Is Sailing Dangerous? The Truth About Sailing Risks and Safety

Sailing is one of the most rewarding and exhilarating hobbies you can have. Whether you sail for fun, for sport, or adventure, there is nothing like feeling the wind in your sails and the spray of the water on your face. 

But sailing also comes with some risks and challenges that you need to be aware of and prepared for. In this article, we will answer the question: is sailing dangerous? We will look at some of the common dangers of sailing, how to avoid them, and how to stay safe on the water.

By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the risks and rewards of sailing and how to enjoy this amazing activity without putting yourself or others in harm’s way.

Key Takeaways

• Sailing is not inherently dangerous, but it can be risky if you are inexperienced, unprepared, or careless.
• Some of the common dangers of sailing include bad weather, equipment failure, human error, collisions, capsizing, falling overboard, fire, piracy, and wildlife attacks.
• You can reduce the risks of sailing by taking proper training, following safety rules and regulations, wearing appropriate gear and equipment, checking the weather and sea conditions, planning your route and itinerary, communicating with others, and being alert and responsible at all times.
• Sailing can be a safe and enjoyable hobby if you respect the water, the boat, and yourself.

How Dangerous Is Sailing Around the World?

Sailing around the world is not inherently dangerous, but it does require careful planning, preparation, and awareness. Sailors who embark on this adventure can encounter various difficulties, such as:

• Extreme weather conditions, such as storms, hurricanes, or cyclones
• Shallow reefs, rocks, or sandbars can damage the boat or cause a grounding
• Piracy, theft, or violence in some regions or countries
• Mechanical failures, equipment malfunctions, or human errors that can compromise the safety or performance of the boat
• Medical emergencies, injuries, or illnesses that can be difficult to treat or access help for
• Psychological stress, isolation, or fatigue can affect the mental health or judgment of the crew

We’ll talk about these dangers in more detail in the next part of the article. 

These dangers are not inevitable, but they are possible and should be taken seriously. According to a study by Rhode Island Hospital researchers, sailing has a higher fatality rate than skiing and snowboarding combined and American football. 

The study found that between 2000 and 2011, 4,180 sailing accidents in the US caused 271 fatalities and 841 injuries. The most common causes of death were drowning (70%), trauma (22%), and cardiac arrest (6%).

Another source of data is Noonsite, a website that publishes reports of piracy and security incidents affecting cruising sailors by region. According to Noonsite, some of the areas that have experienced high levels of piracy or crime in recent years include:

• The Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea
• The Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea
• The Gulf of Guinea and West Africa
• Parts of Indonesia, Venezuela, Nigeria, and the Caribbean

However, these areas are not necessarily unsafe for all sailors at all times. The situation can change quickly depending on the political climate, the local authorities, the presence of naval forces, or other factors. 

Sailors who plan to sail around the world should do their research in advance and keep up to date with the latest information and advice from reliable sources.

What Are The Hazards Of Sailing?

Sailing is not a risk-free activity. Many factors can affect your safety and comfort on the water. 

Some of these factors are beyond your control, such as the weather, the sea state, or the actions of other boaters. Others are within your control, such as your skill level, your preparation, your equipment, or your attitude. 

Here are some of the most common dangers of sailing that you should be aware of and how to avoid them.

Bad Weather

One of the biggest challenges of sailing is dealing with unpredictable and changing weather conditions. Bad weather can affect your visibility, your navigation, your boat performance, and your morale. 

It can also create dangerous situations such as strong winds, high waves, lightning strikes, fog, rain, hail, or snow.

To avoid bad weather while sailing:

• Check the weather forecast before you go sailing and monitor it regularly while on the water. Look for signs of changing weather such as clouds, wind shifts, temperature drops, or pressure changes.
• Avoid sailing in extreme weather conditions such as storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, or gales. If you encounter bad weather while sailing, seek shelter as soon as possible or head back to port if safe to do so.
• Learn how to handle your boat in different weather conditions. Know how to reef your sails, change your course, or heave to in strong winds. Know how to use your radar, GPS, compass, or charts in low visibility. Know how to deal with lightning, waves, or currents in rough seas.
• Carry emergency equipment such as a VHF radio, flares, flashlights, whistles, horns, or flags to communicate with other boaters or rescue services in case of distress.

Equipment Failure

Another common danger of sailing is equipment failure. Your boat and its components are subject to wear and tear from constant use and exposure to the elements. 

Equipment failure can affect your boat’s performance, safety, or comfort. It can also create hazardous situations such as leaks, electrical problems, steering issues, engine troubles, or rigging failures.

To avoid equipment failure while sailing:

• Maintain your boat regularly and inspect it thoroughly before each trip. Check for any signs of damage, corrosion, wear, or malfunction. Replace or repair any faulty or worn-out parts as soon as possible.
• Carry spare parts and tools on board for common repairs such as changing a tire , fixing a leak, replacing a fuse, or tightening a bolt. Learn how to use them properly and safely.
• Have a backup plan in case of major equipment failure such as losing power, steering, or propulsion. Know how to use alternative methods such as sails, oars, anchors, or tow ropes to maneuver your boat if needed.
• Carry emergency equipment such as a life raft, life jackets, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, or distress signals to deal with any potential injuries or accidents caused by equipment failure.

Human Error

Perhaps the most common danger of sailing is human error. Human error can occur due to a lack of experience, knowledge, skill, judgment, attention, or discipline. 

Human error can affect your decision-making, navigation, communication, or operation of your boat. It can also create risky situations such as collisions, capsizing, falling overboard, grounding, or running aground.

