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Staying safe solo |
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2547
Really should get out more Joined: 11 Aug 11 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1151 |
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Topic: Staying safe solo Posted: 31 Jan 12 at 3:09pm |
Ok ... here are some tips for staying safe solo sailing ...
1) Tell someone what you are up to and what time you will be back and that you will confirm your safe return at this time; and tell them if they don't hear from you to raise the alarm 2) Carry some form of communication VHF or mobile 3) Flares (but I don't like this option) 4) Check your kit and carry a few spare bits of rope and a knife 5) Check the forecast and tide 6) Be realistic about the risks, your ability and the what ifs 1) is the most important and no-one regardless of ability should be beyond this. These days you can get an app for your GPS enabled smartphone that will update your current position to a website every 2 minutes ... this means the person you notified in point 1) can just look on-line for your location. These apps are excellent saftey options for any solo outdoor sport and the cost is almost zero. Don't be the next Darwin award case ... use yer noggin ... it's not uncool to be safe ... it is uncool to be dead. |
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rogue
Really should get out more Joined: 04 Dec 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 978 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 31 Jan 12 at 3:13pm |
like
plus it might also be worth adding to point 6 to be realistic about the type of vessel you are in and the sort of conditions and safety cover that might be a pre-requisite.
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Rupert
Really should get out more Joined: 11 Aug 04 Location: Whitefriars sc Online Status: Offline Posts: 8956 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 31 Jan 12 at 3:24pm |
Even on the lake we have a rule about sailing with a buddy or with safety cover in winter - 2 boats are safer than one - though you still need all the above.
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Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686
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rogue
Really should get out more Joined: 04 Dec 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 978 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 31 Jan 12 at 3:26pm |
I killed an iphone with a leaky aquapac, so now when windsurfing at the coast, I usually carry one of these:
They're available from ebay for £12.99 on buy it now at the moment here, less bulky than a VHF and 'better than nothing'... |
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2547
Really should get out more Joined: 11 Aug 11 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1151 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 31 Jan 12 at 4:11pm |
Good shout; I think in most areas a mobile could prove more useful than a VHF.
Of course check your mobile coverage on your usual water. I have called out a rescue boat for a scuppered B14 on my mobile before; if I had not been there they could have been on for a long wait. Funny how many people seem happy not to plan for these things ... "it could happen to anyone" ... When I were a lad point 1) was drummed into me big time ... perhaps they don't cover this stuff on the squad training. |
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winging it
Really should get out more Joined: 22 Mar 07 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3958 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 31 Jan 12 at 4:11pm |
I think the simplest answer is don't go solo on the sea at all at this time of year. It is simply too cold. Sail during club racing, or find someone to go out with, be it a windsurfer, a yotter, whatever, just find someone who will share your sailing area and keep an eye on each other. If you really HAVE to go, sail within sight of land where you have a buddy watching.
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the same, but different...
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RS400atC
Really should get out more Joined: 04 Dec 08 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3011 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 31 Jan 12 at 4:54pm |
Make sure you have good numbers stored in the phone, e.g Harbourmaster, coastguard, Club, mates with RIBs etc. You don't want to be doing 118-something to a Mumbai callcentre at that point!
Likewise know the VHF channels used locally. The sea temp is 7.3degC today, probably warmer than inland water. The air is not! Brrrrramblemet! It will be colder in April. One point I will make is that a drysuit really comes into its own when something like this happens. Wetsuit might be fine when you are actively sailing, but if you are forced to stop for a while, that's a game-changer. |
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winging it
Really should get out more Joined: 22 Mar 07 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3958 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 31 Jan 12 at 5:08pm |
my new typhoon max b arrived today.....I have a coastal course next weekend. Wouldn't want to go without it.
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the same, but different...
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Max McCarthy
Posting king Joined: 30 Oct 11 Location: West Midlands Online Status: Offline Posts: 104 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 31 Jan 12 at 5:17pm |
I have never been told to do any of the above, when I was learning to sail, I just picked parts of it up, not all of it. And I think one very important point is to carry a knife with you, if you get caught in the sail, a quick cut, your out, if your on a cat, and get caught in the netting, quick cut and your out. If you got caught on the trapeze, of an old boat, without the option for a quick release, quick cut, and your safe. I certainly think this is one of the most important for inland sailing. When at sea, I would have said all are as important as eachother, my sister and I once sailed in a force 5, part the way around an island, with very thick fog, and hail, and the land disappeared from our sight. Luckily we got the club rescue boats in contact, and managed to get back from sea safely. (it was also a club organised cruise, so the rescue boat wasn't too for away) and they guided us back to land, along with the other boats out with us.
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Vintage skol moth 3438
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winging it
Really should get out more Joined: 22 Mar 07 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3958 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 31 Jan 12 at 5:19pm |
a good old fashioned whistle is also essential
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the same, but different...
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