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Online Cruising
Course |
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| IV. A crucial part of
sailing involves planning and training for emergencies such as
being towed, a knockdown or capsizing, and a man overboard.
A. Man Overboard 1. Analysis: key is reacting quickly & not panicking Beforehand, develop analysis: How strong is wind & how high waves? How cold is water in terms of hypothermia? At outset, inquire if crew can swim & experience Importance of practicing man overboard drill 2. Inside the boat commands Yell "man overboard" Throw flotation devices immediately Spot man overboard & assign spotter Put tiller to leeward immediately Plan recovery 3. Boat maneuvers: quick stop Head up into wind, come about, backwind jib Approach target, throw lifesling, horseshoe, line tied to seat cushion, or line Heave to Approach from windward so victim can be brought aboard from leeward quarter In heavy seas, approach from leeward if danger of boat coming down off wave onto victim Avoid jibing in rough sea or wind as may be dangerous in a panic situation Instead of circling victim, come from "inside" Elegance of quick stop: after tacking, by pushing tiller "hard alee" second time, have quick heave to "on top of" victim 4. Hauling aboard-may be most difficult part Haul aboard off cockpit since bow & stern see- saw more so as to come down on top of victim Swim ladder-may be best & easiest way Hand over hand along gunwale to stern if swim ladder there & if victim & conditions permit Life sling or rope using block & tackle Foot or knee loop (bowline) Use of jib if victim unconscious B. Towing When being towed, secure tow line to foredeck cleat & directly out chock to tow boat When towing another boat, attach tow rope to a bridle attached to the two stern cleats Use very low speeds Bail out water before attempting to tow a boat C. Knockdown or Capsizing Get sails down & in boat, stay with boat, locate everyone, put on PFDs "Step up into a life raft" D. Thunderstorms & Bad Weather Get sails down Main is most important as can be caught by wind & drive boat out of control; jib can always be let run free Put on engine and run on bare poles if sea room Put storm jib up to get steerage if time Find shelter & anchor in lee of land Know emergency safehavens & sheltered anchorages Don`t worry about lightning-cone of protection, along as stay away from metal. |
