Any suggestions for getting removing the mast after capsize?
I capsized the other day and could not get the mast out because of the tension of the mast floating.
A friend with a pontoon helped me pull on the gunwale and it took the tension off, but damaged the deck.
The usual procedure taught for small craft is to climb onto and stand on the daggerboard, centerboard, skeg, etc., grip the gunwale with your hands and lean back. Your weight is supposed to lean the boat back to the point that it might even completely right itself. At the very least it should take the pressure off the mast.
Alternatively, you could stay in the water and just hang onto the daggerboard. That's more useful for smaller boats than larger ones, but if the boat is floating high enough it can at least relieve the pressure on the mast and partner to where the mast can be pulled out.
Finally, for some boats it's possible to swim up to the gunwale and climb/roll inside, If you try this it should be with the boat oriented with the bottom away from the wind. That way, as you roll/climb in the wind will be encouraging the the boat to roll vertical and scoop you up. Ideally you'll end up in a puddle in the bottom keeping the boat from flipping again and you can start the bailing process.
Laszlo
I totally agree with Laszlo's comments bove. I will add that you do not want to remove the mast from a capsized boat for two reasons. First, the mast floating beside the boat will be a battering ram and could cause significant damage if there is any wave action at all. Secondly, restepping the mast after the boat is upright will be difficult and time consuming. Your best approach is to right the boat with the mast inplace as Laszlo suggests.
Two other tips for righting a small boat. First, swim the boat so that the bow is pointed into the wind before you attempt to right it. That way, when it comes upright, it will be setting head to wind with the sail depowered. Secondly, make sure that the mainsheet is not cleated. Otherwise, the sail can hold some water which will make it harder to right.
My last suggestion is to practice. Find a nice calm area with chest deep water and do some practice capsizing and righting the boat. Practicing this in a controlled manner will give you the skills and confidence necessary when you have to do it for real in less favorable conditions.
