yacht capsize recovery

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A Guide to Recovering from a Sailboat Capsize

Sailboat capsizing can be a frightening experience, especially for inexperienced sailors. But understanding how to recover from a capsized boat is part and parcel of sailing. This guide will walk you through the steps of recovering from a sailboat capsize, as well as some tips to ward off such an incident.

Why Capsizes Occur

Capsizing can take place for different reasons, including sudden gusts of wind, choppy seas, or when the captain loses command of the boat. Most often capsizes result from several factors combining forces, like abrupt changes in wind direction, unequal weight distribution among crew members, or improper sail trimming. It’s essential to remember that capsizing is typical when navigating small boats or while learning to sail. Knowing the proper techniques for recovery is integral to your growth as a sailor.

Principles of Survival After Capsizing

If you capsize, don’t panic. This is only a bad thing if it delays your decision-making and preparation, or makes you entirely unprepared for what is to come. Here are some principles to follow that will ensure your survival

Remain Collected

Fear is a natural response to being thrown into the sea, but it’s essential that you keep your composure. Panic will cloud judgement and make it more difficult to think rationally.

Check for Survivors

The most pressing task after a capsized boat is to guarantee everyone has returned to safety. Take count and make sure everyone has something to cling onto or can be hoisted onto the hull of the boat.

Treat Injuries

Examine the scene to look for any injuries that may have occurred. Provide the necessary medical attention. Ask for help if you need to. 

Don Life Jackets

Everyone should don their life jackets if they haven’t already done so. Securely attach them, ensuring they are adequately fitted and provide enough buoyancy.

Stay with the Boat

Unless the boat is sinking or irreparably damaged, stay with the vessel as opposed to attempting to swim to land or another vessel. Rescuers can much easier spot a capsized boat than separate swimmers.

Rescuing the sailboat

Make sure everyone is medically treated and cared for, prepare the boat for rescue. Ensure that everyone is securely positioned. Watch for your belongings as you get the boat ready.

Unfurl the Sails

Release and slacken all sails to prevent a recurrence of capsizing while raising the boat. Keep your head low!

Climb Aboard

Taking position on the leeward side of the sailboat, locate the centerboard or dagger board. Depending on the boat, it might need to be pulled out manually. Climb onto and use your body weight to leverage your craft back up.

Lift Her Up

Lean back against the board and aim to bring the top of the mast from beneath the raging waves. Kick your legs in an effort to generate additional force as you slowly raise her into a standing position. Hurry aboard afterward.

Bail Out All Water

Boats tend to accumulate water in their cockpit after capsize. Utilize a bucket or manual pump to remove as much of this liquid as possible for stability and control. Ready yourself for reclaiming what was once yours: The sea.

Avoiding Disaster

To ensure your thrilling sailing adventures remain safe, remember these tips:

Master Your Art

Savage the elements with skill and finesse. Enhancing your knowledge of how your boat performs in different winds and waves will equip you to handle tricky situations and dodge capsizing.

Keep Watch for Wind Shifts

Anything from a light breeze to a fierce gust can change the course of events in an instant. Monitor the wind direction and speed, being wary when turbulence increases.

Distribute Weight Wisely

The right balance of crew weight is key for steering clear of disaster. Keep it low and centered inside the vessel and be on the ready, able to shift when necessary.

Equip Yourself for Safety

Invest in flotation devices like masthead balloons and righting lines, so if the worst happens, you can count on them to help restore control fast.

When the waves churn and your vessel is overturned, you can take comfort in knowing that the art of recovery is a skill that comes with practice. Don’t let panic overtake you; view every capsizing as an opportunity to hone your abilities on the open seas. With bravery and ambition, you can make the most of any sailing voyage.

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Sailing Capsize Recovery: Scoop and Single-Handed Methods

Content provided by US SAILING.

Once you know the basics of sailing , you should learn a few seamanship skills. Good seamanship helps you handle situations even when you're not sailing. Your boat may need to be towed for some reason. You may need to paddle from a dock to a mooring. As you may already have noticed there are specific knots for specific jobs on board!

Water safety is always important. Sailors can unexpectedly find themselves in the water. The best sailors in the world have experienced capsizing and falling overboard. Wearing a lifejacket and being comfortable in the water make sailing a safer experience for every sailor.

Capsize Recovery – Scoop Method

Most often, when a boat tips over it capsizes to leeward because the force of the wind overcomes the ability of the crew to hike or let out the sails. It is important to practice capsize recovery drills before you need to use them on your own. Once the boat is on its side and the sails are in the water, you should act promptly to right the boat. The Scoop Method of recovery gets its name because one crew is "scooped" into the cockpit as the other rights the capsized boat. (click images to view full-size)

• Tread water near the stern until the scooper has control of the centerboard.
• Move to centerboard trunk and free the mainsheet, jibsheets, and boom vang if possible. If necessary, throw the windward jib sheet over the high side to the scooper to assist the Scooper in getting up on the board.
• Hold on to a cockpit structure as the boat goes upright and get scooped in.
• Balance the boat and steer it into the safety position.
• Help the scooper on board over the stern.

