While sailing is a pretty safe sport, one of the great dangers is falling or being knocked overboard. Sailing in challenging weather, sailing alone, sailing at night, and pushing your boat to extremes while racing are just a few of the conditions which increase the possibility of going overboard. And for those of us in colder climes, the danger increases when the water temperature drops and hypothermia can occur after only minutes in the water. What has been your experience with the threat of going overboard? Have you, or anyone in your crew, ever fallen into the drink? If so, what was the result? What procedures were used to get you, or the other person, back on board? If you went overboard while solo sailing, do you have a plan for how to get back aboard? Do you ever practice MOB drills? If so, what works best for you? (Discussion topic and quiz by Warren Milberg)
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Good question
I once did lose a crew overboard in rough seas. The boat was a 25 with low freeboard. I did not have a well thought out system for reboarding and I was amazed at how difficult it was to get the MOB back on board even w/ the low freeboard. This experience sure taught me that some type of well thought out boarding plan was essential. If one is single handing and goes over, they are probably SOL. If one is harnessed and on the foredeck , and goes over, the tether will take them aft as far as the shrouds. If they are on the windward side boarding will be impossible. Single handers need a double tether. It is also necessary to rig a second jack line that runs just under the toe rail, alongside the hull and outside of all shrouds/sheets. If one goes over attached to a deck jack line, the second tether can be hooked to the outboard jack line and the first tether cut (having a knife accesible with one hand is critical). Even in this situation, with auto pilot steering, a boat moving at 4 or 5 knots will make boarding VERY difficult even if a ladder is available. When single handing, if you go over, you are probably gone.
I once did lose a crew overboard in rough seas. The boat was a 25 with low freeboard. I did not have a well thought out system for reboarding and I was amazed at how difficult it was to get the MOB back on board even w/ the low freeboard. This experience sure taught me that some type of well thought out boarding plan was essential. If one is single handing and goes over, they are probably SOL. If one is harnessed and on the foredeck , and goes over, the tether will take them aft as far as the shrouds. If they are on the windward side boarding will be impossible. Single handers need a double tether. It is also necessary to rig a second jack line that runs just under the toe rail, alongside the hull and outside of all shrouds/sheets. If one goes over attached to a deck jack line, the second tether can be hooked to the outboard jack line and the first tether cut (having a knife accesible with one hand is critical). Even in this situation, with auto pilot steering, a boat moving at 4 or 5 knots will make boarding VERY difficult even if a ladder is available. When single handing, if you go over, you are probably gone.
Too many times
I've been overboard a few times. Always a drama. Always from the foredeck and each time a spinnaker was involved. Once was pre-start while rigging spinnaker gear just had a brain fart and stepped where there was no boat. I was wearing an inflatable PFD/Harness that did its job well. 35# of flotation feel like being in a dinghy compared to the 17# of flotation that the normal Type-II PFD provides. Another time I had just tripped the chute and got knocked off the bow when we hit a wave. I managed to grab the pulpit on the way over and used another wave to kick myself back onto the boat. The last time was setting the spinnaker turtle on the leeward rail prior to a rounding. A wave caught the turtle and swept the turtle and me off the boat. As the boat sailed by the crew was starting a COB drill when I shouted at them to round that damn mark first and then pick me up.
