”Overall Risk Profile: The fatality rate for recreational sailing sits at roughly 1.19 deaths per million sailing person-days. Statistically, this makes offshore sailing comparable in risk to in-bounds alpine skiing or snowboarding.”
- ”Lack of Safety Harnesses: A review of recent sailing deaths found that a large portion of offshore MOB fatalities occurred because sailors decided against clipping into their safety harnesses during relatively calm conditions or for quick, routine tasks on deck (like checking the foredeck or clearing a line).” I always wear my harness. I very seldom go on deck….and NEVER without my harness. This is basic sailing smarts!
- The “Calm Sea” Paradox: Counterintuitively, 90% of recreational MOB fatalities occur in calm weather and seas under 1 foot. Sailors lower their guard when conditions seem safe, making them vulnerable to a sudden jibe, a stumble, or a boat lurch.” I have two jibe preventers in place on both sides of the boat at all times! There is a very low chance that the boat will accidentally jibe.
