Are you planning your first voyages on the open ocean? Are you a newbie or an experienced sailor? Or, just interested in sailing and want to know if sailing is actually dangerous? Whichever the case, in this article, I’m going to clarify and answer some of the more typical concerns and fears in sailing. Also, the most common causes of accidents are stability (i.e., how safe the seas are), piracy (i.e., how safe the waters are), the risk of someone going overboard, alcohol that causes drowning, and harsh weather phenomena. So, keep reading in order to know some facts as well as the answer to this question.

Why Sailing Can be Dangerous

It’s worth noting that every year, over 4 million people go sailing. Spending your days on the sea or lake with friends and family may be a pleasant experience. Using only the strength of the wind to power the boat is one of the purest modes of transportation. In fact, sailing is a fulfilling activity for everyone. But, it needs some prior planning and understanding of the accompanying risks. Sailing is a highly gratifying way to explore the seas, relax on the weekends, and engage in sailing as a sport. But it requires knowledge, concentration, organization, a thorough grasp of the risks, and the ability to anticipate the unexpected.

And, this is why sailing can be dangerous. Because if someone doesn’t take the proper sailing classes and doesn’t understand the risks involved in sailing he or she might end up hurt, injured, or even worse. There are contributing elements in accidents involving sailing and recreational boating in general. It’s also important to understand the reasons why sailing accidents occur and how we can prevent them in the first place.

It’s worth mentioning that sailing has a greater death rate than American football and downhill skiing, according to the US Coast Guard. Sailors have a higher rate of mortality than athletes in sports with high velocity, falls, and collisions. Falling overboard, high winds, and operator inattention are all known variables that contribute to higher sailing fatality rates in the United States. And, note that drinking is linked to 15% of all sailing deaths. Drowning was the leading cause of death, with 82 percent of drowning victims not wearing a life jacket. Of course, if the skipper and passengers wear life jackets, have safety equipment on board, don’t drink alochol, and are vigilant deaths and injuries are less likely to occur.

Between 2000 and 2011, the great majority of sailing-related deaths happened when boaters fell into the water. The leading preventable cause of death was alcohol consumption, followed by operator inexperience and inattention. Operator-preventable contributory factors were found to be involved in 37% of all fatalities. In 28% of deaths, the weather or dangerous waters were cited as primary contributing causes. Both expert and inexperienced boaters were injured or killed. The boating accident reports detailed accidents ranging from day sailing on a tiny boat on a lake to cruising along the coast in a catamaran to serious regatta racing. So, for the twelve million people who go sailing at least once a year internationally, everyone has to be aware of the risks and dangers in sailing.

>>Also Read: Are Sailboats Safe?

But, How Safe is Sailing?

Keep in mind that recreational boating is basically twice as safe as driving a car. Let’s take a look at these statistics: According to the 2015 Coast Guard, for every 100,000 people, 5 die in a boat accident. And, according to the 2015 NHTSA, for every 100,000 people, 11 die in a car accident.

As a result, boating is two times safer than driving on the road. This does not take into consideration the fact that people spend far more time behind the wheel of their car than they do behind the wheel of their boat. Apart from that, simply being on a boat rather than driving a car gives you a statistical edge. Sailing, on the other hand, is even safer than boating in general. This is due to the fact that the majority of boating accidents include operator inattention, a lack of lifejackets, and instances involving alcohol. So, if you plan to set sail, be sure you have taken sailing courses, wear lifejackets, and abstain from drinking. Like this, the risk reduces a fraction of the above number.

The most important decision that every sailor has to take is to avoid possible dangers in their routes. This is because there are places in the world that someone shouldn’t sail. The main reasons are piracy and high levels of criminality. Cruisers must have their wits about them and research the reputation of a location ahead of time so that they can plan where to anchor/moor. Also, where to go, and how to act once they arrive. Twenty years ago, the typical cruiser had a modest profile. But, nowadays, with the advance in technology and modern high-end yachts risks may increase.

Sailing isn’t inherently dangerous, but it’s also not fully risk-free. People drown on occasion, and deaths do occur, but the majority of injuries and fatalities may be avoided. The risk is quite low, and fatalities are extremely rare, given the large percentage of sailors who never have an incident in their lives. One may argue that it is less risky than driving because the traffic and concentration of cars are so close together, but a busy day at sea is also not uncommon.