Another experience was day sailing, I was at the helm and the owner was leaning against the stern rail. The boarding ladder formed part of the rail and the latch came loose. His wife panicked, my girlfriend at the time was a novice, we were sailing downwind with a 2-3 knot current in very light air. We made the recovery, had the owner in dry clothes and were back on course in 11 minutes (the idiot started a stopwatch when he went in). Yes, I practice COB drills. A complete one including crew recovery at least once a season and random drills a couple of other times. I tend to use the crash tack and get back quickly method on my boat with my crew. I teach the CYA triangle to others. I prefer to heave to and fore-reach to weather of the COB although the CYA says to come up to leeward of the crew. I feel that the COB is much easier to recover from the leeward side of the boat. I know how my boat behaves and there is little danger of sailing over the COB. In a boat that I am not familiar with I might approach the COB from leeward, get a line to them and recover them from the stern. The least practiced and most important part of a COB drill is recovering the COB. A boarding ladder off the stern is all well and good if the crew in the water is unhurt and able to help. An injured or unconscious crew is another story. A Lifesling and tackle gives you a good chance of getting the crew back on the boat. Part of the system requires using a primary winch to hoist the crew clear of the lifeline and onto the deck. On many boats with undersized winches and no self tailing it cannot be done by one person. Everyone should try it on their boat to give their crew the confidence they will need to do it in a real emergency. The saddest story I've heard is one of a couple sailing with their daughter (in her 20's). The daughter went overboard. She was wearing her PFD and they were able to get back to her and bring her alongside the boat. They could not get her back on the boat and she died. I *know* I can always get back to a COB. I *never* sail my boat with an unbalanced sail plan that would compromise that ability. I *always* wear a PFD/Harness. I *know* that my crew can recover me from overboard. I tell newcomers that the boat is lonely and insecure, she needs to feel reassured by holding on to her. "One hand for you, one for the boat." Learning the methods and practising the skills make a COB one of the things I don't worry about. I can thank my ex-Navy father for beating good seamanship into me while I was young. Sorry to be so passionate, but COB training and equipment (or lack thereof) is a hot button for me.
I've been overboard a few times. Always a drama. Always from the foredeck and each time a spinnaker was involved. Once was pre-start while rigging spinnaker gear just had a brain fart and stepped where there was no boat. I was wearing an inflatable PFD/Harness that did its job well. 35# of flotation feel like being in a dinghy compared to the 17# of flotation that the normal Type-II PFD provides. Another time I had just tripped the chute and got knocked off the bow when we hit a wave. I managed to grab the pulpit on the way over and used another wave to kick myself back onto the boat. The last time was setting the spinnaker turtle on the leeward rail prior to a rounding. A wave caught the turtle and swept the turtle and me off the boat. As the boat sailed by the crew was starting a COB drill when I shouted at them to round that damn mark first and then pick me up.
Another experience was day sailing, I was at the helm and the owner was leaning against the stern rail. The boarding ladder formed part of the rail and the latch came loose. His wife panicked, my girlfriend at the time was a novice, we were sailing downwind with a 2-3 knot current in very light air. We made the recovery, had the owner in dry clothes and were back on course in 11 minutes (the idiot started a stopwatch when he went in). Yes, I practice COB drills. A complete one including crew recovery at least once a season and random drills a couple of other times. I tend to use the crash tack and get back quickly method on my boat with my crew. I teach the CYA triangle to others. I prefer to heave to and fore-reach to weather of the COB although the CYA says to come up to leeward of the crew. I feel that the COB is much easier to recover from the leeward side of the boat. I know how my boat behaves and there is little danger of sailing over the COB. In a boat that I am not familiar with I might approach the COB from leeward, get a line to them and recover them from the stern. The least practiced and most important part of a COB drill is recovering the COB. A boarding ladder off the stern is all well and good if the crew in the water is unhurt and able to help. An injured or unconscious crew is another story. A Lifesling and tackle gives you a good chance of getting the crew back on the boat. Part of the system requires using a primary winch to hoist the crew clear of the lifeline and onto the deck. On many boats with undersized winches and no self tailing it cannot be done by one person. Everyone should try it on their boat to give their crew the confidence they will need to do it in a real emergency. The saddest story I've heard is one of a couple sailing with their daughter (in her 20's). The daughter went overboard. She was wearing her PFD and they were able to get back to her and bring her alongside the boat. They could not get her back on the boat and she died. I *know* I can always get back to a COB. I *never* sail my boat with an unbalanced sail plan that would compromise that ability. I *always* wear a PFD/Harness. I *know* that my crew can recover me from overboard. I tell newcomers that the boat is lonely and insecure, she needs to feel reassured by holding on to her. "One hand for you, one for the boat." Learning the methods and practising the skills make a COB one of the things I don't worry about. I can thank my ex-Navy father for beating good seamanship into me while I was young. Sorry to be so passionate, but COB training and equipment (or lack thereof) is a hot button for me.
A Scary Thought!
How often have we thought about establishing or practicing a MOB drill? Our club has had it scheduled during our rendezvous a couple of times, but usually gets pushed to the back burner. Last month, there were two incidents in New England waters which required a CG resue. One was a MOB and is still missing. The crewman had to be rescued. The other involved a single-hander that was also rescued by a CG helicopter. Our commodore has now pushed for the drills to be executed next season and it will be put on our agenda. With a bit of conscientious concern, this training will happen for us next season.
