The 5 Ways Sailboats Actually Sink At Sea

The 5 Ways Sailboats Actually Sink At Sea Most people imagine a sailboat sinking in a violent storm, with waves crashing over the deck and the mast snapping in two. But the data tells a different story. Striking a submerged object is the leading cause of sinkings while underway, responsible for 40% of all cases . A broken prop shaft or strut comes next at 16%, followed by damaged below-waterline fittings at 16% . Here are the five ways sailboats actually sink at sea — and the numbers might surprise you.