The skipper assesses: one crew member mildly hypothermic, possible forestay damage, 10cm of bilge water (pumped down), 12nm from harbour, Force 7. Which distress category is appropriate?

A. No call required — the vessel is making way and the crew member is aboard

B. Mayday — any crew in the water event requires a Mayday call regardless of outcome

C. Sécurité — warn other vessels about the squall conditions

D. Pan Pan (URGENCY) is correct — there is a potential threat to vessel/crew safety but no immediate life-threatening situation. Use Ch16 format: "Pan Pan, Pan Pan, Pan Pan, All Stations, this is RESOLUTE [MMSI], position [lat/long], crew injury, rig damage, proceeding to [harbour], require medical advice, 4 POB." Upgrade to Mayday if situation deteriorates

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