Yacht to Yacht Rescue

The October 2026 report from the Cruising Club of America, US Sailing and the Bermuda Race Foundation looks at 28 rescues where one yacht saved another yacht’s crew because shore-based search and rescue was out of range or too slow. Lessons:

• Communicate: Register your EPIRBs and PLBs, monitor the radio, and get direct VHF contact early. Bring a handheld VHF, AIS and PLBs into the raft.
• Decide fast: Decide quickly to call for help, to assist and to abandon ship. Put crew safety ahead of saving the boat.
• Agree on a plan: Both skippers agree before the transfer starts. The rescue boat’s skipper usually takes charge.
• Use the life raft: It’s usually the safest transfer. Watch for propeller fouling and collisions.
• Afterward: Check the rescued crew’s medical and emotional state. Manage the strain of extra people aboard.

See the report here.