How to Reduce the Risks of Sailing

The truth is that we all take risks with our lives on a daily basis. When you get in your car and drive to the grocery store, you are taking a risk. When you stand in front of the stove and prepare a meal, you are taking a risk. You should not avoid a risky activity just because it is risky. The key to making the most of life is to not be afraid of taking risks.

The idea is to do everything you can to intelligently mitigate it so that you can stay safe while having fun. You are, to some extent, leaving yourself at the mercy of nature when you go sailing. Because we now have motors aboard sailboats, this is no longer true, but you still need the wind and waves to work with you in order to safely arrive at your destination. Let’s see the risks in sailing and what you can do in order to reduce them:

Sailing Education

Before you decide to go sailing (especially alone), make sure you have some prior experience. This entails enrolling in one or more classes from a licensed instructor. It’s best if you can take as many classes as possible. On boats where the operator has not received boating safety instruction, an alarmingly high proportion of accidents occur. While it is simple to state that safety is critical when operating a sailboat, it can be difficult to comprehend what this means. This is because you don’t have someone who can explain the hazards and teach you how to prevent them.

Boater safety classes are one of the most effective ways to learn about the dangers of getting out on the water. You can learn to sail but also acquire knowledge for equipment like outboard motors, navigation lights, and emergency contact equipment like personal locating beacons and flares, in these types of courses.

Note that sailboats are simply incapable of reacting as swiftly as most powerboats. You have to do more meticulous planning of turns and other operations. So, learn and practice crew-overboard procedures. Above all, make sure that in a crew-overboard situation, one person maintains an eye on the person in the water and points to them while the skipper maneuvers the boat. You’ll be glad you took a course that includes adjusting sails in the face of a storm if the winds are really strong.

>>Also Read: Best Ways to Minimize The Risk Of Drowning While Sailing

What about Capsizing?

To begin with, capsizing is an extremely rare occurrence for the great majority of sailors. That takes us to the second point: larger boats are built for this, and can even resist capsizing. Monohulls have weighted keels that allow the boat to self-right. The “Angle of Vanishing Stability,” or AVS, is a ratio to which boats are designed. Most monohulls can tip over to the point where their mast submerges and yet rises to the surface.

As you might expect, if you don’t plan on sailing through the Southern Ocean anytime soon, you’ll be alright. In fact, the more a boat heels (tips over), the more it is going to right itself. When a boat tips over at a 55o angle, for example, it has the greatest propensity of becoming stable. And that it will only “give up” attempting to right itself when its mast is 30 degrees underwater. As you can expect, this needs extreme circumstances to occur.

Catamarans, especially those over 40 feet long and employed by charter firms, are quite stable. Nonetheless, boats include several important safety precautions in case this happens, such as hatches that allow passengers to get to the “new top” of the boat. They’re also exceptionally stable when inverted, which is a somewhat reassuring benefit.

>>Also Read: How To Right a Capsized Sailboat

Alcohol and Sailing

Another simple thing you can do to keep safe on the water is to avoid consuming alcohol while sailing. Try to limit your alcohol consumption to while you’re on land. Only drink on the boat if there are others who can replace your responsibilities. Racing, trans-oceanic crossings, and world circumnavigations aren’t that important to most recreational sailors. Many people go out on the water to enjoy the afternoon, have some fun on the lake, spend time with friends, and travel in a unique way. However, just like driving a car, sailing a sailboat while inebriated can have disastrous effects.

Alcohol is the biggest known cause of boating accidents, according to the US Coast Guard, and was a contributing factor in 19 percent of boating-related deaths. Although the effects of alcohol on driving abilities are well established, it is frequently ignored that sailing a sailboat, while under the influence of alcohol can be quite dangerous. Many local and national laws include prohibitions comparable to those that apply to automobiles.

Weather and Hurricanes Considerations

Sailboats’ relatively deep drafts, thanks to keel fins, center- and daggerboards, necessitate extra caution to avoid grounding. A weather eye is always crucial to a boater, but it’s even more important to a sailor, who can’t just avoid storms as a powerboat can. Due to this risk, many people refuse to sail in the Caribbean during the summer months. Others, though, believe that now is the ideal time of year to sail. In any case, weather forecasting has progressed to the point where any major storms crossing the Atlantic from Africa are routinely predicted at least five days ahead of time.

