And maybe a Hobie Bob mast float as big as a Volkswagon bus.

I agree - at about 40 seconds in on the wipeout video, you can see the windward rudder at a pretty high angle as the skipper tries to head down, but the boat doesn't respond. The rooster tail behind the lee rudder also tells the tale. Blowing the gennaker only worsens the pressure on the rudders, causing the boat to start heading up and over.

I don't know about the rooster tail, but you can see the leeward tiller arm twitching as the skipper presumably jerks the windward one trying to get it to turn down. I can't correlate the skipper's arm movements to the leeward tiller movement but that may be because the resolution of the skipper just isn't that great in the video.

This is a whole lot of "arm-chair" skippering, but I agree that the release of the genny didn't help the rudders maintain traction. The main (particularly the traveler) did get eased but it wasn't enough or in concert with the genny. (but, I would personally have a hard time hanging onto the winch wraps with the genny if presented with the same scenario)

You can get a better sense for the tiller arrangement with this photo.



It was exceptionally impressive that the rig remained intact minus a few broken battens.

1) I liked that Gunboat isn't ashamed to post and/or isn't denying what happend

2) I liked watching the crew and their choice(s) when the boat was "gone". The one dude hitting the mast looked bad, but the other guy just hanging until it went turtle was almost funny. Of course, I can only say that as it appears no one was seriously hurt.

3) I'm glad they are actually testing the limits of this boat. And I would like more information on how they righted it without a lot of damage. I suspect the G32 and some of our larger three-legged bretherin (F-28/F-31) may benefit.

4) If you're going to buy an amped-up foiling beachcat, you should probably know what you're doing (or have a big enough wallet to handle what may come...).

5) I hope Gunboat supplies free monogrammed towels to G4 crews. And...


6) you bet your a$$ I'd still buy one if I had the chance.

Winner winner chicken dinner.

Read the comment of Peter Johnson (founder of Gunboat and crewmember):

http://www.yachtingworld.com/blogs/...the-voiles-de-saint-barths-regatta-63593

Ah crap! Was Clean on the mainsheet!?

That deserves a +1

Still want one...

At 3:16, Is that a hydo pump for the main he's wiggling with his feet?

You're getting old, Tony and lazy.....

And Tony, when you are finally sailing on your Gunboat G4,flying and nipping on your sherry, you will be chased by provoked killer whales:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImpM4LRQvqo