On Tuesday night's race, the wind was forecast to be 10 -12,. Instead it was 20 - 25. We started with a reefed main and a 105% genoa. On our way to the first mark we tacked over to port, and right in front of us was a person in the water. Water temp is about sixty degrees. We dropped our sails, rigged the Lifesling and proceeded to help the shivering crew member. Around that time, the race committee chase boat (Boston Whaler) arrived and thought they could get her out easier than we could. They struggled several times and finally got her out. In the Pacific Northwest, there is a ONE- TEN- ONE rule. If you enter the water in these cold conditions, you have about a minute to catch your breath before you're apt to pass out. You have about ten minutes when your muscles are still functional. After that the person in the water cannot help with her rescue. You have about one hour to get out of the water or you might die of hypothermia.
Lesson learned: We have a four-part block and tackle arrangement for our Lifesling. We probably would have gotten her out of the water faster than the race committee did. If you've never tried a man overboard drill with a Life Sling, I'd advise you to do one now. The next day, I found out that three members of that boat (Martin 24X) ended up in the water. They broached with the spinnaker up. The one crew member still on board, did a great job of dousing the chute and dropping the main by herself. Fortunately, everyone is okay. -- Alan Bergen 35 Mk III Thirsty Rose City YC Portland, OR
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