Double manning rescue

Originally posted by Alistair426 I would have to question the value of a 'safety boat' with just a driver and no crew. I had the misfortune to be on the wrong end of a 'rescue' by a singlehanded safety boat when i was, myself in a singlehander. A simple broken main halyard issue resulted in significant damage being done to my boat and a both it and I needing 'proper rescue' from another, doublehanded, safety boat. A singlehanded safety boat is a waste of petrol and, if it is the only safety cover, responsible for a totally false sense of security.

Just because you got burned by 1 poor driver doesn't mean single handed boats are entirely useless, there is alot
that can be done by a single handed safety boat, once it is maneuvered into position the driver than then get up(killing the
engine) and become the crew, non center console boats actually make this easier. Most instructors man boats single handed
and on a beginner course there is often plenty of rescuing necessary it just requires abit more planning and thought when
approaching the situation.

Edited by Quagers

I would have to question the value of a 'safety boat' with just a driver and no crew.

I had the misfortune to be on the wrong end of a 'rescue' by a singlehanded safety boat when i was, myself in a singlehander. A simple broken main halyard issue resulted in significant damage being done to my boat and a both it and I needing 'proper rescue' from another, doublehanded, safety boat.

A singlehanded safety boat is a waste of petrol and, if it is the only safety cover, responsible for a totally false sense of security.

2 in the boat is obviously a good idea, but I think the belief that with only one person aboard a rescue boat is usless is slightly unfounded. If say only three out of four people turn up for duties, it's better to run with two rescue boats with one single manned than only running with the one boat. A single manned boat is still capable of pulling people out of the water if needed (assuming the driver is reasonably strong) and can certainly keep an eye on things and radio the fully manned boat for help if necessary.
There are also situations where it can be beneficial to run two boats with one person in each (and then leaving one boat behind empty if a real rescue is needed) rather than just a single boat with two people in. Lakes which go round corners are a good example of this, another situation might be if there is no other support (eg the race officer) who you could call for help from should the boat break down.

It would be rather naive for any club to have only one person aboard a safety
boat.