I have been in safety boat for dinghy sailing races. Everyone is having a blast, literally, until, the winds gets up or changes, or a squall blows through, and those who were not so confident and experienced, (perhaps, dare I say it, should not be out in changeable conditions), find themselves in trouble. It is difficult for everyone. I chose to be in a safety dinghy so I was fairly close to. my children. Thankfully we were not called on by them, but it was good to be out there.
My co-rescuer steadied the dinghy, whilst I hauled in the sobbing, distressed dinghy sailor. I would add that this reaction was the exception, most of the dinghy sailors were tough and ready for all conditions and capsizes. But be aware it can go both ways.
Once they are on board, there is the sorting out the abandoned dinghy. As I say most of them were gungh-ho to keep going. But on occasion they are on the edge of hyperthermia, and utterly beaten. So, as well as giving them hot chocolate and solace, you have to motor back to ‘shore’, hauling their dinghy.
If you are unsure or anxious, sail with someone who knows what they are doing.
Jack sailing a topper on a grey day in Poole harbour.
