Polly

Last weekend we had our first MOB, or in fact, woman overboard. Our weekend guest slipped whilst putting on a sail tie, fell on the deck and slipped off Brilliant. She is an experienced sailor and a good swimmer, and apart from bruises from the falling bit, is fine and unfazed by the experience. So why post a note here? Well because we learned a lesson or two that may be worth sharing. 1 the lifejacket was on, and properly fitted- I had in fact serviced them all in preparation for the new season replacing firing cartridges and blowing them up overnight to check for leaks. 2. We had briefed everyone on the whereabouts of emergency kit- all in one locker used for nothing else 3 The boarding ladder was deployed and hooked over stern cleat as planned, this worked, but it was in a bag that took precious moments to open so it is now Velcro strapped. The recovery was from the cockpit but another time it may be forward, so I have fitted two carabiners to the top so that we have fast anchoring anywhere aboard. 4 We have a throwing line which has never been used, it was too well coiled at the factory for fast release. On this occasion that wasn't an issue as she was alongside but it's now loosely coiled and Velcro tabbed. 5 Casualties are really heavy even when fit and conscious, three of us got her aboard, no bother, but what if it was one rescuer? I think a recovery line with blocks is to be my next 'invention'. Of course on a saily we do have options already available, main sheet, jib halyard and so on, but if circumstances make these hard to access, a line with 3x purchase or similar that can attach to a couple of cleats or a rail could be a lifesaver, and of course Stinkies would start at this point. 6. We had a plan ready, so that helped. RYA training is a good investment. 7. Even though recovery was quick, I still had a very cold crew member to deal with, cabin shelter from the wind, dry clothes, blankets and a hot drink and chocolate all were produced in rapid order, but I still realised that insisting she got under a duvet and stayed there a while was also needed. Staying with a casualty and keeping a close eye is important, my friend was insisting she was ok, but she was shivering, so wasn't. 8 And nagging crew to always keep one hand on the boat is probably needed more. We did OK but there is always room for improvements. Hope we don't need them, but just in case!

Brilliant will be about, sail no. 204

Sailing apart, what puzzles me is how come novice hirers aren't shown how to prepare warps for mooring. Having hold of both bow and stern lines when stepping off the side is so much easier and safer, and it's not obvious until someone shows you how.

Members following the 75th Anniversary flotilla story may like to know that Jason is crewing MTB 102 just now.

One bit of history that might be helpful, Tim, we made sure Scamp was on a lead or indoors immediately after he had a fit; this was because he would run afterwards with no idea where he was for a while. Toby fitted because of a high temp. however, so bringing it down will probably have sorted him.

Poor Toby. We had a dog with epilepsy, it didn't hold him back much.

It's usually online too on the BA website.

Welcome Ray, it is an all age destination isn't it? I hope to get out baby grandson aboard at some time and am sure he will love it!

Ouch! So sorry you had a difficult time.

At last! So pleased you are here! I love the new hairstyle idea; what did Rene say?

They probably have a key Steve.

Hiya Fred, are you a boating veteran?

Looking at the footage, it looked pretty scary! One point, the possible fire was actually at the stern, what other escape routes were on the boat? If it had gone critical, that escape route would have been cut off. I am truly paranoid about checking for a way out as soon as I go into a boat. If we had a narrow boat it would have to have a mid opening or I'd not be a happy bunny at all. . Our first boat was a tiny cruiser with galley next to the only cabin exit. Nobody was allowed in the cabin therefore when the gas was lit. they all thought I was bonkers! No comments IF you don't mind!

Wood of course, but not quite as God intended as there is an appendage at the rear that could provide forward motion. He says, however, he will rely on flappy things or quant. Good luck with that where the depth is winning over the length of the pole. I know he has a canoe paddle somewhere about, maybe that will find a home!

Sauddes law in full operation then.

A few years ago, a neighbour came round and asked me to ring the fire brigade as her washing machine was belching smoke and she didn't want to ring them herself for some reason (??). I did and then went with her to see if I could help, fire extinguisher in hand. It was still on and plugged in, so I disconnected it. Then I realised several children were playing upstairs! Get them down and keep them down was my advice. There was a visiting dad of some of the children, he was dead keen to open the door of the machine to 'see what the problem was' so keen was he and so sure a mere woman couldn't stop him that I had the choice of having a stand up argument or repeating my advice and going home.. I went home, leaving the fire extinguisher. The fire brigade arrived very shortly afterwards. She told me later in surprise that it got much worse after I left, guess who opened the door? Of course, I should have had that row, it would have given the Fire Brigade time to arrive.

Oh poo I wanted to take some friends there this weekend.

He has a pink saily hat, what more proof is needed?

It has come to my notice that a certain well known stinky accomplice and purveyor of stinky propulsion devices has seen the light. I understand that he has acquired both rags and a stick and plans to use them.

I think engine off and cruise to the bank is the way to go. Never ever open a hatch where fire is probable unless you are safely able to get off in a hurry and have a working extinguisher in your hand! Battery isolators should be labelled of course and everyone know where the switch is. I have a safety sheet too for Brilliant, must remember to take it aboard!!!

I thought it opened at May Bank Holiday? It was closed yesterday. Anyone know better?

Yes. We managed to create a conflagration of sorts last year. The outboard went critical, ( weeds) and it was emergency off and straight into the reeds. Fire extinguishers were to hand but not deployed as it smoked something awful but didn't actually ignite. The oil cap had melted and spurted oil into the engine cavity. Surprisingly, after a clean up and new cap, it got a clean bill of health! Mark Bird sold it to us a while back, so I guess he sold us a tough little engine!

Happy birthday!

Welcome Juli, what is your boat called?

It was the next best thing though.