Just to follow up... check the latest Cruising World. There's a discussion
about MOBs, but the point of interest for you would be the pictures of the
Beneteau 393 with swim platform. They're practiciing MOBs and picking them
up on the side in very modest conditions.

The method discussed in the text highlighted picking people up on the beam
on the leeward side.

In the recent MOB symposium out here, every senior instructor present,
without exception, used the side of the boat for recovery. In fact, one of
the guys was asked about swim platforms, and he said that's what they should
be used for "not for MOBs, no way, don't do it."

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

"Capt. Rob" wrote in message
oups.com...
But, the chance of an MOB in benign conditions is remote. There might
be
cheeze on the moon, but that doesn't make it likely.

I don't agree with that, Jonathan. The ONLY time I went overboard is
when it was calm. I was of my guard. I've seen more people go overboard
in calm conditions. Sailing hard, folks usually hang on for dear life.
It's those easy days that send surprised crew over the side, close to
home. In cold water a dumb accident like that could be your last if you
can't get back on board easily. I have a few friends who sail the
winter here. One has a swim platform....the other doesn't. The one
without leaves his lightly tied with a line that can he can easily pull
from the water. But the boat with the platform is safer.

RB
35s5
NY