Bart Senior wrote:

Here are my ideas.

First off, I like Ozzie's idea of handing the man the jib sheet. I'd
also talk to him about what I planned to do so he can hold his
breath.

Someone should hand him the boats throwable floatation right away.
If he manages to free himself from the boat he'll need that.

Firing a flare right away might be a good idea. Usually
in a race problems on other boats downwind are spotted quickly,
but others might react more quickly if there was a sense of
urgency provoked by a flare. A handheld VHF call for help
would be wise also, in case the problem takes a long time to
resolve. I would not waste time talking, I'd possibly give one
quick report and focus on the task at hand, and not count on
any help.


I'm sorry I don't see the situation you describe as life threatening.
Flares and radio calls are not called for at that point -it's not that
serious. You have one man uninjured, not overboard, not unconscious and
two able bodied crew to get him back on board. He can certainly hold on
to a rope to keep his head above water. You just have to get the boat
quickly to a state where she will look after herself and pull him back
on board.

Cheers