Tubamancha kit

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Date: Fri Jun 17 1994 - 08:25:03 PDT


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Date: Fri, 17 Jun 94 11:25:03 EDT
Subject: Tubamancha kit

The following is an outline for a future topic in my Windfinder column in
Windtracks Magazine on emergencies:

I wavesail frequently at Tubamancha. To get to Tuba you have to launch at
Limantour Spit in offshore winds then sail 2 miles up wind to get to the sand
bars at the mouth of Drake's Estero where the surf forms on a series of sand
bars about 1/4 mile outside. You have to make a series of tacks to get to
the sailing area and you are frequently a mile or more from shore with the
winds blowing out to sea. The water is cold and sharky. Since Tuba is in a
wilderness area there are few people and fewer boats. On a crowded day there
might be 2 other windsurfers. For all of these reasons I have given a lot of
thought to emergency kits. Here is what I recommend:

1. a mesh waist bag with nylon zipper and velcro closure. It must have a
quick release buckle so you can easily bring it up onto your board.

2. It is essential that the bag contain a 8' length of floating polyprophlene
line with a shackle at each end. This is to attach you to the back footstrap
of your board while you are sorting out items in your kit or preparing for a
self rescue. Without it you have to constantly hold on to your board and work
with only one hand. And if all else fails and its is going to be an
all-nighter this line will keep you with your board.

3. High intensity whistle (available from West Marine). It is better than
waving your arms to get the attention of passing sailors or boats. Attach to
wetsuit zipper with lanyard.

4. Stainless steel mirror (avaialble at surplus stores). This is the single
best way to attract help from shore during the daytime.

5. Strobe light (best available from West Marine). These can be seen for many
miles at night.

6. 30' of towing line (do not use dacron downhaul line...Nylon is better for
towing)

7. Shock cord loops with balls for quickly securing rolled sail (available
from West Marine)

8. Stainless steel Marlin spike knife. These are designed to be opened with
gloves and wet hands. The spike is perfect to un-do knots and jamed
downhauls. (best available from West Marine)

9. A bright orange piece of plastic sheet or nylon to wave down boats.
 
10. For ocean sailing a wetsuit hood is essential and can be jammed into the
kit. If you have a bigger kit gloves are recommended.

All of this can fit into small bag on your waist.

At remote locations always leave a note on the dash describing your
destination, time of departure and expected return, day, sail color and phone
number.

For the ultimate in safety...Apelco just came out with a tiny hand held VHF
transceiver that is guaranteed to be water proof (not just water resistent).
It has all VHF channels and also get the NOAA weather reports. All for a
price of $249. Expensive but....

Forget flares even the "O" ringed ones fail with time. I have used flares in
emergencies. They last only seconds and are useless if you are in a trough or
your potential rescuer is looking away. A mirror, whistle and strobe can be
use repeatedly and are unlikely to fail.

Mike Godsey
windfinder@aol



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