How often have we thought about establishing or practicing a MOB drill? Our club has had it scheduled during our rendezvous a couple of times, but usually gets pushed to the back burner. Last month, there were two incidents in New England waters which required a CG resue. One was a MOB and is still missing. The crewman had to be rescued. The other involved a single-hander that was also rescued by a CG helicopter. Our commodore has now pushed for the drills to be executed next season and it will be put on our agenda. With a bit of conscientious concern, this training will happen for us next season.
Only once in 30 years
I have never fallen overboard and have heard only one story about falling overboard directly from the person who was involved. This guy was in our marina in Mobile and was painting on his boat and fell overboard. It was at night and no one was around. The yacht basin had no way for someone to climb out of the water. He swam around until he was getting really cold and feared drowning when he saw a dinghy and was able to climb into the dinghy and from that get onto the dock. He considered it a very close call. The yacht basin had high wooden seawalls with attached walkways. If you were next to the seawall you were under the walkways!!!
I have never fallen overboard and have heard only one story about falling overboard directly from the person who was involved. This guy was in our marina in Mobile and was painting on his boat and fell overboard. It was at night and no one was around. The yacht basin had no way for someone to climb out of the water. He swam around until he was getting really cold and feared drowning when he saw a dinghy and was able to climb into the dinghy and from that get onto the dock. He considered it a very close call. The yacht basin had high wooden seawalls with attached walkways. If you were next to the seawall you were under the walkways!!!
Overboard
I sail alone a lot. In many years of sailing, I have never gone overboard, but have had two VERY close calls. Those experiences made a believer out of me: I always wear a PFD when alone, even when the WX is calm (stuff happens); and I have rigged my swim ladder so that I could get it down while in the water looking it up at it. I am always amazed to see how many other boats have their swim ladders locked or tied in the upright position. If you were alone, went overboard, and were still conscious, how would you ever get back into your boat if your ladder was tied off?
I sail alone a lot. In many years of sailing, I have never gone overboard, but have had two VERY close calls. Those experiences made a believer out of me: I always wear a PFD when alone, even when the WX is calm (stuff happens); and I have rigged my swim ladder so that I could get it down while in the water looking it up at it. I am always amazed to see how many other boats have their swim ladders locked or tied in the upright position. If you were alone, went overboard, and were still conscious, how would you ever get back into your boat if your ladder was tied off?
MOB drills a MUST
As much as I would love to, I'm forbidden by the Admiral to sail by myself. It was one of the conditions laid down when the boat was purchased. We swim off the boat from time to time and have no trouble boarding with the ladder - which I spent a relatively ridiculous amount of money on to add ladder rungs. While underway, I make sure at least one crew member is familiar with our Man Overboard Drill. So far it has worked. Bill on STARGAZER
As much as I would love to, I'm forbidden by the Admiral to sail by myself. It was one of the conditions laid down when the boat was purchased. We swim off the boat from time to time and have no trouble boarding with the ladder - which I spent a relatively ridiculous amount of money on to add ladder rungs. While underway, I make sure at least one crew member is familiar with our Man Overboard Drill. So far it has worked. Bill on STARGAZER
Swim Ladder
The Swim Ladder is key to my return to the boat. When single handing I leave it unsecured with a line attached to it down to the water level (but not so far that it can foul the prop) so I can pull it down from the water. But if the autopilot is on . . . well I can think of worse ways to go. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
The Swim Ladder is key to my return to the boat. When single handing I leave it unsecured with a line attached to it down to the water level (but not so far that it can foul the prop) so I can pull it down from the water. But if the autopilot is on . . . well I can think of worse ways to go. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
"Sea Legs"
While sailing out of Racine, Wisc. I would always have Chicago friends who wanted to go sailing. Invariably, there would always be one individual who wanted to do everything for you to show his appreciation for taking him out. I knew from the get go that novice individuals on board do not have "Sea Legs" as you could easily see as they stumble or walk in a zig-zag effort while on board. Sure enough, Mr. Helpful while going foward did a studder step which forced him against the life line and over he went. The portable boarding ladder got him back on board and the crew teased him for the rest of the day. He felt so bad and made us all swear not to say anything to his wife and kids for fear it would end his boating days.