• Move around the boat to the centerboard.
• Climb up onto the board, using the jibsheet if necessary. Remember to avoid putting pressure on the tip of the board or you may break it.
• Once on the board make sure the scoopee is ready for the boat to be righted. Place your feet close to the base of the board where it enters the hull and lean back, bracing yourself with the tail end of a sheet or halyard for leverage, until the boat gradually comes upright.
• Swim to stern to climb back on board.

Capsize Recovery – Single Handed Boats

• Boat capsizes and helmsman falls into water.
• Helmsman uncleats main sheet and boom vang.
• Mainsail should be lying to leeward of the hull in the water. If the mainsail is lying to windward of the hull, the boat can be either rotated so the sail lies to leeward or it can be brought upright which will result in the boat quickly capsizing again but with its sail lying in the water to leeward of the hull.
• Helmsman moves to centerboard, climbs onto it, and while holding onto the gunwale leans back to bring the boat upright.
• Helmsman climbs in over stem.

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Capsize and Turtle Recovery for Sailors and Chase Boats

Capsize and turtle recovery in a sailboat is easier if you know the tricks. In many small boats, you can quickly recover from a capsize without assistance and keep sailing. If you turtle, or if conditions are less than ideal, you may need help from a chase boat.

We enlisted John Porter to demonstrate capsize and turtle recovery techniques in an MC Scow. He took advantage of a no-wind day to allow for clear audio. We supplemented the audio with on-screen comments.

This post has been updated from the original, with additional tips and links.

Video – Capsize and Turtle Recovery

Unassisted capsize recovery

• In heavier dinghies, it’s best to have a permanent righting line to assist.
• After capsizing, throw the righting line over the high side.
• While you’re still near the cockpit, release the mainsheet and the boom vang. This will help prevent the boat from rolling over and capsizing on the other side after you right it.
• If the wind is strong, consider swimming the bow around so it’s head to wind.
• Pull or stand on the centerboard and/or the righting line to right the boat. In a scow, stand on the lower board and use the righting line. The lower board gives more leverage. Standing on the upper board may bend it.

Assisted Capsize Recovery

• Ensure the chase boat driver is experienced and is using a kill cord. Prop guards are highly recommended.
• Chase boat’s first job is to make sure the sailor is OK. If not, get the sailor in the chase boat and worry about the sailboat later.
• Sailor releases mainsheet and vang and stays near the cockpit. Hold on to something in the cockpit to get scooped in when the boat is righted.
• Chase boat approaches the mast tip slowly. Chase boat assistant grabs top of mast and lifts it out of the water.
• Chase boat driver uses slow forward or reverse to turn the bow of the sailboat head to wind.
• Chase boat assistant walks mast up, using hand-over-hand technique.

Assisted Turtle Recovery

• In light boats you can recover from turtling using the same techniques as for capsizing.
• Caution: make sure the chase boat driver is experienced and is using a kill cord. Prop guards are highly recommended.
• Approach the sailboat from the side.
• Rig a long line from the bow of the chase boat to the opposite side of the sailboat. Attach the line to the opposite side shroud chainplate.
• Chase boat backs away from the sailboat at a 30-45 degree angle. Best to have the chase boat back straight into the wind.
• Find the correct angle to back away. You want to avoid just turning the boat.
• The sailor in the water can assist by preventing the bow from turning too much.
• Chase boat uses 30-50% throttle to slowly pull boat up.
• Release the vang and mainsheet
• Use more throttle to right the boat
• When boat is upright, may need to remover water by towing with bailers open and transom patches removed.

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Sailing Capsize Recovery | Scoop & Single-Handed Methods SailZing Posts on Capsizing

2 thoughts on “Capsize and Turtle Recovery for Sailors and Chase Boats”

Nice video, might be a step up in safety consideration if the sailor in the water would wear a life vest.

Any videos or instructions for C Scow capsize recovery?

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A Couple of Capsize Recovery Tips

Appropriate capsize recovery techniques vary by wind speed, and there are several methods available for righting the boat  in situations where the wind is high and you are unable to keep the boat from re-capsizing. However if you can recover without setting the anchor or having a crew member swim around to the bow to line the boat up into the wind, the recovery will be quicker and easier.

To recover on the first attempt (without re-capsizing) with the least effort in the broadest range of conditions, here are two very useful tips.

First, uncleat the gnav/vang (in addition to the mainsheet & jib), as this will reduce the effect of the wind on the sail when the boat comes back up.

Second, while up on the gunwhale, before stepping onto the centerboard, consider what effect the wind direction will have on the boat once it comes up, and plan the effect the arrangement of your and your crew's weight will have on the boat's balance at that point.

