How to Right a Capsized Boat

Not every boat capsizes. Larger boats have a keel, which is a fin extending down from the bottom center of the boat. This fin is filled with heavy lead, which holds the boat upright and keeps it from capsizing. Smaller boats are built differently. Smaller boats also have a fin, but they are not filled with led. When sailing in a small boat, it may capsize if the wind and the waves become too much – but don’t panic. There is a safe and easy way to right the boat and sail off into the sunset.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. The best way to insure that you are able to right a capsized boat is to intentionally capsize it close to shore and with someone watching. This will allow you to practice the process so that when it happens to you unintentionally, you are prepared.

2. To capsize the boat intentionally, sit in the cockpit, bend over and grab one side of the boat and put all your weight on the other side. The boat will slowly tip toward all your weight and tip over with the mast resting in the water.

3. If there is someone in the boat with you, always make sure that person is OK before trying to right the boat.

4. When you capsize, you should land in the water alongside the cockpit. To right the boat, you will need to swim around the hull to the bottom of the boat.

5. When you are around the boat, you will need to grab the fin sticking out of the bottom of the boat, called the “centerboard.” Grab the centerboard and pull down. This will force the mast up out of the water and the fin back down into the water. This maneuver will take a moderate amount of strength and may take a few minutes. If pulling down doesn’t work, try pumping the fin up and down to get more force.

6. As the boat is coming upright, the front of it will be turning into the wind. Right the boat slowly so the boat can do this.

7. Once the boat is upright, pull yourself back in the boat from the side or the back.

8. Make sure all of your original gear is still in the boat, and continue sailing.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear a lifejacket.
• It is a good idea to tie loose items into the boat. This will keep everything attached if the boat capsizes.
• When sailing, always tell someone wear you are going and when you expect to return.