While sailing out of Racine, Wisc. I would always have Chicago friends who wanted to go sailing. Invariably, there would always be one individual who wanted to do everything for you to show his appreciation for taking him out. I knew from the get go that novice individuals on board do not have "Sea Legs" as you could easily see as they stumble or walk in a zig-zag effort while on board. Sure enough, Mr. Helpful while going foward did a studder step which forced him against the life line and over he went. The portable boarding ladder got him back on board and the crew teased him for the rest of the day. He felt so bad and made us all swear not to say anything to his wife and kids for fear it would end his boating days.
My ladder is setup like Pete suggests and Gary
also practices. With the dingy on Davits the ladder was always the last thing to come out of the water so it wasn't captured and a trip line from the water would release it. We also have a lifesling. The starboard primary is engine driven hydraulic so raising people, even to the masthead is routine with just a press on a lever. Never had to use any of it for a MOB. And leaving the cockpit while single handing is against ships standing orders.
also practices. With the dingy on Davits the ladder was always the last thing to come out of the water so it wasn't captured and a trip line from the water would release it. We also have a lifesling. The starboard primary is engine driven hydraulic so raising people, even to the masthead is routine with just a press on a lever. Never had to use any of it for a MOB. And leaving the cockpit while single handing is against ships standing orders.
So Fred . . .
What do you do if you're singlehanding and a genoa sheet gets fouled on the foredeck while tacking? And how do you retrieve and deploy fenders and bowlines from the cockpit? Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
What do you do if you're singlehanding and a genoa sheet gets fouled on the foredeck while tacking? And how do you retrieve and deploy fenders and bowlines from the cockpit? Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
Overboard
My situation is similar to Pete's. I sail mostly alone, but do have the walk thru transom. My question/problem is that if I go overboard, and the boat is sailing along with the wheel locked, there is no way I can grab anything to hang onto or catch the boat by swimming to it so I can get to the swim platform. I would be in the water watching it sail merrily away.
My situation is similar to Pete's. I sail mostly alone, but do have the walk thru transom. My question/problem is that if I go overboard, and the boat is sailing along with the wheel locked, there is no way I can grab anything to hang onto or catch the boat by swimming to it so I can get to the swim platform. I would be in the water watching it sail merrily away.
Life requires changes
Hi all, my wife and I sail 99.9% of the time as a couple. We have both have first level cruising certification which required o/b drills etc. In truth we have only performed the drills in our courses but never practiced as a couple. We keep talking about it but never do it. We wear manual inflatable pfd's 99.9% of the time on board. As a result of an infection and brain surgery last December I now have intermittent seizures. Largely controlled by meds, they still occur. So for us this means auto-inflate pfd's, and I use a jackline and harness when I leave the cockpit. PERIOD, no exceptions. The crusing tip in the Oct. issue of Sail is a great idea on foredeck safety and how to reduce the length of the harness lines. We have a Lifesling that we need to figure out how to use. Some changes but I am not giving this up...
Hi all, my wife and I sail 99.9% of the time as a couple. We have both have first level cruising certification which required o/b drills etc. In truth we have only performed the drills in our courses but never practiced as a couple. We keep talking about it but never do it. We wear manual inflatable pfd's 99.9% of the time on board. As a result of an infection and brain surgery last December I now have intermittent seizures. Largely controlled by meds, they still occur. So for us this means auto-inflate pfd's, and I use a jackline and harness when I leave the cockpit. PERIOD, no exceptions. The crusing tip in the Oct. issue of Sail is a great idea on foredeck safety and how to reduce the length of the harness lines. We have a Lifesling that we need to figure out how to use. Some changes but I am not giving this up...
Draggin' a line
"My situation is similar to Pete's. I sail mostly alone, but do have the walk thru transom. My question/problem is that if I go overboard, and the boat is sailing along with the wheel locked, there is no way I can grab anything to hang onto or catch the boat by swimming to it so I can get to the swim platform. I would be in the water watching it sail merrily away." If you wear a harness with a tether you can set up the system so you can make your way to the transom while still tied to the boat. Another option would be to drop a recovery line off the transom. You might be able to swim to the line and haul yourself back to the boat. If the boat is self steering at 6-7 knots the line would have to be pretty long and the effort to haul yourself back might be too high. At least one Autopilot system uses a wireless remote. If the control head does not get a signal from the remote it assume the skipper is overboard and puts the helm hard over. Autohelms have a "Watch" function that sounds an alarm every 4 min a button must be pressed to reset the timer, that alarm could be rigged to shut down the pilot if no reset was made. You could try towing the dink and rig a line to unlock the steering or autopilot from the dink so the boat would at least stop (assumes that you could get to the dink before it sailed by).
