Double manning rescue

I dont think anyone is arguing that a single manned boat is as effective as a double, but some people have suggested that they
are utterly useless and I dont think that is the case, id rather a single manned boat than non at all. Especially as people
have noted on large bodies of water where 1 boat cant see the entire sailing area.

Edited by Quagers

Originally posted by Alistair426 I think people are confusing 'getting away with it' with 'proper rescue cover'. Inland, in moderate wind, you might, with an experience driver, be able to render some assistance. But add high winds and waves and then you need a driver to concentrate on driving. What if you are single-manning and have to get in the water? Which brings me to the point of rescue crew, neither of whom are dressed to get in the water....but that is a whole 'nother thread

I think that raises the question of 'what do we expect from our safety cover?'

This might vary from a guarantee of being pulled out of the water before you can possibly drown through to a tow home eventually if you break something.

The first is asking quite a lot on any large bit of water. Sometimes you cannot attend every capsize immediately. Personally I prioritise less experienced sailors and any boat that is inverted.

What do other people expect?

I take the view that primarily, sailors must be able to look after their own immediate survival, that's why we wear BA's and wetsuits or drysuits etc.

I do expect attention before I or my crew keels over with hypothermia or sunstroke though! (my worst experience was being neglected after the wind died and the tide turned on a really sunny day, when a tow home would have been nice.)

Edited by RS400atC

Two people in a safety boat is sensible, I imagine it would
be fairly difficult to help people in difficulty whilst
controlling a boat of your own. Plus, what if something
happens to the helm of a safety boat if he is on his own?
Assuming he has a kill cord things would be okay, but if he
got injured on the way out of the boat it would be a really
bad idea. So yeah, two people per safety boat seems like a
good idea. I think its mandatory at my club.

At my club (big reservoir) we double man the safety boats.  How do you assist someone without leaving your driving seat, which means turning off the engine?  (I hope!).  If I'm crewing I wear a wet or dry suit.  If I'm driving I expect my crew to get very wet ocassionally!

In times of shortage of crews we did used to put one man in a safety boat rather than not have the extra safety boat and I've been out and laid marks on my own now and then ... but wouldn't really recommend it.

Why is the question being asked?

2 man always. There's not many people that can pull an unconcious 15 stone man from the water by themselves which working on a worse case situation, could be required.