Hello to any who are interested.
While learning to sail we covered the techniques for recovering a man
overboard. It seemed that this was something that one might be faced with
from time to time. I also have read in many cruising accounts of the dangers
of going overboard and the need for harnesses in risky weather.
Well on Saturday just gone I had a first hand experience of just how easy it
was to go over the side. We had about 25kts of wind. I was racing onboard an
Endeavour 26. While moving from the windward side to the leeward side of the
boat release the sheet winch, I suddenly felt myself being propelled at speed
direcly over the side.
Reacting quickly I retained a firm grip on the genoa sheet as I went and
grabbed the side of the boat as well. This kept me at least physically in
contact with the boat. This was assisted by the fact that my wrist became
wedged between the genoa sheet and the gunwale. The skipper and another crew
member managed to man handle me back over the side.
We continued to race and managed to beat our nearest rival over the line.
Lessons learned
1) Going overboard is iminently possible
2) Being dragged back on board is apt to cause bruising
3) Bruising is better than drowning
4) When moving about always keep a hold of something secure
5) Enjoy life, its worth living
Kerry
KERRY SLAVIN
 * Evaluation copy of Silver Xpress. Day # 2
 * Silver Xpress V4.3
--- TSX-BBS (Multi-line 32-bit BBS)
---------------