On Mon, 26 Jun 2006 12:31:34 -0700, "Capt. JG"
wrote:

I've seen and practiced this a few times with my students, but I was
wondering if someone has a reference to the procedure on the web?

The basic difference between the standard figure 8 (or quick turn) and the
modified version is that instead of immediately going on a beam reach, you
immediately go on a broad reach, then tack and head back to the MOB on a
close reach. The advantage seems to be that it's a more direct approach with
fewer points of sail to negotiate with an inexperienced crew. The slight
disadvantage is that you have less time to get it together, although you
could continue on the broad reach for a bit longer. We were very successful
using this method by taking the tack at about 3 boat lengths from the MOB on
the broad reach. That's not very far IMHO.

Clearly, if you have experienced crew, the condition warrants it, or there
are other factors, a host of other methods are available (e.g., LifeSling,
quick stop, while motoring). It also seems to me that this might be a safer
technique for ocean recoveries as well, rather than jibing (with the
LifeSling). You could still deploy the LS, but not jibe.

Comments?

Have you tried the Heave-to, Sail-to, Heave-to method?

I know of two versions:

1) As soon as the MOB occurs, heave-to instantly and, with the sails
still sheeted in, simply sail in circles around the MOB until you can
heave-to and recover.

2) Heave to and then sail downwind with the sails still sheeted in
until the MOB is off the quarter. Complete the gybe and head back to
the MOB on a close reach or close hauled. Depending on the wind
strength, leave about two - three boat lengths between yourself and
the MOB. When the MOB is off the quarter, heave to and work your way
to the MOB using a shroud as an aiming point.

In both methods:
- The sails remain sheeted in; the is no need to make sail
adjustments.
- You end up hove-to with the MOB on the leeward side.

Advantages:
-Can be done by one person.
-The boat is always in control.
-Having the MOB to leeward means a shorter distance to the water.
-With the sails sheeted in, there are no flying clews and sheets to
injure crew.
-If you miss, you can always keep sailing around the MOB.
-The MOB is always in view

When I teach CYA courses I must use the fiqure 8. I teach it and then
show the heave-to method. I will give your approach a try, the next
time I am on a sailboat. (My next couple of courses are on power
boats.)

Thanks for sharing.

Jack

_________________________________________
Jack Dale
ISPA Yachtmaster Instructor Evaluator Offshore
CYA Advanced Cruising Instructor
http://www.swiftsuresailing.com
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