What would happen if I fell overboard? (Single handing)

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What would happen if I fell overboard? (Single handing)

Post by Stickinthemud57 »

Here's my normal sailing situation:

-Mac 26S under main and jib
-Small lake. I could swim across it if I paced myself. Quite often not very many boats on the lake.
-Gentle to moderate breezes
-Spring, Summer, and Fall
-Single handing most of the time
-If away from the helm, I lock the tiller in place with a Tiller Clutch and main and jib are cleated.

Here's what I think might happen:

If sailing on a close reach, I have noticed that the boat almost sails itself. Lee helm drives the bow to windward. When the sails luff, it edges back to leeward. This makes me think it would continue to sail on a moderate zig-zag course until it ran aground.

On a broad reach or downwind, the same, except the zig-zagging would be more extreme.

This leads me to think that were I to fall overboard in anything other than very light wind that there would be no point in trying to swim after the boat. Rather, I think the best bet would be swimming to the nearest shore and hoping the boat didn't run aground too hard.

Thoughts?
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Re: What would happen if I fell overboard? (Single handing)

Post by kmclemore »

Well, if there's a chance of falling overboard, especially without another person aboard, one should always be tethered to the vessel. Although you could likely swim to the other side of the lake, if you hit your head or injure yourself significantly on the way down, you could possibly drown or be unable to reach the shore. When alone, tether.
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Re: What would happen if I fell overboard? (Single handing)

Post by NiceAft »

First of all, if you’re alone, a self inflating life vest which supports an unconscious person is imperative. Any excuse not to is foolish. As Kevin pointed out, such a situation is possible.

Second, again, as Kevin pointed out, a tether is needed. Although I have read articles discussing the difficulty in pulling yourself onboard while the boat is moving. Also, if the tether is too short for the freeboard, one could drown.

Again addressing the PFD, with it, you increase the probability successfully making it ashore without worrying about being exhausted and drowning.
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Re: What would happen if I fell overboard? (Single handing)

Post by Be Free »

Stickinthemud57 wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:06 am Here's my normal sailing situation:

-Mac 26S under main and jib
-Small lake. I could swim across it if I paced myself. Quite often not very many boats on the lake.
-Gentle to moderate breezes
-Spring, Summer, and Fall
-Single handing most of the time
-If away from the helm, I lock the tiller in place with a Tiller Clutch and main and jib are cleated.

Here's what I think might happen:

If sailing on a close reach, I have noticed that the boat almost sails itself. Lee helm drives the bow to windward. When the sails luff, it edges back to leeward. This makes me think it would continue to sail on a moderate zig-zag course until it ran aground.

On a broad reach or downwind, the same, except the zig-zagging would be more extreme.

This leads me to think that were I to fall overboard in anything other than very light wind that there would be no point in trying to swim after the boat. Rather, I think the best bet would be swimming to the nearest shore and hoping the boat didn't run aground too hard.

Thoughts?
I can't speak to the behavior of your "S" but my "X" would probably round up if I were to fall overboard while on any type of a reach. I've sailed miles stretched out across the rear seat without every touching the wheel but if I move around at all the boat will veer off course sooner rather than later. It is very sensitive to shifts in weight.

You are correct in assuming that you are unlikely to catch the boat as long as it is moving. I was a competitive swimmer a LONG time ago but even in my prime I would not have been able to catch my boat and climb back aboard unless it had stopped.

Fully clothed and wearing a PFD (you are wearing it aren't you?) you are not going to catch the boat.

Fully clothed and not wearing a PFD you can't afford to exhaust yourself trying to catch it either.

In your hypothetical scenario your first, last, and only goal should be to preserve your own life and getting yourself to safety is the best way to do that. Let the boat go.
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Re: What would happen if I fell overboard? (Single handing)

Post by Be Free »

kmclemore wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:05 am Well, if there's a chance of falling overboard, especially without another person aboard, one should always be tethered to the vessel. Although you could likely swim to the other side of the lake, if you hit your head or injure yourself significantly on the way down, you could possibly drown or be unable to reach the shore. When alone, tether.
Great advice. My only addition is that the tether should be designed so that you cannot go over the side. Being drug on your tether alongside or behind the boat, regardless of the duration, should be avoided. People have died that way.
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Re: What would happen if I fell overboard? (Single handing)

Post by Be Free »

NiceAft wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:38 am First of all, if you’re alone, a self inflating life vest which supports an unconscious person is imperative. Any excuse not to is foolish. As Kevin pointed out, such a situation is possible.