• If the mast is pointing away from the wind/hull is towards the wind, the crew will be on the downwind side when the boat comes up. Tell the crew to just hang on to the bungees under the gunwhale when the boat comes up, and then come around to the stern to get back in afterwards; when the boat comes up, the person on the centerboard tries their hardest to at least get half way over the gunwhale so as to keep the upwind side weighted down.
• If the mast is pointed towards the wind (a situation in which a double capsize is very common), the crew will be on the upwind side when the boat comes up. Have them hang onto the hiking straps as the boat comes up so their bodies are draped over the gunwhale. If they  weigh enough--taking the wind's power into account changes the meaning of 'enough'--the person on the centerboard can dry recover, particularly if he/she scrambles quickly across to the upwind side. If the crew is lighter than the person on the centerboard, the person on the centerboard should plan to go down into the water and get back into the boat from the stern (holding on to the boat at all times). 

Under almost all capsize conditions where you're not right by a lee shore or dock, the person on the gunwhale can take as long as they want to consider the situation and to discuss it with the rest of the crew. 

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About the author

Michael Sherrell

Related posts, separating the gybe from the turn, slow sailing, treasure island cruise, sailing small circles, how to make the most of your weight in high winds.

In addition, Seamus's trick to easily board from the stern works very well. In this push yourself down in the water and use the momentum you get while popping back up to help pulling yourself back in.

Nice post, thank you. What is the ideal position of the outhaul during capsize recovery? Tight or loose? and why?

Francisco, never gave the outhaul any thought. It is only tensioned under full sail, of course. If blowing the gnav/vang helps, I would assume that uncleating the outhaul would also help, but adding another task of dubious utility to what the wet, possibly stressed crew has to do strikes me as too much trouble. Not to mention that amid all the hassle of reorganizing the boat upon recovery, recleating the outhaul might be overlooked -- people usually don't notice that the bow painter is trailing, for example. As far as furling the jib while the boat is over, I find the additional task to usually be an unnecessary refinement -- a blown jib offers no more wind resistance than a furled one. In high wind they do make so much noise after recovery that they can add noticeably to the general stress level, and if reorganization is taking a while and someone can conveniently furl it, I ask them to. Unfurled, it can often get wrapped around the jibstay and be a pain to unwrap, so it's a step not without some value.

Thanks Mike. You wrote: " If blowing the gnav/vang helps, I would assume that uncleating the outhaul would also help." This is not intuitively obvious to me. It would be good to get confirmation. Blowing the gnav/vang normally helps depower the main sail by creating twist at the top, reducing the heeling force. Uncleating the outhaul normally has the opposite effect. It creates more power on the sail, increasing the heeling force. You have a good point -- it is probably not significant in most situations. But it would be nice to know which is ideal in worst case conditions. For example, I have found that in very high wind conditions furling the jib actually does help (compared to simply blowing it). A furled jib offers less windage and found it easier to upright the boat. I found this out when practicing unconscious man-over-board recovery, when the weight of the victim was also acting to prevent a full upright of the boat.

Francisco, doubtless the club mavens/theoreticians have a clearcut answer to the outhaul issue, but here is my take. First, I believe that loosening the gnav reduces the force of the sail on the boat not so much by spilling wind from the top of the sail, but more by letting the force of the wind raise the boom rather than transferring that force to the mast, and in addition by reducing the cross section of the sail against the wind as the boom rises. I would expect loosening the outhaul would do a little of the same: the cross section of the sail will be a bit smaller as the clew comes in a bit; the loosened sail can absorb gusts a bit more easily; and a bit of wind will escape between the foot of the sail and the boom. In "worst case scenarios", though, I think these effects would not justify the attention required, as under these conditions people are probably stressed, wet, and tired: typically people resort to these extreme measures only after several re-capsizes have shown that easier moves are insufficient. If more substantial measures are called for, I would think the next move would be lowering the main, which itself requires considerable effort while in the water.

Thanks for sharing Mike!

With a sharp enough crew, I've found the following works with the mast downwind. Tell the crew to keep their legs under the hiking straps to scoop them in, but as the boat comes up lean forward into the cockpit.

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Capsizing: What It Is and What to Do When It Happens

• 1 Understanding Capsizing
• 2 Staying Safe: Precautionary Measures
• 3 What to Do When Capsizing Occurs
• 4 Conclusion

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The mere thought of capsizing sends shivers down the spine of anyone who enjoys the serenity of sailing, the thrill of kayaking, or the adventure of boating. This word, synonymous with the sudden overturning of watercraft, conjures images of distress and potential danger. Yet, understanding capsizing and being prepared to handle it is paramount for water enthusiasts.

In this blog, we delve into the realm of capsizing, demystifying its essence, and equipping you with essential knowledge on how to react should you find yourself in the midst of this disconcerting event. We’ll explore the causes, prevention measures, and the calm, calculated steps to take when capsizing becomes a reality. So, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a novice kayaker, read on to learn how to navigate the turbulent waters of capsizing safely and confidently.

Understanding Capsizing

Capsizing occurs when a boat or watercraft overturns, causing it to flip upside down or on its side. This can happen for various reasons, including sudden gusts of wind, rough waters, improper weight distribution, or operator error. Capsizing can be a scary experience, and it’s important to know what to do if it happens to you.

Staying Safe: Precautionary Measures

The best way to deal with capsizing is to avoid it in the first place. Preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of capsizing and increase your safety on the water.

