Spinning 365 Degrees ? Need Advice . . .

[Sailaway Kid]

I am a new sailor. Last weekend I went sailing on the Neuss River and Pamlico Sound in NC. When I turned around and headed back in something happened that I don't understand. I was on a port tack and the wind was NW and changing in the after noon to SW. All of a sudden the bow of my boat fell off. I had no rudder control. I don't know if this was a current or a gust that spun me around 365 degrees. If I had not let out the jib I would have kept spinning. Can anyone explain this to me. What actually is happening in this situation.

[Astrid]

It sounds like you got caught in a wind micro burst, as letting fly the jib sheet brought you back under control. Micro bursts can come and go with almost no warning at all except for an out of the ordinary wind patterning on the surface of the water.

[F15EWSO]

I think "Neussie" grabbed hold of your keel and gave you a twist. Is the water still the same color of coffee mixed with cream? That's how Neussie hides so well.

[Alecadi]

Originally Posted by F15EWSO

I think "Neussie" grabbed hold of your keel and gave you a twist. Is the water still the same color of coffee mixed with cream? That's how Neussie hides so well.

It happened also to me sometimes ago.. but there was no sailing boat involved.. Only too much drinks

[hummingway]

Are you sure you meant 365 degrees? More then a complete circle? I've been sailing in a 30 knot headwind, in a friends boat which is fairly light, with too much sail up and suddenly rounded up when a gust hit. The wind dumps pretty quick when that happens and I don't suppose we went much beyond 90 degrees.