RYA reluctant to lead on life jackets

In this edition of Sailers we report the inquest of a Somerset yachtsman knocked overboard in an uncontrolled gybe (here).  But it wasn’t the gybe that killed him. Pathologist Dr Richard Jones said if Mr Gibbs had received the blow to the head on dry land he might have survived as he had no evidence that it caused anything except concussion.

Mr Gibbs was wearing a lifejacket, but it had not been serviced and failed to inflate. The Coroner said: “Looking at all the evidence I have no doubt in my mind he drowned.  He was knocked overboard unconscious and couldn't protect his airways."

The RNLI discovered that whilst 98% of sailors carry a lifejacket, only 42% wear one all the time. They have been running a safety campaign, ‘Useless unless worn’, to persuade people to wear their lifejackets at sea. “RNLI crew members always wear lifejackets. It's a rule informed by years of experience. They know that, whatever the weather, the sea is extremely unpredictable and can turn at a moment's notice.”  

So why is the RYA so reluctant to give the same clear, unequivocal message?  James Stevens, the RYA’s training manager, says: “We don’t expect people to wear lifejackets when they feel it’s not necessary.  Such occasions could be when safely moored, below decks or sailing in fine weather when the risk of entering the water is low.  Also if the skipper has decided that lifejackets are unnecessary.”

I take my lifejacket off when I’m below decks for any time. But it goes back on before I go up top. You can fall off a pontoon when safely moored (and when did you last check to see where the yellow safety steps are).  You can be knocked overboard unconscious in fine weather. And I would be worried about any skipper that decided that lifejackets were unnecessary.

Given that the RYA are joining with the RNLI and the MCA every day at the London Boat Show to promote the wearing of lifejackets, isn’t it time that they stopped being so equivocal and simply said: “Always wear your lifejacket”?

Read the full statement from the RYA here
What is your view on lifejackets? Visit the Forum

Mike Perham's change of plan.

Any good skipper knows that there comes a time when it's right to make a change to the plan.  It could be because of bad weather, or because the crew is getting tired. Wise skippers know when to change their minds.  Mike has shown his wisdom by changing his plan.  His father said that he is at a low ebb.  That's understandable, but his real test will be winning the battle with himself, not the ocean. He can still be the youngest person to sail single handed around the globe.  If the problems are fixed once and for all, he might even do so without further stops.  But his wisdom in allowing for the possibility simply shows that he is already a wise skipper and a fine sailor. Sailers will continue to back his venture.

We'd like your comments on Mike's change of plan.  Visit the Forum