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Cruising yachts are mostly sailed by couples and are essentially short-handed
when it comes to making vigorous sailing maneuvers. When a crewmember goes
overboard, it is always at the worst time and completely unexpected. It means
that the reaction time to start the correct maneuver is typically not good.
There is a method of man over board recovery that works in all situations
and requires only one crew member and no sail trimming – it is called
the crash stop.
Follow
with MOB Drawing »
- The maneuver sequence is as follows:
As soon as MOB occurs, head up to beam reach and go 2 to 3 boat lengths
- Tack
the boat without touching the sheets
- Once the jib is back-winded, turn
the helm all the way back as if you were trying to get back on the
tack you were originally on. The boat will not
tack,
though.
- That is because of the pressure on the jib; the rudder
and jib will cancel each other out and the boat will be stalled.
- Lock
the wheel hard over where it is, so that you can leave the helm and
attend to getting the MOB gear deployed – (Note:
Once hove-to, the boat will stay in this position until you either release
the jib sheet, straighten
the wheel and start sailing again, or alternatively jibe
out of it using the rudder).
- If you’d like, you can
ease the main and let the sail luff, or trim it tight to ensure you
remain hove-to.
Once hove-to, everything
slows down and allows you to gather your wits to deal with
the problem.
- At this stage you will be slowly crabbing back towards your MOB
at under 1 knot.
- You can now elect to start the engine to maneuver the
boat to the MOB - ensure that the propeller does not injure the MOB
- Or
if you are going towards him, you can heave a line to him.
- Severely
castigate the MOB for his carelessness. Then treat with Rum.
One person alone can do this entire maneuver: it stops the boat close
to the MOB which is good for morale and allows
you to speak to him/her.
Hove to is a maneuver that can be used for reefing, in heavy weather
or just stopping for lunch without dropping the
sails and of course for MOB. Click to see how.
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