"My situation is similar to Pete's. I sail mostly alone, but do have the walk thru transom. My question/problem is that if I go overboard, and the boat is sailing along with the wheel locked, there is no way I can grab anything to hang onto or catch the boat by swimming to it so I can get to the swim platform. I would be in the water watching it sail merrily away." If you wear a harness with a tether you can set up the system so you can make your way to the transom while still tied to the boat. Another option would be to drop a recovery line off the transom. You might be able to swim to the line and haul yourself back to the boat. If the boat is self steering at 6-7 knots the line would have to be pretty long and the effort to haul yourself back might be too high. At least one Autopilot system uses a wireless remote. If the control head does not get a signal from the remote it assume the skipper is overboard and puts the helm hard over. Autohelms have a "Watch" function that sounds an alarm every 4 min a button must be pressed to reset the timer, that alarm could be rigged to shut down the pilot if no reset was made. You could try towing the dink and rig a line to unlock the steering or autopilot from the dink so the boat would at least stop (assumes that you could get to the dink before it sailed by).
Practice in good conditions
keeping in mind that it will probably not be like that when it happens by accident. Dress in your cold weather attire - wool sweater, fleece pants, rain gear, etc. It is amazing how much weight that stuff adds when it gets wet. My wife went overboard while we were docking early one morning at Port Townsend. She fell between the boat and the dock while stepping onto the slippery dock. She caught the lifeline under her arm as she fell and dislocated her shoulder. We were wearing the automatic Crewsavers and hers unquestionably saved her life. The location where we were docking was in an area where there are serious wakes from ferry boats, wind, and strong tidal currents which would slam the boat into the dock with considerable force. The stern line was temporarily secured when I got onto the dock, but I did not think that she was protected from crushing enough by the fenders and so I was afraid to leave her while I secured the bow line. I pushed the boat away with one hand and tried to lift her the two or three feet over the dock railing with the other. What I soon discovered was that there was no way to get a good enough hold of anything that she was wearing to lift her. She was cold, wet and her clothing was very slippery. The lifting strap attached to the vest had been packed such that it was under the bladder of the vest and it was not apparent to me that it was even there. The built in harness was not accessible either when the vest inflated. I could not get a good grip on anything she was wearing. No help, no belt, no harness, no lifting strap, no tether, no hood on her rain jacket and I could not use a pants pocket either because it pushed her under water when I tried it. I was eying her hair but she was panicked and would not let go of the dock line with her good arm except to protect her hair. I finally got her to raise her legs enough to get ahold of a pant cuff. I lifted her leg up enough for her to hook it over the dock rail while I rolled her up onto the dock upside down. It took a remarkably long time to get her out of the water - probably ten minutes or so and I was beginning to weaken from the cold almost as much as she was. Then I was again surprised because I could not figure out how to deflate the vest and get her into some warm clothes. I finally figured that out and she took a slightly warm shower to warm up. Then we went looking for a doctor to get her shoulder fixed up. So to sum it up, check your gear regularly, read the directions, practice, wear all of your gear and try to imagine varied scenarios that you might not normally expect. Keep in mind that people have been killed while practicing, too. I wear a Stearns manual inflatable jacket almost all of the time (even at the dock) and usually wear an automatic vest with harness while underway. I have a short tether always attached to the harness too. When flying in small aircraft, I have a Stearns manual inflatable "bush pilot" nomex vest which has a lot of pockets for flares, radio, cell phone, flash light, strobe, etc. email me if you want a good source for this stuff or look online at eBay, etc. e0550@comcast.net Dragging a line to save yourself is NOT going to work if the boat continues at a speed of more than a knot or so. I have tried it and at 1.5 knots, I can barely hold onto the line much less pull myself to the boat. At 2+ knots, the water pulls you completely under the water and EVEN IF YOU ARE WEARING A VEST, YOU WILL DROWN. DO NOT EVER TOW SOMEONE IN A LIFESLING. Read the directions!
