At The Helm: Man Overboard!

Published on Sailing ScuttleButt April 22nd, 2021

by Andy Schell, SAIL Magazine
Imagine this simple scenario: the boat’s powered up, sailing close-hauled in a building breeze under full sail. I come on deck as the skipper during the watch change to make sure the new crew is comfortable and the boat is properly set up for both the current conditions and those expected over the next four to eight hours.

The helm feels a little heavy, and it’s going to be dark soon, so we decide to roll up part of the genoa, bringing it in to the first reef mark. In doing so, we’ve also got to move the car forward in order to keep the sheet lead correct—we want it pulling “down” on the leech of the sail as well as aft along the foot to maintain proper shape.

By now our Swan 59, Icebear, is dipping the leeward rail from time to time, and the low side has become the “dangerous” side for the crew who need to work their way forward in order to re-position the car. This maneuver is routine and can happen several times over the course of a four-hour watch when conditions are variable. It’s also risky, making it a great test case for Icebear’s man-overboard safety practices.

As a skipper, if the words “man overboard” don’t send icy chills down your spine, you’re probably not doing enough to prevent it from happening. You go overboard, you’re dead. Simple as that. If we get you back—well, you’ve been very, very lucky. – Full report

H2Ohio Initiative creates wetland in Buckeye Lake

Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine, and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director, Mary Mertz, last week announced details of a new H2Ohio wetland project that will help prevent harmful algal blooms on Buckeye Lake….

Click Here to Read More

Initial aeration systems placed in Buckeye Lake

Water quality at Buckeye Lake is a topic that has been discussed, and cussed, for decades. From faulty septic tanks leaking into the lake to nutrient-rich farm runoff to an out-of-control resident Canada goose population, there has always been plenty of fodder for people to complain, blame, or both, about Buckeye Lake….

Click Here to Read More

POSTPONED

As of this evening, we’ve had limited response of Thistles planning to join us this Saturday.  Sadly, with the forecast, we’re having trouble to get firm commitments from our RC Volunteers as well.  At this time, we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone and try again at a later date.  One possibility that immediately comes to mind is that we add a one-design fleet for the Thistles at our Snowball Regatta, October 16.  Stay tuned – we’ll get this thing revived sooner or later.  Please share this information. 

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2021 LAMBRECHT CUP SERIES AND HOLIDAY LONG DISTANCE RACES IS OPEN

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Use the above form to register for both the Lambrecht Cup (“Sail on Sundays”) and Holiday Long Distance Races.  This form will register you for all.

We need to have all entrants registered through the online system in order to score the races this year.  Thank you for your cooperation.

COME SAIL WITH US!

This coming Saturday, BLYC will again host the Mean Green spring tune-up regatta for are Thistle sailors.  Thistles can be exciting boats as you can see in the video below.

Just some former junior sailors from Cleveland Yachting Club having a fun day on the water in an exciting boat.

(Probably should’ve thought about donning the PFDs a bit earlier though)

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We plan to use this day as a ‘tune-up” and practice for our Race Committee and Regatta volunteers so that we’re ready for our largest regatta of the season – the I-LYA Traveler Series Regatta, June 5.

If you’re planning on helping with the Junior Regatta or the Snowball in the fall, we strongly encourage you to come out and help with this laid-back one-day tune-up event.

More information?
Contact Governor Bill Collinson