One of the leading causes of capsizing is improper weight distribution. Ensure that you evenly distribute the weight of passengers and cargo on your boat. Overloading one side can make your vessel unstable and prone to tipping.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast before heading out on the water. Sudden storms and strong winds can increase the likelihood of capsizing. Always be prepared and willing to change your plans if necessary. Make sure that every person on your boat is wearing a properly fitting life jacket. Life jackets provide buoyancy and can be a lifesaver in the event of capsizing.

A depth finder can help prevent capsizing indirectly by providing information about water depth and potential underwater hazards, allowing boaters to make informed decisions and avoid dangerous areas. However, capsizing prevention primarily depends on proper boating skills, safety practices, and situational awareness. Regularly maintain your boat to ensure it’s in good working condition. Check for leaks, damaged equipment, and other potential issues that could contribute to capsizing.

What to Do When Capsizing Occurs

Despite your best efforts, capsizing may still happen. If you are in this situation, follow these steps to stay safe and increase your chances of a successful recovery.

• Stay calm : The first and most crucial step is to stay calm. Panic can lead to poor decision-making, so take a deep breath and focus on the situation.
• Exit the boat : If possible, swim away from the boat as it may pull you underwater. If you have a life jacket, it will provide buoyancy and help you stay afloat.
• Account for everyone : Ensure that everyone on the boat is safe and accounted for. This is especially important if you are on a larger vessel with multiple passengers.
• Signal for help : If you are far from shore or in a remote area, signal for help. Use a whistle, a flashlight , or any other available signaling device to attract attention. In some cases, you may have access to a marine radio, which is especially useful for calling for assistance.
• Hypothermia awareness : Depending on the water temperature, hypothermia can set in quickly. If you’re in cold water, stay as still as possible to conserve energy and body heat. Huddle together with others if you can.
• Recovery and salvage : Once you’ve ensured everyone’s safety, you can focus on recovering your boat. This may involve righting the vessel or, in some cases, towing it to shore if it’s too damaged to continue.
• Learn from the experience : After the incident, take the time to reflect on what happened and how you could have prevented it. Learning from the experience can help you become a safer and more experienced boater.

Capsizing is a frightening experience that can happen to even the most experienced boaters. However, with the right precautions and knowledge of what to do in such a situation, you can increase your chances of staying safe. Always prioritize safety when on the water, and remember that preparation and calmness are your best allies in the event of capsizing. By following these guidelines and staying informed about safe boating practices, you can enjoy your time on the water with confidence and peace of mind.

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• Can You Recover A Capsized Boat?

Can You Recover a Capsized Boat?

If your sailboat capsizes, you may be in a position to recover it. In fact, capsizing is considered a normal element of dinghy sailing – and you’ll need to be proficient in capsize recovery if you want an official rating.

What Is Capsizing?

First, the basics. Capsizing refers to a boat or ship rolling onto its side (or completely rolling to become upside-down) in the water. This is usually a result of some external force, such as a powerful wave, an unexpected wind, or a dangerous manoeuvre. Capsizing can also occur due to sudden loss of stability – which can happen because of shifting cargo or turning too quickly.

In some cases, a boat can recover from capsizing on its own – but this requires the vessel to have adequate floatation to prevent sinking. It also requires supportive conditions; further waves and winds can make this impossible.

Capsize Recovery: The Scoop Method

Sailboats typically capsize away from the wind (leeward) because of the force of the wind. If you’re not able to hike or let out the sails, the wind can become strong enough to push the vessel on its side.

When the sails are near or in the water, you’ll need to act quickly to recover. In the scoop method, you’ll “scoop” a crew member into the cockpit while the other crew member works to right the boat.

The scooped person needs to take the following actions :

• Tread water. First, you’ll need to tread water near the stern of the boat until the scooper has gained control of the centreboard.
• Move to the centreboard trunk. Once there, you can free the mainsheet, jib sheets, and boom vang (to the extent you’re able to do this). You may need to help the scooper by throwing the windward jib sheet over the high side. This will assist the scooper in getting on top of the board.
• Maintain your hold. Hold onto the cockpit structure tightly as the boat begins to turn upright.
• Balance and steer. Try to keep the vessel as balanced as possible and steer it into a safe position.
• Assist the scooper. At this point, you should start helping the scooper get onboard.

The scooper needs to do the following:

• Move to the centreboard. Get to the centreboard quickly.
• Climb onto the board. Don’t put too much pressure on the tip of the board; otherwise, you could do some serious damage.
• Right the ship. When you’re onboard and the scooped person is ready for the next step, put your feed on the end of the board, right where it connects to the hull. When ready, grab onto something for leverage and lean back, using your body weight to “pull” the boat upright.
• Swim to stern and climb back on. After the boat is righted, you’ll end up in the water, so swim to the stern and climb back on.

Capsize Recovery: An Approach for Single-Handed Boats

So what if you’re on a single-handed boat?

