I have been fortunate in never having fallen off my boat while sailing however I have come close both with other people on board and solo. Has anyone experienced this and survived sailing solo? Curious as to the measures that one goes to, to prevent this and how I might rig a safety line. And if one falls with a safety line how does one crawl back in the vessel w/o drowning in the process!
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Try this
Buy the flat red tether line from West Marine catalogue to hook up from bow to stern in MIDDLE of the boat. That way if you fall you won't fall over. Buy the harness and blue short tether from WM to hook up that thing. Then buy the short-range beeper that hooks onto your PDF so that should you still fall overboard you can flip the switch and it will broadcast a beacon to the Coast Guard of your lat/long. With all this gear, don't sail too close to any Naval installations or you could be confused for a well-dressed terrorist.
Buy the flat red tether line from West Marine catalogue to hook up from bow to stern in MIDDLE of the boat. That way if you fall you won't fall over. Buy the harness and blue short tether from WM to hook up that thing. Then buy the short-range beeper that hooks onto your PDF so that should you still fall overboard you can flip the switch and it will broadcast a beacon to the Coast Guard of your lat/long. With all this gear, don't sail too close to any Naval installations or you could be confused for a well-dressed terrorist.
Double jacklines
When we sail off shore we use two jacklines that run down both sides of the deck to the cockpit (this is on a boat with a dodger that makes it impossible to run down middle of boat). We then run two more jacklines down outside the lifelines to the opposite side of the stern. We use two tethers, one clipped to the jackline inside the lifelines, the other one folded and clipped with rubber bands so it isn't in the way. If you fall over, then the shrouds will catch the inside jackline and not allow you to go to the stern and you will hang-up there. At that point, you hook your second tether to the outside jackline and when certain you are secure, you then release the first tether from the inside jackline. This will allow you to coast to the stern where you can then climb on-board via the swim ladder. We have tested this system under controlled conditions in Kentucky Lake and it works. Some will say it is way too complicated, but any other system we have tried to devise with less jacklines is far more difficult to climb back on board and/or requires others to get out of the cockpit to assist. This method allows everyone else to stay in the cockpit where they do not risk going over as well. There are probably other solutions, but this one will work and is relatively safe. Of course, the first rule is to go on the upwind side and always hang on with one hand - having said that, I am sure everyone that has ever been washed overboard did that or certainly intended not to fall off the boat!
When we sail off shore we use two jacklines that run down both sides of the deck to the cockpit (this is on a boat with a dodger that makes it impossible to run down middle of boat). We then run two more jacklines down outside the lifelines to the opposite side of the stern. We use two tethers, one clipped to the jackline inside the lifelines, the other one folded and clipped with rubber bands so it isn't in the way. If you fall over, then the shrouds will catch the inside jackline and not allow you to go to the stern and you will hang-up there. At that point, you hook your second tether to the outside jackline and when certain you are secure, you then release the first tether from the inside jackline. This will allow you to coast to the stern where you can then climb on-board via the swim ladder. We have tested this system under controlled conditions in Kentucky Lake and it works. Some will say it is way too complicated, but any other system we have tried to devise with less jacklines is far more difficult to climb back on board and/or requires others to get out of the cockpit to assist. This method allows everyone else to stay in the cockpit where they do not risk going over as well. There are probably other solutions, but this one will work and is relatively safe. Of course, the first rule is to go on the upwind side and always hang on with one hand - having said that, I am sure everyone that has ever been washed overboard did that or certainly intended not to fall off the boat!
falling off and weather helm
One advantage of a slight weather helm is that if you fall off the boat, it will turn into the wind and not run away. Not much to rely on and it doesn't work with your autopilot on. In any case, you are better off staying aboard.
One advantage of a slight weather helm is that if you fall off the boat, it will turn into the wind and not run away. Not much to rely on and it doesn't work with your autopilot on. In any case, you are better off staying aboard.
It sorta depends on how far you are
from the nearest shore. People have starved to death or died of thirst while wearing a PFD. If you are unconcious and being dragged face down at least it will be easy to find your body.
from the nearest shore. People have starved to death or died of thirst while wearing a PFD. If you are unconcious and being dragged face down at least it will be easy to find your body.
Dont go overboard
There are several posts about running jack lines in the archives and also on other sites such as catalina owners.com. I think the West Marine Advisor addresses this also but im not home now and dont have a catalog handy. I do remember one post in specific about being dragged. Several people claimed that they purposely jumped overboard and were dragged just to see if they could get back on the boat. Everyone stated that once in the water and being dragged they could not get back aboard, even as slow as 2 knots, except of course for one mega-athlete that said he could do it every time. So when you decide how to run your jack lines, keep this in mind.
