How to Prevent Boating Accidents While Sailing

Sailing is one of the most enjoyable sports in the world. When the wind fills your sails and you skim across the surface of the water, it seems the fun is almost without end. A moment of inattention or a foolish decision, however, can ruin your outing if it brings you in contact with another boat or sets you on the rocks or sinks your boat. Take it upon yourself to prevent boating accidents while sailing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Sailboat
• Set of Navigation Rules
• Refresher in sailing

1. Learn the rules of the water, the Navigation Rules. Accept responsibility for the safety of your boat and your crew.
2. Avoid collisions. When you approach another boat, identify which has the right of way (the stand-on vessel) and who must give way. When you approach another sailboat, you must determine which is the stand-on vessel depending on tack (starboard v. port) and wind direction (leeward v. windward). Communicate verbally with the other sailor to confirm your intentions. When you pass another vessel, yours is the give-way vessel. When your sailboat approaches a motor boat, the motor boat is the give-way vessel. Commercial vessels are always the stand-on vessel. These are complicated rules--learn them.
3. It is always your obligation to avoid a collision, no matter who has the right-of-way. Remember, pull the “tiller toward the trouble,” which will turn your boat away from the collision. Slow down or stop--do whatever it takes to avoid a collision.
4. Do not crash into the dock. Approach the dock or your mooring by steering your boat into the “no-go zone” (point your bow into the wind). Glide to a stop. You may have a hard time judging your glide zone, so if you miss your mark, circle around and approach again.

Tips & Warnings

• Sail safely. Learn the rules.