Back in the 80's I crewed on a J-24 leading all the way up the worlds in 1989.
After regattas on Lake Washington (Seattle WA) we would often head west through the Lake Washington Ship Canal and need to raise several of the 4 draw bridges before exiting through the Ballard Locks into Puget Sound. After a few post race beers we thought it would be OK to heel the boat over to sneak under the Fremont Bridge owing to how close we were to being able to pass without waiting for an opening. We had plenty crew onboard to heel the boat to reduce the air draft enough for the required clearance (I guess between 15 and 20 degrees, but it was a long time ago). What we did not adequately plan for was the loss of full steerage when the rudder had less traction and directional control. We barely got away with the passage that day but never did that again. There are several other entertaining stories of other local boats/delivery crews pulling the same stunt and popping up under the bridge leading to good bar stories but embarrassing pictures and insurance claims. I recommend you perform a practice run out in clear water to judge the effect on your ability to control the boat in close quarters with the forced heel angle. Martin Calypso 1970 C&C 43 Seattle ________________________________ From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of Richard N. Bush Sent: Monday, November 05, 2012 8:40 AM To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Subject: Re: Stus-List Bridge clearance issues Hi all; I am planning for a trip (next summer) I will have to pass under a bridge with a 50 ft clearance; I calculate that the mast is 55 ft from water including all antennae, etc; I have come up with a chart showing that I will have to heel the boat 24.4 degrees to clear a 50 ft span; and 35.9 degrees to clear a 45 ft span; (I had to have help from an engineer friend!); now, what is the best way to get the boat to 24.4 degrees and keep it there long enough to get under the bridge? Richard 1987 33-II Richard N. Bush Law Offices 235 South Fifth Street, Fourth Floor Louisville, Kentucky 40202 502-584-7255
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