Why do Sailing boats call the RNLI when their engins pack up?

Whilst I wholeheartedly agree there are sometimes other factors here.

A long ways back I was helping a friend with a winter delivery trip from Brighton to Poole, in thick freezing fog and no wind. We picked up a pot line off the Owers with a bang that sheared the propshaft coupling, the shaft then slid back and fortunately jammed with the prop on the rudder - or it could have continued and left a big hole, I believe the phrase 'shafted' would have been very appropriate.

We managed to get the shaft/prop clear of the rudder and lashed in place, then started a very long sail back to Brighton because the tide had turned and we were otherwise going backwards that way anyway. I had my mobile (well transportable, this was yonks ago) and tried to inform the various other halves of a possible change of plan - but 2 rings and a flat battery. So we thought we ought to tell Solent CG just in case various SWMBOs started to worry, we told them we had no problem other than time and were headed back to Brighton, they just asked us to keep them informed of progress wchich we did. We then called Brighton Marina and asked if they might have someone around (10pm on a Sat night in January) who could give us a tow into a berth, they said yes(!) but could we call them when just off and they would send a launch out. I will leave out the navigational fun and games (Decca packed up, Brighton radio beacon out of order only small scale charts, thick fog, no radar....) but we eventually arrived and now had a bit of wind, plus Brighton swell. The marina guy said to come inside under sail as there was too much swell to meet us outside, we had already dropped the main so did this with just the genoa. In the narrow entrance we were just about to be picked up on tow by the launch when out comes the RNLI RIB, flat out, big wash, bang crash and launch and yacht are thrown together. The RNLI guys were there to help....

Now this is not to say anything against the RNLI because I'm number one fan, but the point is WE didn't call them, nor did the marina we were told, so who did? Visibility was between 25yds and 150yds, we passed close enough to the pier to hear a disco but didn't see it so the boys in the orange RIB couldn't have just 'noticed' us, someone had to have called them out and probably Solent CG.

If they were going to call the RNLI out they might at least have done it earlier and we could have been home for tea, but joking apart we did not need assistance except in the marina and that we had requested and got. I rather suspect though that there would have been a headline in the local rag next day 'Yacht rescued by Lifeboat off Brighton'.

Robin
 
I once had an engine failure in Belfast Lough.

I called Bangor Marina and asked for the dory you mention. They said it was too windy for them to give me a tow.

They said could ask a local fishing boat to give me a tow - at a price.

So I sailed in - bit hairy as I'd never been in before and the entrance is a bit bendy making forward planning difficult. but got in ok

This did attract a small audience and general concensus was that I was an idiot for not calling coastguard and asking for lifeboat.

Sometimes you can't do right for doing wrong.

Only had engine trouble twice and both times were in Bangor soI'm not going there again.
 
But you could have asked the fishing boat to tow you in at a price, you just didn't want to pay, the RNLI weren't the only option.

I think the point being made is not one of emergency use, but one of people using them as free recovery service when other options are available, albeit at a cost.
 
Quite often hear Clyde CG calling for "any vessel in the vicinity of ?????" to render assistance to someone who has had the misfortune to "break down" rather than call out a lifeboat. On one occasion the call was for any vessel in the vicinity of Largs marina - no answer although I could see 40~50 boats coming or going near the entrance. I replied and said although I was approx ½ hour out could I assist? "no thanks we need someone closer" says the CG, says I well I can see 40~50 other boats much closer like in and around the marina entrance. Stunned silence - life boat was sent and not one git around the marina entrance answered the CG call.

I also heard one a few weeks ago calling for "the yacht rounding ???? point" which replied and went to working channel - being nosy I followed - the first boat had water pump failure and was looking for a tow which he got without the aid of the CG or HM. Not only did he get his tow but he had about 4 offers from other vessels who stood by "in-case" - what a difference from the plonkers at Largs.

I agree though that the RNLI sometimes welcome the chance to "rescue" a boat for training purposes particularly if the conditions are good.

Re Bangor - I avoid it now myself but not because of engine problems but because of the price they try to charge visitors for diesel. If I go now I make damn sure I have enough fuel to get back - either that or get a relative to bring me down some red from "the farm" - now that does get up their nose! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
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"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"
 
[ QUOTE ]
Quite often hear Clyde CG calling for "any vessel in the vicinity of ?????" to render assistance to someone who has had the misfortune to "break down" rather than call out a lifeboat. On one occasion the call was for any vessel in the vicinity of Largs marina - no answer although I could see 40~50 boats coming or going near the entrance. I replied and said although I was approx ½ hour out could I assist? "no thanks we need someone closer" says the CG, says I well I can see 40~50 other boats much closer like in and around the marina entrance. Stunned silence - life boat was sent and not one git around the marina entrance answered the CG call.

