Operator and his passenger launched their 1976 Hobie sailboat at the Vantage boat launch at approximately 1530.  When they left the ramp the water and wind conditions were not too strong.  When they got to the middle of the Columbia river the wind and waves picked up considerable.  Operator steered the boat into the wind to try to avoid the strong gusting wind, but the vessel was caught by a strong gust of wind and capsized.  The boat then began sinking.  Operator said that he had repaired one of the hull's pontoons on the vessel but he believed that it did not hold up.  The vessel remained capsized and afloat until they were towed to shore by another vessel.  

Operator believed the majority of the damage to the vessel came while it was being towed.  The starboard side bow hull was completely separated and the port side rudder had been detached from the vessel.  The value of the boat is estimated at only $600 but the vessel was a total loss.
Vantage                       