Three Sailing Channels Trying to Kill You - Sailor’s Debrief 107

[@major_west]

I'm a avid swimmer, doing 1/2 mile every day in a pool. I struggled to finish a 1 mile open water swim in 65 degree water, as hypothermia started to shut down my muscles after 30 minutes. There's no way an average person can swim 1 mile in 60 degree water.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for posting. I was wondering if swimmers would agree with me. Please keep training, and control the risk.

[@jamesstrom6991]

Not true. It’s possible with conditioning for the conditions. that’s a small exception. most people won’t survive very long.

[@Pocketfarmer1]

There is the old rule of the 50s. A healthy male has a 50/50 chance of swimming 50 feet in 50º water. Most of our understanding of hyperthermia comes from the nazis experimenting on downed allied flyers , the hard way.

[@johnshaw8327]

I totally agree. I got rescued after 1 hour in about 60 degree water. I was already on another planet Felt warm and not a care in the world....absolutely gone..

[@DocScience2]

@@johnshaw8327 = At least you could enjoy it. !

[@ChrisinOSMS]

I had an older coworker who spent his life on the water from the time he was a toddler. Never wore a life jacket, so one solo fishing trip he went forward to set the anchor when he lost his balance and toppled overboard. His boat at the time had no boarding ladder and he discovered that his older self wasn’t that spry guy of his youth that could pull himself over the gunnel anymore. As he bobbed up and down treading water, he realized how badly he screwed up. Thankfully he was a problem solver and managed to walk up the anchor rode to put enough slack in it to throw it around a stern cleat and use it like a manrope to climb aboard. He now wears an inflatable vest whenever he is underway and puts a stern line overboard and moves a ladder close to the gunnel before moving forward to set the hook.

[@starfishsystems]

And notice that in this incident the vessel was AT ANCHOR. It wasn't disappearing over the horizon.

[@bveracka]

@@starfishsystems Good point. This reminds me of power boat captains who never wear their safety lanyard.

[@bveracka]

Like starfishsystems said, that was at anchor, not while underway. Anyway, my favorite part of the video was the old man demonstrating his tether method on the dock. Wow. If his vessel were underway - even in favorable conditions - he could easily drown. To be that old and that dumb is something you don't see every day, and now he's spreading his stupidity all over the world.

[@julianbatcheler9970]

We used to do personal survival as teenagers. I used to have to swim 1/2 a mile in my clothes in a pool and I was a competition level swimmer and it nearly killed me.

[@julianbatcheler9970]

@@ChrisinOSMS I’m between boats right now. But my next one will probably be a 44 feet or so centre cockpit yacht… under way the rule will be absolute no one leaves the cockpit without a lifejacket and being attacked to a lifeline. I am an occupant psychologist and a big believer in systems. Your friend’s experience is a perfect example of why safety systems exist. Yes you can go forward 1000 times and nothing happens… but one trip and it’s a different story. He was lucky he didn’t get knocked out on the way overboard.

[@johnmosesbrowning1855]

When it comes to safety equipment I always remember what a Austrian Mountain Rescue guy once said: expensive mountaineering equipment last up to ten years. Cheap mountaineering equipment last a lifetime. 😂😂😂

[@ministryofsailing]

That’s funny

[@n0red33m]

😂😂😂 I'm going to use that phrase forever

[@michaelcrowley1172]

See what you did dare,dat dare funny😂😊

[@malekodesouza7255]

I love the use of what is, in essence, is a keychain “Carabiner” as safety equipment. 😂

[@sauter1]

Loll I'm gonna steal that

[@RebootTheCatamaran]

We’ve dragged a line behind our catamaran while under sail, and you absolutely cannot pull yourself back onboard if the boat is going faster than 3 kts. It was quite an eye opening experience, and we were glad we practiced this in safe conditions and good weather so we really understood just how important it was.

[@ministryofsailing]

We appreciate the comments and thanks for reinforcing this. It is great the see people practice the MOB drills. It is eye opening once you see how difficult it can be.

[@atw98]

That was standard practice till recently. You 100% can get on a boat going 7/8 knots. You get yourself to the boat and loop it into a stepup. I've done it in my 40s as a heavy smoker, and seen it save 3 others.

[@ChrisThompson-dh7mv]

@@atw98 Yep. I've done it. Barefoot water skiers can hold on while they are dragged so fast that they are planing on their bare body. Like many other things, you may not be able to do it the first time you try - but if you practise it you can then do it easily. Surely it is better to both try to escape getting into the hazardous situation AND practise getting out of the hazardous situation than it is to just try the former. What is worrying are the guys who say "I'm sure I'll be able to get back on board" to other people when they have never tried it - that's simply weird.

[@atw98]

@ChrisThompson-dh7mv agree. It used to be practiced right up till mid 2000s. I don't know any off shore singlehanded sailors that doesn't practice for being overboard. Read the comments when I said I'd returned to my boat at 6 knots, they're crazy. But I never leave the heads without having a way back on the boat. They all say don't bother. I think I'd prefer a chance. That said it's not easy but you certainly can get back on board. Your right minimise the risk but you can never negate it. I mean I didn't think I'd hit a whale and end up in the water but it happened. And even as a smoker got back onboard due to preparation. Seems its like the political environment nowadays you've got one side happy to discuss things and one side that runs from reason, if you don't go with stupidity your the problem.....🙂. And in this case there's only one right answer preparation. O I bare foot to, thought it was funny when 1 guy said he was 25 and couldn't hang on to a tender towing behind a boat at 3 knots. I think he'd need 4 skis to have a chance to get up..

[@darthkek1953]

Here's something a life-raft packer / inspector said on Tom Clunliffe's Yachts & Yarns channel, I'll try to quote. "It's not even about how good a swimmer you are. _If you get thrown into the English seas (English Channel, Irish Sea, North Sea, etc.) they're all very cold. You get submerged and your first instinct is to gasp in shock due to the cold, and then you're in real trouble._ And that's something to bear in mind worldwide. Safety equipment is not only there to help you out in the best-case scenario, it's also there for the worst case unexpected "unpredictable" scenarios. Use the right kit, all the time, every time - or else! Another thing eSysMan (the superyacht crew channel guy) says is he, and every colleague he knows, know of NOT ONE instance where the owner (and their family) has gone through emergency safety procedures. Every crew has (by law). But owners are "above" such things and captains - hired hands - never press them on it. The owner of the Bayesian died along with almost his entire family. Would emergency procedure protocol training have saved their lives? We don't know and likely will never know for certain, but what we DO know for certain is the training would only have increased their chances of survival, it wouldn't have diminished them one iota.

[@ministryofsailing]

Best comment ever - thanks -

[@wesleyallen1173]

How very true.

[@philgray3443]

Well we went on a DFDS vessel and I would think that few of the passengers had done any training either. Lets face it, these people are passengers on very large vessels who pay professional crew to keep them safe. It has brought home a point to me, that every time I do a safety briefing on our boat I must point out the location of the only hatches a human can get out of and ensure that my crew and passengers know how to open those hatches. Maybe some Emergency Exit signs are needed.

[@darthkek1953]

@@philgray3443 It's not a huge vessel, they would have known their ways out. UNLESS that vessel was in the dark and at 90 degrees in which case it becomes the maze from The Shining.

[@ministryofsailing]

@@philgray3443make sure your signs are reflective at night. Check out our sailing at night video on the Tips and Tricks from the pros play list.

