Solo Catamaran Capsize Recovery: The Solution

[@JamesDonatelli]

Thanks Joseph for showing how to right solo with a righting bag! This video and your past videos on what does not work so well, help show what works best for solo sailors.

[@stevenvachon9745]

Thanks Joe, this is a huge relief to actually see someone using the bag method

[@mtadams2009]

I am very new to sailing. I took a lesson in Saint Lucia and off I went. The instructor had me right a Hobbie 14 and it went well but I can see how a 16 would be much more difficult. I am interested in a 16 and this video really helps. Thank you I have so much to learn. Take care

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks!!!

[@srgpip]

Nice job Joseph! I myself being an avid solo sailer along with being 11,4 stone wet sewed up a righting bag, employing a sewed in section of hosepipe around the top lip that serves to keep the bag open, it works really well, though I do use a different technique that I think is more stable. Instead I hoist bag to around chest height hook my harness into a predefined loop on the righting line which leaves two hand free to hug the bag against my chest while leaning out. This works well for me and no risk of rope burn on sunburnt shoulders ;-)

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks for the top tip - this was my first try - I think i'd refine my technique if I was going to be sailing solo regularly with no safety cover to make it more efficient.

[@avijitbasu6537]

Could you please post a video of this technique- you have obviously thought about it and refined your method

[@JoyriderTV]

@@avijitbasu6537 what you see in this video is where I am uptown with the refinement at this time. The only real changes that i'd make are to have the purchase system for the bag going onto a loop on the righting line so there will be no need for a second rope. I'd cut the rope on the purchase system to the right length - here it is way too long. That is all that i would change.

[@ianganderton7139]

​@@JoyriderTV Hi Joe, I've just got my first Hobie 16 and plan to do quite a bit of solo sailing, this video is awesome. I think I can get a bag similar to yours here in NZ which is super cool!! I'm going to experiment with using a loop of cord on a classic prusik knot on the righting line so I'll have an adjustable loop to clip the bag haul system into. I'm going to experiment with having a second for the harness hook too. I think they will be able to live on the righting line so they will always be good to go. I'm used to using a 3:1 system for swift water rescue and have some prusik minding pulleys that I'll try. I'm thinking it would be good to have the system rigged so it tensions up by pulling upwards. Lots of untested thoughts right there!! Thanks for making the video and finding the bag, big thumbs up and I think its going to save me a stack load of dosh!

[@arhedler]

There's an easier and probably more effective way than trying to get the bag to stay on your back. Once you have the bag lifted a ways out of the water, face away from the trampoline, grab the top of the bag and push it outwards with your arms fully extended, and lean your body outwards until your body is straight. This will get the weight considerably farther from the boat, providing a much better righting moment, and you'll be able to control the bag much more effectively. You might not even need any pulleys to lift the bag; you may be able to use the righting line to lift the bag, putting the line through the handles (or maybe a pulley attached to the handles which can stay attached to the bag) and tying the line to itself. You may not need to pull the bag all the way out of the water, reducing how much weight you have to lift up. Mind you, I have not tried this yet, but it should be more effective.

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks for the idea, I'll try that for sure. I think the only downside will be that you wouldn't be able to see the boat which might make the timing more difficult to grab the dolphin striker.

[@otm646]

This is very similar to the way I was taught to do it. Having too much weight in the bag can necessitate the purchase, but you can get away with a lot less using your body like a ginpole, you're increasing the length of the lever arms substantially this way.

[@jds0912]

Gonna give this a go on my hobie 18. I've stayed ashore on too many windy days this summer out of fear of capsize (lack of crew). Suddenly when you start having kids, your crew list becomes less reliable!

[@JoyriderTV]

agreed!

[@jds0912]

Welp it happened. Capsized yesterday out sailing solo in 20kts. Deployed the big green bag for the first time and it worked great. Fellow hobie 18 enthusiasts , this is the cheapest easiest method for sure. Thanks Joe.

[@JoyriderTV]

@@jds0912 you're welcome - I was really pleased to find that this worked.

[@dguillamon]

Many many thanks for this my friend!!! I was about building a righting pole. I believe this is better

[@JoyriderTV]

I was thinking about the pole but I think the less that you can have on your boat has got to be better.

[@richardstubbs6484]

@@JoyriderTV I think a righting pole is also worth experimenting with - might be a lot quicker.... (maybe not class legal)

[@JoyriderTV]

@@richardstubbs6484 The next capsize video will be with the pole - I'm sold on the bag as it's less obtrusive.

