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Occasionally, a small amount of water will get into the buoyancy compartment, and this
can be removed through the drain hole in the transom. Always remember to check that
there is no water in the hull and that the bung is secure in the drain hole before launching.
3.7 Man Overboard Prevention and Recovery
To minimise the risk of falling overboard, never stand up in the boat or sit on the decks,
other than the side deck to balance the boat, when it is under weigh. Should you fall
overboard while sailing alone, the boat will soon capsize allowing you to swim to it and
follow the capsize recovery procedures described in 3.4.
If a crew member falls overboard while there are two people sailing, the person on board
can assist recovery by manoeuvring the boat back to the person in the water, stopping the
boat (turning into the wind if sailing), and helping to balance the boat as the other person
climbs back in.
To recover a crew member from the water:
• The helm should stop the boat just downwind of the person in the water.
• The helm should balance the boat, using a combination of body weight movement
and sail pressure.
• With the help of the person on board, the crew should board the boat via the
windward gunwhale, or over the transom using the toe strap to help to pull
themselves in.
Top Tip
If you attend an approved sailing instruction course, you will learn how to recover a man
overboard quickly and effectively. Please see www.rya.org.uk for a list of recommended
institutions.
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