[@robinwells8879]

I was lucky enough to survive and learn young the hard way. Five pints of Guinness no life jacket and a sailing dinghy blended with a summer squall. The tiller ripped out of the transom and the boat was immediately uncontrollable. It capsized and no I had not tied off the dagger board. Someone happened to be walking on the beach and saw me. I had managed to wedge my hand in the centre board slot so I didn’t slip in when I lost consciousness. Did I mention my dog? No? He clawed his way to safety, thank god, up my back which looked like I had been given fifty lashes. I was unconscious when rescue arrived and the hull was covered in my blood. You don’t need any safety equipment until you need it all. The only reason I survived was because the barmaid was worried that I was being stupid. She was so right.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for sharing. Our purpose for doing the sailors debrief is so others don’t make the mistakes we do. We appreciate you taking HHN the time out of your day to view and watch

[@mrpenn4613]

Sounds like your dog was pulling double duty, teaching you a lasting lesson and saving himself.

[@robinwells8879]

@@mrpenn4613 thank goodness he was diligent in his duty. 🤣

[@philipoakley5498]

"You don’t need any safety equipment until you need it all." Never a truer statement!

[@motorv8N]

My favourite tongue-in-cheek saying for awhile now has been - “When your draft exceeds your depth, you are most assuredly aground....” It works in more than the literal sense too. I’ve got near on 50 years both power and sail but the moment you think you know it all is the moment you create a massive blind spot for yourself. Working as a transportation safety investigator I have heard all manner of inane statements about how prepared people thought they were...right up to the moment the universe smacked them down hard. Can you be too safe? Possibly. You want to find that out definitely the same instant you realize you’ll never see your kids again? Sadly many have.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks… I appreciate a pro comment like yourself.

[@WTHenry2023]

The only way to be too safe is to never leave port. Otherwise, all safety precautions are good safety precautions. I never ceased to be amazed at how many boaters skip the most obvious safety precaution, a life vest!!!

[@paulgillard2258]

I have fallen off at 6 knots fully clothed and managed to grab the webbing side handle on the inflatable that was being towed behind the yacht. I can tell you at the age of 25 being fit and strong there was no way I could maintain my grip as the drag through the water fully clothed was substantial. I was not tethered on. Fortunately for me the skipper brought the yacht round and got me. It was on an inland waterway in 15c temp. I learnt my lesson and was lucky. Now in my 60s and sailing mainly 2 handed our setup is as this gentleman states. Any other way I know I am toast if I end up overboard.

[@ministryofsailing]

It’s real stories like this that need to be heard…. Thanks so much.

[@mellamodiego8458]

yeah a lot of people over estimate their own physical abilities and dont understand the forces they are up against

[@atw98]

That nuts at 25. I fell off at 7/8 knots as a heavy smoker in my 40s solo. Still drag a line off the stern whenever off shore. And still got back on the boat, know of three other sailors a stern line saved. But we used to practice man overboard drills before we hit the open ocean so maybe it was technique.

[@ministryofsailing]

@@paulgillard2258 so happy you are still sailing!

[@paulgillard2258]

@@atw98 maybe it was your Navy Seal training that also helped or could it be those daily wrist exercises. 😂

[@robertpendzick9250]

The best sailors make it back to shore alive, with their boat. Great introduction on what and how to accomplish this.

[@ministryofsailing]

Absolutely!!!!! Thanks for commenting. Sail fast…

[@darthkek1953]

Lots of stupid sailors make it back, and the sea has claimed the lives of many experienced and wise and careful sailors. All we can do is try to stack the odds in our favour : training, equipment, sensibleness. Best odds are better than worst odds, but they're not guarantees only probabilities.

[@japc4326]

Hooray! I still can't believe there are sailors who think they could swim to the back of a moving boat in a MOB situation using a lifeline. The best advice you gave was, stay and plan on staying on the boat in the first place. I have known sailors who have said they would rather drown then float off into the abyss, I have countered I would rather use a centerline safety line and snug it to always stay on top and have a lifejacket on. To drown within sight of land because you don't believe in the best practices, just crazy. Thank you! John

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for the comment… very happy to hear from you.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for your support. I understand the thinking,,, but the facts dont support it. Growing up my dad reminded my that when we were slow and complaining, he would have us jump in and try to keep up. Our perspective immediately changed. But we did cool off.

[@japc4326]

@@ministryofsailing It is hard to deny facts, as a kid you question everything, not to mention you know everything..lol My friend's dad did that to us too on Long Island Sound, we swan for about 3 minutes at our maximum endurance, and we had to be plucked out of the water.

[@williamwiseman4675]

I was on a boat that capsized and was in 50° water for 40 minutes. What saved my life was the life vest I was wearing and the PLB alreay in it along with a handheld VHF that I managed to grab before going in. I will always wear the correct safety equipment. Good for you for posting this video!

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for taking the time to watch the video and I really appreciate you making a comment as well. I’m glad you’re here to make these comments and it is because of you wearing all the personal protection equipment. I hope you have a great day and long life.

[@lifeat5knots]

Great video. Some of these youtube "safety" recommendations are absolutely WILD. Thanks for setting the record straight.

[@ministryofsailing]

That was the goal… thanks for subscribing (hint) next one is a really good! Lots of positive reinforcement…

[@albertreed966]

I am not a a sailor never have been, except a U.S.NAVY sailor. The best take away for me is DO YOUR RESEARCH, DO YOUR RESEARCH! I'll watch more of these videos in the future, not that I'll be sailing anywhere but, it is so logical and I do watch lots of sailing videos, very informative!

[@boathemian7694]

“Do your research” means watching KZbin videos lol

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for replying. Please note that we point specifically to the OSRs. No?

[@tonybodlovic5825]

As a sailor of forty years; I completely agree that your tether should keep you 'on' the boat; Even if you're not solo, yachts are heavy, moving objects. Every now and then, you'll get a wave that unbalances you.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks

[@bobgaysummerland]

One year I was in the double handed Farallon island race. If i recall correctly 4 died; two of which alongside their boats. Dragged and drowned. Knowing what to do, how to rig and recover are crucial. .

[@ministryofsailing]

Horrible event…. Thanks for watching

[@CCaddy]

Happy to always listen to Christian Williams! So much more than sailing can be learned from Mr. Williams! Scray, serious stuff here your teaching, but good to keep people on their toes I guess.

[@ministryofsailing]

So happy you are open to this. It means a lot.

[@bunkerhill4854]

My first experience in anything like offshore sailing/racing was in 1968. It was long distance coastal, rather than deep sea, in the Canadian/US Pacific Northwest. Much of the equipment and procedures we take for granted today were yet to be invented, or even thought of. The biggest difference between now and then was an attitude of safety, not equipment. We spent hours perfecting spinnaker handling and a few minutes discussing (not rehearsing) man overboard protocol. Looking back now is terrifying and we shouldn’t have been allowed to leave the dock, but we met the then current regulations. We all survived, but were never seriously tested. Keep spreading your message, it is important.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks - we appreciate the Masters and what you have done. Your efforts of adventure and expedition provided a foundation for the followers. Our job is add controls - making it safe(r).

[@davidzaharik5408]

In 2003 I fell overboard while motoring in calm conditions... I was 4.2 nautical miles off shore... the water was 60 F... I did NOT have a life jacket on and I swam for 4 hours. I was super hyperthermic and should have died... when rescued some hours after I got to shore, the Coast Guard medic could not believe my body temperature was 31C or 87.8 F... the heart technically stops at 31... Ironically I had taken my Mustang survival suit off about 5 minutes before I fell overboard... no I wasn't taking a pee... I was folding a sheet from the bunk while leaning on the life line when the pelican clasp released... Since then I do not leave the dock without a proper PFD on... life lines are toward the middle of the boat and harness length will not allow me to go over... stay on board.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I am so happy you beat the statistics…

[@davidzaharik5408]

@@ministryofsailing ya me too... the saving grace was I am a cold water swimmer and I knew how to use my pants as a floatation device... used to be a life guard...

