An old man's imagination in February turns to sailing in the Summer. I thought a good time to plan ahead for safety tips for single handling - and appreciate your advice. I am entering 3rd year of Ensign sailing in an inland lake (about 1.5 miles across - and long). I cruise for pleasure - and don't race (yet).
While I try to be cautious, I can appreciate things can go pear-shaped at just the wrong time. The worst I can imagine in falling overboard and watch her sail away without me. I see these as basic safety steps:
1) Always were PFD. Mine is non-inflatable type and has breast pockets. Good choice?
2) In these pockets, keep a cell-phone with waterproof covering - although phone is supposed to be water resistance. Challenge is to keep in the pocket -- and not laying on the bench.
3) I don't think CG monitors this area -- so not sure value of hand-held radio? Sheriff does patrol waters in summer - and I assume reachable with 911.
4) Even if boat is still reachable after falling in, (I did it once at the mooring) I found it near impossible to climb aboard. Is a permanent ladder essential equipment?
5) Lake has a lot of motorboat traffic, so possible to get a rescue that way -- but just as likely to be run over. You know how they are .
thanks for any pointers for safe single-handing boating.
Steve