I also heard one a few weeks ago calling for "the yacht rounding ???? point" which replied and went to working channel - being nosy I followed - the first boat had water pump failure and was looking for a tow which he got without the aid of the CG or HM. Not only did he get his tow but he had about 4 offers from other vessels who stood by "in-case" - what a difference from the plonkers at Largs.

[/ QUOTE ]

Down here it could be that a lot of people didn't have their VHF sets switched on. That is a direct consequence I'm afraid of the endless stream of morons calling for radio checks on CH16.

Robin
 
Re: Expectation, arse covering and staying married. How many reasons w

1. Skipper and crew expects to be at the Folly with Binky and Todger at 20:30hrs. Engine stops. Plan in the gurgler. Not good enough, something must be done.

2. Prudent skipper tells CG that engine has gone phut. CG go all proactive and RNLI are despatched.

3. Skipper pulls his head out of the engine space to find family looking like Pol Pot just boarded them. It doesn't take long for the wimpering, glowering and hint of a nooky free life to get him reaching for the VHF.
 
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Down here it could be that a lot of people didn't have their VHF sets switched on. That is a direct consequence I'm afraid of the endless stream of morons calling for radio checks on CH16.

Robin

[/ QUOTE ]Either that or everyone had their DSC radios turned off to avoid the "alarms" /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
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"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"
 
Re: Why do Sailing boats call the RNLI when their engines pack up?

Anchor-off perhaps, that would be the sensible thing to do. if its not "life threatening" then nothing to do with the RNLI @ all, get a professional tow if its that urgent. so you might just be late home or miss a days work, so what.
if one doesn't want to get "inconvenienced" STAY @ HOME /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
 
Re: Why do Sailing boats call the RNLI when their engines pack up?

It's not as straight forward as that,I had a terminal engine failure off the entrance to Littlehampton a few years ago,zero wind,big tide so I anchored waiting for the wind to fill in,so that I could get back to Shoreham.
As a matter of courtesy I acquainted Coastguard as to my predicament and had to beat of the offers of lifeboats and helicopters with a stick,everyone was so terribly keen to help.
Not criticising cos if it had been blowing a Hoolie I would have been glad of all the help offered,but a quiet weekend and you could be rescued whether you need it or not!

PS. One of the boats monitoring the traffic came roaring up to offer help and he was flying a defaced RAF ensign,I believe that these flags have come in for a bit of a pasting in posts passim.I was grateful for his attention.
 
I never regarded the RNLI as an option.

Just pointing out that whatever you do some smartarse tells you your wrong and should have done something else.

As you have so capably demonstrated.
 
Wasn't trying to be a smartarse, just pointing out that there was an option of being towed in at a price that wouldn't have been open to any criticism.
 
"a price that wouldn't have been open to any criticism."

You clearly have not heard SWMBO on the subject of how much I spend on boats and sailing.

Also a card carrying Yorkshireman so won't/can't spend cash without anaesthetic.

Besides I thought the thrust of the argument was on being self-reliant.

I once went into Whitby in marginal conditions - certainly not dangerous but a bit late and ebb had started to run Then I got a severe bollocking from HM who said I should have asked for lifeboat to escort me in.

Perhaps the RNLI should publish some guidance here
 
The RNLI should make a reasonable charge per (RNLI) crew member - say the same as a plumber - £75 per person call out fee and £50 per hour or part thereof plus of course fuel and operating costs for the launch and the tab in the local pub.

When I had engine failure this summer, just as I was setting sail outside Ramsgate harbour , we sailed back and berthed under sail. This just added to the excitement for the two VIPs(Visually Impaired People) who were on board for their annual East Anglian Sailing Trust Cruise.

When we needed smart sail handling during the approach I got them to do all the sail handling, and they were superb!, and the sighted crew to do the pontoon jumping.

Made for lots of chats during the week and a bill from the engineer for me.

So you don't need either an engine or sight.

If the sails had all fallen down we could still have made it by using the Dinghy with outboard lashed alongside or as a last resort used the two sweeps secured on lashings from the stern quarter. I suppose I could even have used my stunt kite.

Fair winds
Ken
 
Ha, mentioning SWMBO makes a difference, and being a Yorkshireman.

Curently I'm on the Thames and joined a breakdown service, I figured there were similar coastal ones.

Perhaps if marine diesel taxes go up, some of the money could go to RNLI to cover such things.
 
I think if the RNLI starts charging then many people will simply call them out and use them as a service. I fear rather than fix the problem at sea some could simply think "phuck it, I'll pay 'em so what's the problem with calling them??".

BTW I lost my engine due to getting some rope round the prop. I was to the edge of the fairway and I had no wind. The tide was ebbing and I had enough water to anchor and wait for more water and more wind(missus and kids were on and they were a little alarmed!).

I phone the CG to let them know my situation, they offered the lifeboat I declined as I'll be heading off at 04:00 when the tides turn and I'll have a bit more wind. The CG asked me to check in just before I intended to leave.

