Tragic accidents are almost inevitable when a fellow sailor falls overboard, as the case with the previous Volvo Ocean Race made clear. But accidents do not only occur on racing yachts, there is also the risk of falling into the water on cruising boats. The biggest problem is always finding the person who has gone overboard and - if that is successful - getting them back on board quickly. Past tests of safety equipment such as rescue collars (YACHT 18/2017) or rescue systems (YACHT 20/2016) have shown that it is important to have the right equipment on board in such an emergency. But it should be even more important not to fall overboard in the first place.
If the weather demands it: first pick in and only then leave the protected cockpit
But what equipment is indispensable for securing on deck, how do you properly leash without being too restricted in your freedom of movement by the lifeline?
The safety line cannot always prevent falling overboard. There are a few things to consider even with a lifeline picked up