[@mtadams2009]

I am new to sailing and will more than likely have both until I feel much more comfortable. I do think the bag looks great and it weighs nothing and it’s not intrusive.

[@gabriellebozec5262]

I use the same technic when I'm alone on my sl 15.5 in France. Thanks for the video !!

[@todfox170]

Really appreciate all your videos, great wealth of training, helping me out considerably to get the rust knocked off my skills. lots of great tips and tricks, Thanks ...

[@elimelehlioreliezer5200]

today was the first time capsized with my prindle 18, full 180 d, mast dawn in the water. if i only had this bag or two...lucky for me, Haifa life gard saw me and came with a jet . thanks for everything man

[@JoyriderTV]

It's good to chalk up your first inversion. Probably to get the life guard a few beers and maybe he'll help you out in the future!

[@elimelehlioreliezer5200]

@@JoyriderTV thanks for the answer. i brought them 2 cakes and wrote a thanks latter to the Municipality and asked them to join sailing. thank you sir

[@joyriderbike]

@@elimelehlioreliezer5200 nice! Everyone loves cake!!!

[@kylefinch1326]

Great way of righting the boat I'm going to get one

[@JoyriderTV]

If you're flying solo i'd say it's an essential piece of kit.

[@squid0013]

Murrays makes a nice bag and holding bags that fit them for those watching in the states. Also raise it a little higher

[@jcowboy123]

Thats correct but murrys wants $120 i got mine off Amazon for $18 👍

[@nauteeboy]

Hey Joe I think you could improve this set up by simply tying an alpine butterfly knot in the righting line and then attaching the pulleys with a carabiner. That way you wouldn't need a separate line for the bag, and the alpine butterfly is super easy to tie, much stronger then the bowline and can take a 3 way loading where the bowline is only designed for 2 way loading. Just a theory, haven't actually tried it myself yet 🤙😎

[@JoyriderTV]

Great plan - i will certainly try that, thanks.

[@danilmarinaio9539]

Great video, Joe... as usual 👍🏻😉

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks

[@daanvangeijlswijk7787]

Wow, you seem to have an answer for every question, what a smart method that is! I am the guy with the Hawke 13, but it seems to leak into one of the hulls. A friend of mine became enthousiastic with catamaran sailing, so we want to buy a Dart 18. I figure this will also work on a dart 18 when solo sailing?

[@JoyriderTV]

Yes, this will definitely work on the Dart 18.

[@johnharkness7372]

Joe, your videos are awesome- thank you! Bag method looks quick. I can solo right my Hobie 18 with a righting pole, but it takes a minute to set up. How were you able to capsize the boats? I want to practice righting in no wind, but I can’t get the boat to tip in the first place!

[@JoyriderTV]

With the boat hooked on at the front I take both trapezes and boost away as far as possible. I'm around 90kg and that does the trick. It is enough for the 16 or FX1 but not enough for a Tiger.

[@thelandofmisteroz]

Going to order a bag, I have those pulleys already!

[@JoyriderTV]

Good choice!

[@robertneighbors4091]

I had a sailshop create a bag like this for me 37 years ago out of sailcloth, lost it in a capsize recovery, gave up on the idea (but it worked with pulleys).

[@JoyriderTV]

I now take one every time i sail solo.

[@PeterVAnania]

I’m working on coming there next year, need blessing from my wife.

[@JoyriderTV]

Perhaps this will help - our sister company out here designed for exactly that! greece.healthy-options.co.uk

[@willirieger4790]

Thanks Joe a good Video.

[@JoyriderTV]

You're welcome

[@prindle15portweller50]

Hi Joe... Great video again. Very helpful. Wondering, like it was mentioned below, if a dry bag with a strap would work around waist or over your shoulder... Would cut cost of the 4; 1 system. Maybe you could try this joe, and let us know thru a video... Should work!

[@JoyriderTV]

Whilst trying this at no time did i feel that it would be possible without the purchase system to hoist the bag out of the water. Possibly a 2 or 3 to 1 might work but to just lift a 40kg bag of water and sling it over your shoulder on a slippery hull i think would be a bit of a stretch. I'll come up with a more compact purchase system using smaller blocks and maybe some 5mm dynema core rope.

[@MitchThorn]

I sailed on lake huron for many years in some crazy rough water. I got used to using shroud extenders which really helped with righting the 16 hobie. Didn't need near as much weight in the bag. Also tied a small 1/4 inch rope from below the extender to to the shroud and pulled the mast tight and then put the shroud back in its place. I do this by myself a.lot.what do you think of shroud extenders?

