Rick Royce’s Story of a Successful Rescue

 

During the last leg of the second race, Hustler (J/29) was leading the class and was about 75 yards ahead of us. The next closest competitor was easily 200-300 yards behind. The wind was blowing about 20 knots and the seas were 2 - 3 feet.

 

We tacked onto port to attempt to separate, and when the crew hiked out one of the fittings on the lower lifeline (brand new) came unscrewed. The result of this event was that Jessie Tomczak ended up in the water without a life jacket and in foul weather gear. We went into man overboard drill before Jessie was 50 feet from the boat. In doing so, we immediately tacked the boat, doused the jib, jibed to come alongside her, and started the engine.

 

I was opening the Lifesling to throw it when Jessie was hauled aboard. Basically, we had Jessie out of the water within about 60 - 90 seconds.

 

There were obviously a couple of things that we didn't do correctly, i.e., throwable rescue device overboard immediately and hitting the MOB on the GPS. This was a scary incident to say the least.  However the crew performed admirably in assisting to retrieve Jessie from the water. Doug Slocum did a great job continuously pointing at her, and Emerson Smith and Doug Slocum pulled her from the water as we came alongside. Seth Cooley, Dan Snyder and Rorie Zuzick handled the sails during the incident.

 

I discussed the shortcomings of our/my efforts with the crew after things calmed down. Jessie was unhurt in the incident, and we were able to finish the race without outside assistance (second to cross the finish in our class).

 

I am glad to report that my participation in the Junior Safety at Sea program, put on by the Storm Trysail Club and Larchmont Yacht Club, was invaluable in this instance. As an owner-participant in that program, I work through this drill with Junior Sailors each summer and it has become second nature, even with our omissions.

 

Thanks to STC for putting on the Safety at Sea events. Practice may not make perfect, but it certainly made our rescue quicker than if I hadn't participated in your event.

 

Regards,

Rick Royce