You’ll need to take the following steps:

• Get into the water. If the boat has capsized completely, you’re probably already there.
• Uncleat the main sheet and boom vang. Make adjustments if necessary.
• Adjust so the sail is leeward. In most cases, the mainsail will naturally be leeward, facing away from the wind. If this isn’t the case, you’ll need to rotate the boat so the mainsail is leeward. If you’re unable to rotate the vessel in the water, you can try to stand the sail upright so that it capsizes the boat in the opposite direction.
• Guide the boat upright. Move to the centreboard and climb onto it. While still holding the gunwale, lean back and use your bodyweight to pull the sailboat back up.
• Climb in. With the sailboat righted, climb in over stern.

Additional Tips for Capsize Recovery

Follow these additional tips for your own safety:

• Watch the weather before heading out. Before heading out on any sailing expedition, take a close look at the weather forecast. Excessively windy conditions should give you pause, and you should never head out in the middle of a storm.
• Wear a lifejacket. No matter how experienced you are or how confident you are in the water, it's a good idea to wear a lifejacket. This is arguably the most important piece of safety equipment you'll have on your vessel, since it can keep you afloat on the water indefinitely. If your boat capsizes, you'll be able to quickly get yourself into a position to right it. And if you're not able to recover your capsized boat, you can at least survive long enough to be rescued.
• Avoid entangling yourself. As the boat begins to capsize, exercise caution to avoid entangling yourself. If you get caught in ropes, sails, or other components of your vessel, it could render you unable to recover the boat, or worse, it could put your life in danger.
• Reduce weight. Some sailors instinctively try to stay on the vessel as long as possible to weigh it down, but once the boat has begun capsizing, you should avoid putting too much weight on it. In fact, with too many people in or on the boat, the vessel could end up turtling, making it almost impossible to smoothly recover from capsizing and potentially damaging the boat in the process.
• Stay close to the boat. In windy conditions, a boat will drift away faster than you can swim to it. Accordingly, you should try to stay as close to the boat as you can.
• Know when to radio for help. In an emergency situation, be prepared to radio or signal for help.

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January 22, 2024

Capsized boat: what you should do, how to prevent it, for small and large boats

Goals for this article on capsizing boat.

What to do if you capsize with your boat. We define different use cases depending on boat size, boat type, weather, distance from shore, and boat conditions after capsizing.

How to prevent capsizing from happening. We will give you some best practices, we talk about weather conditions, navigation, boat speed, boat load, weight distribution, and safety.

Recommend some safety gear that is always good to have on the boat or with you in case of a capsizing.

What should you do if your boat capsizes

General procedure for capsizing, 1/ stay calm: don't panic.

The first few moments after your boat capsizes are critical. You should be in the right headspace to make good decisions and conserve energy.

2/ Take Care Of Yourself First

Make sure you are uninjured, secure your lifejacket and make sure you can stay afloat before attempting to help others.

3/ Do A Headcount

Account for everyone on the boat before the crash. If they are not within sight, yell their name until you locate them.

4/ Try To Right The Boat

If you can flip the boat back over and climb back in, this is the best option.

5/ Stay Near The Boat

If the boat remains capsized, stay near it and wait for help. It is much easier for rescuers to find a capsized boat than for individual people in the water.

6/ Climb On The Boat

You and your crew should climb on the hull of the boat; it will be easier to see you. Climbing in the hull can get you out of cold water and increase your chances of survival.

7/ Signal For Help

Use your personal locator beacon (PLB), marine radio or whistle or anything you have to signal for help.

What Not to do if your boat capsizes

• Never swim away from the boat if it is afloat it is much harder to find or rescue some away from the capsized boat.
• Never split up: Stay together with the people on the boat so you can all be rescued at once
• Never take off your life jacket.

What to do when capsizing depends on your boat type

Large boats.

You should not try to right a large vessel that has capsized as it will be too heavy and waste your energy. You should climb on the boat's hull if it is floating and conserve energy.

Small Boats

Small boats typically remain afloat after capsizing and should be able to be righted. If you can flip the vessel back over, make sure it is still sea-worthy before entering it.

If your jet ski has been flipped or capsized and the engine is still running, turn the engine off to reduce the chances of water getting sucked in through the air intake. If the jet ski is floating, flip it back over in the direction that allows the exhaust to hit the water last.

When a sailboat tips over, it is called capsizing or keeling over. Sailboats are often ballasted, making them very hard to overturn or stay capsized. Typically, you can right a sailboat by putting your weight on the daggerboard.

Multi Hulls

Once a multi-hulled boat has capsized, it will not be possible to right it. You should remain near the boat if it is still afloat and make sure it does not float away. Climb on one of the hulls and wait for help.

What if the boat is upside down, floats away, or sinks?

Upside down boat.

If your boat remains afloat or is still floating but is upside down, you can try to right it. If your boat has a daggerboard or keel, such as a small sailboat, you can use your weight to flip it back over. This may not be possible on a larger yacht or powerboat, and it is best to get on the hull, conserve energy, and begin signaling for help.

