Caught In A Head Lock

I’ve been sailing my beloved 37-foot wooden sloop Sixpence off the coast of Maine for well over 30 years. One day I was approaching Swans Island Harbor in a bit of a blow. Nothing exceptional, but the wind was probably gusting 30 knots with 2- to 4-foot seas. I was sailing solo as I often did, and as happens every now and then, I had the urge to use the head. Sailing to weather, Sixpence could easily sail herself for long periods of time, so when I needed to be away from the helm, I either lashed Sixpence’s tiller or used the autopilot to steer. Now I see what a bad idea that is when sailing solo.

I went below into the head, then out of habit closed the door. I heard a “click” and immediately remembered the latch I’d installed on the outside of the door to keep it from opening when underway. I’d somehow locked myself in the head while underway and headed toward a lee shore!

I did my business, took a quick gaze out the window, and noted I had little time before we’d be crashing into the rocks that guarded the harbor entrance. Frantically, I tried everything to open that lock, but the door wouldn’t budge. As the minutes ticked by, the rocks drew closer. I could envision the Coast Guard finding me still locked in the head after meeting a watery grave. I had to do something, so with all my strength I hit the door with my shoulder and broke it down, injuring my shoulder in the process. Stepping over the debris from the broken door, I managed to get on deck in time to come about and avoid a lesson in poor bathroom etiquette.

Moral of this boating story? There are several. If there’s any way that the door to your boat’s head can lock from Have a crazy or cringeworthy boating moment you’ve experienced? In around 500 words, tell us your tale of roller-coaster boating as well as lessons learned. Send to Magazine@ BoatUS.com with “Confessions” in the subject line to be considered for publication. CAUGHT IN A ‘HEAD LOCK’ STEVE HAEFELE the outside, get rid of the lock … or the door. Better to be caught with your pants down than shipwrecked while locked in the head!