Page 28 - Yachter Autumn 2024

28 ROUND THE ISLAND RACE
• It is much easier to recover a crew member who is clipped on overboard than reconnecting with a disconnected crew member. We experienced both scenarios in identical conditions.
• Obvious, but the more crew overboard the higher the workload for those left aboard. If we had had another disconnected
MOB we would have twice the workload with two thirds of the crew (diminishing returns). It has really made me think hard about how Tina, my wife, and I when
we sail short-handed should mitigate this
obvious risk.
• Having now had plenty of time to reflect
on this, I intend replacing the topping lift with 5mm dyneema 15m over length led back to the coach roof winches. It will have an eye 5m up from the boom end and a lazy line attached the topping lift with via a floating ring, the other end will be attached in the area of the gooseneck so with the topping lift clutch released the topping lift can be recovered to the inboard end of the boom with the mainsail up or down. The eye in the topping lift can take a safety line etc to haul the MOB aboard. Preferably whilst steaming gently ahead to use the lowest freeboard point to haul aboard. In our case the bathing platform.
• Nigel and I have discussed at length whether we could have recovered amidships with various devices and our conclusion is not. The roll of the boat, the huge variation of wave height would put the MOB at huge risk of physical damage and the crew on deck at risk of becoming further MOB victims. Recovering over the stern reduces these risks and allows the boat to keep station.
• This was our first MOB in over 60 years of sailing.
• Clip on...
Steve Daniel
Walkabout IV