[@tomriley5790]

Well done you did a great job to stay alive!

[@ministryofsailing]

Watch this… kzbin.info/www/bejne/nH3HqGiEd7SZbMksi=h4qMdKP2D69CqxVS

[@davidzaharik5408]

@@ministryofsailing Wholly appreciate that ... I am in NO way advocating complacency! I was fortunate... I was used to 60 degree F water and I knew how to use my pants as a floatation device... without which I would have died for sure!!

[@haydenwatson7987]

I agree with most of your points but take exception to the one on Christian Williams Sailing @5:25. He is a solo ocean sailor and for him, if he goes into the water while underway, I life jacket will make no difference and arguably would greatly decrease any possibility of pulling himself back on board. What he is showing with a harness and short tether is his only chance for self-rescue which is slim to none. Basically, he much stay on board or die, period. When I solo sail in the inland Salish Sea [western WA and BC], I wear my inflatable offshore rated inflatable with harness and my Sospenders Double and use the 3' tether. The short tether to hopefully keep me on board and the quick release to not get dragged if I go over. I would then hope that another boater would see me although that is a faint hope. I really should get a PLB and attach it to my life jacket.

[@ministryofsailing]

PLBs are game changers,,, so are Sat Coms… I do not think it’s unrealistic to say there is a better chance of survival, solo with the newer technology. You are 100 percent correct about that shorty tether as well.

[@giantELF]

I think the point is that Christian's tether should be shorter than what he is demonstrating. He should not be able to fall over the edge of the deck and through the lifelines. Christian has lots of interesting videos -- and is great storyteller -- but he is also a bit of a crotchety old man with odd opinions when it comes to sailing. For instance he thinks people who have dodgers are silly and amateurish (apparently he never sails upwind in heavy seas) and instead of a Bimini he puts up a patio umbrella for shade. He thinks that is better. I wonder how many of his umbrellas are at the bottom of the Santa Monica Bay?

[@74HC138]

I swim in my local bay at that temperature...without a wetsuit, 30 minutes is the most I can do before I'm too cold. (In fact I usually swim in a wetsuit because I can stay in longer and to avoid feeling like a block of ice at the end). Swimming is also very slow and if there's any tidal flow against you it likely exceeds your swimming speed.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for watching

[@johnhewett2525]

As a young man, strong and fit I would clean my hull below the waterline pre-race day using ropes tied around the hull and free diving the yacht. My freeboard was about three foot, and I tried to get back on deck without using any aids, I couldn't do it. My advice would be that your jack line be as tight as possible and your tether has one end as short as practical. One size (length) does not suit all.

[@tarpanc34]

blue 3 nemo i have one and its cool as hell easy scuba diving in shallow waters it will get below your boat for sure.. yea cost a lot .. but its scuba diving gear ... life support for under water is not cheap..

[@johnhewett2525]

@@tarpanc34 I was free diving the boat before mobile phones were invented.

[@ontheruntonowhere]

@@johnhewett2525 1908?

[@davepersich3035]

Exactly. Jacklines are often run close to the toerail. In my mind they should run down the centreline of the boat and used with short tethers to keep you on deck.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks, where do you sail!

[@johnnylightning1491]

The best comment I've ever heard regarding safety equipment was regarding motorcycle helmets. A new motorcyclist was asking the grizzled old biker "Why should I spend $300 on this helmet when there's one here for $50?" The old biker replied "How much is your head worth?" Nuff said? The same goes for safety equipment in any undertaking. I've been involved in stock car racing at a national level for, I think, 24 years. I remember when the HANS device came out lots of guys didn't like them. I can tell you that it saved the life of the driver I work for at a 180 mph or so wreck at Talladega. Don't believe me? Look up Brad Smith Talladega Wreck" and see for your self. Eat a few more hot dogs if you have to instead of steak but buy good safety gear, your life may depend on it one day.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for the comment. Please subscribe.

[@SailingTeamTallyHo]

very important message, thanks. Great venue you're at! As a former manager of a large charter fleet as well as many decades of sailing in cold water, dismastings and students/customers that later ended up in tragic situations, your messages rings true.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks TallyHo… I was raised here in LG so it was great to be back. Send me an email and I will share our emergency action plan assessment of a local YC. A lot of lessons learned

[@thomasstuder1624]

There is some dangerous survivor bias in these videos. We are prone to think acts we got away with repeatedly are safe practices, when really we just got lucky.

[@dimitrikemitsky]

This is perfect timing to be reccomended. I actually just got an old Hunter 23 (my first sailboat) and was going to go out sailing to try it out at the end of the summer. I had basically done exactly the same as the examples here, tied a long line to a life jacket on the assumption I would "pull myself up" with the swim ladder. And the club where I got my ASA 101 certification didn't even have us in life jackets, so I assumed I was being extra safe for sailing in a bay.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks so much for your comment. This is the exact reason we post these. Please share this with your ASA instructor

[@airgead5391]

U are right of course. I want to add: single hand sailing is a totally different where it goes to the dynamics of safety rules and what works and helps safety and what not. There should be different approach for single handed is my opinion. Single handed over board on a life line: good luck getting on board again.

[@ministryofsailing]

We have an upcoming video that you were going to appreciate with pro single-handed sailors to discuss this very topic. Stay tuned. You will not be disappointed.

[@dennislyons3095]

Well Done. My only offshore sailing was on a 37' sailboat. No one went on deck without being on tether to the boat--no one. We had a safe & uneventful trip & I considered the purchase of my own safety equipment as "the price of admission" to that great experience. My work took me in another direction but, I'd go sailing with a good, safe sailor tomorrow if offered.

[@ministryofsailing]

Where did you go to?

[@stewartperry7797]

Excellent… and please note the last captain is hugely experienced and still unsafe. Thanks for posting this important safety message!

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for watching

[@swooshdave]

I suspect that at his age he doesn't really care about safety anymore. Shame he teaches that philosophy.

[@SenatorPerry]

@@swooshdave He literally says that when he is solo sailing offshore he doesn't wear a vest because he is too far from any rescue vessels and would be dragged to his death if tethered while overboard. He spoke extensively about it on several of his videos that he wears one close to shore (his wife makes him do it). He also expressed the same at a coastguard surprise inspection.

[@harmseberhardharmseberhard9908]

​@@swooshdave indeed Christian Williams wanted to emphasise, that a lifewest won't save a solo sailor. Indeed, for us single handers the step over board means certain death and no lifewest will rescue us. Therefore his emphasis on wearing a safetyharness is correct. But yes, his life line is too long and his idea of climbing back on board (especially at the age of 80) is an illusion. But: he sailed 3 times to Hawaii and back and is still alife. That's more than most of us ever did.

[@stoneagearcher3477]

A boat tether is to keep you from falling off the boat not keep you attached to it.

[@ministryofsailing]

Bingo - thanks for watching

[@atw98]

Amazed at how many people think it's to help them drown. YT has made sailing really dangerous because everyone now thinks you can just go offshore and learn as you go.

[@connannbarbarin3033]

Great video. I remember another youtuber who said: "Real solo sailors dont use life vests. They just prolong the suffering."

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks.. I know that guy!!! The solo guy. Make sure you listen to the interview with Dee Caffari, she talks about it. I really messed up the video, but it’s a great one. I know you will like it.

[@askingforafriend6540]

I remember that guy. He got eaten by a shark at the end of the movie. He was right. The life jacket made no difference.

