Two J24s, Kaizen and Fun2, were caught in a “freak” water spout during the Queen of the Gulf Regatta.
Kaizen, unfortunately, almost sunk completely straightaway, with only the tip of the mast visible. Later, the wind increased to 50 knots and with 3m seas, Kaizen was pushed toward shore. Her keel was lost, and she was destroyed in the surf at Taperoo Beach.
Fun2 was towed (very slowly!) back to the Club, and with the help of many members, was refloated, pumped out and hauled onto a trailer. Fun2 sustained approximately $18,000 in damaged/lost items. Her sealed bulkhead helped to save her from total annihilation. Due to this, many J24 skippers are considering sealed bulkheads.
With thanks to Alyn Stevenson for article details – published in Groundswell December 2007