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SAILING NEWS

Never underestimate the power of the sea or the possible risks of small boat Navigation and Safety - get trained!

A few extracts from the latest sailing news of the Royal Institute of Navigation - Small Craft Group

Confused Skipper Runs Aground

On the evening of 20 September, Clyde Port Estuary Control received a 'phone call from (dare we say) the lady skipper of the yacht Sinoma asking which side of the buoys she should go. The yacht was on passage from Crinan to Falkirk with the skipper and 3 teenagers on board.

Clyde Coastguard asked the skipper if she had a problem and were told that she was aground 'somewhere on the River Clyde'. She was requested to remain on the vessel with the teenagers whilst a police rib, Helensburgh Coastguard rescue team and Helensburgh RNLI inshore lifeboat searched for them.

The police rib recovered the occupants and the Coastguard rescue team were able to walk out to the vessel and secure it until it re-floated on the next tide.

The Coastguard watch manager commented 'Due to the professionalism of all the services involved, and the assistance from the many 999 calls they received from the members of the public watching this incident unfold, a potential disaster was averted. Anyone taking to water on any type of vessel or craft should ensure that they have the necessary skills or knowledge to undertake their journey. This includes navigation skills and being able to navigate safely. We would strongly encourage people to undertake courses and obtain qualifications through recognized bodies such as the RYA.'

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