I called them to tell them about my intentions, they offered a lifeboat I declined again. Anyway tide turned and still no wind I called the CG to say I was staying put at which point the lifeboat came over as they were out on a job.

I pointed out that I really didn't need their assistance however, they were more than happy to help and said we should have used them earlier as they'd rather we be safe and sound.

Jolly nice chaps, one thing to take from this was that not all boat owners actually call them out they come anyway as the people at the CG and RNLI are human and they want to ensure people are safe.

The best way you can appreciate them is to make sure you donate every year.
 
A couple of points!

1. Most LB coxons work near or around the harbours and always have a vhf radio tuned to 16 so they hear your call to the CG and often decide to launch even though they know you may not need immediate assistance!

2. We really should count ourselves lucky to have such a professional rescue service that tend to turn up whether needed or not because this summer I was sailing back from Dunkerque to Ramsgate when I heard a call from a broken down French angling boat just west of D'que, a british yacht heard his call and went and stood off,
after some considerable time the yacht contacted Dover CG asking where the help was as the sea was rising.
DCG contacted Crosse Grinez and asked them the same question Crosse asked for info which Dover gave,and the yacht backed this up by giving exact GPS co-ordinates also adding that this 18' fishing boat was in serious danger of being swamped
still nothing happened -
by now Dover are getting seriously p***d off (or should I say cross) with Crosse G -
Crosse's response was to ask the nationality of the vessel requiring assistance -
Dover CG operator now came as close as I have ever heard to blowing a fuse-
DCG reply was something along the lines of - sir, you have a french angling boat in serious difficulties at these co-ordinates (gives lat/long), may I suggest that you get one of your lifeboats on scene a.s.a.p as the BRITISH yacht that is standing by is unable to render assistance because of the DETERIATING sea conditions.
By now nearly 45 mins had passed since the original call.
The last I heard was the british yacht informing DCG that he had sight of what appeared to be a L/B and he was resuming his course/passage.
DCG thanked him for his efforts and all went quite.

So folks don't lets moan about being "rescued" when you didn't really need it - when the RNLI turn up just say - "hi guys didn't expect to see you out here today, I'm not in any real distress, but if you want to help I'd be happy for you to give me a tow".
You might even consider giving the crew a slab of beer for their efforts and have a good chat with them to boot!!!!!

Peter.
 
Having not been reading every post in this thread, this may already have been covered.

There is in fact a crossover here of threads and Paul Gelders editorial in YM should be read in conjunction with my post. Perhaps with a little dilution.

I ask you all to consider the number of times during the course of the sailing season, when with ideal sailing conditions you will see a sailing yacht, with no sails hoisted or at best main alone, motoring.

I think the issue is, too many people turning up with their new purchases and not having the skill to sail even in ideal conditions.
I learned to sail late in life, I'm still learning. But a fundamental understanding of how to sail is essential if the pastime is to exploited to its fullest, let alone stay out of trouble.

Having said that, think of all the entertainment those calls to the CG provide. Remember, heard early this summer:

CG "what is your position?"

Casualty "I'm 2 miles south of Ryde pier"

silence

CG "could you just check your position please"

Cas "As I said we are 2 miles south of Ryde pier"

silence

CG "So that is 2 miles SOUTH I repeat South of Ryde Pier?"

Cas "Yes, correct"

I mean, I ask you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
When is an emergency not an emergency? Where you or I might feel able to get back safely without help if the auxiliary packs up, an inexperienced or shorthanded skipper may not feel it is safe to try - and he may well be right if he doesn't feel confident about it. RNLI would always prefer to prevent something serious happening by being alerted and arriving in time before the situation gets out of hand.

Similarly, HMCG will want to 'play safe' if a boat is in difficulty (as opposed to being in danger) and ask a Lifeboat to stand by. This then translates as another yacht towed in with engine failure. With a dead engine, the evening drawing in, and a powerful Lifeboat offering a tow home.... which of us would say 'no thanks'? Chances are they will continue to 'stand by' until you are safe anyway.

Rescue Services once on the scene do not go away again until the situation is secured - see the recent story of the elderly couple in Wales cut off by the tide who kept the Lifeboat and Helicopter waiting until the tide went down again so they could walk out unaided.

No. If my engine was US, and a Lifeboat turns up unasked, offering to get me home, chances are I would take up the offer even if I did think I could do it safely under sail. But the incident would still be recorded as a Yacht with engine failure being towed in. And this comes neatly back to my original point: I would only involve the Coastguard if I felt I was unable to deal with the situation safely myself for whatever reason. And that decision is based on my assesment of the situation that has arisen: can I cope with it safely or do I need help? If I think I have an emergency developing, then I probably have.
 
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How does one "call out the RNLI"?

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A call I heard to Dublin Coastguard Radio during the summer;

"Dublin Coastguard Radio this is boat "nonsuch", we have total engine and electrical failure, could I have the lifeboat to tow me back to harbour?"

Well, that's one way to do it...
 
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