The Powerboat Certification Series: Towing Concepts

These towing concepts are from US Sailing's Safety, Rescue & Support Boat Handling. Observer: There should be a person on the safety-rescue boat who watches the tow and alerts the operator if any problems develop. This person will tend the towline and transmit information to the operator while picking up or releasing a tow. Speed…Read More

Start Windsurfing Right: The Windsurfing Safety Code

Being safety conscious at all times, both on and off the water, is an attitude you will develop with your instructor's help. It will pay off many times over in safe, fun, relaxing sailing. Safety encompasses many things: dressing properly, wearing a life jacket, being courteous toward other boaters, being observant, sailing by the "rules…Read More

Annapolis Accident Review

By: John Rousmaniere A chain of small events quickly evolved into something very rare in sailing – a tragedy. The wind and waves were not excessive, the sailors were competent, and the boat was a standard model of a long-popular class. Yet a routine capsize rapidly developed into the drowning death of a much beloved…Read More

Preparing Your Safety Boat

Safety Boat Procedures For Sailing Regattas by Rick Bischoff Whether is it a man, woman or child who is in danger on the water during a regatta, it is the duty of the Race Committee to be ready to help. It is very important to establish procedures involving safety and rescue of persons participating in…Read More

Quick-Stop Rescue

All sailors must know how to react quickly to a crew overboard situation. The hallmark of the Quick-Stop Rescue method is the immediate reduction of boat speed by turning in a direction to windward and thereafter maneuvering at modest speed, remaining near the PIW. This rescue requires these steps: 1) As soon as a crew…Read More

Implementing an Offshore Safety and Preparedness Plan

By: Chuck Hawley & Sally Lindsay HoneyHere are some items to consider when creating and implementing an offshore safety and preparedness plan:1. Start with a safety ethos for the event2. Implement pre-departure training3. Select an equipment list4. Identify skipper/crew/yacht qualifications, if any5. Pre-departure inspections – make them useful6. Communication plan appropriate for the event7. Emergency…Read More

Case Study: An Emergency Action Plan Report from OCSC

When a Life Hangs in the Balance – Emergency at the Club By: Rich Jepsen and Steve SaulAll sailing instructors and program directors are trained in the ‘what ifs’ of safety and risk in our jobs teaching kids and adults how to sail, while providing them opportunities to enjoy their new found skills.We all know…Read More

Sharing the Seas: Safe Boating for Sailors and Whales

Did you know that collision with vessels is one of the leading causes of death among whales, such as the endangered North Atlantic right whale? Collisions can also cause thousands of dollars in damage to boats and injure crew. US Sailing, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, New Bedford Whaling Museum and Whale and Dolphin…Read More

Advantages of US Powerboating’s Safe Powerboat Handling Courses

By Rob Crafa and Lynn Lynch There are so many benefits for hosting and taking US Powerboating’s Safe Powerboat Handling Course. Find out how this course can improve the quality of your club’s programming: Hands-on, on-the-water–, practical application of all skills Professional textbook & online / digital teaching aids Boaters with no experience quickly gain confidence…Read More

Weather Forecasting: Thunderstorms and Squalls

by Stan Honey and Ken Campbell There are three types of squalls/thunderstorms: those associated with a cold front or low pressure area, the “air mass” thunderstorm, and trade wind squalls. Cold front thunderstorms develop along the leading edge of a cold front. Remember, the cold front brings a wind shift from the south or southwest…Read More