Second, again, as Kevin pointed out, a tether is needed. Although I have read articles discussing the difficulty in pulling yourself onboard while the boat is moving. Also, if the tether is too short for the freeboard, one could drown.

Again addressing the PFD, with it, you increase the probability successfully making it ashore without worrying about being exhausted and drowning.
100% agreement.

Single handed sailing (done safely) is less forgiving of "cutting corners" in regards to equipment and procedures. You can't count on someone else to bring the boat back to you or to help you get back on board.

At a minimum you need to have (and wear) a Type I (anywhere) or Type II (near shore) PFD. Either one will turn an unconscious person face up. I like to keep it simple and don't use a self-inflating vest but I understand the advantages of one.

Pop quiz time: If I'm wearing a self inflating PFD, I have another one on the table in the cabin, and I have one more stored under the aft bunk how many self inflating PFD's do I have on board if the USCG is counting?

Keeping in mind the #1 rule of solo sailing, "STAY IN THE BOAT!" and the #2 rule "DON'T FALL OUT OF THE BOAT!", using a tether and harness that will keep you in the boat is highly recommended.

I've seen those articles about getting back aboard while the boat is moving. Bottom line: you probably won't be able to do it whether from a tether or a towed line. It's not impossible but it is unlikely while the boat is moving. Staying on board is always the best choice.
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Re: What would happen if I fell overboard? (Single handing)

Post by TrailerTrash »

You have better circumstances than we do. Our water is such that you have about 30 minutes to function relatively normally. If someone can fish you out, you have about an hour in the water to make it out alive.

My working assumption is that if I go overboard when I'm alone, my wife will be collecting on the life insurance policy. Hypothermia is supposed to be a pleasant way to go.

I'm planning an anchor point in the middle of the cockpit, that I can tether to and still manage to reach all controls but short enough to prevent me from going over. I have the dual Kong tether (3' & 6' lash) and one of the Spinlock inflatables with the harness built-in. I also have a beacon, that transmits MOB, and GPS coordinates on DSC & AIS which is probably the most realistic chance I have if I go overboard.

I'm also planning a jackline on the deck but I don't see a way to guarantee that I couldn't go over upfront on the bow. Being drug by the boat isn't on my bucket list so I'm going to monkey with that solution some more. I'll figure out something that keeps me on there.
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Re: What would happen if I fell overboard? (Single handing)

Post by pitchpolehobie »

Pull a 200ft floating line w handholds tied to your mainsheet. If u go over grab it to disengage the main.
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Re: What would happen if I fell overboard? (Single handing)

Post by dlandersson »

Man overboard drill is worth doing at least once a year. If you need it, you really need it. 8)
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Re: What would happen if I fell overboard? (Single handing)

Post by Ixneigh »

My system is, harness and jack lines for off shore (too far to swim) tow a dinghy in nearshore waters which is 99% of the time. I never sail with autopilot. I rarely lash the helm. The boat will sail herself nonetheless but much less effectively. The dingy provides a way to climb back onto the boat in moderate conditions and my particular boat is optimized for boarding from dinghy since I live on the hook for months at a time. I can board the dinghy from the water although she may partially swamp. A paddle board also works well. Much easier to get on to.
When I sail with a paddle board, sometimes it’s on deck. I still drag a line attached to the stern cleat. The boat will not tow you through the water very fast and the drag will cause her to either head up or more likely, gybe. If you are concerned you can tie the line to the main sheet which will certainly slow the yacht. The big thing is getting back on board. The factory boarding ladder will try to kill you as will the outboard propellor. A rope ladder may be an option, left in place off the back. Long enough to grab without getting under the outboard but short enough to stay out of the prop.
A passage i vaguely recall from the book Heavy weather Sailing stands out. “It should be noted that the crews on the Brixham Trawlers didn’t wear life jackets or use tethers. Nor could they swim” to fall off the vessel was death.

