Experience doesn't eliminate the possibility of losing crew overboard – it can happen on any boat, anytime, anywhere. So before heading offshore or on a coastal cruise it is important to review and practice the basic boat-handling techniques involved in the recovery of a man overboard.

Since sailing instructors and safety experts differ on which of the methods is most effective, it is important to practice all of the moves to learn how your boat will handle and to determine which actions you are most comfortable performing.

The more decisive your reaction is to a crew-overboard event the more likely you are to retrieve your crew in a timely manner.

Click to EnlargeJIBE RECOVERY

The Jibe Maneuver, from a close hauled or close reaching position, is the fastest route back to the man overboard, universally known as an MOB. That is, if there is someone at the helm that can react immediately by jibing the boat, continue to turn the helm hard over with the jib luffing and come around to the MOB with both sails luffing.

If the boat is being steered by the autopilot at the time of the MOB incident and the boat sails several boat lengths from the crew, it is still possible to use the jibe maneuver, the boat will just have to travel a greater distance downwind before approaching the MOB to leeward with both sails luffing.

If the wind is blowing more than 20 knots, however, a quick jibe becomes dangerous, suggesting that in heavy weather it may be safer to employ one of the alternate techniques.

Click to EnlargeQUICK STOP

The Quick Stop, like the Jibe Maneuver, is performed when close hauled or on a close reach.

This move involves tacking immediately or pulling in the main and then tacking, if this is necessary to avoid putting the boat in irons. After tacking, turn back toward the MOB, heading off and then jibing and coming around to the overboard crewmember.

Be sure to keep the boom in close to the centerline to control the jibe.

Click to EnlargeFIGURE 8

Though the Figure 8 method, which is also referred to as the Fast Turn, isn't as direct as the other maneuvers, it helps the boat stay on the same plane relative to the MOB. It also keeps boat speed up and gives the crew time to get in position and prepare to recover the overboard crewmember, with a Lifesling or similar device.

The Figure 8 involves falling off to a beam reach for five or so boat lengths, tacking, falling off, crossing back over your track, luffing the jib and slowly coming around to the MOB, when you will want to luff both sails.

The best way to understand the MOB recovery maneuvers and how you, your crew and your boat will react is to practice in a variety of conditions.

Practice will give the skipper and crew confidence as they master the required techniques and determine which method works best in a given situation, and the skipper's emphasis on safety will inspire confidence in the crew – essential ingredients for a successful race or cruise offshore.