keeping in mind that it will probably not be like that when it happens by accident. Dress in your cold weather attire - wool sweater, fleece pants, rain gear, etc. It is amazing how much weight that stuff adds when it gets wet. My wife went overboard while we were docking early one morning at Port Townsend. She fell between the boat and the dock while stepping onto the slippery dock. She caught the lifeline under her arm as she fell and dislocated her shoulder. We were wearing the automatic Crewsavers and hers unquestionably saved her life. The location where we were docking was in an area where there are serious wakes from ferry boats, wind, and strong tidal currents which would slam the boat into the dock with considerable force. The stern line was temporarily secured when I got onto the dock, but I did not think that she was protected from crushing enough by the fenders and so I was afraid to leave her while I secured the bow line. I pushed the boat away with one hand and tried to lift her the two or three feet over the dock railing with the other. What I soon discovered was that there was no way to get a good enough hold of anything that she was wearing to lift her. She was cold, wet and her clothing was very slippery. The lifting strap attached to the vest had been packed such that it was under the bladder of the vest and it was not apparent to me that it was even there. The built in harness was not accessible either when the vest inflated. I could not get a good grip on anything she was wearing. No help, no belt, no harness, no lifting strap, no tether, no hood on her rain jacket and I could not use a pants pocket either because it pushed her under water when I tried it. I was eying her hair but she was panicked and would not let go of the dock line with her good arm except to protect her hair. I finally got her to raise her legs enough to get ahold of a pant cuff. I lifted her leg up enough for her to hook it over the dock rail while I rolled her up onto the dock upside down. It took a remarkably long time to get her out of the water - probably ten minutes or so and I was beginning to weaken from the cold almost as much as she was. Then I was again surprised because I could not figure out how to deflate the vest and get her into some warm clothes. I finally figured that out and she took a slightly warm shower to warm up. Then we went looking for a doctor to get her shoulder fixed up. So to sum it up, check your gear regularly, read the directions, practice, wear all of your gear and try to imagine varied scenarios that you might not normally expect. Keep in mind that people have been killed while practicing, too. I wear a Stearns manual inflatable jacket almost all of the time (even at the dock) and usually wear an automatic vest with harness while underway. I have a short tether always attached to the harness too. When flying in small aircraft, I have a Stearns manual inflatable "bush pilot" nomex vest which has a lot of pockets for flares, radio, cell phone, flash light, strobe, etc. email me if you want a good source for this stuff or look online at eBay, etc. e0550@comcast.net Dragging a line to save yourself is NOT going to work if the boat continues at a speed of more than a knot or so. I have tried it and at 1.5 knots, I can barely hold onto the line much less pull myself to the boat. At 2+ knots, the water pulls you completely under the water and EVEN IF YOU ARE WEARING A VEST, YOU WILL DROWN. DO NOT EVER TOW SOMEONE IN A LIFESLING. Read the directions!
when single handing
I always wear the harness, no matter where I am or how flat the water. I never go forward with the autopilot on, instead I will heave to, always staying clipped on. I will always crawl, rather than walk on a bouncing deck. The boarding ladder has a tether at water level but even in the best of conditions getting back to the ladder and hauling by big ass up it is a chore so, to me, staying connected is the key (and trimming the boat to stop on it's own.) When I sailed my catamarran out of protected waters into the ocean I tied the end of the mainsheet through my hiking harness. In the even I fell off, having hold of the mainsheet allowed me to stay connected to the boat.
I always wear the harness, no matter where I am or how flat the water. I never go forward with the autopilot on, instead I will heave to, always staying clipped on. I will always crawl, rather than walk on a bouncing deck. The boarding ladder has a tether at water level but even in the best of conditions getting back to the ladder and hauling by big ass up it is a chore so, to me, staying connected is the key (and trimming the boat to stop on it's own.) When I sailed my catamarran out of protected waters into the ocean I tied the end of the mainsheet through my hiking harness. In the even I fell off, having hold of the mainsheet allowed me to stay connected to the boat.
