Lost a crew member? Here’s the immediate response every sailor should have memorized.
First, throw flotation. Don’t think – just throw anything that floats toward the person.
Point. Assign someone to do nothing but point at the person in the water. Never lose sight of them.
Note your position. Hit the MOB button on your GPS if you have one. Otherwise, note compass bearing and time.
Start your approach. The Williamson Turn is reliable: turn hard toward the side they fell from, then come back around.
Approach from downwind. You want to drift toward them, not run over them.
Practice this drill until it’s automatic. Seconds matter in cold water.
