Question 1

Below decks has 10-15cm of water sloshing around. Where has this come from and what must be checked?

Accepted Answer

Sources: 1) Companionway hatch — not fully sealed or closed during knockdown; 2) Dorade ventilators — designed to be closed before heavy weather; 3) Hull deck joints — stress from knockdown; 4) Seacocks — check all are closed and not leaking. Check bilge pump (electric and manual) operational. Locate the source before pumping — if it is still incoming, pumping is futile without plugging the source. Monitor bilge level every 15 minutes WATER INGRESS AFTER KNOCKDOWN: 10-15cm sloshing aft when motoring represents approximately 200-400 litres — significant but not immediately fatal. The source MUST be identified before the vessel is put under further sail pressure. A companionway left open during knockdown is the most common cause — this is why heavy weather procedures include closing and securing all hatches before conditions deteriorate. Check all seacocks and through-hull fittings. If the bilge fills faster than the electric pump can keep pace, the situation is escalating — consider Mayday. Most knockdown water ingress is from wave entry, not structural failure.

Question 2

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?

Accepted Answer

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 KNOCKDOWN PREVENTION: release the mainsheet to depower the mainsail. This is the most effective 1-second action available. Bearing away (Option B) increases the apparent wind and drive in a squall — dangerous on a knockdown. Heading up (into wind) depowers the sails but requires steerage way and helm response time. The MAIB repeatedly identifies delayed mainsheet release as the primary factor in sailing knockdowns. The mainsheet traveller and/or mainsheet should always be within reach of the helm in conditions above Force 4.

Question 3

RESOLUTE has been knocked flat — mast and sails are in the water at 90°. The boat is momentarily stable in this position. A crewmember is hanging from the windward rail. What is the immediate priority?

Accepted Answer

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 AT 90° KNOCKDOWN: crew accountability first — a crew member overboard at this moment may be under the sails and invisible. Ease ALL sheets so the sails are completely free — a filled sail holds the vessel at 90° and prevents recovery. Modern keelboats will self-right from 90° once sails are freed, unless there is water ingress. Starting the engine (Option B) risks a fouled prop in the sails and rigging now in the water. Weight to windward (Option C) is correct only AFTER sheets are freed. Liferaft (Option D) premature — do not abandon while the vessel is floating.