[@MultiBmorgan]

even with a PLB, in the mid pacific, no one could possible get to you in time. STAY ON THE BOAT!

[@markrutlidge5427]

9:38 ​@@ministryofsailingthak god I've NEVER come across those channels

[@rcralphpfister]

@@connannbarbarin3033 I have met him too. 🤪

[@philippeleboutillier7217]

As young 19 year old adults, after finishing our intermediate cruising course, we bareboat chartered right after to celebrate. Our dinghy would deflate, one of our crew decided to inflate it while towing under way, he tethered himself to the dinghy with his Salus life jacket. A very good brand of pfds, well constructed. He fell overboard because of the wake of the sailboat, fortunately, the thether broke the straps on the pfd immediately and at least he was swimming freely and visible. Had he been dragged, he might have drowned at the speed we were going. thank God we had practiced MOB drills a fee days before, our maneuver was spot on to pick him back up. We learned quite a few things that day that we still apply every outing, and we were thankful that no one got hurt. It pains me to see experienced sailors teaching bad practices online. One would think that at their level of experience, they have at least heard one first or second hand account of a disaster... safety is paramount

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for sharing your experience to help reinforce our safety message.

[@livingforsail]

Spot on! I’ve attempted to self rescue in a controlled test with the boat motoring 4 knots and me over the side with an approved Hydrostatic jacket/harness and tether. It is almost impossible just to keep your head above water. I couldn’t do it and I’m 40 and decently fit. Setup jack lines, tethers and harnesses to keep you ON DECK. 👍

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks… people need to hear this…

[@tomriley5790]

There is a UK company which has adressed this to a degree, their lifejackets are designed to turn you so the tether tows you on your back, they're called Teamo the guy who set them up did so after someone drowned in circumstances similar to what you describe and he couldn't interest the larger manufacturers in his system.

[@MyUltimateFrisbee]

Great message, John! Important we all think through these things and choose our safety gear wisely. Not a place to take shortcuts.

[@ministryofsailing]

Absolutely! Thanks Astro Phil!!

[@DoctorMangler]

I'm really glad you're pointing this stuff out. I'm not a sailor and I'm seeing some really dangerous behavior by some of the folks on these channels. I've seen solo crossing open ocean swimming with sail up. Lack of any tie off in heavy weather. List goes on. Maintenance is often a huge issue, I can't believe some of the chopping and hacking people are doing on boats with no mind to structure or bulkheads. Keep it up and thanks for working to save lives.

[@ministryofsailing]

Our goal is to point sailors to resources like Safety at Sea from either Cruising Club of America, TriSail Storm Club… and of course safer sailing.

[@llillian4055]

Spot on, practice practice practice and use good safety equipment. I remember joining as crew on a Barquentine which carried sail trainees - we didn't leave our berth until the basic safety briefs were all done, and didn't even leave the harbour for the following day as we did ship familiarization. And yes, we threw Mr Basketball Head overboard more than once to learn to heave to and sail back to our man overboard marker before we went out onto the big blue. It's really not fast to sail back to the point you need to get to, especially with square rig, so you better believe it flotation devices matter and the best one is the one you already have on, because depending on the wind and yacht/ship it might take minutes with a bunch of tacking back into the wind to get there. You are spot on about tethers, they are *always* to stay on the deck (or yards, if you have them!) - there are plenty of boats and ships out there that you are just not getting back onto deck without being hove to and a ladder lowered. Good skills scale - knowing your ship, everyone knowing how to deploy man overboard marker, wearing life jackets when required, proper use of harnesses etc etc work from a very small yacht up to a very big, very beautiful sailing ships. But 'short cuts and cost saving tricks" really don't scale, and absolutely could be the last mistake you ever make.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks so much for watching really appreciate it. Sounds like you’ve had a lot of experience. Keep sailing and have fun.

[@chrisvalford]

Your comment about "It's meant to keep you on the deck" is one I've never heard before even on my RYA training courses, but males a lot of sense! So as my yacht doesn't have any reliable clip-on points, I will adjust the jacklines better to remove any slack. 😃

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks… appreciate that an RYA skipper is watching.

[@stephenrobinson1007]

We called them “Jackstays” in the RN. Wonder why 🤔

[@stephenrobinson1007]

Jack stays on the boat !

[@sergeidolbin2775]

I have personally tested a challenge of pulling myself back on 22ft boat sailing, only 2 ft free board, at 2knts on a sunny summer day near Brooklyn. It was going 2 knts, because the was no wind, which means - no waves, no swell, no real life conditions - a bathtub like situation. My friend was driving the boat. Me - around 35 y.o, top physical shape, pfd on, 15 ft line off of the stern. With the line being as it normally is, the closer I was bringing myself, the more difficult it was getting, to the the point that I couldn't bring myself closer than 5 ft off the stern, as my hands were slipping on the rope. We've changed the test by tying knots every 2 feet or so. I was able to bring myself to the stern, grab the rail, but my muscles were too tired to climb back on board. My hands were too tired to hold on to that rail much longer. As a result of this test - I suggest that everyone exhausts all options to stay on the boat, before thinking of anything else. I have though, made a 15 ft rope ladder, with a knotted end just hanging off of the quarter within reach from the water, and normally use it for climbing on board after swimming, knowing that i will never used that option for any rescue nonsense. Good Seamanship - is a better choice.

[@ministryofsailing]

I appreciate you watching the video. Furthermore, you took time out of your weekend (Labor Day weekend) to write this… thanks so much. I am glad you get the big picture.

[@martymorse8967]

Excellent video! Sailing CAN be a very safe sport, but as the saying goes, ya got to know your limitations! Limits of weather, navigational hazards, equipment limits, and limits for the captain and crew inform what actions should be taken. Sometimes the best action is to stay in port! Hope you do a video in a similar vein as this one on DIY modifications. I've seen several sailing videos that have ill advised or even dangerous mods to production sailboats. Cutaway bulkheads, removal of (those pesky) interior parts (that are structural members). Cheers!

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for the comments - appreciate educated boaters!!! Safety education never stops.

[@starfishsystems]

You're absolutely right to emphasize that harnesses and tethers must be set up to keep your crew on deck. Aboard BARBARIAN, we have rated D-rings mounted in the cockpit as well as taut jacklines running forward well toward the centerline of the boat. Someone who slips and falls cannot go overboard. We carry inflatable PFDs with harnesses built in. They're comfortable and unobtrusive to wear, so we wear them. That means one less step to prepare when the weather turns foul or if someone needs to run forward. We just need to clip in, and that takes only a few seconds. I will say that working on the foredeck with a tether can become a bit of a tangle if you don't take care to maintain the topology that you came forward with. It's embarrassing to clear a fouled genoa sheet only to end up fouling it and yourself with the tether. But that's all thr more reeason to gain practice under safe conditions, well before setting out into more chaotic weather.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks Starfish - John Shaw’s Barbarian?

[@wolframzirngibl1147]

Thank you for your definite statements. Please let me add experience from a charter sailor's perspective, that is: You hardly manage to find or install enough hard points or jacklines on a charter yacht respectiuvely. To achieve the goal of staying on board, a sailor needs some extra rules, because he has to deal with compromises. 1. Find and define existing hard points and rails for suitability. A boat owner migth do this once and add extra points. No way on a charter yacht. 2. Practice, as you said, especially any elasticity of jacklines and find hardpoints, fulfilling the job of keeping your jackline in position thus you on board. Take your time to find out. 3. When sailing, take extra time when changing tether points. One single charter week or so never lets you get enough practice to do a change "automatically". You always have to use your cortex for a safe change.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for sharing your perspective. We hope you enjoyed the segment

[@Condre3000]

Gatta say 'thanks' for the reality check. I've been begging my wife for years to someday get a sailboat and go somewhere. She always (and smartly) replied with 'not until you know what you're doing'. I guess its stuff like this that she was talking about. I do plan to take some sailing classes eventually though

[@ministryofsailing]

Take her with you… she will love it.

