #. For that matter, even e-mail. Someone wants me in a hurry while I'm in, say, Michigan... I want them to do everything but smoke signals to find me (I don't read smoke signals, LOL's)

Anyway, could certainly find a spot in the cockpit where the contact info is not visible to casual 'passers by', but just from the cockpit.

And, Al, even if some redneck skipper comes screaming in anger at your help before realizing your intent to help... truly, I cannot envision a skipper NOT quickly turning off his heat. Mostly, I tend to think they'd at most yell out something like "Hey! What the hell you doing on my boat?!" (as would I), but quickly thanking at your reply and, likely, new friendly acquaintance made.

Remember the old days when you would open someone's car door and turn off the lights, just because it was the right thing to do?
I also welcome anyone aboard Myrtle who is willing to help prevent some damage. Afterwards call the number on the mooring ball so we can get together and buy you a drink!
Doug

Gary wrote:
Zach: can the sail be salvaged? I've seen some remarkable repairs done, and if it'll work long enough to then 'save up' for the unexpected expense of replacing a sail...

I am dropping it off today to see if it can be saved.

I think you will find that any sail damage CAN be repaired. The question is more of diminishing returns: will the price of the repair even be worth the repair? If the repair price is 35% the cost of new... especially if an off the shelf availability...