On Thursday mid afternoon, the owner/operator took the sailboat on its maiden voyage.  The weather conditions would be considered extreme.  A strong Northwest wind, gusting up to 40 mph was forecasted and heavy choppy waves were observed. The sky was clear and sunny.  The owner/operator had very little experience in boating.  He went sailing knowing of the weather conditions. He was approximately 1.5 miles, southeast of Chatterton Marina and was heading north, returning to port. The jib on the sailboat was ferruled and he was only using the main sail. The vessel was on a starboard tack and he had the mail sail sheet cleated. A heavy gust of wind caused the vessel to heel over and take on water. The owner/operator was not able to release the mail sail from the cleat and the vessel rolled over, took on water and capsized. The owner/operator, who was wearing a PFD climbed over onto the hull of the vessel as it capsized. he held onto the fixed keel until two PWC operators came out to him and brought him to shore.
New Fairfield                 