RESOLUTE: wind suddenly increases to Force 7 from Force 4 with no warning. The boat heels violently to 70° before the skipper can react. What is the single most important action in the next 5 seconds?

A. Radio the Coastguard — they need to know immediately before the capsize occurs

B. Apply full helm to bear away downwind — this immediately levels the boat

C. Release the mainsheet immediately — reducing sail power is the priority to prevent full knockdown. A free mainsheet allows the main to depowering (luff). Simultaneously steer to head up into wind if possible. Every second of full sail pressure at 70° heel risks the mast hitting the water

D. Hold course and speed — the squall will pass in seconds and the yacht will right herself without action

A. All crew move to the windward side — their weight will right the vessel faster

B. Deploy the liferaft immediately — a knockdown flat is a capsize and the vessel must be abandoned

C. Account for all crew — confirm everyone is either aboard or on a safety line. Then: ease all sheets completely so sails cannot fill when she rights. The boat will usually self-right from 90° when sails are freed. Do not start the engine until the righting is confirmed and no lines are near the prop

D. Start the engine and motor out of the heel — thrust will right the vessel

A. Stabilise the boat first — reduce sail, check for damage — then recover the crew member

B. Cut the tether and let the casualty drift clear — tethers can pull the boat over

C. The casualty can hold on — deal with the boat situation first then recover them in 5-10 minutes

D. Both simultaneously but recovery is the priority. A crew member dragged through the water on a tether in Force 7 is at immediate risk of drowning from water going down breathing passages. Assign 2 crew to haul in the tether and recover the casualty; one crew to manage the helm and reduce sail further. Do not worry about perfect boat trim — get the person out of the water