Overboard
Coupla years ago, a few friends were on another boat at the dock helping with some engine maintenance. One of these guys tried to jump from the stern to the dock, got his foot tangled in a dock line, and fell into the water. He was a good swimmer and didn't panic. We flogged around for 15 min trying to help him get out of the water. The boat was too close to the dock to get the swim ladder down, and the marina had no ladders in the slips (it does now!). He finally climbed aboard a nearby boat that had it's swim ladder down. Other than soggy and embarrassed, he was ok. If we had been at sea, and the water was cold, I think he would have died.... This is a great topic and well worth thinking about how you would deal with going into the drink and saving yourself.
Coupla years ago, a few friends were on another boat at the dock helping with some engine maintenance. One of these guys tried to jump from the stern to the dock, got his foot tangled in a dock line, and fell into the water. He was a good swimmer and didn't panic. We flogged around for 15 min trying to help him get out of the water. The boat was too close to the dock to get the swim ladder down, and the marina had no ladders in the slips (it does now!). He finally climbed aboard a nearby boat that had it's swim ladder down. Other than soggy and embarrassed, he was ok. If we had been at sea, and the water was cold, I think he would have died.... This is a great topic and well worth thinking about how you would deal with going into the drink and saving yourself.
Cape Finnesterre
Hi Folks, I recently completed a trip from Dublin on the East coast of Ireland down to Lagos on the Portugese South Coast ( Algarve). We completed the Bay of Biscay crossing in 7 days all in with a stop in Plymouth to meet up with several other boats and then head on down to Bayona in Spain as the first port of call. We sailed with a crew of three and broke the watch up into four hour stints which worked well, but fatigue does eventualy get to you afer a few days of heavy weather. As we approached Cape Finneasterre off the NW point of Spain ( The end of the world) I had come off watch at 6.00 am and proceded to go down below after handing over the helm and entering the log. I had removed my life jacket and obviously had already uncliped my life line as I made my way to the forward cabin to catch some sleep. Having just climbed onto the bunck exhausted with wet gear stillon there was a comotion up on deck which caused a degree of concern and as skipper I duely went off to investigate the scene, I had just stepped into the cockpit when the Gybe preventer failed causing the boom to scream across the cockpit with the mainsheet trailing and catching me ( 220 lbs of a beast) under the ribs sending me through the air like a rag doll! All I could think of was holy SH.T! I have no life jacket on and nor was I clipped onto the life line!!!!!!!!!! I had a few spine chilling moments as I watched my boat sail off down with the wind and just wondered to myself "What am I going to do now? Luckily my crew reacted and depowered the boat, did a figure of eight and carried out the well versed MOB drill!!!! It works!!!!!!!!!! so dont just think about it, do it and make sure that anyone out with you on an off shore or any trip for that matter is clipped on and is wearing a life jacket!! Ciaran
Hi Folks, I recently completed a trip from Dublin on the East coast of Ireland down to Lagos on the Portugese South Coast ( Algarve). We completed the Bay of Biscay crossing in 7 days all in with a stop in Plymouth to meet up with several other boats and then head on down to Bayona in Spain as the first port of call. We sailed with a crew of three and broke the watch up into four hour stints which worked well, but fatigue does eventualy get to you afer a few days of heavy weather. As we approached Cape Finneasterre off the NW point of Spain ( The end of the world) I had come off watch at 6.00 am and proceded to go down below after handing over the helm and entering the log. I had removed my life jacket and obviously had already uncliped my life line as I made my way to the forward cabin to catch some sleep. Having just climbed onto the bunck exhausted with wet gear stillon there was a comotion up on deck which caused a degree of concern and as skipper I duely went off to investigate the scene, I had just stepped into the cockpit when the Gybe preventer failed causing the boom to scream across the cockpit with the mainsheet trailing and catching me ( 220 lbs of a beast) under the ribs sending me through the air like a rag doll! All I could think of was holy SH.T! I have no life jacket on and nor was I clipped onto the life line!!!!!!!!!! I had a few spine chilling moments as I watched my boat sail off down with the wind and just wondered to myself "What am I going to do now? Luckily my crew reacted and depowered the boat, did a figure of eight and carried out the well versed MOB drill!!!! It works!!!!!!!!!! so dont just think about it, do it and make sure that anyone out with you on an off shore or any trip for that matter is clipped on and is wearing a life jacket!! Ciaran
Well Gary,
Genoa sheets rarely foul going to weather. I can't recall it happening,,,,no, don't think so. And all the time cruising to Trinidad and back the boat was never tacked! Not once. I recall going forward once at sea to reeve a new furling line that chafed through at night but the work was done at first light. (Still scary and I had crew) As far as fenders and bow lines, well that's done before and after the trip under relatively safe conditions. When at our home marina, neither of those items are used. The dock has vinyl 'wavy-bumpers' permanently installed and so are the dock lines. They never leave their cleats. P.S. Remember about 15 years ago when the Cruising World head of their 'Safety at Sea' program (world class safety expert) was lost at sea because he was hit by the boom during an accidental jibe at night? Gone! Never seen again. He wore no safety gear and positioned himself in the ark of the boom. Never forgot it. I set my boat up so that the boom can never contact crew in the cockpit. Just stay under canvas and be safe.
