Laser 4000 death at Abersoch

[hugh_]

Rum Runner said:

Extremely sad , I was out on the water myself teaching that day . It was a nice day all round, especially compared to dinghy week the week before when there was much more wind and a lot more boats .
I am told there was a death before in 4000's and they do invert rapidly, why masts are not sealed like cat masts is a mystery .
One main safety boat issue with asymmetric dinghies is to lift the bow of the boat by its Kite poll onto the RIB tube to create a air pocket.
I later had to move the boat from the beach for his other half , and really what can you say to comfort her, just shocking .
Apparently the poor guy had just retired last week.
My thoughts go out to the family .

4000's dont invert that rapidly, not compared to RS Visions, 800s etc. The helm wasn't his wife, it was a friend of a friend thing, she needed a crew for the event and he was recommended by a mutual friend.

[Rum Runner]

Ok Hugh it was not his wife , as said the other half which could mean anything .
They may not invert as quick as visions or RS800 although i do sail visions regularly and not really found it a problem.
Funny though the main accident inspector for the RYA passed comments on 4000's and there speed of inversion.
Still the point is that it is very sad and a rare occurrence so lets leave it at that .

Edited by Rum Runner on Saturday 4th August 10:12