Sailing Safety in Numbers?
Why you might consider a group cruise, but also what to look out for.
Euripedes, the Greek playwright is credited with the popular quote, “There is safety in numbers.” The idea, of course, is that by being part of a large physical group or mass, an individual is less likely to be the victim of a mishap, accident, attack, or other bad event. Other smart people, though, contend that most forms of safety are just an illusion. As the writer and humorist, James Thurber once put it: “There is no safety in numbers, or in anything else.”
When it comes to small-boat cruising and sailing it’s generally accepted that sailing with a buddy boat or group of boats adds an element of safety. It’s easy to see why, as nearby crews may well be able to assist with all manner of problems—from broken rigging to navigation questions, or in more dire situations like sinkings or a person overboard.
I’ve witnessed and played a role myself in rendering assistance on the water as part of group sailing events. I’ve seen capsize recovery assists, dismasted boats taken in tow, and all kinds of more mundane but nonetheless trip-saving repairs effected by buddy boat crews. Is it possible though to overestimate the potential additional safety margin of cruising in company? Here are a few things to consider:
1. Almost all even slightly dissimilar boats will sail at different speeds. Boats with a speed difference of only 1 knot will obviously be a full mile apart after an hour, and five miles apart on a five-hour crossing or passage. Even boats planning to “stay together” often end up spread all over the horizon. Your “help” might end up miles away and few of our types of boats are particularly fast if called back.
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