So from the stunned silence that followed my previous post it looks like it will be just us at the Sheppy Race this year!

We have done it several times before but always in a boat with a self draining cockpit...

So what's the trick. We capsize the boat to get it under the bridge... how do we stop it filling up with water, and if we cant are there any tricks on getting all the water back out again quickly?

Cheers
Ian and Hannah
3581 Prologue

1) With the boat on its side it will fill up with water, there is no remedy.

2) If you beach the boat, open the transom flaps and lift the bows most of it will just go straight out again, then close the flaps and sail off, getting the remainder out either through self bailers or bailing in the time honoured fashion.

Alternatively, just before you get to the bridge you could seal the open deck area and spinney chute with cling film of shrink wrap to seal the area just before capsizing then the other side of the bridge you can remove it. If no one is looking, not that I support this sort of thing, you could put it in the water for people following to get wrapped round rudders and centre boards.

More mast rake would work

The Thames A Raters do the the three briges race and have to to drop 45foot of carbon 3 times I believe?? Lots of Rater contacts if You Wish??