One of my first major purchases was a Folbot Kayak, complete with 100sf sails. It had a main and jib and was a kick to have. I was 13 yo. My parents drove me, along with 2 brothers, to the beach for the initial launch into the surf. None of us had any sailing experience. We rigged the boat and loaded up in the kayak, tacking directly into the surf. Mom and dad were relaxing on the beach with cold beers in hand, enjoying the entertainment. I would have said that they were there to help or render aid, but neither were provided.
At the 3rd sandbar, the surf turned us sideways and capsized the 3 of us. All were excellent swimmers and lost no time dousing the sails, unstepping the mast and righting the boat in the turbulent water, too deep for footholds. The older brother and i were responsible for disassembly of the various structural parts, promptly handing them to little bro', who always seemed to have an extra hand available for whatever rigging we freed from the capsized craft.
Once we had the kayak righted and began stowing the rigging, we learned the secret. Little bro' could not hold onto any of the parts and tread water at the same time, so he promptly let loose of the rigging we gave him.
When we made it back to shore, and the 'rents finished laughing, we were able to collect everything from the shore, save the aluminum mast sections. We made sure to plug Styrofoam into the ends of the replacement sections so that they would float next time.
Once I got my sailing legs, that boat and I were inseparable. It was awesome as a kayak, surfing the coastal break, and would challenge all other mono-hull sailboats on the water. Only the experienced catamaran sailors could best me. The boat lasted until my college years before the wood frame and canvass deteriorated to the point the boat was unsafe.
Haven't capsized, under sail, since and fully intend to maintain that record.
~Safebare
