NCSC Instruction EMERGENCIES ON THE WATER TYPES OF EMERGENCIES In-Irons Accidental Jibe Running Aground Sailing In Light Wind Sailing In Strong wind Capsize Swamped IN-IRONS More likely when wind is light. Determine if you are moving ahead or astern - watch for bubbles Steer boat onto a tack, you might have to sail backwards Back the jib When sails fill & you begin to move ahead, shift tiller hard over ACCIDENTAL JIBE Most likely to happen when sailing by the lee. Sailing by the lee - while running, when the wind crosses the center line and gets on the same side as the mainsail (the lee side) In this position, the wind can violently push the mainsail to the other side. The boom can hit someone and the sudden shift in weight can upset the boat. ACCIDENTAL JIBE To avoid an accidental jibe: Always know where the wind is Closely watch the sails & tell tales Have someone’s hand on the boom when running to tell if there is back pressure on the main ACCIDENTAL JIBE If you do accidentally jibe: Warn the crew to get low and centered Balance the boat - be ready to shift your weight quickly If you can, pull in the main. Then let it out gradually to soften the blow. Turn the bow a little into the wind on the new tack RUNNING AGROUND Quick action is needed! 1. Quickly come about, or bear off 2. Pull up the centerboard Crews should be instructed to do this without being told, but remind them. RUNNING AGROUND When did you say the tide was coming back in? RUNNING AGROUND You may not know you are aground. Soft mud is often deceiving. Listen for centerboard thumping or rubbing on sand Be alert to movement of your boat in relation to shore. If you are not making headway, you may be aground. SAILING IN LIGHT AIR Be especially aware of current – sail where the current will bring you back Stay on Delaware side of river Stay away from the channel Place crew on leeward side to help fill the sails (continued) SAILING IN LIGHT AIR Take a sight on shore to determine if you are holding your own, or drifting w/current Be ready to paddle if need be, paddle closer to shore for less current Anchor & wait for wind – don’t anchor near channel SAILING IN STRONG AIR Depower, Spill wind, or Shorten sail Two ways to Depower: 1. Adjust the vang 2. Let out the traveler Two ways to Spill Wind: 1. Letting the mainsail luff 2. Fisherman's reef (jib tight, mainsail out) - warn crew to be ready to slack the jib SAILING IN STRONG AIR Two ways to Shorten Sail (to reduce extent of sail) 1. Sail without a jib (lower jib & secure it) May have to raise centerboard slightly if boat fails to come about easily. (Note that if caught in irons you cannot back the jib.) 2. Sail without mainsail (lower main & secure it) More difficult, but it can be done Water spout CAPSIZE Don't take sails down, can usually right Thistles without doing this Swim free of sails and lines Don PFD (Personal Floatation Device) if not on (Note: It is wise to don PFD whenever winds get high) Retrieve gear if it is safe to do so Uncleat sheets, free tangles (continued) CAPSIZE Point bow into the wind Stand on centerboard - one or two people Once upright, bail from outside first then put lightest sailor in stern to bail Rough sea may make righting difficult. The Fire Department will come out if called, except in a race. Everyone who capsizes is required to submit a written report. SWAMPED When boat has taken on significant water, but is still upright. Wearing a PFD is imperative (Personal Floatation Device) Start bailing Open self bailers if boat is making headway SWAMPED Bail FASTER! .