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Sonata Sailing

National One-design Cruiser/Racer

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Forehatch opening direction

27th September 2010

anton

27th September 2010 at 6:42 PM

Hi All,

As part of a very slow refit I am looking at replacing the forehatch.

It currently opens towards the bow.

It as been suggested that I rotate it so it opens towards the mast so it

is less likly to ship water in a sea.

Does anyone have this configuration ?

Is it worth making the change ?

Thanks

Anthony

Steven Rolland

27th September 2010 at 8:27 PM

Hi All,

As part of a very slow refit I am looking at replacing the forehatch.

It currently opens towards the bow.

It as been suggested that I rotate it so it opens towards the mast so it

is less likly to ship water in a sea.

Does anyone have this configuration ?

Is it worth making the change ?

Thanks

Anthony

All forehatches I’ve seen on a Sonata open with the opening to the rear. I believe this is now a safety requirement for new boats following a few accidents including the death of Ted Heath’s Nephew who was sailing Ted’s boat, Morning Cloud 3, back from Burnham Week to the South Coast. They forgot to lock the forehatch and the waves going across the deck lifted it and swamped the boat.

Not a drastic priority as long as you lock it in heavy weather but if you have the opportunity, might as well change it round. The only down side I can see is that it is easier to step on if is open, but we’ve never found it a problem.

anton

28th September 2010 at 5:19 PM

All forehatches I’ve seen on a Sonata open with the opening to the rear. I believe this is now a safety requirement for new boats following a few accidents including the death of Ted Heath’s Nephew who was sailing Ted’s boat, Morning Cloud 3, back from Burnham Week to the South Coast. They forgot to lock the forehatch and the waves going across the deck lifted it and swamped the boat.

Not a drastic priority as long as you lock it in heavy weather but if you have the opportunity, might as well change it round. The only down side I can see is that it is easier to step on if is open, but we’ve never found it a problem.

Thanks Steven for the quick response.

I will swap it round then.

Anthony

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