Floats Away

Try to hold on to your boat so it does not float away; this is your best chance for rescue. Although if it does float away, do not panic and make sure everyone is wearing a life jacket and is appropriately secured. If you're not wearing a PFD, find one and put it on or look around for any loose floating objects. Do not attempt to swim to shore. You can signal for help using whistles, marine radios, or personal locator beacons.

If your boat capsizes and sinks, you should remain calm. First, account for everyone and make sure everyone is wearing a PFD or holding on to a floating object if they do not have a life jacket. Stick together with your crew and conserve energy, and if it is possible, signal for help. Once you are safe and back onshore, report the location of the sunk boat to the coast guard.

Capsizing procedures depend on the weather and distance from shore

What should you do if the weather is calm and you capsize your boat? Fair weather will make it easier to stay safe and get rescued, but the procedure remains the same.

So, how windy is too windy for boating? It depends on:

• the size of your boat;
• the size of the waves; and
• the body of water you are in.

Generally, wind speeds over 20 knots (23 mph) are too windy for boating. At this wind speed, almost all-size boats will be greatly affected, and smaller boats may even be in danger of capsizing. If your boat does capsize in high winds, it can be hazardous and easy for your boat to float away. Keep your PFD on and stay close to the boat if it is still afloat.

Oceanic currents describe the movement of water from one location to another. Currents are generally measured in meters per second or knots. If your boat is capsized in moving water, you will have less time to make sure you account for everyone and stop your boat from floating away. Ensure you are well prepared if boating in areas with high currents.

Distance From Shore

The average person would struggle to swim even 1 mile. This could be as long as 50 minutes of swimming in open water if there is little current or wind. Unless you are very close to shore, it is not recommended you swim away from your capsized boat if it remains afloat.

Best practices to prevent a boat from capsizing

Your position on the boat.

You should stay low and centered in your boat and always maintain three contact points when moving on your boat.

Check the weather. Poor weather conditions result in high waves or swells that will lead you to capsize. Your boat won't move as smoothly in choppy water as in calm water. Make sure to slow down during bad weather or stay on shore!

Proper direction of the boat compared to waves.

• Waves play a significant role in how you will operate your boat.
• Improperly using your vessel during certain waves can lead to capsizing.
• Point the as close as possible to the direction of the waves
• Never let waves hit the side of your boat.
• Larger boats can handle bigger waves.
• You should watch for other boats and wakes. Always take waves head-on from the bow.
• Never tie the anchor to the stern of your boat. This increases the weight at the back of your craft and could cause your boat to capsize.

How to safely turn your boat to avoid capsizing

Look at the water you are turning into and make sure it is clear of boats and debris that could increase your chance of capsizing. You want your boat to remain afloat!

The boat/engine needs to be trimmed down a bit from where it was before the turn.

3/ Throttle

You should let off the throttle before the turn. Do not turn it down too much as this risks upsetting the balance but turn it down enough to lower the bow.

Turn the boat in a steady motion. Turns will slow your boat down so, so as you turn, gently increase the throttle so that you maintain a constant bow angle. When you exit your turn and straighten the wheel, add more gas to lift the bow and accelerate away.

Weight and load on board

Proper weight distribution.

The center of gravity and buoyancy of most planing hull boats is 60 to 65 percent behind the bow. You want to center all weight around this point to maintain the center of a balance. There should be equal weight on both the left and right of the boat, so it sits flat. You can adjust the balance of the boat further by trimming the engine.

Do Not Overload Your Boat, Or It Could Capsize!

The first you want to look at is the boat's capacity plate. This capacity plate has information regarding safe maximums for your boat. Usually, the following information is located on the plate:

• maximum number of passengers;
• maximum weight of passengers;
• the maximum combined weight of passengers, gear and motors; and
• top horsepower motor the boat is rated for.

These guidelines take into account the presence of fair weather. Additionally, the information on the capacity plate may change depending on the type of boat in question.

Estimating A Safe Passenger Load

The rule of thumb for determining the maximum number of passengers for the smaller craft is to multiply your vessel's length (ft) by width (ft) and divide by 15 (L x W / 15).

Safety practices

Attach the engine cut-off switch lanyard to your wrist, clothes, or pfd..

Federal boating safety requirements are an excellent place to look for safety information. Still, you'll also want to consider additional items that should be on board your boat at all times:

• First aid kit
• Navigational charts

View the guide to federal boating regulations for more information, but consider that additional precautions may be needed. You should always wear a PFD when on a boat and appropriate clothing to stay warm if you fall in the water, such as a survival suit if water is cold. Additionally, you should always have a kill switch attached to your wrist if you fall overboard.

Carry A First Aid Kit

Stay up to date with your first aid knowledge through the American Red Cross first aid/CPR course. You should also have a first aid kit aboard your boat if you capsize. You might need it.

Top questions on capsizing

What should i do if my boat capsizes, 1/ accept the situation..

Easy to say but hard to do. Panic often leads to poor decision making so try to stay calm

2/ Check For Crew Safety/Condition.

Are the people onboard injured? Is anyone missing?

3/ Keep Warm And Stay Afloat.

