The Westsail 32 in the Perfect Storm!

Today we get into the story of Satori, the Westsail 32 that made it through the Perfect Storm.

[svglorious]

Great objective handling of a controversial story. Most of us of the Westsail
community are aware of the theatrical license taken in the Satori part of the book and the movie. And most folks who I have spoken to who knew Ray Leonard said he was grossly mis-portrayed in the movie. He had a reputation of the quintessential highly experienced
licensed sea captain who had all the tools necessary to survive one of the worst storms ever recorded. The two women were neophytes in sailing and their mindset was “a pleasure cruise.” They did panic which is understandable given the extremely rough conditions
even for a Westsail 32. Proof of the pudding was the fact that Ray’s sailing preparations were right on and Satori took care of herself and survived intact. Afterwards, she and Ray spent many more years sailing together. On May 6, 2000, Ray sold Satori to
a new owner, who berthed her in Corpus Christi, Texas. So yes, they would have survived, but the human part of the riding out a storm like that is always the most fragile and usually the first to break. From personal experience, I can say that my Westsail
32 (and I’ve owned three of them) seems to come “alive” in those kinds of weather, and becomes a boat that gives me a quiet confidence that we will make it.

[globyois]

Good job on this video, nice, smooth, and to the point.

[Jyock]

Going to read the article from Ray's son. Great video.

[mickfeagan]

I had Hull #55 Pacific Sea Craft "Flicka" 20 from 1986 to 2016. I am John☠️ Silver. Previous owner sailed it to Hawaii in 1983 from California. I trailer trailed it and coastal cruised. Got buddy in Kona Hawaii has a Westsail 32. Love full keel with tiller.

[imikalfunangongo]

My W32, hull #737, was neither "wet" nor "slow".
I logged 174 nm in 24 hrs sailing storm conditions in the north pacific... magnificent.
Sail management and situational awareness allowed soothing classical music below while storm conditioned raged outside.
I'm a single hander for specific reasons... those folk who require a baby sitter have spoiled more than one otherwise exceptional sailing events.

[SethLoweakaSquid]

Wow, I bet Ray was Spewin’ he took crew 😢

[aphilippinesadventure]

The Westsail 32 seems to have only on shortfall- the lack of a keel stepped mast. A few Westsails have lost their rig with the cabin-stepped mast....

[stewtube]

You tell your stories so well that I feel like I'm right there with you Thank you ! Btw does Ray Lenard have his version in a book or ?

[MrBrian]

I know a knock down is freaking scary...but, if the boat has little damage and can still sail. It is foolish to abandon ship because your scared. Ok a 100 foot sea is one thing but under that a good sail boat can handle it especially with an experienced captian like yourself....I'd sail with you in any sea, I can tell from your video's you're an accomplished sailor.

[jcash]

Satori should have been hove to lying to para anchor not lying ahull not forereaching - end of story.