Wind gusts capsize sailboat on Lake Whatcom

PETER JENSEN - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

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Strong wind gusts capsized a small sailboat on Lake Whatcom the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 4.

Two passengers were soaked but not hurt, and the sailboat sustained minor damage.

The passengers, Rick Taron, 55, of Everson and his daughter, Debrah, were out sailing at about 12:30 p.m. when a strong gust of wind toppled the boat.

As the boat filled with water and started to sink, a neighbor on the lake's shore saw them, came out in a ski boat and towed the sailboat and its passengers to shore.

Taron said it was his first time sailing on Lake Whatcom, but noted he had experience sailing. He said the wind made for good sailing until he capsized.

"I was having fun," Taron said. "At least it was warm water. If I had been out in Puget Sound it would have been different."