For the inside legs, the standing orders are that life jackets are to be worn when the wind is over 15 knots, or anytime between sunset and sunrise (with tethers). From Port Hardy onwards, the standing orders will be for life jackets to be worn at all times, with tethers after dark.
Our man overboard procedure is posted in the head for the crew's reading pleasure
On Leg 3 of the race, which was at times a fairly windy affair from Campbell River to Hardwicke Island, we had the opportunity to put our MOB procedure into a full test, as our inflatable Man Overboard Unit decided to self-deploy while we were beating upwind in 18 knots and in heavy seas.
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The MOM unit is the little white container on the starboard stern of the vessel. Photo credit to Linda Vermeuien. |
Lesson's learnt:
- It is difficult to see the man overboard pole in seas
- The boat has to be at a dead stop as you come up to the pole to recover it, so it is important to keep an eye on the speed.