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Dismasted in the Indian River, Melbourne FL...

  • July 25, 2012 9:12 AM
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    Message # 1019354
    Deleted user
      We were out for a leisurely Sunday cruise and out of nowhere got hit by 50- 70k winds, had only the jib out, got knocked down and heard the most sickening crack and tear I've ever heard in my life. The tabernacle broke in 5 places, and the mast broke just below where the lower shrouds attach. It was very scary, I had to go in and cut the mast wires so we could try to get the pieces up on deck while trying not to get smacked in the face by the sharp ends of the broken mast in my face in the 3' - 4' chop. We made it back to the dock by ourselves, but I still feel like I've been run over by a truck...

      Many lessons were learned by me that day, but luckily no one got seriously hurt... So I'm looking for a good used mast for a Westsail 32, wish me luck!

    Last modified: October 15, 2012 6:49 AM | Deleted user
  • July 25, 2012 5:52 PM
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    Reply # 1019731 on 1019354
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Fred:  When I try the FB link - I get an error related to permissions -- wonder if I have to be a friend to see the images? 

    Jay
  • July 26, 2012 10:52 AM
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    Reply # 1020438 on 1019354
    Anonymous

    Yikes, that is some scary stuff. I'm glad to hear no one was injured. How did you cut the rigging? Do you carry cable cutters?
  • July 27, 2012 4:31 AM
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    Reply # 1021128 on 1019354
    Deleted user

    I'm sure this was very frightening and I sympathise with your plight.  Sounds like the upper on the weather side gave way and the mast just folded near the attachment point of the lowers.  Have you found the mechanical cause?  Is there a broken tang or fittibg at either end?

    Ralph
  • July 27, 2012 5:57 AM
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    Reply # 1021176 on 1019354
    Deleted user
    Jay, I will post photos on this site asap, James, yes, I did have cutters on board, we only had to cut the forestay, then were able to get the pieces close enough to the boat to limp back to the dock by ourselves...

    Ralph, I'm pretty sure that's what happened, I have not been back to the boat in a couple of days, been resting and healing up from the thrashing I took in the water that day, I will take a closer look at her today and update with photos...
  • July 28, 2012 10:50 AM
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    Reply # 1024604 on 1019354
    Anonymous member

    Sounds like the upper shroud broke, and the mast bent over at the top.  Should have broken above the lower shroud attachment, but there may have been a weak spot in the mast below the lower shroud attachment if that is where the mast failed.  I can't understand why the tabernacle came apart, unless all three shrouds on that side parted.

    Let me know if you cannot find a good used mast, as I can get a new one for you from LeFiell.
  • October 02, 2012 5:19 PM
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    Reply # 1091832 on 1019354
    Deleted user
    Thanks, Bud,

       I'm still sorting out the wreckage and salvaging what can. I'm taking photos too, and will post some soon, some of my sailing friends say that the mast can be repaired, but after taking a close look at it, I don't think it's worthwhile, it is so messed up, the spreaders are all bent, and the head of the mast is all beat up from being dragged through the mud for almost a mile. We self rescued though, and no one got hurt or killed, it could have been a lot worse...

       There's lots of used masts around here, haven't had a chance to check them out yet, but will soon. How tall is the mast on the W32? I'm guessing 49' from the deck?

       Thanks everyone for your help, sympathy and advice, she will sail again!
  • October 14, 2012 1:12 PM
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    Reply # 1103351 on 1019354
    Deleted user
    As I recall, mine measured out at 44 feet.  If you need an extra pair of hands with anything on it, give me a call.  My boat is just across the river at Waterline.  (Tom Koehl at 321-305-4739).   I'm sure Werner Hemp would help too.   -Tom
  • October 15, 2012 6:51 AM
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    Reply # 1103939 on 1019354
    Deleted user
    Thanks for your reply Tom, For some reason I was thinking 49', but maybe that was the measurement from the waterline...
  • October 15, 2012 10:36 AM
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    Reply # 1104104 on 1019354
    Anonymous member
    The standard W32 mast is 43' long.