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Re: What would happen if I fell overboard? (Single handing)

Post by Jimmyt »

Stickinthemud57 wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:06 am Here's my normal sailing situation:

-Mac 26S under main and jib
-Small lake. I could swim across it if I paced myself. Quite often not very many boats on the lake.
-Gentle to moderate breezes
-Spring, Summer, and Fall
-Single handing most of the time
-If away from the helm, I lock the tiller in place with a Tiller Clutch and main and jib are cleated.

Here's what I think might happen:

If sailing on a close reach, I have noticed that the boat almost sails itself. Lee helm drives the bow to windward. When the sails luff, it edges back to leeward. This makes me think it would continue to sail on a moderate zig-zag course until it ran aground.

On a broad reach or downwind, the same, except the zig-zagging would be more extreme.

This leads me to think that were I to fall overboard in anything other than very light wind that there would be no point in trying to swim after the boat. Rather, I think the best bet would be swimming to the nearest shore and hoping the boat didn't run aground too hard.

Thoughts?
In the scenario you suggest, swim for shore. You can’t catch the boat, and, if you could, reboarding under way is almost impossible. Hopefully you’d be wearing a PFD.

As an experienced man overboard while under sail (not a drill), I was able to grab a line as I went over. The point I grabbed resulted in bringing me into contact with the hull, just forward of the helm. As the helmsman reached for me, my vest inflated. Since I was pinned to the side of the hull, or maybe the Velcro was just grippy, the vest inflated mostly around my neck, resulting in the sensation that the helmsman had punched me in the face. I did manage to get the vest sorted with one hand while clinging to the line with the other. Did I mention the water temp was in the low 60’s? Anyway, the high sides of the M were too much for the helmsman to do anything with, so I told him to drive the boat and let me deal with my situation. The crew set about depowering the rig; but we were running - so merely slacking the sheets wasn’t going to get it done. I managed to get myself back to the stern and the helmsman dropped my boarding ladder. The problem was, with the boat moving, the ladder trailed out instead of down, and pulling my fully clothed lower half forward to the ladder was virtually impossible - until they headed up and brought the boat to a virtual standstill.

Once back on the boat, I was glad to have a cabin to shelter in, a towel to dry off with, and a change of clothes; albeit a t shirt, swim trunks, and a rain jacket.

My take aways were pretty much what’s been stated above.
1. Stay on the boat. I got punted off by the boom in an accidental gybe. A short tether would have kept me on the boat, but might have resulted in my getting hurt while serving as the main sheet. I think I would have preferred staying on the boat, though.
2. You can’t catch the boat under sail.
3. You can’t reboard the M under sail - or it’s at least extremely difficult.
4. An inflatable PFD can be a hazard as well as a life saver. A conventional vest would likely be a safer way to go. I’ve had mine inflate 3 times. Once in the man overboard situation and twice during capsize of small boats while racing. The vest has not fully, and correctly, deployed once. I’ve always had to pull Velcro apart on some part of it. In any case, wear a PFD.
5. Your swimming skills, and agility in the water, are not the same when fully clothed, in winter gear, with your shoes on.
6. If you’ve got a crew, staying with the boat may be a good thing. It can shorten the rescue time over getting the boat back to you in sporty conditions. But, it can be physically exhausting. If your crew is good (mine was), let them sail back (or motor back) to get you if you’re not up to being dragged for a bit. By staying with the boat, I probably took a couple of minutes off of my swim.
7. The new iPhone is waterproof for at least 3 minutes at 3 ft depth.
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Re: What would happen if I fell overboard? (Single handing)

Post by NiceAft »

Good post Jimmy.
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Re: What would happen if I fell overboard? (Single handing)

Post by Stickinthemud57 »

All excellent stuff. Thanks!

