“Worse things happen at sea”, as they say. I noticed two watery disasters in the news this week: A man fell from his yacht mast on the Isles of Scilly. The 62 year old Dutchman was airlifted to hospital in Truro but later died from his injuries. According to BBC News the yacht had been boarded as part of a Border Force operation.

Meanwhile a Liverpool family of 6 narrowly escaped death when their trip boat began sinking. The amphibious Yellow Duckmarine sank at the Albert Dock with 31 people on board. The Express and Star reported that a quick-thinking grandfather managed to get the two life-rafts into the water.

Some accidents cannot be avoided, but being well prepared may give you an advantage in an emergency. If you’re quite new to sailing these basic safety tips might help.

Safety Basics

Make sure you tell someone you are going out on the boat, particularly if you are going out alone. Always bring life jackets and make sure all crew members are able to swim.

Be prepared

Bring enough food and drink for everyone, and appropriate clothing. Check the weather forecast and the tide and wind conditions before you leave.

Talk the talk

If your fellow crew members are yelling bow and aft, port and starboard and you don’t know your aft from your elbow then communication is going to be difficult. Become familiar with basic sailing terms such as leeward, windward, tacking and jibing and avoid confusion out on the water!

Learn the ropes

If you are new to sailing get an experienced sailor to show you how to adjust the sails. They should be full when there is a fair wind but relatively flat when the wind is very slight or very strong.

Watch the boom

At best it can hit you on the head; at worst it may knock you overboard. All passengers and crew need to be aware of the boom at all times.

There’s no substitute for experience. The RYA can help you to find a good sailing school. If you’re close to us here at Fambridge Yacht Haven you may like to try First Class Sailing East Coast.

If you’re buying or selling a sail boat in Essex contact us now for some friendly advice.

Peggy

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