In article .com,
Capt. Rob wrote:
Does your boat have a swim platform that helps to make it a safer
vessel? Or do you own a death trap like Sloco's Depress 30? Looks like
the 35s5 is designed for speed, comfort....and LIFESAVING!

I'm not sure that retrieving people like this in the conditions
described are something that I would want to try. I'm glad it worked
this time, but I would be concerned trying to get someone aboard from
the stern of a boat (scoop or not), since whatever hobby horsing the
boat does would tend to cause the boat to come down on the head of the
person being retrieved from the stern. Also, using a ladder of the
stern has the potential to jam people's fingers/hands/arms/stuff.
Also, you're pretty close to the prop, and if you had to start or
engage the engine, you would be putting people at risk.

Clearly, what they did worked, so it's hard to be critical, but it
sure wouldn't be my first choice. These are fairly typical conditions
where I sail, add very cold water, and I've practiced retrieving
someone. We definitely kept them away from the stern.

MORE AMERICAN HEROES
Taking their turn as Race Committee for the day, Ross Hunton, and crew
went out in the 20 to 25 knot winds, and 3 to 5 foot seas for the start
at the Gulfstream Sailing Club in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Air and water
temperatures were in the low 80s.

Also, I'm not sure I would be concerned with the equipment in an
emergency situation. Again, it was nice that it was retrieved, but
that's secondary to getting the people on the boat. The modern stuff
(which I'm assuming they had, but in any case) includes a BC as part
of the tank, so if the equipment was disconnected from the diver, it
would still float.

connection. Each was reeled over to the swim ladder in the scooped
transom, and was amazed to see how well this worked, hauling three
exhausted two-hundred pound men, plus their scuba equipment on board.

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

Exactly why the Boob is a boob. In rough conditions you bring someone
back on board at max beam.

Exactly why the Boob is a boob. In rough conditions you bring someone
back on board at max beam.


Wrong, wrong, wrong. I'm always saddened by morons like Sloco giving
out dumb and dangerous advice. I'm sure those rescued divers are glad
Sloco wasn't the boat on the scene (he probably would have been calling
for help anyway!).

While professional rescue crews employ vessels purpose built for
emergencies, the recreational boater may find themselves involved in a
rescue operation. This can happen when:
1) They are first on the scene.
2) The rescue vessel instructs them to assist is a specific manner.
Because a recreational vessel is not designed for rescue, the crew must
evaluate the conditions and risks carefully. There are no hard and fast
rules for bringing people aboard, but the order of the day is speed. A
human being, submersed for even short periods, can experience heart
failure. The motion of the vessel in bad weather can pose additional
risks, threatening to crush a person as the boat is tossed by wave
action. Powerboats are generally advised to retrieve a victim at the
rear quarter, just aft of the widest point of beam. Sailing vessels,
which may have a more predictable and controlled motion may try this,
and also from the stern, especially when making some headway. Again,
the specific state of seas and motion of the vessel may dictate
different tactics.

What a dick, Sloco is. These guys rescue some divers using a
recreational sailboat and a swim platform, get a medal, and like a
little girl he's gonna tell them that they saved lives wrong!!!!


RB
35s5 XL, WK 34-09
NY