m.o.b prociedure

[captjohn360]

in a m.o.b situation what is a racetrack turn?and how is it executed?

[Talbot]

not familiar with the term "racetrack", but sounds like the "Williamson" turn designed to get you exactly back on the same track, but going in the opposite direction. For this you alter 60 degrees one way, and when on that heading , reverse the rudder and turn right back to the reciprocal of the previous course. Normally used if the MOB is not in sight as it puts you in the correct position for a lucky sighting!

[nolatom]

It means your recovery course would be shaped like a racetrack, sort of a large flattened oval. After MOB, you'd come around 180 deg, then steady, then another 180 turn should bring you back to Oscar. The "quick-stop" method is similar, except the first turn is always into the wind in order to slow the boat and stay real close to Oscar.

For a Williamson turn, you alter course 60 deg (typically to stbd but could be either way), then hard over the other direction until you steady on the reciprocal of your base course, which should bring you back to Oscar.

I think the racetrack and Williamson turns have always been more suited to poweboats/ships. The quick stop seems to be the modern standard for sailboats, unless the wind is screeching too bad for the jibe maneuver, then the figure-8 is used, even though it gets you farther away from Oscar before you return.

At least, this is how I teach it when I occasionally teach

[GordMay]

Man Overboard Recovery:
This may be the least practiced, and more difficult of sailboat maneuvers. Returning to a previous position can be characterized as either immediate or delayed action, or missing in action.

The Anderson Turn is generally used when the MOB is nearby and still in sight (immediate action).

The Williamson Turn is often used when the MOB is a little further away, and just out of sight.(delayed action)

The Scharnow Turn is recommended when the MOB is significantly further astern, and well out of sight.(missing person)