Safety warning after identical gybing accidents on sailing yachts result in 2 people seriously injured

This documents highlights safety concerns to owners, operators and crew of yachts.

• From: Marine Accident Investigation Branch
• Published: 23 January 2015

• Vessel type: Merchant vessel under 100 gross tons and Recreational craft - sail
• Report type: Safety bulletin
• Date of occurrence: 31 May 2006

Safety Bulletin 2/2006

SB2-06.pdf (1,576.50 kb)

Summary

Gybing on yachts - two separate accidents resulting in life threatening injuries to crew members.

In two separate, but virtually identical accidents, two crew members of yachts involved in racing were very seriously injured when they were struck on the head by fining tuning blocks which form part of the main sheet arrangement on this type of boat. Both accidents occurred when the yachts were undertaking planned gybes in strong winds.

Issued: 31 May 2006

Published 23 January 2015