The Importance of Having Crew Members Able to Go aloft at Sea

As a recreational sailor, it’s important to know what to do when unexpected problems arise at sea. This is why we’ve been running a webinar series based on various ‘what if’ scenarios with a community of performance catamaran sailors. The best way to prepare for these unexpected issues is to break them down beforehand so that it doesn’t feel entirely new in the moment. One of the things we’ve learned is that being able to go aloft at sea is crucial in solving many boat-related issues.

Why You Need Someone Able to Go Aloft at Sea

Imagine your spinnaker is ripped, or if your mast track is damaged and your mainsail won’t come down. In such scenarios, someone needs to go up the rig to fix the problem. However, going aloft at sea is no fun and requires special skills to do so safely and effectively. Short-handed crews face a significant challenge since getting aloft might equate to an hour of CrossFit. Therefore, it’s crucial to have at least one crew member willing and able to go aloft at sea.

The Three-Stage Framework to Tackle Unexpected Scenarios

When faced with unexpected scenarios, it’s essential to break down the situation into three stages:

Stage One: Stabilize the Situation and Ensure Crew Safety

During any unforeseen situation on board, there is a risk of a panicking crew. It’s common for individuals to be stabilized, if not calmed down entirely, by a reassuring hand on their shoulder and a calm, “it’s going to be okay.” Other tools to use include giving someone a menial task to follow so they can regain a sense of control. By ensuring that everyone remains calm, the situation can be stabilized.

Stage Two: Assess the Situation

Collect data of the problem that may be required to take further action to address the issue at hand. Some questions you may need to ask include the wind strength and direction, whether any knots in lines, or whether there are any collision risks.

Stage Three: Find a Solution

Finally, identify a solution to the problem. This stage provides the opportunity to figure out how to get the sail down and involves figuring out how to climb the mast if necessary. The individual going aloft must be physically fit and mentally capable of accomplishing the task.

Conclusion

If you’re a recreational sailor, you must have at least one crew member who can go aloft at sea. They must be in good physical condition for the task and equipped with the right equipment to go aloft. Failing to have an individual with this skill set could result in significant problems if an unexpected issue arises. By having someone with this skill set, you can address any problem that arises and ensure a safer, more successful sailing experience.

Originally Post From https://www.yachtingworld.com/comment/even-for-the-most-monkey-like-riggers-going-up-the-mast-at-sea-is-no-fun-152301

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Going Aloft Safely
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