There are several posts about running jack lines in the archives and also on other sites such as catalina owners.com. I think the West Marine Advisor addresses this also but im not home now and dont have a catalog handy. I do remember one post in specific about being dragged. Several people claimed that they purposely jumped overboard and were dragged just to see if they could get back on the boat. Everyone stated that once in the water and being dragged they could not get back aboard, even as slow as 2 knots, except of course for one mega-athlete that said he could do it every time. So when you decide how to run your jack lines, keep this in mind.
If there is a good chance of Rescue
If close to shore or if there is a good chance of rescue being dragged scares me much more than swimming to shore. I have been in swift water in rivers and being towed behind a sailboat. It is very hard to pull yourself forward in a weak current and nearly impossible in a strong current. Be sure to rig your harness with a "pelican" hook so that it can be released under tension. It is almost impossible to release a carabiner type hook under tension and trying to find and use a knife while being dragged underwater would be difficult at best. I keep a knife in my PDF or clothing but doubt that it would be useful in cutting off a harness while underwater. We have harnesses but haven't used them to date. It is hard to move around on deck without tripping on the tether or jacklines. But as others have said the idea of a harness is to keep you from going overboard!!! Once you are in the water your chances of survival are much less.
If close to shore or if there is a good chance of rescue being dragged scares me much more than swimming to shore. I have been in swift water in rivers and being towed behind a sailboat. It is very hard to pull yourself forward in a weak current and nearly impossible in a strong current. Be sure to rig your harness with a "pelican" hook so that it can be released under tension. It is almost impossible to release a carabiner type hook under tension and trying to find and use a knife while being dragged underwater would be difficult at best. I keep a knife in my PDF or clothing but doubt that it would be useful in cutting off a harness while underwater. We have harnesses but haven't used them to date. It is hard to move around on deck without tripping on the tether or jacklines. But as others have said the idea of a harness is to keep you from going overboard!!! Once you are in the water your chances of survival are much less.
Guilty as Charged
I know all this great stuff about tethering and harnesses and falling overboard, yet i still dont wear a harness as often as i should. Whether it be from lazyness or just uncomfortable, i should know better. If I had to really look at why i dont....it's lazyness, pure and simple. I do wear one all of the time that i go forward when solo.but not when others are around. Lazy and stupid, no other excuse. Anyone else guilty?
I know all this great stuff about tethering and harnesses and falling overboard, yet i still dont wear a harness as often as i should. Whether it be from lazyness or just uncomfortable, i should know better. If I had to really look at why i dont....it's lazyness, pure and simple. I do wear one all of the time that i go forward when solo.but not when others are around. Lazy and stupid, no other excuse. Anyone else guilty?
I'm guilty too
I sail solo pretty much all the time. I don't even wear a PFD - even though I have a self-inflating Mustang, with tethers, that I bought for a Bermuda race. (Don't have jacklines for my Cal yet, though. I suppose in their absence I'd tether into the shrouds or the headstay.) And, yes, it does get nerve racking on the foredeck doing sail changes in chop. There's no excuse for this, and I'm not recommending it. Like sailortonyb, I'm just plain lazy.
I sail solo pretty much all the time. I don't even wear a PFD - even though I have a self-inflating Mustang, with tethers, that I bought for a Bermuda race. (Don't have jacklines for my Cal yet, though. I suppose in their absence I'd tether into the shrouds or the headstay.) And, yes, it does get nerve racking on the foredeck doing sail changes in chop. There's no excuse for this, and I'm not recommending it. Like sailortonyb, I'm just plain lazy.
Not an athlete or thrill seaker
In my limited experience it’s not so hard to pull back up in light conditions, you have to use free style type swimming stroke grabbing the line with every stroke. However when the boat is moving fast you have buckleys, (no chance) all you can do is roll on to your back and try to pull up with your hands clasping the line in front of your chest. I must add on those hot summer days when the breeze is not strong enough for exciting sailing there’s nothing I like more than porpoising on a line behind my boat (with someone at helm and another spotting )…I recommend it when safe, even if you do feel a bit like shark bait! ps The boat should be set up to have some weather helm even in light breeze, so if you do fall off she will hunt between iorns.
