76 BASIC POWERBOATING. SAFETY & RESCUE FOR SAILING INSTRUCTORS


To de-rig a cambered, full-battened sail with a clamp-on boom rig, the sail may need to be removed from the mast. To do this, start by detaching the outhaul line, then release the boom clamp and remove the boom. Remove the sail from the mast and then roll it around the mast from its bottom edge (foot) to the top of the sail (head). If a mast is in two pieces or broken, roll both pieces inside the sail and tie the outhaul and uphaul lines around the end of the “sausage.”


Assessment of Situation


This self-rescue method is used in light to moderate wind conditions.


It may be difficult to determine if a windsurfing sailor is in difficulty, merely resting in the water, or performing a self-rescue and paddling to safety. A sail in the water may be a sailor taking a rest break. If help is needed, a windsurfer sailor will often use the international distress signal of raising and lowering both arms repeatedly. However, even an “okay” signal does not mean the resting sailor will not need help if hypothermia sets in. Keep track of the windsurfer in case the situation changes. A board with the sail down is very difficult to see in waves and, once sight of it is lost it may be very difficult to find it again. Saving the windsurfer’s position on your GPS or taking bearings could serve as a “last known position” if a search becomes necessary.


This self-rescue method may be used for short distances in light winds.


Approach


After a sail is lowered into the water, it will begin to act as a sea anchor and within a couple of minutes, the board will trail off to leeward of the sail. However, many modern sails with high cambers will have a tendency to “swim” in circles around the windsurfer.


Windward Approach. This is the preferred method. WIND


1 Slowly approach the top of the mast side of the sail with the safety boat aligned with the board. An approach on the mast side will keep the boat from running over the submerged sail.


2 Make contact with the top of the mast. If the top of the mast is submerged, contact may have to be made closer to the board.


3 Turn off the engine when contact is made.


4 Lift the mast and pull the sail across the boat. This will bring the board alongside and the sailor will be brought aboard after raising the centerboard or removing the daggerboard.


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