Safety Procedures

I.  RACER SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS

It is the sailor’s decision as to whether to go out or not.

A.  Racers Responsibility to communicate with Race Committee

Every racer should attempt to inform the RC or another racer that she is

returning to shore or leaving the racing area.  If this attempt further

imperils the racer, she should return and upon arrival onshore, racers

MUST radio the RC that she has returned to shore.    There should

always be an onshore person with the radio stationed near the pram shed.

1. Visual signals

a. Lowering your sail signals the RC that you have equipment

problems and need assistance.         Lowering your sail will also keep

you from blowing far away from the race area and is highly

recommended if your boat is in non-sailable condition.

b.  The universal Hand signal is to raise your arms over your head

and lower them level with your shoulders, over and over.

2.  Audio signal is best made with a whistle.   The whistle is repeatedly

sounded in a pattern of five blasts to signal for assistance.        It is

recommended that all Windlasses carry a whistle which can be easily

accessed, such as tied to the life vest.

B.  Leaving the area after the race.

It is recommended that members not leave the race area without a buddy

after a race, particularly if there is strong wind.    Race area here is

defined as the race course and the normal sailing area between the race

course and the shore.        If you do leave the race area alone, please advise

the race committee (or another racer who will inform the race committee)

that you are leaving the area by yourself.    If a racer has left the area

alone without the RC receiving notification, the RC will deem it necessary

to check on the boat before proceeding to shore for the day.

C. Racers assisting other racers

Racers who assist someone can request, and will most likely be granted,

redress.  We are obligated to help, regardless of the place we’re currently

in.

II           RESCUE BOAT SAFETY

A..The rescue boat should slowly (no wake) approach the downed boat

from the leeward side to avoid being pushed into the downed boat. The

engine should always be off or in neutral upon approach. Rescue boat

personnel should first ask the downed sailor if assistance is needed.  If the

sailor is attempting to right the boat the rescue boat should maintain a safe

distance while staying in the area to render assistance if needed.   The most

simple method in assisting a capsize is to slowly approach the downed

mast and sail and lift while the sailor stands on the centerboard.  Sheets

should be uncleated before lifting.  If the boat immediately capsizes again,

the painter should be used to slowly rotate the bow of the boat into the wind

before attempting to right the boat again.

B.  Drop the sail and or wrap the sail around the spars and raise the board 1/2 way.

If the sailor is able to stay in the boat to be towed, leave the rudder and         

tie the painter to the harness and slowly begin towing.  The sailor steers the towed boat to stay centered behind the rescue boat.  If the towed boat cannot

be steered, the tow boat must move slowly to avoid swamping the sailboat.