Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo M50

MOB - She couldn't pull him back on board

by Des Ryan on 29 Jul 2009
UK Halsey video image shows THREE men having difficulty in getting a comrade back on board during a demonstration video. How much more difficult for single female SW
A romantic boat trip to mark a wedding anniversary that turned into a dramatic rescue operation this week shows again how difficult it is to get someone back on board a sailing boat once he or she (particularly he) has fallen overboard.

The husband and wife, from Hertfordshire in the UK, set off from Birdham Pool Marina in Chichester Harbour to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

The yacht was a mile off Hayling Island and he was on the bow, changing sails, when a rogue wave washed him off the boat into a choppy sea.

He was wearing a life jacket, and his wife, who was not an experienced sailor, threw him a rope and tried desperately, but could not pull him back on board. He was left hanging, the wife called for help, and hypothermia began to set in.

The wife made the distress call at about 4pm and two lifeboats were sent. The man was plucked from the water approximately 45 minutes later by lifeboat crew member Jasper Graham-Jones, and was taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital.

Carol Carter, from Hayling Royal National Lifesaving Institute(RNLI), said:
'He had a lifejacket on. Had he not had a lifejacket on, he would not have survived.'

.................

Editor's Note:
Following the passive publication of this story on the Sail-World website, Andy Parnell, keel boat sailor, raised the point that she could have used the mast halyard, attached it to him and reeled him in, using a winch, and also commented that this technique was part of introductory sail training courses he used to give (what a good idea). The woman in this case had had no training, but could have well benefited from this lesson in this potentially lethal situation.

Letter since received, also excellent:
Sender: Ivan Hills

Message: After purchasing a 1975 Vineyard Vixen 30 I realized that I could not possibly climb in from overboard. With the dinghy it might have been possible but it was mostly left on the mooring when I went for a solo sail. The remedy was a folding SS ladder with hook and loop securing the fold and a lanyard hanging to the water line. It also made general boarding from the dinghy more comfortable, especially in a chop.
Yes, one should wear a life preserver but climbing in a bulky jacket is more difficult. Same for life lines. Good to keep you safe but an obstacle for climbing back aboard. That's why I like my boarding ladder. It is rigid thus does not follow hull curvature like many cheap, rope ladders, and when it is extended there is a gap in the life line. However, sometimes the genoa sheets foul on it.. One cannot have everything.

Editor's Own Note:
Staying clipped on while working on deck is also a sane idea, especially, but not only, for the solo sailor, but this is not rocket science.
Cyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTERMaritimo M75North Sails Loft 57 Podcast

Related Articles

New Zhik Thermo TechFleece
Performance in Every Layer Precision-built for active performance and refined for daily use, the new Thermo TechFleece Hooded and Sports Jackets deliver adaptable warmth and unrestricted movement.
Posted today at 7:15 am
Globe40 Leg 2 Update
Three contenders on the same line "It could end in a penalty shootout," Ian Lipinski's prophecy, expressed in his last message the day before yesterday is about to come true: this Friday at 09:00 local time in Reunion Island, the three Class40 "scows" in the race are virtually neck & neck
Posted today at 5:57 am
2025 J/70 Worlds at Buenos Aires day 3
The roller coaster scorelines started to settle on Thursday The roller coaster scorelines of the J/70 World Championship started to settle on Thursday as the discard race came into effect with now six races scored.
Posted today at 12:09 am
Palm Beach XI enters 2026 Newport Bermuda Race
One of the world's most celebrated ocean-racing yachts will race next year The legendary 100-ft. canting keel supermaxi yacht Palm Beach XI is the 100th boat to register for the 2026 Newport Bermuda Race.
Posted on 30 Oct
2025 IKA Youth Worlds at Praia da Vitoria Day 3
Gusts, glory and the comeback kid Day 3 of the Formula Kite Youth Worlds in the Azores delivered a punishing mix of gusty winds, gear disasters and gutsy performances with France's Nell De Jahamm among those impressing in the demanding conditions.
Posted on 30 Oct
IOM Worlds 2026 at Datchet Build-Up
Dinghy and Keelboat sailors could learn a lot from radio sailing Datchet Radio Sailing are hosting the biggest event of the radio sailing world in May next year, the IOM World championships. Competitors from 20 plus countries will participate and the spectacle of the best in the world racing is not to be missed.
Posted on 30 Oct
Last chance to get a free entry or free jib
2026 Fireball Worlds Expression of Interest Closes midnight Friday Pay £50 and you will be put into a draw to take place on 1st November 2025. The first non-UK boat drawn will receive a free entry to the UK Nationals and the Worlds, whilst the first UK boat drawn will receive a jib kindly donated by P&B.
Posted on 30 Oct
17th Transat Café L'or Day 5
Into the Blue While the ULTIM race leader Tom Laperche and Franck Cammas (SVR Lazartigue) are opening distance all the time on their pursuers, now into the trade winds and averaging 31 knots this afternoon, not far behind them are the Ocean Fifty class.
Posted on 30 Oct
505 European Championship in Spain
Roger Gilbert and Ian Mitchell win on countback GBR's Roger Gilbert and Ian Mitchell win on countback from top German team Jan-Philipp Hofmann and Felix Brockerhoff
Posted on 30 Oct
CXr - A new generation of Code furlers from Seldén
Enhanced with several new features of which a patented ratchet design stands out 15 years ago, as a response to a growing demand for convenient headsail handling, Seldén broke new ground by introducing their CX and GX furlers for Code 0 and flying down wind sails.
Posted on 30 Oct