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MOB self-rescue for the Chesapeake Bay

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Ryan L
Navigator

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USA
230 Posts

Response Posted - 07/02/2011 : 21:39:02

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by aeckhart
 My solution, which I believe came from one of our members, is to carry 25 feet of line and two carabiner clips in a small pouch attached to my harness. Theoreticly I would be able to clip the end of the line to my tether and harness and ease myself to the back of the boat where I might be able to grab the ladder. I have not tested this solution, but it seems a better option than dragging a line behind the boat which I may never see or be able to grab when needed.
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I like this idea! As long as you don't chew off your leg on the motor (if being used). Then again, it would be relatively easy to rig an extension off the kill lanyard to make it possible to shut down from the water alongside the boat. As soon as the never ending varnish project is over (and if I remember) I'll test some ideas and post results. Thanks for sharing this idea!

Edited by - on

Unsinkable2
Captain

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USA
273 Posts

Response Posted - 07/03/2011 : 20:35:47

I always carry a spot messenger when I go sailing (singlehanding or with others). It's waterproof, floats, and comes with a handy velcro strap so I just attach it to my inflatable life jacket (which has other safety gear inside like a flashing strobe, whistle, and a blunt tipped knife).

I can set it to send my position automatically every few minutes (it tracks automatically online where people can see it), and it has three buttons I can press if I'm in trouble.

You set up the contacts who are notified by each of the help buttons. They will be automatically contacted when you press the buttons. The message can go through text messaging, paging, or email.

Button 1) I'm OK. This is handy if I am unexpectedly delayed. For example if I am sailing, a storm picks up and I have to hole up overnight until its safe to sail again. My wife knows that wherever I am, I am ok and she needn't worry. She also knows where I am because the spot messenger sends my gps coordinates with a link to a google map.

Button 2) Send Help (but not 911 help). This is helpful if I need help, but I (or the crew) am not in danger. For example, if I had an equipment failure but was otherwise ok.

Button 3) SOS Help. When you push this button, SPOT's emergency response services kick in, and they contact the nearest rescue agency to your position. This is what i would push if I fell overboard.

The SPOT doesn't work in some areas of the ocean, but it will work anywhere you sail your C25. And it works anywhere I go backpacking or bareboat chartering. You can also get cheap rescue insurance that will cover you for any rescue costs anywhere in the world.

This is also great for backpacking, camping, road trips, etc. I send it with my kids when they go backpacking with friends. I know where they are and can get to them if they need help.

http://www.findmespot.com

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 07/03/2011 : 21:54:36

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by redviking
 ...Tether to port when walking starboard and vice versa. Simple solution. Lazy jacks and lines running aft....<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I would agree with Ryan's approach--under sail with any significant heel, tether to the windward (high) side. Under power, I'd do it Sten's way. And although single-handed ocean racer Jim Baumgart would've been calling us all sissies, I agree with staying in the cockpit, which means (especially in tricky conditions) figuring out how to avoid having to go forward or to the mast. For example, besides roller furling, I had a dousing line on my main to get it down the last 5-10 feet--led back to the cockpit. In a stiff breeze, it sometimes didn't want to fall all the way.

"Oh $#!+ could be the last words you ever speak." The water wants to kill you, sneaks up on the deck to get you, and gravity is its co-conspirator.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 07/03/2011 21:56:40

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 07/04/2011 : 05:29:37

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Ryan L
 I agree with tethering on opposing sides but only if you're moving forward on the low side of the boat (relative to heel). For example, I'll tether to the starboard line if I'm moving forward on the port side while on starboard tack. I disagree that it's a good idea to tether opposing if you're moving forward on the high side. In that case you are most likely to fall "down" (across) the deck. On a boat as small as ours that means an almost certain swim combined with maximum tether length (due to the gunwale being closer to the water). When moving forward on the high side I run my shorter tether on the same side jackline. I'm not saying "my" way is right or that your statement is wrong, just posting to give more info to consider.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by redviking
 Never leave the cockpit when singlehanding in double seas and weather. Jacklines and tethers should not allow you to go over lifelines. Tether to port when walking starboard and vice versa. Simple solution. Lazy jacks and lines running aft....

sten
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<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Uh yeah, I posted that from my Droid and didn't fully explain. Tethers come pretty long for a C25, so that is a problem. I learned to always go forward on the lowside if possible. Easier to keep your balance and hold onto the handholds. If you keep your body mass crouched as you move forward, you will not have far to fall should a rogue wave make life bumpy. The deck will be close and the lifelines should work with the tether to keep you aboard.

If auto is on and you are getting pulled by the boat at pretty much any speed, you might wind up in the papers... I am terrified of going over even with crew. I sailed from LA to Hawaii when I was a kid. The captain started the journey by taking a coconut and tossing it overboard. "That's what you look like," he said, "You look like nothing."

