Chrysler Sailors Forum

When I say LOOK Up I mean to the Heavens and for Hazards..
the breavity of what had happened didn't hit till later last night. We were out on a great sailing day on our local lake. Went around an island to the leeward side to anchor for some lunch.
I was on the deck and had just lowered the jib, my hand on the mast. I took 1 step towards the cockpit. We heard a loud pop and one of our crew saw a large spark.
We hit a power line going to the island with the top of our mast. My windvane bascially blew apart. My hand was on the mast seconds before we hit.
We saw a buoy but it looked all the rest of the "no wake" buoy's. Nothing making me want to look up!
I am OK. Boat is OK but I have contacted everyone possible to get the word out and maybe some better markings.

My wife said that this very easily, could have been the last birthday we spent together. her birthday was yesterday 8/28

As I said.. we all need to "LOOK UP" every once in a while.

You are very lucky skipper and crew!
Where I grew up, the folks on the 16' Hobbie did not make it. None of them.

Count your blessings and man am I glad no one was hurt!

As stated . . . . .

LOOK UP!

Scott

WOW! That's a scary thought. Glad to hear there were minimal consequences to hitting a power line. As you said, it could have been much much worse!

Very lucky captain. glad you are ok.

A "LOOK UP" to the heavens is in order after that close call. Thank-you for sharing your close call so that others might benefit, and hopefully improvements so a deadlier version of your story never occurs.

A fine guardian angel on your shoulder!

I'm goin' with . . . holy cow! So the line was inches above the actual masthead?

Hey Cap'n. Congrats on getting out of that situation without any problems. I support the 'looking up' program wholeheartedly.

Seems like pretty poor compliance to safety concerns from the energy authorities. How many other sailboats are in the area that could impact the lines?

Anyway, good karma.

Regards, Jeff

Wow!

Thank God for guardian angels is what I was thinking too! Maybe a b-day gift from Captain Creator

I also know of fatalities on a boat that hit lines on the north end of our lake.

A heads up to us all... Thanks for sharing.

I sail like I ride my motorcycle, everyone and everything will kill you if you let them. Keep your head on a swivel and remember, your vessel goes into the air, "Look Up!"

Glad to hear all are OK, did you put the island in the dark?

To answer your questions.. Found out today the homes lost power. The owners are just glad nothing worse happened.
As far as the height.. I did not see exactly where it hit.. I am sure I will be able to see a mark on the mast when I take it down..
Called our local Water division..explained to a receptionist and went to a voice mail..and of course.. no reply back..Will call again tomorrow.
Notified the local Yacht club too.

I always look up when boat is on the trailer.. just never figured out in the water.. :( Will next time..

Thanks to everyone for your replies and prayers.

Jeff,

Where were you sailing? I have not run across anything like that in Alum or Hoover.

Stay safe, water and electricity are not friends!

I dont' live close to any lakes with 'lectric lines leading anywhere...

wow.

Life: it's a hell-of-a-ride !!

Congrats.

I have this set of high lines just north of the marina. The first time I sailed under them I made sure I was behind a much larger sailboat to observe how clearance they had. After I saw the lines were twice as tall as their mast I felt a little easier sailing under the high tension lines myself.

Jeez man, I dojn't even want to think what would've happened if you'd have still had you hand on that mast. Many years ago I was witness to a guy who flew one of those model U-control airplanes into a power line. I can still see the smoke coming off his shoes when I think about it. Sounds like you have eight more lives left.