A yacht is knocked down (mast to water level) in a squall. The crew are not injured. What are the checks after recovery?

A. Only check for crew injuries — the vessel structure is not at risk from a knockdown

B. A knockdown is a catastrophic event requiring immediate abandonment

C. Check the sails only — structural damage to a modern GRP yacht from a knockdown is impossible

D. Check: crew accounted for and any injuries; mast integrity and standing rigging (check chainplates and shroud attachments); bilge — water ingress from hatches, ventilators, or damaged seacocks; battery bank condition; navigation instruments; companionway hatch seal. Then reduce sail to prevent recurrence

A. Heaving to is only possible in winds above Force 5 — light winds do not allow the technique

B. Heaving to: backed foresail + sheeted main + lashed helm to leeward creates a nearly stationary vessel making minimal leeway. Used for: crew rest, eating hot food, waiting for a tidal gate, reefing in heavy weather, attending to a non-urgent emergency on board

C. Heaving to means stopping the engine and drifting — only used on motor vessels

D. Heaving to requires full sail — reducing sail while hove to defeats the purpose

A. Immediately motor forward at full power to push over the obstruction

B. Drop all sails and anchor in position — wait for the next high water

C. Note the time and check the tide table (is it rising or falling?); if rising — may float off shortly, hold position. If falling — assess: heel to reduce draught (all crew to one side); deploy kedge anchor using the dinghy to deep water; motor off in reverse if possible without damaging propeller; protect against further keeling with fenders/lines to a second anchor

D. Call the Coastguard for immediate assistance — grounding is always an emergency