Then there’s the relatively narrow storm path. Because the Caribbean is such a huge area, having an average of 10-15 storms pass through each year (with only a few of them powerful enough to make the news) means that the chances of being in a storm are low. Nonetheless, the goal is to provide a balanced perspective on storms rather than to promote the notion that they pose no risk. They are, without a doubt, risky. During storm season, you always have to keep a close eye on the weather. We just advocate a rational assessment of the danger.

Bear in mind that winds can blow or equipment can break down, and then the movement with the boat will be difficult. So, always plan ahead. How will you return to the port or land? Auxiliary inboard or outboard motors may be installed on larger boats. A paddle may be the best option for tiny boats and sailboards. And, of course, make sure you have a phone or radio to call for help if necessary.

Safety Equipment and Lifejackets

It’s particularly important to have at all times the necessary safety equipment onboard. And, this is not only for offshore and long ocean voyages but for short trips as well. Safety equipment includes lifejackets, visual and sound signaling devices, throwable flotation devices, fire extinguishers, flares, and a First-Aid Kit. Also, storm sails, liferaft, EPIRB, AIS, VHF radio, flashlight, and a reliable weather forecast app. Furthermore, safety gear such as sunglasses, sailing gloves, and waterproof/SPF-rated clothing.

Lifejackets are one of the MUST items onboard. Lifejackets keep people from drowning, which is the leading cause of fatality in sailing accidents. While lifejackets are not required to be worn at all times, depending on your local sailing legislation, they should be readily available in the event of an emergency. Someone slipping overboard is a possibility in various situations, such as when the wind suddenly speeds up or the swells grow. Lifejackets are specially intended to help someone stay afloat until the person is rescued.

When determining whether or not to wear a lifejacket, the size of the boat should also be taken into account. In big swells or severe winds, small boats are far more prone to risks. They’re also more likely to capsize, and if the weather changes, they can become unmanageable. The usage of lifejackets is governed by a variety of rules, so be sure you know what they are for wherever you plan to sail. In many locations, there are also distinct requirements for children and adults, and it is your responsibility to understand them.

>>Also Read: Must-Have Boat Safety Equipment For Sailing

Operator Inattention and Speed Consideration

It’s advisable to check from time to time your sailboat’s capabilities. Meaning that you can test the sails, speed, steering, and general navigation. You can do this at your local racing club, at the bay, harbors, and marinas. This is because if you aren’t fully aware of your boat’s capabilities and push its limits accidents might occur. And, operator inattention is another factor that contributes to sailboat accidents. There are several maritime restrictions in place to reduce collisions, just as there are for driving a car.

When entering marinas or harbors, keep your speed consistent and keep an eye out for maritime buoy lanes. The boat’s maneuverability is substantially diminished in these scenarios because sailing does not require the boat to be powered by an engine. Sailing lessons and boater safety education are excellent ways to learn about the standards and rules of sailing in different areas. Also, as it is normal, sailors want to speed up from time to time. But, keep in mind not to overdo it especially when it is not necessary or if you’re not fully aware of the waters. For instance, racing sailboats are the best way to raise your adrenaline levels. And, races are a great opportunity to compete, and there are classes for all sorts of boats. However, races take place in areas with minimum risks, and they have their own set of laws that govern sailboats.

>>Also Read: Can Sailboats Tip Over?

The Bottom Line – Is Sailing Dangerous?

So, yes, sailing can be dangerous. As it is driving or snowboarding or anything in life. But, keep in mind that according to the US Coast Guard, there were 4,145 incidents in 2018, with 633 deaths and 2,511 injuries resulting from sailing activities. Sailing, however, accounts for a small percentage of these accidents, which encompass all recreational boating activities. These figures can be frightening on their own, but when broken down into the types of risk factors that cause accidents, it becomes much easier to avoid them.

Alcohol is by far the most common cause of boating accidents. Alcohol can cause speed to increase uncontrollably and attention to minimize, resulting in accidents. This can lead to potentially harmful situations, but it’s easy to prevent. Also, operator inattention, lack of safety equipment, not enough knowledge, and inexperience are also common causes of accidents and deaths.

A basic boater safety course can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to sail safely. These classes can teach you about local legislation, as well as emergency and safety equipment. By obtaining the necessary instruction, you will be able to begin learning to sail in the safest method possible. And, if you combine these with sailing courses you’ll be good to go!