[@JoyriderTV]

I think as long as there's a method to prevent the mast base from jumping out, the extenders are possibly the most logical solution as they use the weight of the boat to assist the righting.

[@robraver]

Hmm, time taken to right it though. Around my shores we got loads of kelp, getting a mast caught up in that stuff and its truly game over. On the skiff (RS700) I always hoist a 20 ltr float bag on the head of the sail. Guessing those mast head floats that Hobie do are good and keeping a Cat from inverting?

[@JoyriderTV]

for sure the mast float does a good job.

[@lucasbecerra3355]

Thank you, much help

[@fernandobargueno]

Hi Joe, have you ever tried a pole system for righting a capsized cat? Is it functional? If you have the chance to try and make a video any time, would be great. Tks!!!!

[@JoyriderTV]

I haven't yet but it is on the list for videos to make - i'll just have to build one first

[@tripp8833]

I wonder, do you have to tie the bag to the boat? What if you grab the righting line with one hand, then hold the bag with the other and lean sideways towards the bag/away from the boat.

[@JoyriderTV]

It would require tremendous effort to do it without attaching the bag as we're trying to get 50kg out of the water

[@polarbear1101]

Thanks for the great video! On my TopCat F2 it is fairly easy to take off the mainsheet, since it is just hooked into the main. Couldn't I just use the mainsheet as the pulley system for the bag?🤔

[@JoyriderTV]

The problem would be that the mainsheet is too far back - the bag needs to be hoisted in front of the shroud.

[@polarbear1101]

Thanks for the quick reply. I meant taking it off the traveller and the main sail and using the main sheet with the pulleys at the same position you did. This way I wouldn't have to carry extra gear and be able to use it in case I do ever get in the situation that I really need the bag (too little wind to upright)

[@JoyriderTV]

@@polarbear1101 yes - when you put it like that - it would be a fairly light wind situation where you have plenty of time. Yes, I think if it's easy enough to take the MS off then yes, That could be a good method.

[@polarbear1101]

Thanks so much for the response! I guess I'll try this in shallow water to see if it is really practical in case I ever really need it. 😊

[@grahamthorpe1154]

@@polarbear1101 That's an interesting idea. I guess one concern would be if you dropped it after it is disconnected from the traveller and mainsail. I imagine it would sink, and that would make for an expensive day. I'll probably give this a try also (in shallow water).

[@michaelmarzolf6539]

Would it work to have shoulder straps sewn onto the bag? Wouldn’t want to be attached to it, but might help

[@michaelmarzolf6539]

Thinking like a backpack

[@JoyriderTV]

Yes, I get what you mean. I think it might be good until the boat is upright, and then maybe a bit dangerous to have a bag of water attached to your back?

[@raflanz6770]

very cool, but... the boat would be like that if it had a mast float. I don't have a float.... how would you right it if it was upside down for good? is that bag of any use in that scenario?

[@JoyriderTV]

I'll answer this in this week's Q+A on Wednesday. Thanks

[@raflanz6770]

@@JoyriderTV thanks! Looking forward to it!

[@raflanz6770]

@@JoyriderTV super! many thanks in advance! i've been sailing a minicat 460 in a lake in Sweden. the water is soooo cold i've been extra careful and never got anywhere near capsizing, but i know it is something I better practice! looking forward to wednesday

[@JoyriderTV]

@@raflanz6770 good incentive to stay upright!

[@alesandrosardegna5099]

Hey Joe, I'm Alex from Sardinia, i watch ur videos. About righting system what about Hobie Cat 16 Solo Upright System part # 1263? Hope i can see soon one of ur video testing this system. Bye ciao

[@JoyriderTV]

Once I get one here I will certainly carry out a test. Might be a while though.

[@antonioantoni3082]

Hi Joseph My weight is 75 kg. How many kgs of water would I need to straighten the 16 in the absence of wind? Thanks for your videos. Antonio from Italy

[@JoyriderTV]

I found 120kg is the minimum for zero wind

[@antonioantoni3082]

@@JoyriderTV 120 kgs is the total minimum weight (my weight plus the bag of water)?

[@scottwooster4102]

What length is correct for a righting rope? CM or feet measurements are fine. Also I don't have pouches on my trap from it or my jib sheet. Can you recommend a size? I plan to make some.

[@JoyriderTV]

5.5meters for the righting line - i'd generally go for 12mm I'll take some pouch measurements later.

