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Hot debate on the subject of dinghy safety following the tragic loss of life in Palma

Following the tragic loss of Austrian Tornado sailor Johannes Haeupl at the Princess Sophia Trophy, madforsailing have opened up the debate on what should be done to prevent such a loss happening again.
Many of you agree that there are certain aspects of safety surrounding dinghy sailing which need to be tightened up.

From J Falstone, who believes top-level race management and emphasis on seamanship are key
It's unfortunate that safety at regattas only becomes a top priority after a tragedy ('79 Fastnet, '98 Hobart, etc.) . Carrying knives, better trapeze harnesses, and custom tailored personal buoyancy regulations are small patches as far as I'm concerned.

The best safety precaution at large dinghy events is having trained and skilled race management. Every sailor needs to take precautions. Sailors need to assure their boat and gear are well prepared for the conditions, that they are physically fit for their type of boat, and that they are prepared for the consequences of any risks they assume.

Race management must also be prepared with the proper personnel, equipment, and ample training. The virtues of seamanship are rarely more important than when conducting a rescue operation. Experience as both a sailor and a safety boat operator are paramount. Having established procedures known to both the safety boat operator and sailor alike is also important (i.e. both should know what the roles are during a capsize recovery).

Finally, having the right equipment is crucial (i.e. manoeuverable rigid bottom inflatable safety boats). Let's pay more attention to training our safety people, to using the proper gear, and to establishing standard procedures that are understood by all participants.

Don Mitchell writes
The safety boats should have complete gear- knife, wire cutters, mask, snorkel, etc. To not even have a knife was irresponsible. I was trained that every sailor carry a knife.

Mark Rickaby agrees
The answer to whether dinghy sailors should carry a knife or not, to mind is a simple "Yes!". You never know when you might need an easily accessible knife, to cut yourself free from something preventing you swimming to safety. This could be any thing from kelp-like sea weed, to ropes from your craft. I have always carried a knife, strapped to my leg for this very reason...only once needing it to cut free of an underwater obstruction, when I capsized.

Roland Emmans says Paul Brotherton's idea about rapid response is already in effect
The comment about safety boat 'rapid response teams' is already a reality. A few thoughts from somebody who is on both sides of the fence. I sail a RS 600 as well as driving RIBs/ running safety control at events. I have been involved in co-ordinating the safety cover for a number of a Nationals including RS, Topper, Lasers, etc. Always the first priority in any incident is to check that you have two heads - and that the people are OK. Then and only then if the safety boats are not needed elsewhere will boats be towed ashore/damage recovered.

It is always people before boats, people can always be taken off and the boats marked and left to drift as long as the coastguard is informed. At all of the above events - with professionally run safety cover there will be a senior safety craft usually running the on water safety control (fastest boat with most experienced crew). This will take over any serious incident as a second response. I have done this for sailors who have been unconscious or have suffered fractures.

This enables a skilled rapid response to reach an injury or incident even if they are not the closest boat. I think it should be noted that without these people, who are generally unpaid volunteers, we would not be able to run Nationals and enjoy our sport. I for one spend at least one week per year running safety cover for events and putting something back into my sport.

Two issues arise from this - one being abuse from competitors, or sailors not following on the water safety instructions - which are for their safety - and the second being liability issues for the safety crew. What happens if the safety crew go to help a sailor who is injured and the person ends up getting more injured getting them ashore - through no fault of the safety boat volunteers? Then lawsuits might ensue...

All rescue boats should have two people in them - one ready to enter the water - fully kitted up with knife, first aid kit etc. See RYA safety boat handbook for the basis of the kit to be carried and how procedures should be carried out in an ideal world. I have had an incident when we have fished unconscious kids out of the water at gybe marks(and endangering ourselves to get them) and left the boat, only to pass the kid from a paramedic on the water to the ambulance - for the parents to stress about the boat - it is insured!

Readers are divided over the merits of buoyancy aids in sailing. Go to page 2 to see their comments...