Genoa sheets rarely foul going to weather. I can't recall it happening,,,,no, don't think so. And all the time cruising to Trinidad and back the boat was never tacked! Not once. I recall going forward once at sea to reeve a new furling line that chafed through at night but the work was done at first light. (Still scary and I had crew) As far as fenders and bow lines, well that's done before and after the trip under relatively safe conditions. When at our home marina, neither of those items are used. The dock has vinyl 'wavy-bumpers' permanently installed and so are the dock lines. They never leave their cleats. P.S. Remember about 15 years ago when the Cruising World head of their 'Safety at Sea' program (world class safety expert) was lost at sea because he was hit by the boom during an accidental jibe at night? Gone! Never seen again. He wore no safety gear and positioned himself in the ark of the boom. Never forgot it. I set my boat up so that the boom can never contact crew in the cockpit. Just stay under canvas and be safe.
Recently Went Overboard With A Bang!
The end of September I was away solo on our C-30 for a long weekend. Ended up on the second day at the end of Finlayson Arm at Goldstream Marina. First time into this cruising area. Pulled up to the new outside wharf, put it in neutral before coming to a complete stop. Of course then took off my Mustang vest. Grabbed the spring line and jumped the two feet to the wharf. To my surprise the spring line was hung up so I stopped in mid air and straight down I went hitting the edge of the wharf very hard and then down into the water between the boat and the wharf. The new dock had great flotation so could not climb up on the dock. In order to get clear I had to swuim down under the boat and headed for my boarding ladder at the stern. Of course the latter was up and therefore unable to release it. Next stop was the Livingston dingy that I tow. I could get part of my body up into the dingy however I was beat up pretty good and no strenght left. Boat started drifting away from the wharf when a person saw my problem and came out in his inflatable and helped me into my dingy and I made it back aboard. I had been in the water between 15/20 minutes. I was one cold and sore puppy. I had to leave the boat at the marina for 10 days before I was fit enough to bring it back to Oak Bay. Lesson learned here was don't take the vest off until tied up and always check to make sure the spring line is not underneath the fenders when you leap. Cliff Carter PlusOne C-30 #598
The end of September I was away solo on our C-30 for a long weekend. Ended up on the second day at the end of Finlayson Arm at Goldstream Marina. First time into this cruising area. Pulled up to the new outside wharf, put it in neutral before coming to a complete stop. Of course then took off my Mustang vest. Grabbed the spring line and jumped the two feet to the wharf. To my surprise the spring line was hung up so I stopped in mid air and straight down I went hitting the edge of the wharf very hard and then down into the water between the boat and the wharf. The new dock had great flotation so could not climb up on the dock. In order to get clear I had to swuim down under the boat and headed for my boarding ladder at the stern. Of course the latter was up and therefore unable to release it. Next stop was the Livingston dingy that I tow. I could get part of my body up into the dingy however I was beat up pretty good and no strenght left. Boat started drifting away from the wharf when a person saw my problem and came out in his inflatable and helped me into my dingy and I made it back aboard. I had been in the water between 15/20 minutes. I was one cold and sore puppy. I had to leave the boat at the marina for 10 days before I was fit enough to bring it back to Oak Bay. Lesson learned here was don't take the vest off until tied up and always check to make sure the spring line is not underneath the fenders when you leap. Cliff Carter PlusOne C-30 #598
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