I just delivered an Oyster 62 from Charleston to Newport, and the watch Captain always wore one of these. http://www.raymarine.com/ProductDetail.aspx?SITE=1&SECTION=2&PAGE=1344&PRODUCT=3771

A little pricey, but on a boat that big going around Cape Fear and Hatteras, worth it... It's on my list for my birthday and Christmas...

sten

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aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 07/04/2011 : 07:22:30

Soooo, you tether before you leave the cockpit and move forward on the opposite deck. How do you get foward of the mast without unclipping?

There obviously many solutions to this problem, some tested and others only theory. The bottom line is the old sailors adage - "one hand for the boat and one hand for yourself".

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redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 07/04/2011 : 11:13:48

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by aeckhart
 Soooo, you tether before you leave the cockpit and move forward on the opposite deck. How do you get foward of the mast without unclipping?

There obviously many solutions to this problem, some tested and others only theory. The bottom line is the old sailors adage - "one hand for the boat and one hand for yourself".
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Sorry, double tether.... When you approach mast you move in and clip on forward before disengaging aft tether. Two tethers work essentially the same way.

Sten

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 07/04/2011 : 11:30:32

We use double tethers as well. One is short at 3', & the other is 6'. Use the six footer to do your work with, and the three footer to switch tether points. That way you're never untethered. If it's particularly nasty we clip the spinnaker halyard to our harness if we have to work on the foredeck. That way we're protected from above, so even if you do fall you're limited to the length of the halyard above deck, and the length of whichever tether you're connected to.

Edited by - on

Ryan L
Navigator

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USA
230 Posts

Response Posted - 07/05/2011 : 00:48:37

I agree with Sten et al. Double tethers. And because no one has mentioned it yet I'll throw in that IMO the jacklines must be securely attached to hardened points on deck (backed pad eyes, cleats, etc. NOT stanchions, winches, shrouds, etc.)

As for the SPOT, we have one and when offshore the watch captain always has it on (as well as a waterproof fanny pack with signals, handheld vhf, and some energy bars). A SPOT may get rescuers close but having a VHF and signals will greatly increase your odds of being found. The SPOT only works if you personally activate it (is not automatic upon immersion). In my opinion it has questionable waterproofing, can take it some time to get a good signal, and the company has horrible customer service. Maybe the worst customer service I've ever experienced. That said, SPOT is a lot less expensive than most PLBs and certainly less than an EPIRB. If that makes it more available to more people then I support the product. The new SPOT (basic unit) is much better than the old one. Smaller, more reliable, and a bit easier to operate (although still not very intuitive).

As for Jim B's (or anyone else's) possible opinion of people who use basic safety gear when moving around a boat (or not moving around), I could care less, a truly experienced mariner respects people who respect the sea. If that means taking effective precautions then go for it. Which brings us back to the original topic...

I still don't think towing a boogie board is an effective way to recover a MOB. On the other hand, it might be a fun way to cool down on a warm day?

The best way to not go overboard is to paint your grab rails with awlgrip extra-stick varnish. It's like an industrial version of the stuff used on post-it notes and greatly improves your ability to hold on in rough seas.

Just kidding...

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 07/05/2011 : 07:07:28

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Ryan L
 As for Jim B's (or anyone else's) possible opinion of people who use basic safety gear when moving around a boat (or not moving around), I could care less, a truly experienced mariner respects people who respect the sea. If that means taking effective precautions then go for it. Which brings us back to the original topic...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I should clarify my remark, intended in jest... Jim would never berate anyone for using safety gear, but he did do many headsail changes, etc., while single-handing out on the Pacific. So "never leave the cockpit" would probably have gotten a response.

I'm sure he was clipped in with a professional-grade harness. Now he's his own "afterguard" and has crew on the pointy end.

[url="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_8U-4bIHEDQ?rel=0%22+frameborder%3D%220%22+allowfullscreen%3E%3C%2Fiframe%3E"]Here he is[/url] whipping a J-30. (They even outrun a Crosley!)

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 07/05/2011 09:34:45

Ryan L
Navigator

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USA
230 Posts

Response Posted - 07/05/2011 : 08:57:27

Yeah, I know Jim. Maria T's slip is a few down from Knot On Call (formerly Indiscipline) and I'm friends with the new owner. I've been aboard Sly McFly. Thanks for clarifying your response. I figured you were kidding but I wasn't sure everyone reading would catch that and my concern was that some inexperienced sailor reading this forum would skip using safety gear because they were concerned about being judged as being overly cautious or cowardly. Maybe that's why it's called "man overboard?" :)

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Stinkpotter
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Ryan L
 As for Jim B's (or anyone else's) possible opinion of people who use basic safety gear when moving around a boat (or not moving around), I could care less, a truly experienced mariner respects people who respect the sea. If that means taking effective precautions then go for it. Which brings us back to the original topic...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I should clarify my remark, intended in jest... Jim would never berate anyone for using safety gear, but he did do many headsail changes, etc., while single-handing out on the Pacific. So "never leave the cockpit" would probably have gotten a response.

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