Do you have to wear a lifejacket when sailing?
You should, and often you must. In New Zealand every recreational boat must carry a correctly sized lifejacket for each person aboard, and local rules often require them to be worn on small boats. A lifejacket only works if it is on.
What type of lifejacket is best for sailing?
For yachts, an inflatable lifejacket of 150 newtons or more with a built-in harness is the usual choice. Dinghy sailors near help often wear a foam buoyancy aid, which allows freedom of movement but will not turn an unconscious person face up.
What should you do if someone falls overboard from a sailboat?
Shout "Man overboard", have one person point at them and never look away, throw the lifebuoy and dan buoy, and press the MOB button on the GPS. Send a Mayday, then turn back and approach slowly on a close reach to stop right beside them.
Can a keelboat or yacht capsize?
A keelboat is very hard to capsize, because her heavy keel pulls her back upright, harder the further she heels. A strong gust can knock her far over, but she will come back up. Only large breaking waves offshore, or flooding, are likely to roll or sink one.
How do you make a Mayday call on a VHF radio?
On VHF channel 16 at high power, say "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, this is" and your boat's name three times, then "Mayday" and the name once, your position, what has happened, the help you need and the number of people aboard. End with "Over" and wait.
What is the difference between a Mayday and a Pan-Pan call?
A Mayday is for grave and imminent danger to a boat or to life, such as sinking, fire or a person overboard. A Pan-Pan is for an urgent problem where there is no immediate danger to life, such as a disabled engine with no hazard close by, or a crew member needing medical advice.
Why should you tell someone your plans before going sailing?
So that if you do not come back on time, someone knows to raise the alarm and where to start looking. Tell a reliable person where you are going, who is aboard and when you will be back, or log a trip report with Coastguard.
How dangerous is falling into cold water?
Very. Sudden immersion causes cold shock: an involuntary gasp that can make you breathe in water, and rapid breathing for the first minute or so. Within minutes your arms and legs weaken so you can't swim. A lifejacket keeps you afloat through this.
How do you avoid seasickness on a sailboat?
Stay on deck in the fresh air, look at the horizon, keep warm, eat plain food and keep busy; taking the helm often helps most. Seasickness tablets work best taken before you go out.
What safety equipment should a sailing yacht carry?
At minimum: a lifejacket for everyone, two waterproof ways of calling for help (such as a VHF and a phone), an anchor, a bilge pump or bailer, a fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit, a torch and man overboard gear. Further offshore add flares, an EPIRB and a liferaft.