51: CAPSIZE RECOVERY

Nautical Lore – Modern | Oral narratives of modern seafaring watercraft with multihull pioneer Jim Brown

CAPSIZE RECOVERY People have been contending with multihull capsize for millennia. It now appears that modern design and materials make it possible to almost eliminate the propensity for multihulls to be "more stable when upside down than right side up." The difference is in buoyant "wing" masts and/or masthead floats, all strong enough to withstand capsize even at hydrofoiling speed, thereby arresting the 180 degree "turned turtle" capsize at the 90 degree "knockdown" position. This position improves the survival chances of the crew, and makes possible re-righting the vessel either with or without the participation of the crew -- depending on vessel design. Hear all about it.