Please select your home edition
Edition

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

'Magical' Formula Kite Europeans hopes to inspire
Ellie Aldridge's victory thrilled hundreds of home spectators on Eastney Beach A European gold medal on home waters capped off a hugely successful Formula Kite European Championships for the RYA and its event partners in Portsmouth this weekend. Posted on 26 Sep
RYA Foundation Youth Fund supports young sailors
17-year-old Will Dyson from the North-West was the first beneficiary A new fund from the RYA Foundation is supporting young people to achieve their potential in sailing. Posted on 21 Sep
ePropulsion announced as RYA Innovation Partner
At the Southampton International Boat Show today At the Southampton International Boat Show today (Friday 15 September) ePropulsion were announced as the RYA's new Official Innovation Partner. Posted on 15 Sep
RYA at the Southampton International Boat Show
Advice and information you need to make the most of your boating Visiting the Southampton International Boat Show this year? Head to the RYA (stand J120) for the advice and information you need to make the most of your boating. Posted on 13 Sep
The RYA joins call for an end to water pollution
Signing the The End Sewage Pollution Manifesto The RYA is excited to announce its support for the Surfers Against Sewage manifesto: The End Sewage Pollution Manifesto. Posted on 4 Sep
Gunwharf Quays is Formula Kite Europeans partner
Portsmouth's premium retail destination announced as Official Event Partner Portsmouth is the home of high-stakes racing and Olympic ambition this September as the world's best kite foil racers will be battling it out at the Formula Kite European Championships. Posted on 1 Aug
RYA looks to new horizons with 'Together on Water'
Bold vision to open up boating to new audiences The RYA has today (Wednesday 28 June 2023) launched its 'Together on Water' strategy, celebrating the passions and benefits of being on the water and advocating opportunities for all to find and enjoy their place among the UK's boating communities. Posted on 28 Jun
RYA appoint new Independent Safeguarding Advisor
James Avery will chair the Steering Group on policy development The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is pleased to welcome James Avery to the role of non-executive, Independent Safeguarding Advisor. Posted on 13 Jun
RYA raise the flag for Pride
Inclusivity and diversity remain a priority for the Royal Yachting Association The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) will be highlighting the power of inclusivity this Pride month (June 2023), by celebrating the voices and lived experiences of members from their LGBTQIA+ Network. Posted on 1 Jun
Club of the Year Awards new categories announced
Celebrating the achievements and dedication of RYA Affiliated Clubs Nominations for the prestigious RYA Club of the Year Awards supported by Gallagher are now open with the launch of new categories for 2024. Posted on 31 May