Written by Bob Naylor, Chair of the AYC Safety Committee
Overall, our Tempe Town Lake (TTL) and Lake Pleasant (LP) opening days were very successful. Dinghy sailors enjoyed good winds and mild temperatures at TTL on Sep-28, with two Buccaneers, six C-14.2s, twelve Lasers, nine Sunfish, and three Portsmouth boats racing. Last weekend, AYC kicked off our LP racing season with a strong turnout of twenty-four boats on Saturday and seventeen on Sunday – the strongest Sunday turnout in years. And, our new Spring Canyon Launch Area more than met expectations for hosting social gatherings, launching, and storing small boats.
As AYC sailors resumed sailing after the long summer break, a few notable safety issues arose that merit discussion:
- Lake Pleasant Ramp Safety: A potentially very dangerous situation unfolded at the South Ramp on Saturday, resulting in damage to a truck, trailer, and sailboat. A Santana 20 was trailered the short distance from the Mast-up Storage Yard to the South Ramp for launching. On the ramp, the trailer broke free from the tow vehicle, accelerated down the ramp at speed, and struck a truck launching another sailboat. Fortunately, no one was injured … or worse. The drawbar came completely out of the receiver tube because the hitch pin had not been secured with a clevis pin / hitch clip – the hitch pin fell completely out between the boatyard and the ramp. Safety chains had not been used, nor was a safety pin used on the hitch latch.
- Tempe Town Lake – Laser Needing Assistance: Two Lasers had a minor collision, resulting in the gudgeon and rudder being knocked-off one of the boats. Needing a tow back to the dock, both boats attempted to get the attention of the mark-set boat, which was some distance away at the other end of the lake. The mark-set boat was unable to see the sailors needing assistance, and in the end, the one Laser helped the disabled boat reach the dock safely.
A few safety reminders are in order:
- Every boat participating in AYC events is encouraged to have a sound-producing device that can be used to attract attention or summon help. A simple whistle or small air horn is all that’s needed. Fleet Captains, and participants, at both lakes are encouraged to have a VHF radio for contacting the Race Committee on Channel 68.
- When towing a sailboat – even short distances – be absolutely 100% sure the trailer is securely attached to the tow vehicle, and the boat is securely attached to the trailer:
- Ensure the drawbar is secured in the receiver tube with a hitch pin, and that the hitch pin is secured with a clevis pin. Always cross and attach safety chains, and “lock” the hitch latch with a pin or padlock so the coupler cannot detach from the ball.
- Be sure the boat is secured to the trailer until ready to launch at the water’s edge.
- Race Committee volunteers should wear life jackets while underway, and without exception, lifejackets should be worn by those working near the bow of the LP signal boat and everyone aboard our mark-set boats, which are working with marks over the side and may be called upon to assist sailors experiencing difficulties.
- Mark-set boat operators and crew should constantly watch for anyone having problems, and should remain underway and near to sailboats participating in races, with special attention focused on smaller boats and less experienced sailors.
Let’s have a safe Fall Series!