Keep your clothes on. Put a lifejacket on and make sure your crew are doing the same. Climb onto the part of the boat still floating. Huddle with other people.

4/ Keep Close To The Boat.

Current and wind could cause you to get separated from your boat, so stay close, and hold on to it. Warning: do not attach, or tie yourself to the boat as it may sink.

5/ If You Cannot Recover From The Capsizing, Signal Distress.

Use your distress signals (audio, visual, electronic). For consumable signals, don’t use them all at once, you don’t know how long you could be stuck.

6/ Capsize Recovery Attempt (Much Easier With Smaller Boats, Impossible On Larger Boats)

• Sailboat: release all sail lines. You don’t want the boat to leave without you. Then, orient the bow towards the wind to make sure that the boat doesn’t gain speed once up.
• Boats with a centerboard: apply your bodyweight to the end of the centerboard in order to flip the boat back up.
• Boats without a centreboard: tie a line to one side of the boat (portside or starboard), stand on the opposite side holding the line, then lean backwards. Your body weight applied correctly to the edge will flip the boat back up.

7/ Re-Entering The Boat And Emptying The Water.

• Small boats: people should climb aboard from different sides to prevent more water from getting in.
• Sailboats: do not use sail lines to help yourself back up, this could lead to the tightening of some sail and your boat speeding up.
• Larger boats (sail or motor): the easiest way back onto the boat is often from the stern (the back), near the engine (make sure it is off before approaching it).

What not to do if my boat capsizes?

• Do not take off your clothes; you should try to stay as warm as possible.
• Do not tie yourself to the boat; you could risk sinking with your boat.
• Do not remove your lifejacket or PFD. Even if you can swim, you want to conserve your energy as much as possible.
• Do not use all your signaling devices at once. It is often recommended to signal distress every 30 min or hour. Longer intervals are recommended in areas with low frequency. The general rule is to signal more often in areas where there are more boats.
• Do not hold sail lines when trying to climb back up; this could increase your boat speed before you are back in.
• Do not attempt a capsize recovery if the bow of your boat is not facing the wind. Same things for waves, do not attempt a capsize recovery if the bow of your boat is not facing the waves.

What causes a boat to capsize?

The weather is too rough for your boat size.

A larger wave could cause the captain to be caught off guard by.

Improper Sail Rigging

if it is too windy, and you are rigged for a lighter wind, you will for sure capsize.

An Overloaded Boat

You should know the weight limit and people limit of your boat and keep a margin of error, especially when the weather is rough. If you don’t know the limit, there should be a capacity plate somewhere on your boat.

Improper Weight Balance

The weight on your boat should be placed evenly throughout your boat so that the buoyancy (why things float) is evenly distributed across the boat as well.

It sounds stupid but it is true. Check that your boat does not have a leak or that all drain plugs are closed for example. Water will add a tremendous amount of weight in your boat, resulting in capsizing.

Where can I find the capacity plate?

The capacity plate is normally located beside the helm or within view of the main control station. Alternatively it could be near the transom around the stern of the vessel.

If your boat has capsized, when is it appropriate to swim to shore?

The first thing to do is to understand if there is a risk to be hit by a boat. Then, if you find yourself 100m (300ft) from shore, you can leave the craft and aim for shore. Once there, reach out for assistance immediately.

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Chesapeake Bay Magazine

The Best of the Bay

PHOTOS: Five Rescued from Capsized Superyacht in West River

The partially-capsized 122-foot yacht Lovebug sits with its starboard side down in the water. Photo: Jodi Scheffler

It was a shocking sight to many on the Bay over the weekend: a 122-foot-long yacht, laying on its side in a high-traffic part of the West River.

Now, towboat operators are making a plan to remove the superyacht from its unfortunate resting place.

The superyacht Lovebug , which had been spotted docked in Annapolis earlier in the week and on the move in the Bay, partially capsized at the mouth of the West River around 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) responded to reports of a vessel taking on water.

Fellow boaters said they heard the call on VHF Channel 16, but had no idea it was referring to a 122-foot-yacht.

When Natural Resources Police arrived, they found five people on board. Police tell us they included a captain, three crew members and one passenger. All five were transported to shore safely and didn’t need any medical treatment.

The Coast Guard also responded to the incident.

NRP is investigating the cause of the incident and a spokesman says they “cannot confirm any speculation at this time,” despite plenty of theories about whether the yacht was intentionally grounded after taking on water. The vessel draws eight feet, and the river channel is known to drop off quickly.

Now, TowBoatUS Annapolis is making a plan for salvage. Company spokesperson Christine Plummer tells Chesapeake Bay Magazine, “We will approach the planning and execution with care for the environment and care for the owner’s property.”

They are still planning and have not yet released a timeline for removing the yacht.

In the meantime, TowBoatUS asks boaters to steer clear. “24-hour security is in place and we ask boaters to not approach and to pass at slow-bell,” says Plummer.

Word of the capsized superyacht spread quickly among Anne Arundel County boaters who passed by the scene. The vessel is a head-turner, so many had checked it out earlier in Annapolis and on the Bay. CBM follower David Driftmier sent us this “before” shot of the Lovebug docked on Spa Creek (within view of the Chesapeake Bay Magazine offices).

