Approach the sailboat perpendicular to the mast on the forestay
side to keep the powerboat away from the sailor on the cockpit side of the
boat, or from running over the submerged mainsail. Make contact with the
top of the mast; or with the forestay, if the mast is submerged too much
to grab. Once contact is made with the sailboat, turn off the engine. Then
lift the mast tip and move hand over hand down the mast and shroud to
bring the boat upright.
In this video, the sailor has positioned himself to be scooped into the
cockpit as the boat comes upright. Another method frequently used to get
the sailor back on the boat has the sailor standing on the centerboard. As
the boat comes upright, he swings his leg over the side of the boat, like
swinging a leg over a saddle, and slides into the cockpit.
Safety of the sailor comes first.
Check for signs of injury, fatigue or hypothermia and that no one is trapped
under the sails.
Always keep the propeller away from the persons in the water.
