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
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
Regatta Operations: A Jury Secretary
The operation of the Protest Committee (PC) at a large or busy regatta can be significantly enhanced with the aid of a competent jury secretary. A good jury secretary is usually an experienced judge or someone with PC experience. Before coming to the event, the jury chair should review the procedures that are regularly used by a jury…Read More
Regatta Operations: Protest Committee Organization
The US Sailing Judges Manual is updated every four years in conjunction with each revision of the Racing Rules of Sailing. This information is a part of Regatta Operations and organizing a Protest Committee. Each Protest Committee (PC) must have a chair to act as presiding officer and spokesperson. When it is necessary for the…Read More
Race Officials at a Youth Event: Safe, fair and fun!
Anderson Reggio, Ken Legler, and Forrest Gay present "Race Officials at a Youth Event Safe, Fair and Fun!" at the 2014 US Sailing Leadership Forum. Accompanying Power Point Read More
Five Basic Navigation Rules for Sailing Situations
Courtesy on the water makes sailing more fun for everyone. But beyond courtesy, there are Navigation Rules - like traffic laws - that can be enforced by authorities. Navigation Rules help prevent accidents and apply to the smallest rowboat and the largest tanker. Less experienced sailors should stay clear of boating traffic and sail defensively.…Read More
Seamanship and Water Safety – Capsize Recoveries
Once you know the basics of sailing, you should learn a few seamanship skills. Good seamanship helps you handle situations even when you're not sailing. Your boat may need to be towed for some reason. You may need to paddle from a dock to a mooring. And, of course, there are specific knots for specific…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