Disaster Averted
Rich Feeley describes a skillful response to a broken shroud and possible loss of a mast.
Focus: Overboard
Stay on the boat. However, accidents happen. Here are resources for avoiding an overboard incident, procedures for responding to one, and gear and practices that may make your recovery safer and surer.
Review of Electronic Personal Safety Devices
Rule 1: Stay on the boat. If you break this rule, there are some devices that may aid in rescue.
Life Rafts and Abandon Ship
Larry Glenn, owner of Runaway, a J44 is very thoughtful, plus he is organized and disciplined about his thinking regarding emergencies. Larry knows that you cannot assign tasks in the middle of a crisis; you have to plan and organize ahead. Here is some actual planning Larry did before the 2012 Bermuda Race so his life raft would be ready and his crew would be able to deal with Abandon Ship issues. Larry doesn’t intend this as a complete discussion of all issues with life rafts, but rather a highlighting of important issues that are often overlooked. Here are Larry’s words:
“Laser Flares” and Their Use when being Rescued
This note presents the results of the work of CCA member John Brooks in investigating the position of the U. S. Coast Guard with regard to “laser flares”. It also contains some description of the devices and links to other information about the devices.
Concise Results
The Coast Guard has not studied laser flares to determine if they are viable SAR tools, and COLREGS does not include them as “rescue signals”. Laser flares fall under the heading of “signals to attract attention" by USCG/COLREGS definitions.
Return from Bermuda: The Art of Sailing Slow
The return journey from Bermuda can, and should be, a fun passage and a very rewarding experience. For those making an ocean passage for the first time, it can be a great experience leading to a lifetime of offshore sailing.