[@alandb2481]

I totally agree on the view that a tether should be short enough to keep you on the boat. I recommend my students pass the tether around the Jackline and back onto the harness, making it half-length.

[@ministryofsailing]

Please think about the release aspects when doing that. Doubles with a shorty… ?

[@mduccos]

Thank you man!! Really usefull video, straight to the point, i only hope now the algoritm shows it to their audience.

[@ministryofsailing]

I really appreciate it

[@ChrisTietjen_00]

This is a great idea for a sailing channel. Risky and even crazy behaviors closely examined and commented on!🐬

[@ministryofsailing]

Exactly!

[@maurolimaok]

I believe this could be a SERIES or a PLAYLIST. There's plenty of subjects to cover here.

[@ministryofsailing]

Subscribe to the Sailors Debrief Playlist. We also have playlists for the Sailing Rescue Swimmer Training and one on leadership. Thanks for taking time to watch and comment.

[@morethan4mph]

Great, well reasoned advice. Anyone ignoring these things after seeing this video doesn't deserve a boat.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks

[@susanwhalen1763]

Thank you for this video. I can’t believe the things that I have seen boaters try to do on land let alone on the water.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thank you for tuning in and watching it really appreciate it please share and like please let me know if you ever in an area of town or we go sailing together

[@atw98]

la Vagabond "we won't wear safety harnesses because it doesn't look good on camera". Exact quote when begged by the followers to wear a harness after releasing a video of 30 ft sea state with 35 knot winds.

[@ministryofsailing]

That works, right up to the point that it doesn’t.

[@MikeKisil]

Ty good eye opener in just how sideways people with EXPERIENCE lead.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for the comment.

[@mainesail3097]

In the old days (my days) sailors generally came up from sailing smaller boats from Sunfish to Widgeons and other dinghy types up through bigger boats-generally sailing in company of experienced sailors as their own competence grew. For a while now, that continuum has become increasingly broken as wannabe sailors quite often buy a boat, without understanding the process of buying the right boat, they load on the electronics and cool gear-maybe watch a few youtubes and off they go. Like many experienced boatmen/women, I used to think that a certification requirement was un-necessary. Things have gotten so bad that it's now time to require a minimum of certified training-but the industry will never let that happen.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks. What and where do you sail? We appreciate you watching.

[@svcoddiwomple]

Great video! As a OUPV instructor and certified NSBC instructor this was very difficult to watch. It makes me sick to my stomach that this misinformation is being put out there- especially when it comes to the safety of children! Drowning is the leading cause of death in boating accidents and the Coast Guard estimates that upwards of 80% could have been prevented with a pfd. Best practice is to wear it all the time. Experience or skill level has nothing to do with survival once you’re over the side.

[@ministryofsailing]

I love it when I hear from other instructors thanks so much for all you do to keep voting safe

[@danpinsonsax]

I’m constantly surprised at how many sailing youtubers don’t take basic safety precautions. I wear an inflatable PFD with a whistle, strobe, and small floating VHF radio on me before i leave the breakwater. Next on the list is a PLB.

[@ministryofsailing]

Watch out sailing at night series…

[@ColoradoStreaming]

A Garmin InReach SOS beacon is always a good idea as well.

[@paduag1782]

Little things that no one really talks about. Appreciate it

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks

[@77space-vt8wi]

Useful and infomative tutorial on length of life line tether. Famous movie quote: "Never get out of the boat".

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks

[@mainesail3097]

Whenever possible I place hard points and short jacklines ALONG THE CENTERLINE OF THE DECK. Jacklines along the side decks allow too much movement under load and can easily leave you hanging helplessly alongside the hull-probably at least partially in the water. yes they allow greater freedom of movement along the decks-but at increased risk. BETTER is a dual line tether that allows you to move along the deck for example, but also allows attachment to centerline points as you go along-especially in the bow when handling headsails.

[@ministryofsailing]

100 percent. You get a gold star . Appreciate that you took the time out of your day to comment.

[@ninehundreddollarluxuryyac5958]

Thanks for this. I will be getting an actual harness instead of clipping to my near shore vest, and shortening the tether to keep me on deck. I have been single handing for years with nothing, then thought I was OK with the vest and a roofer's tether. Last time I sailed on Lake Geneva was at the Inland Lakes Yachting Association regatta back in the 60's.

[@ministryofsailing]

We may have sailed that one together. Thanks for watching.

[@dancarter482]

Shocking the amount of folks I see who have no idea how to use a work position harness. As for swimming, I got stranded on a reservoir while windsurfing a few years back - becalmed. Once I'd fought to get the rig out of the water and all trussed on deck, I swam sidestroke with one arm hooked over the nose of my board so all I had to do was kick. It took HOURS and I suffered severe cramp and made it more by luck than judgement. I know I'd have failed to self rescue in any kind of current or swell.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for sharing…

[@zeusapollo8688]

Similar experience. Eye opener

[@TM-tw1py]

99.5% of everyone watching this video will never need to clip on for offshore sailing.

[@ministryofsailing]

Hopefully they start looking into the safety at sea courses.

[@davidkerr4103]

20-30 years ago, we would never use life jackets until things started to get a bit “sporty”. Back then, your only option was the bulky, uncomfortable foam filled things. Now, with reasonably priced, self inflating jackets with an integrated harness that is so light and comfortable, there really is no excuse for not using one.

[@MultiBmorgan]

not appropriate offshore sailing, not rated.

[@sailingnomad4963]

Single handing is different. You stay on or die. Especially if you’re older. You’re not self recovering at anything over 3 knots if you’re an 80yo.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for viewing.

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

If you liked the old foam filled PFDs, you would love the older ones with hard blocks of cork sewed inside.

[@davidkerr4103]

@@MultiBmorganthat’s just not true, most self (if not all) inflating life jackets comply with ISO 12402 for off shore use with a minimum of 150N buoyancy. 275N and above are only recommended if carrying heave equipment ie tools or weapons as it makes it more difficult to swim and enter a life raft from the water. The ISO 12402 series for personal flotation devices (lifejackets and buoyancy aids) was prepared by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 162, Protective clothing including hand and arm protection and lifejackets, in collaboration with Technical Committee ISO/TC 188, Small craft, in accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).

[@kevnorth9812]

Terrific video…. Totally Correct in every aspect. Maybe the next video can be about jack lines, safety harness and life vest stowage and deck drills on how to safely move about in all types of weather?

[@ministryofsailing]

Check out our sailing at night video.

[@mikepowell2776]

I’ve been sailing for around half a century having started with a (UK) RYA approved initial course. More recently I lived for a decade on a canal boat. The principal of ‘one hand for the ship and one for yourself’ goes without saying and it is sensible to wear a safety harness and safety line but you should ALWAYS wear an appropriate, approved life jacket - not some cheap buoyancy aid. I used to wear one even on canals. You can be knocked out falling off any boat and it’s possible to drown in an inch of water. A good friend told me once that if anyone laughs because you’re wearing a life jacket, they’re the fool, not you.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks, appreciate your wisdom… if you were on a river boat, did you ever run into an American ex Air Force guy. Played music

[@johnpaulson996]

When the average boat is moving at hull speed, it takes 3 to 3.5 seconds to move one boat length. It does not matter if the boat is 15 feet or 80 feet.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks - we appreciate the comment,

[@rustysailor4672]

Not true. The hull speed increases with the square root of the boat length (waterline). At double length it takes 40% longer.

