RESOLUTE rights to 40°. One crew member is in the water attached to their safety harness tether. They are conscious and calling out. What is the priority — immediate recovery or stabilising the boat?

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. 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

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

A. 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

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

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

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. 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

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

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