What Is Helicopter Rescue Like?

Watch this if you have wondered, what’s it like to be hoisted to safety by a US Coast Guard search and rescue team? This is a practice drill by professional rescue personnel using a reporter as their survivor.

MOB Is Hard to See

The film shows several perspectives looking down at the water from a USCG rescue helicopter. Note how hard it is to see the MOB. And these rescuers knew where to look for him. Our dan buoy would have made easier the job of finding him.

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What Is Helicopter Rescue Like? was last modified: June 18th, 2016 by Philip Thompson

Beercan Racer–Overboard!

Unless it’s practice, you will not get to pick the best possible time and place to end up as an MOB. If you had that opportunity, you might prefer to go overboard during a late summer beercan race in southern California, in the protected waters of Newport Harbor.

You might arrange it so there is a jib sheet ready to grab as you fall over the side, and, if possible, keep most of your hair dry, and not lose your sunglasses. Oh, yeah, and daylight; going overboard in daylight would be a lot better than going over at night. If you could stay within passing distance of a sandwich or a beer at all times, that would be good.

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Beercan Racer–Overboard! was last modified: June 22nd, 2016 by Philip Thompson

MOB Saved in 2016 N2E

view of side of boat

MOB perspective from water; photo © 2016 Longpre Photos

In the 2016 Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race (#N2E), Foil, a Farr 40, sailed fast through the dark and windy night. Under spinnaker, she was making about 12 knots in winds gusting to 20 knots. Out by the Coronado Islands, the boat rounded down; helmsman Val G. went overboard. He broke his clavicle (collarbone) on the way. Foil owner, Gordon Leon, told crew to throw the dan buoy to Val.

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MOB Saved in 2016 N2E was last modified: June 18th, 2016 by Philip Thompson