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Safety Measures to Take When Sailing by Yourself
by Gord Kerr
Normally sailing is a social activity but there may be instances when you are sailing alone. Here are some safety tips and things to keep in mind in the event of single handing a vessel on the water.
First, the type of vessel you are sailing has an impact on some different considerations to safety and how we deal with them. As an example you are more exposed to the elements when sailing a small dinghy versus sailing a larger keel boat and thus safety requirements will vary slightly. This article is intended as a general overview and tends to relate to keel boats but whatever type of vessel, common sense from the individual should prevail. Before leaving, check your vessel. Just like an airplane pilot does a walk around pre flight check, you should check the condition of your vessel, lights and rigging. Any fittings, line or rigging that look marginal should be repaired or dealt with before leaving the dock. If equipped with bilge pumps (either manual or electric), make sure they work. Flairs and other signaling devices should be within the," in service date" and be on board. These items will vary according to coast guard regulations as they relate to the size of the vessel, make sure you know what they are and have them on board. Check the web for coast guard approved safety devices and regulations, they are all listed.
Before venturing out you should always check the weather, some good methods for this are the Internet, television, radio and newspaper. Every prudent mariner checks the approaching weather before leaving harbor or the dock. Don't attempt to sail in bad weather or extreme conditions; there is no logical reason to do so. If the weather is bad, don't go.
Regardless of the intended length of your sail you will want to be sure that you have extra water and provisioning on board. In the event that you are "out there" longer than planned, these items can make a huge difference to your comfort and safety. Even if you think you are only going out for an hour, take lots of extra water.
Extra warm clothing and foul weather gear should be on board. Even though the weather may have been fine when you leave the dock, things can change rapidly on the water. Sun block, sunglasses and a hat are also necessary the sun's rays have a doubling effect resulting from the reflection on the water and exposure or sunburn can have devastating effects.
Take a VHF marine radio so you have the ability to call for help if necessary, and before you go either file a float plan with the coast guard or at the very least tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back.
Life preservers should always be worn or better still, a harness and tether with a built in life preserver will keep you attached to the boat in the event that you fall overboard. Many single handing sailors on keel boats sail with an autopilot on, and falling over board means you get to watch your boat sail away without you. Remember, it's a lot easier to find a boat out there than a person in the water. Always make sure you are tethered onto the boat. Carry a rigging knife that is tied onto your belt loop so it can't fall overboard. In the event that a sheet or line needs to be cut in an emergency situation, or worse, in the event of capsize, if you are in the water tangled in lines, it may be necessary to cut free.
And always carry a navigational chart for your intended area; keep track of where you are, as well as any possible hazards. Be aware.
Otherwise enjoy yourself, sometimes your greatest enjoyment can be on the water by yourself away from the daily rigors of land life.
Expect the best, but plan for the worst!
About the Author
Gord has been sailing and circumnavigating the worlds oceans for more than seven years now, including over twenty years of local cruising and racing in their home waters. Aboard their production boat Ascension, he and his wife are still out there doing it, and still having fun.
To see more of their worldly adventures go to ascensionatsea.com
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Vessels under sail must exhibit the following navigation light configurations:
BOATS LESS THAN 39 FEET, 4 INCHES
Sailboats using sails alone: The lights shown in figure 4, 5 or 6 may be used.
BOATS BETWEEN 39 FEET, 4 INCHES TO 65 FEET, 7 INCHES
Sailboats using sails alone: The lights shown in figure 4, 5 or 6 may be used.
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