Please select your home edition
Edition
RYA Membership

RYA urges boaters to heed MAIB Safety Bulletin regarding retractable keels

by Loretta Spridgeon, RYA 27 Jun 2019 17:00 BST
Tragic fatality resulted from the inversion of a craft with a retractable keel following a capsize © RYA

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has today issued a safety bulletin relating to the securing of retractable keels and retractable weighted centreboards while sailing boats are in use, following a preliminary assessment of the circumstances that led to the capsize of an RS Venture Connect sailing boat on Windermere.

The RYA was saddened to learn that on 13 June 2019 a tragic incident occurred at Blackwell Sailing in Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, which resulted in the death of Stephen Hague (57) whilst sailing on Lake Windermere.

The boat was manufactured by RS Sailing and was being operated by Blackwell Sailing as part of its RYA Sailability activity. Sailability is the RYA's national programme promoting and supporting people with disabilities to try sailing and to take part regularly.

At the time of the accident, there were two crew on board the boat; an assistant instructor and an experienced crewman who had limited mobility.

The post-accident inspection of the boat, together with photographic evidence from the day, has identified that the restraining device for the keel, a Velcroâ„¢ strap, designed to secure the keel in the lowered position, was not in place.

In the windy conditions on the day, the boat was knocked down and heeled to such an extent that the keel slipped in its housing, retracting entirely.

During the capsize, the assistant instructor was able to swim clear but the disabled crewman became trapped under the inverted hull. The safety boat crew saw the accident and attended the scene quickly, but had difficulty righting the boat and so were unable to reach the crewman in sufficient time to effect a successful rescue.

The importance of securing the retractable keel was highlighted in the manufacturer's rigging guide for the boat, however, this accident demonstrates that some users may not be aware of how critical this is.

Following the incident, RS Sailing has contacted all registered owners of RS Venture Connect boats, reiterating the instructions regarding the importance of ensuring the keel securing strap is correctly fitted prior to use.

To prevent a similar accident, owners and operators of boats with either a retractable keel or retractable weighted centreboard, regardless of make or model, are recommended to ensure that:

  • Prior to use, checks are made to ensure the manufacturer's instructions regarding the securing of the keel or weighted centreboard have been followed
  • Their procedures and drills for recovering a capsized boat include the scenario where the keel or centreboard has retracted from its 'lowered' position

Joff McGill, RYA Sailability Manager, said: "We are all deeply saddened by the loss of Stephen Hague whilst sailing on Windermere. Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Stephen's family and friends, and all the Sailability volunteers at Blackwell Sailing.

"We will work closely with our partners in the boating industry to highlight the importance of securing retractable keels and centreboards while sailing boats are in use. We also strongly recommend that procedures and drills for recovering a capsized boat include the scenario where the keel or centreboard has retracted from its lowered position."

The RYA will continue to work with the MAIB to establish and share further learnings from this tragic incident, once there has been an opportunity to assess all contributing factors.

Related Articles

RYA Connected Live on 10th October
Looking back at successes and challenges of 2024, exploring key issues and opportunities for clubs Join us for RYA Connected Live where we will look back at the successes and challenges of 2024, and explore some of the key issues and opportunities for clubs and other affiliates. Posted on 8 Oct
RYA Racing Rules of Sailing 2025 - 2028 out now
Spiral bound waterproof paperback (RRS25), eBook (E-RRS25), Audiobook (A-RRS25) Released every four years, the RYA is proud to announce the newest edition of the RYA Racing Rules of Sailing (2025-2028) outlining the compulsory rules for sailors competing around the world. Posted on 17 Sep
More sports join the call for clean water
The CWSA has also engaged with major water companies Almost half of GB's total medal haul at Paris 2024 came from water-based sports with 18% won by athletes who train outdoors in rivers, canals, lakes, and open water. Yet we risk losing this if we don't act now to tackle the problem with water quality. Posted on 13 Sep
Nominations open for new RYA Awards
Celebrate those making a real difference in our boating community Nominations are now open for the new look RYA Awards, recognising the outstanding contributions made by individuals and RYA affiliated organisations throughout the UK. Posted on 3 Jun
Sports come together for clean water
Seven national governing bodies of water-based sports form an alliance Seven national governing bodies of water-based sports have announced they're coming together to form an alliance calling for clean open water across the UK. Posted on 30 Apr
Exclusive Southampton Boat Show limited time offer
Free ticket for RYA members Southampton International Boat Show, Britain's biggest and best festival of boating, is back and RYA members can take advantage of an exclusive FREE ticket, plus up to two half-price tickets. Posted on 10 Apr
RYA Yachtmaster of the Year announced
Presented to 24-year-old Freddie Jablonski The RYA's President, HRH The Princess Royal, presented 24-year-old Freddie Jablonski with the prestigious RYA Yachtmaster® of the Year award at the annual stakeholder lunch at Trinity House in London. Posted on 12 Feb
Hundreds attend the RYA Training Conference 2024
The event, held in Oxford, was also made accessible for over 200 virtual attendees worldwide The 2024 RYA Training Conference supported by Gallagher, proved to be a sell-out success, attracting 250 delegates from over 130 RYA recognised training centres, 21 exhibitors, and 20 presenters. Posted on 31 Jan
Sustainability at Formula Kite Europeans
The Championships have now been awarded the world's leading sustainability certification The organisers of the Formula Kite European Championships, held in Portsmouth last year, have been awarded the Platinum Clean Regatta Award, by conservation organisation, Sailors for the Sea. Posted on 24 Jan
Inspiring volunteers met by The Princess Royal
Contributions recognised at RYA Volunteer Awards The invaluable contributions of volunteers across sailing and boating communities have been celebrated by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, President of the RYA, and guests at an awards ceremony in central London. Posted on 14 Nov 2023