[@elliowb2]

I love Christian William's storytelling. However, you're right, he should be very careful about suggesting that anyone follow his practices.

[@ministryofsailing]

He is a great story teller… have him call me..thanks for watching

[@theowenssailingdiary5239]

@@ministryofsailing have him call me? Who do you think you are?

[@ministryofsailing]

Just a sailor like you, I would love to talk to him. I wasn’t being sarcastic.

[@blankvirtue]

Mr Schaefer ? Thank you for your sincere concern about safety on board boats. I appreciate it.

[@ministryofsailing]

Always

[@sailingEV888]

I though for sure my channel would be in this video! Im learning as Im going and posting ALL my mistakes..

[@ministryofsailing]

Happy to help… glad you tuned in… keep it up and do your research. The information is out there, take a look at the OSRs and Safety at Sea from US Sailing, Cruising Yacht Club of America or TriSail Storm club

[@southernpaths2986]

Mike, I totally clicked on this video expecting to see you too, 😂😂😂!!! I was surprised to see Christian Williams on here but I can see where this guy is coming from. Christian has been doing this so long he’s gotten complacent in his own ability. That’s fine for him I guess but for new sailors his advice is not exactly sound…

[@ministryofsailing]

Ok.. I am subscribing to Mikes Channel now.

[@ministryofsailing]

Mike send me a note..

[@MultiBmorgan]

@@southernpaths2986 what? staying on the boat?

[@docjeffry]

I agree 100%. I never heard of any of these channels. All I can say is: Wow! Really?

[@ministryofsailing]

I was absolutely stunned!! If want to be shocked, go read the comments from their followers!!! It is truly unfortunate that people agree. So many thank these folks.

[@MultiBmorgan]

@@ministryofsailing Christian Williams is an accomplished sailor with many years behind the mast. His sense of humor and wit was accentuating his exact message of staying on the boat

[@sailingnomad4963]

@@MultiBmorganit’s like he intentionally left that part out. Typical club racer mentality. “My way of sailing is the only way to do it, otherwise you’re unsafe!”

[@DuaneKerzic]

Anyone that's been in the water with the boat on the mooring and tried to get back on board will know that you aren't going to be able to do it while the boat is moving. That's why there are boarding ladders. Anyone that's waterskied or been on a towed tube behind a motorboat can tell you what it's like getting towed when you can easily let go of the tow line. There is no substitute for being clipped in. Good job.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks

[@georgedoolittle7574]

Anything can go wrong will go wrong when sailing a sailboat absolutely and hence the draw for some as absolutely is an incredible challenge. Had a boom miss my head my miliseconds and less than milimeters on a calm day out having fun on a lake😊

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for watching

[@tomriley5790]

This will also sound like a commercial plug - and it is in a way but because I believe the product has a point - I'd recomend having a look at team-o's life jackets, they are designed so if you do end up in the water attached by a tether it will turn you round and tow you on your back, rather than face first which has drowned people.

[@ministryofsailing]

Team O (zero) have the dorsal release which is great- but not USCG. The only vest that comes complete, straps, spray hoods, lights and whistles (all OSRs) is Spinlock, US and UK versions!

[@hewey4899]

Not only was the first example not wearing a proper tether, but their lifejackets didn't have a crotch strap. There's a reason we have these regulations. The second example is so wrong. I've fallen off the back of a yacht racing, and I was holding a rope attached to the boat. Being dragged I could not keep my head above water, let alone pull myself back on board. Dangerous advice from that guy.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for watching. Don’t forget the rum!

[@TommySchaeffer]

Mr. Schafer!!! Take it from another Schaeffer (**ahem** ...pardon MY spelling, hahahaha) This was a GREAT video to stumble upon! Looking forward to watching more of the vids on your channel and finding ya on the other platforms...Cheers! --Tommy S[c]ha[ef]fer

[@ministryofsailing]

I saw you followed. Thanks.

[@TommySchaeffer]

Aye! --sure did,@@ministryofsailing! My pleasure--it's an easy click to make when the content is great and earns it!

[@xbioman7882]

Great video. Thanks so much for sharing this information.

[@ministryofsailing]

Glad you liked it! Stay tuned for the next one!

[@SailingGoodBadandUgly]

Keep doing "youtubers are trying to kill u vids" by far your most successful vid🍻🍻 us youtube sailors are rule breakers and people need to be warned!!😂😅

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks so much. We are going back and forth - we will find positive reinforcement as well. When you see it, send it to us… remember we are sharing the standards that we teach from the OSRs. And the skills from Safety at Sea courses we teach

[@UpstateDS]

Clearly, Christian’s first mate was being sarcastic about making the mile long swim.

[@buitenkliniek]

And Christian's video's are about single handed sialing. Where all bets are off and if you go overboard you die. If you read his books you'll know those terms are acceptable to him.

[@ministryofsailing]

Watch one of the best solo sailors episode 106.

[@tomriley5790]

If you can afford a boat you can aford a decent lifejacket and a a decent tether. Very hard/virtually impossible to drag yourself back on the boat out of the water, plus a good chance that you'll be pulled into the water. 1 mile in 60 degree water would be difficult, potentially doable to save your life, with a suit on you'd be able to do it, without one much more difficult and certainly you're not going to be in great shape when you get there and unless its a beach/easy climb out of the water you probably won't be able to get out of the water. I wouldn't recomend it, a life jacket serves the ability to keep you on the surface and enables you to concentrate on keeping your bodily warmth around you.

[@ministryofsailing]

If you’re getting a boat, with a loan, include all the safety equipment in the package.

[@1969utube]

I was a little sceptical of where this vlog was going, given its title as I do enjoy watching a number of sailing channels and find a lot of good advice and ideas. That said, as a professional sailor, I 100% agree with what this video says. I NEVER advise anyone not to wear a life jacket. I confess I do not always follow this advice for myself on my vessel but I would never advise people not to. Second, I would only ever use tethers and harnesses for purpose or what is the point? Finally, there are very well documented cases of people drowning as they have fallen overboard, despite being tethered in - largely due to incorrect use of the lines. They are intended to keep you on board and the chances of you being able to recover from being overboard when you are on your own from a vessel still moving through the water is virtually zero. Remember, your average offshore yacht is on autopilot while you are working on deck so don’t think the yacht will simply round up into the wind. The force of the water against you as you try to haul yourself aboard will make it almost impossible in anything but calm conditions.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks so much for commenting and following our first trip being skeptical. As a pro would be great for you to reach out via email on our website. We are also pros. Be great to hear from you collaborate.

[@rangie944]

Great video calling out you tubers who do influence peoples opinions and sailing practice. This is a stop and think moment for a lot of viewers.

[@ministryofsailing]

Well said!

[@ChimiChimiChurryPie]

I watch a lot of sailing channels and the ones with kids onboard scare me the most. However, Erik Anderaa's channel NBJS is on a whole other level. He sails solo in the N. Atlantic ocean with no safety gear on his body. Nuts.

[@ministryofsailing]

We are producing a new episode about Single handed sailing.