[@TheAlirazi]

I have got a hobie 18. I capsized 180°. Mast went quickly underwater. I could not lift it back up. Wind Force 4, Waves max. 1 Meter. I took down the Sails, but stil no chance of lifting a hull up.

[@JoyriderTV]

With a bag, in that wind I would guess that 120 kg total - sailor+bag should be enough to right it.

[@TheAlirazi]

@@JoyriderTV Thanks for answering! My problem was that the Mast was straight down, i couldnt even bring the Boat to 90 Degrees. (Like in your Video)

[@jeffage11]

Hey, Joe-I’d like to practice this since I couldn’t come close to fighting my FX1 this weekend on my own at 82 kilos-in fact, we barely got it up with my son rescuing and giving it the beans on the righting rope with an 8hp outboard. Could this be harder because I have the wings on? Have you done a video about pros and cons of wings? I’ve beber seen you on a boat with wings. And finally, how did you capsize these boats to demo, since I’ll need to do that to practice the bag technique. Thanks!

[@JoyriderTV]

I think i'll answer your questions in this week's Q+A on Friday. That way I can go into more detail.

[@jeffage11]

@@JoyriderTV great-thanks!!

[@thomash5981]

Where do u buy your boats

[@JoyriderTV]

Our catamarans come directly from Hobie Cat Europe. If we're looking for Tigers, as they're not built any more we usually find quality used boats at Hobie Cat Holland

[@neilm4236]

Have you ever capsized the Tornado ?

[@JoyriderTV]

Never. I think with the aluminium mast you may need help or the bag. With the carbon it should come up with around 140 kg (depending on the wind)

[@saitohshihomi5649]

Yes!- Please Demo the Solo Capsize Righting~Techniques for Recovery for The Big-T; especially in a big Seastae, like we have here in Hawaiian Waters- Keep Pulling The Apparent... *DolFunHeart*

[@hommuside]

Hey Joe. It does beg the question: would one be sailing in no wind, and also would a capsize even be possible? Not being smart, just wondering.

[@JoyriderTV]

You could capsize in zero wind but you'd have to really want to! Almost impossible to turn the boat over in tops conditions accidentally. This was a test to see about the righting without any wind assistance.

[@NeverBeenThereBefore]

I never had a problem with just my body weight even when I only weighed 150lbs

[@JoyriderTV]

It must have been quite windy when you capsized?

[@magicbeetle2292]

Are there any other brands that make this kind of catamaran?

[@JoyriderTV]

There are a lot that make cats this kind of size but only Hobie makes the Hobie 16

[@magicbeetle2292]

@@JoyriderTV thank you for letting me know

[@Niels4354]

At sea with Beaufort 5-6? Hmmm...

[@srgpip]

Wont need it :-)

[@JoyriderTV]

I'd try without it first and then if the boat didn't come up that would be time to deploy.

[@williamaraujo9840]

Great!

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks

[@SabinoFNeto]

Great!!!!

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks

[@boeufalexandre631]

Where is this place ?

[@JoyriderTV]

Wildwind, Vassiliki, Lefkas, Greece

[@marmac567]

Would not be so easy in a decent blow, would probably go over the other way as it came up

[@JoyriderTV]

Yes, you're right. However, if it was windy enough to bring the boat up and knock it over the other way you probably wouldn't need the bag

[@rb30athorn]

So 87kelows is 191.8 to save you a google. guess you had bout 100lbs in the bag so close to 300lbs!

[@JoyriderTV]

more like 80 in the bag (googled)

[@julisity6640]

If I capzised the cat while wotking at a sailingschool this close to the shore my boss would have killed me.

[@JoyriderTV]

Yes, I think if anyone actually capsized that close in there would be some kind of enquiry!

[@Nils_Hammarsten]

Shorten the mast. Less sail. It's a two person adult boat. Buy a smaller cat for your teens. I have had a spark 14" for 10years. The hobie 16 is a step up. Very cheap to buy in Sweden. 1500$. Newer sails costs same price.

[@АриэльРусалка-ж4у]

хорошая идея)

[@citoxic]

195 th get owned everyone

[@wightwalker2453]

Just drink more ale.

[@JoyriderTV]

Now that's a good tip!

[@dimitristripakis7364]

But then it falls on your head and kills you ? This does not look very attractive... at least wear a helmet ???

[@JoyriderTV]

It's not attractive but it is effective - you'd only use the bag in low winds.