In my limited experience it’s not so hard to pull back up in light conditions, you have to use free style type swimming stroke grabbing the line with every stroke. However when the boat is moving fast you have buckleys, (no chance) all you can do is roll on to your back and try to pull up with your hands clasping the line in front of your chest. I must add on those hot summer days when the breeze is not strong enough for exciting sailing there’s nothing I like more than porpoising on a line behind my boat (with someone at helm and another spotting )…I recommend it when safe, even if you do feel a bit like shark bait! ps The boat should be set up to have some weather helm even in light breeze, so if you do fall off she will hunt between iorns.
Life Jackets (PFD)
We recently had a member of our club drown as a result of falling overboard. John sailed his Catalina 27 solo most of the time, several times a week. His boat was discovered by the Coast Guard with no-one aboard. His body was found the next morning.He is survived by a wife and children.This has convinced me to wear a PFD EVERYTIME I go out alone. Mobile Bay is not what you would call offshore, but I still dont swim well enough to get ashore from a mile or two out.
We recently had a member of our club drown as a result of falling overboard. John sailed his Catalina 27 solo most of the time, several times a week. His boat was discovered by the Coast Guard with no-one aboard. His body was found the next morning.He is survived by a wife and children.This has convinced me to wear a PFD EVERYTIME I go out alone. Mobile Bay is not what you would call offshore, but I still dont swim well enough to get ashore from a mile or two out.
Wear a PFD and hh VHF
Wear an inflatable PFD and strap a small waterproof handheld VHF in a case to your belt. If you fall overboard, you can call mayday to boats that may be in your vicinity as well as the CG.
Wear an inflatable PFD and strap a small waterproof handheld VHF in a case to your belt. If you fall overboard, you can call mayday to boats that may be in your vicinity as well as the CG.
I tried getting back on ...
As an educator and trainer, I always believe in simulations and practice. So I tried the being dragged behind the boat and hauling myself back on thing. At 57, "ain't gonna happen." When I singlehand, I routinely use a friction tether to hold my tiller in place when I go forward, the time I'm probably going to go overboard. I trail 150 feet of red floating line, tied to the tiller, so that if I fall overboard I can jerk it and round the boat up. I tried that too. Works, if I can find and grab the line, which isn't as easy as you'd think, and the sails are still up which means the boat starts doing funky things like 360's, but stays going slow and where you can get at it. I found the line two of three times on a moderately chopy day, and one time I was able to get to the stern and pull the release line on the swim ladder. I suppose 33% survival beats watching your boat sail away or dragging till your dead 100% of the time. Reminds me of a story I heard ... guy remarks to his wife that they're doing more sailing, and what would she do if he fell overboard. Without batting an eye, she says, "Buy a new house." Best advice about falling overboard ... don't. Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
As an educator and trainer, I always believe in simulations and practice. So I tried the being dragged behind the boat and hauling myself back on thing. At 57, "ain't gonna happen." When I singlehand, I routinely use a friction tether to hold my tiller in place when I go forward, the time I'm probably going to go overboard. I trail 150 feet of red floating line, tied to the tiller, so that if I fall overboard I can jerk it and round the boat up. I tried that too. Works, if I can find and grab the line, which isn't as easy as you'd think, and the sails are still up which means the boat starts doing funky things like 360's, but stays going slow and where you can get at it. I found the line two of three times on a moderately chopy day, and one time I was able to get to the stern and pull the release line on the swim ladder. I suppose 33% survival beats watching your boat sail away or dragging till your dead 100% of the time. Reminds me of a story I heard ... guy remarks to his wife that they're doing more sailing, and what would she do if he fell overboard. Without batting an eye, she says, "Buy a new house." Best advice about falling overboard ... don't. Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
Too close to home
I spent five years mostly solo sailing my C-27 in Nantucket Sound. I only put on PFD and harness when I had to leave the cockpit, and then not religiously. This story gives me religion. I now have a Picnic Cat, and got SOSpenders. I need to wear them at all times when I sail. I'm gonna. My condolences on the loss of your clubmate,and my fellow C-27 solo sailor. Roger Dennis, MA
I spent five years mostly solo sailing my C-27 in Nantucket Sound. I only put on PFD and harness when I had to leave the cockpit, and then not religiously. This story gives me religion. I now have a Picnic Cat, and got SOSpenders. I need to wear them at all times when I sail. I'm gonna. My condolences on the loss of your clubmate,and my fellow C-27 solo sailor. Roger Dennis, MA
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