Make Time for MOB Training

Walnut Creeks’s Shana Bagley, who sailed several legs in the 2009-10 Clipper ‘Round the World Race aboard California, shared the following photos of crew overboard training aboard the 51-ft John Alden ketch Pegasus. Though Pegasus’ primary objective is to introduce disadvantaged youth to the joys of sailing, she also takes out private charter clients as a way to subsidize their non-profit program.

"What a beautiful winter sailing day," she wrote. "Pegasus had a crew training day filled with safety procedures and MOB drills. We all had a great time and the day went by far too quickly — until we had to swab the decks, that is. Sure beats last year, when Team Cork had holed on a reef in the Java Sea and Team California and Team Finland had to rescue the crew from liferafts!"

Crew overboard training is an essential part of any boat’s safety regimen, so if you haven’t bothered to hold sessions, now is the time. Winter’s mild winds make it easier to get the hang of using your MOB gear, so the next time you’re out, chuck a cushion overboard and practice, practice, practice. You’ll be happy you did if you ever find yourself in a real life-and-death situation.

Do you have some good MOB or MOB-training stories? If so, email them to LaDonna, along with any photos you may have.