[@zr6ajl]

While the carabiner s the couple were using doesnt look all that great as seen in the video, and the bowline is not great for that application for sure, I have personally used Marine rated tethers, that explicitly say not for arresting a fall, yeah wtf, where mountain climbing carabiner's I prefer to use, do not have that warning, and also self lock. They are designed to arrest a fall, and they actually look, function, weigh less and operate smoother than marine rated tethers I have, yes including the twin hook tether....and yes I am only crew, but carry my own tethers and pfd's because I don't trust shared equipment Also that great double clip marine tether (yes the one you need to comply with offshore racing rules) , you so conveniently forget to mention also cant quick release under load either. yes it has a overload indicator, but that is purely there so the race scrutineer can see it has taken a load and make you replace it. If you think that tether can quick release under load , without any other ancillary equipment, then please demonstrate live how to do it, because I have that exact tether as well, and it will drag you along just as well as the tether the couple were using. Sure the PFD can have a quick release added, but the tether does not have it, and you so conveniently forget to trash it for dragging you. And While I have had fights over the Jack stays positions on yachts, even the ones that do comply with offshore regulations will still have you overboard on even on a short regulation tether. Definitely a bit of a click bait holier than though video . The offshore rules apply to racers for good reason, because they go looking for trouble at the max all the time, and are notorious for taking shortcuts for more speed, cruisers....not so much

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for the well thought out comment. To date, there are two known cases where quick release systems let go prematurely. One was the Hook Race 2019, I was in that race. . And yes, not letting go has more cases. These were not conveniently left out. They are on the floor of the edit room. The Harness Release System (HRS) was specifically designed because of those issues. The system is not metal so there is less to maintain. Spinlock has worked very hard in consulting with many of the most advanced AC and Ocean Racers during development. One caveat to this video is that Mast Harness, with a Tylaska t12 is a really good solution. We address jack lines in the sailing at night series located in the Pro Tips Play list and the Sailing Rescue Swimmer Certification Play list. Thanks again for your comment. I will specifically create a video showing the danger of the most common snap shakel and its faults. Many forget to maintain them and they get dirty and rusty. Store them in the open position, and they will oxidize less in the critical areas. During Safety at Sea courses, in the “in the Water section” I specifically discuss this with each participant. Keep the rust off of that the shackles and maintain them. Another reason we the HRS. Exists. Send me an email. I love this discussion. If your around for Annapolis Boat show. We can film it together!

[@ministryofsailing]

Oh I forgot… “be critical” be a skeptic, tip one!!!! Even on me. Sail safe you sound like you really push your team on safety, that’s really important.

[@DmacDomage]

Mr "I never wear a life jacket" has never had the misfortune to experience falling half body into the water on a moving sailboat. During my first experience of using a trapeze on a Flying Ant as a teenager, I made the mistake of not bracing my forward leg and ended up over the side as we came over a wave. The skipper (also a teenager) froze up and didn't release the main sheet. Now I'm being dragged. It was nigh on impossible to get back into the boat while I was being practically keel hauled, and that's as a fit 16 year old. If that older man was solo sailing and fell out just that much over the side, he's being dragged over the horizon for as long as it takes for no one to come and rescue him. Just plain stupid

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for sharing your experience. We really appreciate it. Thanks so much for watching our channel.

[@n0red33m]

I appreciate this video, thanks for the valuable information

[@ministryofsailing]

You are welcome. Sail safe

[@burkepete110]

respect for the sea includes an understanding that any sailor, seasoned or novice, cautious or foolhardy can die on the water. Everyone who ventures out has a right the chose the level and type of preparation they bring with them. Our main concern should be that everyone is aware of the risks and of what constitutes minimum or higher levels of preparation, including training and practice. It's critical that captains take time to evaluate and communicate the risks and options to crew and guests prior to leaving the dock.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks… appreciate the comments

[@garetjax2768]

I honestly don't care when people do dangerous things that put them at risk. Where I draw the line is when they begin to advocate that others do dangerous things in an unsafe manner. The more trusted an authority figure, or the broader their audience, the more agitated I get. If you want to unalive yourself by being dumb then go for it, but don't trick others into doing it too.

[@ministryofsailing]

In the case of the water, unsafe actions, even if you are solo, will place others in danger too. You may be solo, but the USCG or another agency will go look for you. No the issue has compounded.

[@chhindz]

Your last example was Christian Williams who was a crew member on Ted Turners winning boat in 1979 Fastnet race, He did emphasize One Hand for the boat.

[@MultiBmorgan]

Christian has a sense of humor, one hand for the boat, one for you and harnessed and clipped in at all times is what I heard and saw. Do not discount Mr.WIlliams.

[@ministryofsailing]

Yes,,, he did emphasize that. But for kids… it’s the law!!!

[@Brgnalf81]

​@@ministryofsailingYes, yes, I AM THE LAAAAW! We get it. If you actually watch any of Christians videos, you'll see a really short tether on at all times. With kids, I musta agree, kids are dumb. They need safety vests.

[@benkanobe7500]

What do Trans Pac racers wear, for example? It is an honest question. I don't know but figure they probably wear the best stuff.

[@ministryofsailing]

We recommend the spin locks as they come loaded with all the required features for the race. And you can also choose the spinlock whether or not you want to use the harness release system or just a tether. Mustang is another brand to consider

[@sailingnomad4963]

You’re on the right track in the sense that KZbin algorithms highlight the young and beautiful instead of the most experienced and knowledgeable. But Christian Williams is an experienced off shore single handed sailor, and at one time he was, like yourself, a club racer. Club racing with full crew is fun, but it’s not offshore single handed sailing. There is a legitimate argument for an offshore single hander to opt for a more comfortable (more often worn) tether and harness to stay on the boat instead of an inflatable that can hinder self recovery when inflated. Additionally, you have to be honest about how you’d like to face eternity… if you do go over, do you want to bob around for a week while the sharks nibble and you grow weaker from dehydration? The idea that only the approved offshore safety regs are appropriate is as flawed as the KZbin algorithm picking beauty over seamanship.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for your comment. I absolutely am thrilled that there is a space on KZbin for sailing discussions on safety… agree that the OSRs don’t fit everyone, but I haven’t found anything else to point too.

[@ministryofsailing]

@@sailingnomad4963 what do you sail? What offshore races… we have space for you on the Hobart. Look up our Site

[@MultiBmorgan]

Properly cared for flat webbing breaks at over 5000 pounds. That’s one huge safety factor. I agree stay in the boat. And in my experience. It was very rare to see a ship

[@ministryofsailing]

Correct… appreciate the comment

[@MultiBmorgan]

@@ministryofsailingf And I'm correct about the unavailability of a proper offshore life vest as well. you should really keep your finger pointing (see above video) toward yourself. You are not the patron saint of sailing! I could easily watch a full on safety video by you, but that's not what you provided. You provided discourse of which we already have far too much of. Go race your sailboat haha. And me back my"thanks for watching" nullifier

[@crysishunter]

1- Stay on the boat 2- have a drysuit in cold/rough weather 3- have a pilot automatic remote controler 4- have a mob device epirb/garmin inreach

[@ministryofsailing]

What do you sail? Thanks for comments. Appreciate it when real sailors tune in. Thanks

[@crysishunter]

@@ministryofsailing Mostly F18 Catamaran in long distance Raid , but i sail various sailing boat including Figaro 1, Lagoon catamaran and a good old Super Arlequin GTE.

[@crysishunter]

@@ministryofsailing When you do F18 catamaran and use to capsize often in race pushing hard in 25+kn winds, you know how it's hard to swim with your cloth and how impossible it is to climb while dragged by the boat, including how fast you become tired and hypothermia.

[@MultiBmorgan]

lalaland

[@HoneyVoyager]

Mostly useless advice excluding the first about staying onboard and the EPIRB. An autopilot remote and a mobile device (most anyway) won’t survive immersion in water for long enough to function by the time you’ve got yourself in a position to use it. Too many sailors have an over dependence on electrical equipment for safety - once again EPIRB excepted. And a wetsuit is totally impractical for sailing clothing unless you’re sailing a small day boat. The only safe message is STAY ON THE BOAT. Unfortunately life’s not always safe and accidents can and will happen. Like the video states, planning and education can mitigate these somewhat. But, if you can’t accept that then don’t go sailing.

