Recover a Man Overboard when Sailing a Dinghy
Sailing can be one of the most relaxing, enjoyable experiences you can partake in. If someone falls from your boat, however, it is important that you know what to do. Here is how to recover someone who has fallen off of the boat as safely as possible.
This article follows the approved RYA method - something very similar can be found in RYA publication G3 - ISBN:0901501824
Contents
Steps
- If the helmsman falls overboard:
- When it is safe to do so: release any secondary sail(s) (jib, spinnaker), making sure that these are very loose. If you have a Spinnaker up, you will need to take it down.
- Go to the helm - take the tiller and mainsail.
- Go on to number three.
- If a crew member falls overboard:
- When it is safe to do so: release any secondary sail(s) (jib, spinnaker), making sure that these are very loose. If you have a Spinnaker up, you will need to take it down.
- Quickly return to the helm.
- Go to number three.
- Bear slightly away from the wind on a beam reach. Keep watching for the position of the MOB.
- When you've gone about 8-12 boat lengths away, tack round.
- Turn onto a broad reach.
- As you approach an imaginary line from the person downwind (you should be between 4-12 metres away), start to head up (turn into the wind) onto a close reach, and start slowing down. This will need constant small adjustments of the main sheet (to control mainly the speed of the boat) and the tiller (to control the direction).
- The aim is to stop the boat within easy reach of the MOB, with the boat stationary, and to be able to pick up the MOB on your windward side, around the shrouds or jibsheet.
Tips
- It is a good idea to practice this maneuver at regular intervals to ensure additional safety.
Warnings
- Always wear a buoyancy aid or other authorized flotation devices. Do not buy the cheap ones; get ones that are guaranteed to work.
- Do not attempt to gybe at any time with a man overboard. This is a less stable maneuver.