According to a previous listing for the boat, the Lovebug is an Italian boat built by Sanlorenzo in 2010 and updated in 2017. It sleeps 11 guests in five staterooms and can accomodate seven or eight crewmembers. It boasts zero speed stabilizers, a flybridge sundeck with Jacuzzi, tender/jet ski garage, and a full-beam master stateroom with a full bean master bath and owner’s office.

We continue to follow this developing story and will update it as we learn more from investigators.

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Dinghy Capsize Recovery Methods

CSYC Dinghy Sailors,

Our dinghy fleet has boats that have one and two person crews. We are often able to complete from two-to-six races each Tuesday evening, so that’s a total of 12-to-36 races over a 6 week series. It is inevitable that on some evening, in some race, at some point, for some reason, someone will capsize. Whether you are racing or just out for a fun sail on the lake, capsizing a small centerboard boat is something every sailor should be prepared for.

Having spent many years sailing a 14’ Laser dinghy, and being under-sized for the full-rig boat, I’ve spent a great deal of time swimming, and practicing capsize recovery! Below, are some tricks that I’ve learned over the years, as well as two third-party videos of the complete process (below):

• First, there’s nothing wrong with capsizing, in fact, you’re probably not going-fast and pushing-the-envelope if you’re not capsizing once in a while. So, get out there and practice your capsize recoveries in varied conditions! This will prepare you for when it happens during a race.

• There are many tricks for avoiding a capsize…proper weight distribution, hike the boat flat, ease the sheets in a gust, etc.. The following tip helps to avoid the “death roll” or a violent capsize to windward when sailing downwind in heavy air. The unmistakable sensation is that the hull begins to rock side-to-side, the top of the rig will swing side-to-side (i.e. oscillate) through ~90 degrees, and the rig’s center-of-effort is moving side-to-side. Usually the sailor is abruptly dumped out the windward side of the boat on one of the oscillations. To avoid this phenomenon, while upright, aggressively trim-in several feet of mainsheet, putting consistent pressure on the windward side of the sail. This usually stops the oscillations and allows one to continue sailing upright!

STAY WITH THE BOAT! Do not attempt to swim to shore. Most modern dinghies have positive flotation and will readily float on their side. Even older design boats will sometimes swamp, but not sink. Potential rescuers will have an easier time finding you with your boat, as opposed to swimming in open water. Stay in contact with the boat so that you’re not separated by wind and waves.

If you fall into the water, clear yourself of all lines and gear. If you find yourself under the sail, push-up on the sail to create an air pocket to facilitate breathing. Clear yourself and move to the stern of the boat.

If you have crew, check to be sure they’re okay too, and meet at the stern of the boat. Signal thumbs-up for A-okay.

Ease the mainsheet, ease the vang, and point the bow in the general direction of the wind, if possible.

Eventually, the sail will lift from the water and the hull will come upright. If the sail does not rise, pump the hull and rig a few times, to release the water tension on the sail, until the boat begins to right.

Steady the hull, press-up your body over the side into the cockpit. Or, go-over the stern, if your boat has an open transom.

Gather-up your mainsheet and tiller, and continue in the race!

• Sometimes in deep water, if you’re not prompt in righting the boat, your masthead will fully invert (i.e. go vertical) underwater, and you’ll find yourself in a “turtled” position. Make sure the mainsheet is uncleated and eased. Make sure the centerboard is fully exposed and vertical in its slot. Stand on the windward gunwale, with your hands grabbing the tip of the board. Lean-out with your body weight and the boat will slowly right to its side. Continue to put weight on the board until fully upright.
• Sometimes in shallow water, if you’re not prompt in righting your boat, your masthead may submerge and stick into the bottom, with the wind blowing the hull onto the rig, driving your masthead further into the bottom. If it’s a muddy bottom, you’ll be bestowed with the ignominious “mud-stain masthead” award for the day! To free yourself from this predicament, swim to the bow, and gently rock, or “horse” the bow, so that the hull is no longer blowing onto the mast tip (i.e. change the orientation of the hull in relationship to the wind). Be careful to not damage the rig in the process.
• Let’s say you capsize in heavy air, and you right the boat from it’s starboard side, and the wind fills the sail and promptly capsizes the boat on its port side. You right the boat again, and the boat promptly capsizes on its starboard side…and so on. To avoid the “flip-flop” make sure your mainsheet is well eased. As the boat rights, hug the centerboard with your arms and legs and submerge your body hugging the board underwater, Your underwater body weight will steady the boat and stop the “flip-flop” .

Below are two “How to Sail” videos that demonstrate capsize recoveries:

Righting a single-person dinghy…

2-person capsize recovery using the “scoop” method…

Have fun with this and I hope this will give you confidence in righting your dinghy following a capsize. Fair sailing!

CSYC Commodore

Colorado Sail and Yacht Club is a community of boaters and enthusiasts located at Chatfield Reservoir. All boaters are welcome, whether you are a … More>>>

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