Although I am not the only complacent sailor on my lake, that does not diminish the personal danger involved.

I have never gone in the drink with an inflatable PFD, although I have one that inflated while hanging in the cabin. I can't say that I trust them much. Non-inflatables seem like the only fully trustworthy option.

Something I have done by way of preparation is to rig a rope to my boarding ladder at the transom so I can swing it free from the clips that hold it up. I have a rope with a float that I could tie to the mainsheet. Thanks for that suggestion, pitchpolephobe.

I learned way back that swimming with clothing on is not the way to stay alive in the water. Disrobing would be thing one.
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Re: What would happen if I fell overboard? (Single handing)

Post by Russ »

Stickinthemud57 wrote: Wed Jan 29, 2025 2:49 pm Something I have done by way of preparation is to rig a rope to my boarding ladder at the transom so I can swing it free from the clips that hold it up.
I learned way back that swimming with clothing on is not the way to stay alive in the water. Disrobing would be thing one.
Reboarding is another challenge. Good idea to have a way to lower the ladder. An idea I read on this forum for X/M owners is that the outboard tilt could be used to lift a person out of the water in an emergency.

I can't remember if it was true or not, but I recall that jeans can be removed and filled with air and tied to provide some floatation. I don't want to try it.
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Re: What would happen if I fell overboard? (Single handing)

Post by TrailerTrash »

Jimmyt wrote: Wed Jan 29, 2025 7:10 am

My take aways were pretty much what’s been stated above.
1. Stay on the boat. I got punted off by the boom in an accidental gybe. A short tether would have kept me on the boat, but might have resulted in my getting hurt while serving as the main sheet. I think I would have preferred staying on the boat, though.
2. You can’t catch the boat under sail.
3. You can’t reboard the M under sail - or it’s at least extremely difficult.
4. An inflatable PFD can be a hazard as well as a life saver. A conventional vest would likely be a safer way to go. I’ve had mine inflate 3 times. Once in the man overboard situation and twice during capsize of small boats while racing. The vest has not fully, and correctly, deployed once. I’ve always had to pull Velcro apart on some part of it. In any case, wear a PFD.
5. Your swimming skills, and agility in the water, are not the same when fully clothed, in winter gear, with your shoes on.
6. If you’ve got a crew, staying with the boat may be a good thing. It can shorten the rescue time over getting the boat back to you in sporty conditions. But, it can be physically exhausting. If your crew is good (mine was), let them sail back (or motor back) to get you if you’re not up to being dragged for a bit. By staying with the boat, I probably took a couple of minutes off of my swim.
7. The new iPhone is waterproof for at least 3 minutes at 3 ft depth.
I think this is a good list. The emphasis should be staying on the boat. That is the only solution that drastically improves your odds. Once you are in the water, getting back on the boat is a challenge even in the best of conditions.

When I was younger, I was an Army Ranger and one of our qualifying tests was a swim test. It was somewhere around 30 deg. F the day we took the test (December in Ft. Benning, GA). You had to jump in at one of the pool, fully clothed with a plastic M-16, and swim to the opposite end, then we stood in line for a high-dive, where they made you wear your BDU (battle dress uniform), and vest that you carried ammo, canteens on, and they blindfolded you spun you around and pushed you in the water. You had to surface and swim to a side. The last test was you had to jump in with a pack & ICU, and then surface, and the Ranger Instructor made you go back down and take off both and had them to him.

My buddy was a lifeguard from Texas. We were maybe 3/4 of the way back in line and people were failing the first (easy) part of the test like crazy. They would hit that cold water and you could see the panic on their face and gasping for breath. He was laughing at them until he was the one that hit that cold water. He passed but they classified him as a "weak swimmer". LOL...... he never lived that one down.

It taught me one thing. Cold water like that changes the equation drastically. Put clothing and gear on and you are limited even more. I was young and very fit at the time. I'm no longer that fit, and I'd put odds on that I'd fail that test if I took it today. Until people experience it, they have all kinds of ideas about how they would react. Reality is a cold hard judge.

Stay on the boat.
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