[@matthewtatarian147]

Thank you. Only can understand when you have been dragged. Impossible to even breath.

[@ministryofsailing]

100 percent correct

[@davecolman9446]

another way to view experience is that it provides greater opportunities for certain sailors to reinforce their bad habits.

[@ministryofsailing]

I love this because I often tell people who sell Bigfoot and I ask them the question have you ever had an issue and most certainly always reply now. Then the next question is do you think that’s going to predict the future? You’re really drive down the point thank you so much for watching.

[@the4527klaus]

I find bungee cords make the best life lines, just make sure you use the ones that are coast guard certified.

[@ministryofsailing]

I love the sarcasm. I get it!

[@danielboughton3624]

I was sailing on a cool day with a brisk breeze in a small dinghy and capsized coming about. I had a life vest on and with the current and wind was not going to catch up with the boat. I took my vest off and was able to catch it before it got too far away. With the vest on there was zero chance of me getting to the boat and therefore no chance of making it back to the dock. Is it a good idea to not have a vest and harness and jack line? Nope. Rule number one for me is stay on the boat. It avoids a lot of unpleasantness. I have to ask though - could someone swim 1mi in 60deg water with a vest on to safety? I highly doubt it.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for your comment

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

Everyone should jump overboard with his safety gear on. Pick a nice day, at moderate speed, with help aboard. Then extrapolate to rough seas, a high speed racer, alone, and cold water. I guarantee you will make a "course correction" about your safety plans. PS On ship safety drills, with 2 lookouts watching the overboard target from high above the water, on the bridge, we still sometimes lose a 3 foot cube, simulated man overboard... From a low deck, in rough water, with difficulty turning in the wind a loose man is most likely... gone !

[@ministryofsailing]

You get the big picture.. thanks

[@andvil01]

Sailing a small sailboat in costal waters. Often single handed. 1. Wear a good life west. Unless you were on the US Indianapolis, then you are excused. 2. Made the boat so you can manage all the sails from the cockpit. I am not going up front leaving the tiller and risk fall over board. 3. If tied in, it's for staying ON the boat. And only if something goeas wrong. Otherwise, stay in the cockpit! 4. Don't bite of more than you can chew! If too windy, find a more secure way or wait. Sailing is for fun, not taking unneccesary risks.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for the comments and the reinforcement.

[@bettertoaster]

I seriously doubt that these channels are _trying_ to kill their viewers. What a hyperbolic headline.

[@wesleyallen1173]

I doubt they are to, but dead is dead, and bad advice can get you there fast.

[@ministryofsailing]

Wow, be very careful,,, sailors have to look those words up. We spent alot of time on the thumb nail, this one got the most votes…. You should see the others…

[@SailingWindGypsy]

Hey help me out here. Is there any offshore rated inflatable life jacket with integrated harness? It looks like the only problem with the first guys life jacket was no crotch strap. Does the crotch strap plus integrated harness in an inflatable life jacket make it offshore? I thought most inflatables were rated special class V and were all performance rated as class 2. Are you saying separate harness under your life jacket, if it is not rated for an integrated harness is okay? Is a class 2 rated life jacket adequate for offshore, or are you talking about a class 1 rated offshore life jacket? The only class 1 rated life jackets I know are the big bulky vest style, and I don't think any of them have integrated harnesses. But I haven't been life jacket shopping in a couple years!

[@ministryofsailing]

There are all kinds these days. Go try. Spinlock. They are made with pro sailors assistance in design. There is one in the video.

[@SailingWindGypsy]

@@ministryofsailing so I looked at the spinlock, and it says "not US Coast guard approved"? What's up with that?

[@ministryofsailing]

@@SailingWindGypsy it’s ISO, approved. But they also have USCG. Go to my website. Call me

[@SailingWindGypsy]

@@ministryofsailing So the ISO 12402 - 5 is an offshore inflatable vest because it will turn the unconscious wearer face up in rough water under most conditions. Equivalent in performance to a type 1 US Coast guard approved PFD. And the iso approved integrated harness, must have leg straps so it can't be pulled over the wearer's head. Thanks. I think I got it.

[@Dryer_Safe]

Great video. I sometimes watch CW's episode but somehow I missed his opinion on life vests. He couldn't be more wrong. As I like to put it... It doesn't matter how well you swim. Or how hard you hold on. What matters is how hard the boom hit you over the head when it sent you overboard. But I wonder if you can elaborate on the near shore vs offshore life vests. Falling overboard offshore, it seems to me that you either get rescued ASAP, or remain bobbing in the water for the rest of your life... A survival suit doesn't seem a feasible choice for most cruisers.

[@ministryofsailing]

Near shore or Coastal… pretty much a name by west marine. They do not have a harness built in.

[@randywise5241]

I always wear an inflatable vest when on the water. I like the WW2 flight vest. It saved my life once on a lake. I would never be on a boat in the ocean without wearing one on deck when under way. That and on foggy days, the one piloting can see me in the vest better when I am on the deck working the sails. I could never understand making a tether that will let you fall off the boat. Especially if you were alone. It would turn you into a shark lure.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks

[@andrewnajarian5994]

To be fair, #2 I do t think he was saying he’d catch the transom on his way past but that he wanted enough line that he wouldn’t e getting dragged alongside the boat in the wake where there isn’t a ladder. At least if you’re behind the boat you can use the line to pull yourself back up to the transom ladder. I’m am curious though, how are those differently shaped carribeaners any easier to release? I could see their shape making it easier to clip them on, but they don’t seem any easier to release.

[@ministryofsailing]

First it’s a double action, the latest and given the angle, they rotate easily. But the greatest is a harness release system or HRS advancements. Made of synthetic material, less maintenance of metals and the impact of a water environment.

[@ThePipeiper]

Yeeeeah but I’m still going to watch Mr Williams’ channel religiously. While I appreciate what you have shown here, and you are accurate I might add, I have also gained an incredible amount of knowledge from his channel. It’s very enjoyable as well. I actually had watched the video you pulled the clip from and back then I said I’m not going to do that. That said it’s every sailors responsibility to be his or her own safety enforcement. Common sense is a big part of anything you do on the water and you can not take anything for granted. So of course you should always wear a vest. For me it’s all the time not just underway or when on deck. For someone else it may only be when under way and on deck. I wear mine always because if I’m below deck and something goes wrong I don’t want to waste precious time looking for and putting on my vest. Some may think this is overkill. Perhaps. However, I’d rather be too safe than not safe enough. I also carry two life boats and extra beacons. But that’s just me. I think you would be better served explaining what was wrong, which you did, AND contacting those creators and giving them an opportunity to correct and clarify their positions. This is just my opinion. It cost you what you paid for it.

[@ministryofsailing]

Thanks for taking the time to write that note. Each of the creators were contacted. None responded. We field questions as we train from people who are using techniques demonstrated by those videos.. remember that thing called COVid when everyone bought a boat, but no one could train them because of social distancing? These are the videos people watched for training.

[@daveopincarne3718]

​@@ministryofsailing Jim has stepped back from sailing and making videos, I'm not suprised you didn't get a response. I also disagree with his use of an inshore life jacket with a line tied through it, I can't defend it. But his other videos have been a wealth of information to many sailors, particularly in the C22 community. He got this one wrong, but he's gotten a lot right and a lot of C22 owners have learned a lot from him - before, during, and after COVID.