To avoid human error while sailing:

• Take proper training and education before you go sailing. Learn the basics of sailing such as how to sail a boat, how to read a chart, how to use a radio, or how to follow the rules of the road. Practice your skills regularly and seek feedback from more experienced sailors.
• Follow safety rules and regulations while on the water. Obey speed limits, right-of-way rules, navigation lights, sound signals, or buoys. Respect other boaters’ space and privacy. Avoid alcohol or drugs while sailing.
• Wear appropriate gear and equipment while on board. Wear a life jacket at all times. Wear clothing that is comfortable breathable, waterproof, and sun-protective. Wear shoes that are non-slippery, non-marking, and closed-toe. Wear sunglasses, hats, gloves, or sunscreen to protect yourself from sun exposure.
• Check your surroundings constantly and be alert at all times. Watch out for other boats, obstacles

Collisions

Collisions can occur between your boat and another boat, a fixed object, a floating object, or a submerged object. 

Collisions can cause damage to your boat, injuries to yourself or others, or even the sinking of your boat. Collisions can also result in legal consequences such as fines, lawsuits, or criminal charges.

To avoid collisions while sailing:

• Follow the rules of the road while on the water. Know who has the right of way in different situations and how to signal your intentions to other boaters. Avoid crossing the path of other boats or overtaking them from behind. Keep a safe distance from other boats and objects at all times.
• Use your eyes and ears to scan your surroundings constantly. Look out for other boats, buoys, markers, rocks, reefs, logs, or debris. Listen for horns, whistles, bells, or sirens from other boats or shore stations. Use binoculars, night vision, or thermal imaging devices to enhance your vision in low light or dark conditions.
• Use your electronic devices to assist your navigation and communication. Use your radar, GPS, AIS, depth sounder, or sonar to detect and identify other boats or objects in your vicinity. Use your VHF radio, cell phone, satellite phone, or EPIRB to communicate with other boaters or emergency services in case of collision or distress.
• Have a collision avoidance plan in case of imminent danger. Know how to maneuver your boat to avoid or minimize impact with another boat or object. Know how to use your horn, lights, flares, or flags to warn other boaters of your presence or situation. Know how to use your anchor, fenders, lines, or pumps to secure or stabilize your boat after a collision.

Capsizing

Capsizing is when your boat turns over completely or partially due to wind, waves, weight distribution, or human error. 

Capsizing can cause water ingress, equipment loss, injuries, hypothermia, or drowning. Capsizing can also make it difficult to escape from your boat or attract attention from rescuers.

To avoid capsizing while sailing:

• Balance your boat properly and avoid overloading it with people or gear. Distribute the weight evenly on both sides and the front and back of your boat. Avoid placing heavy items on the deck or above the center of gravity of your boat. Secure all loose items on board and stow them away when not in use.
• Adjust your sails according to the wind and sea conditions. Reef your sails early and often when the wind increases. Ease your sails when you feel excessive heel or weather helm. Trim your sails when you change course or tack. Use a boom vang, traveler, outhaul, cunningham, or backstay to control the shape and tension of your sails.
• Learn how to right your boat if it capsizes. Know how to use the mast, boom, centerboard, rudder, paddle, buoyancy bags, or ropes to flip your boat back upright. Know how to bail out water from your boat using buckets, pumps, sponges, or bilge bags. Know how to re-board your boat using ladders, steps, handles, or lifelines.
• Carry emergency equipment such as a whistle, knife, flashlight, mirror, dye marker, strobe light, PLB, or personal flotation device (PFD) to help you survive and signal for help if you capsize.

Falling Overboard

Falling overboard is when you lose balance and fall off your boat into the water due to wind, waves, movement, slippery surfaces, or human error. 

Falling overboard can cause injuries, hypothermia, shock, exhaustion, dehydration, or drowning. Falling overboard can also make it hard to get back on board or be seen by rescuers.

To avoid falling overboard while sailing:

• Wear a PFD at all times while on board. Choose a PFD that fits you well and is comfortable and easy to wear. Choose a PFD that has bright colors, reflective tape, lights, whistles, pockets, harnesses, crotch straps, or hoods for extra safety and convenience.
• Stay within the confines of your boat and avoid leaning over the edge. Use handrails, lifelines, foot straps, or harnesses to secure yourself on board. Avoid walking around the boat when it is moving or heeling. Avoid standing on the bow, stern, or gunwale of your boat. Avoid jumping or diving off your boat unless it is safe and permitted to do so.

• Learn how to recover someone who falls overboard. Know how to use the man overboard (MOB) button on your GPS or chart plotter to mark the location of the person in the water. Know how to use the quick stop, figure eight, or Williamson turn maneuvers to return to the person as quickly and safely as possible. Know how to use a life sling, heaving line, boat hook, or ladder to retrieve the person from the water. Know how to perform CPR, first aid, or hypothermia treatment if needed.
• Carry emergency equipment such as a whistle, knife, flashlight, mirror, dye marker, strobe light, PLB, or personal flotation device (PFD) to help you survive and signal for help if you fall overboard.

Fire

Fire can occur on your boat due to electrical faults, fuel leaks, cooking accidents, smoking, or flammable materials. 

Fire can cause damage to your boat, injuries to yourself or others, or even an explosion of your boat. Fire can also make it difficult to escape from your boat or attract attention from rescuers.

To avoid fire while sailing:

• Prevent fire hazards on your boat and follow fire safety rules. Keep flammable liquids and gases such as gasoline, propane, alcohol, or aerosols away from heat sources and sparks. Use only approved appliances and devices for cooking, heating, or lighting on board. Do not smoke on board or dispose of cigarette butts overboard. Do not leave candles, matches, lighters, or stoves unattended.
• Detect and extinguish the fire quickly and effectively. Install smoke detectors, fire alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors on your boat and test them regularly. Carry fire extinguishers on board and place them in accessible locations. Know how to use them properly and safely according to the type of fire (A, B, C, or D). Know how to shut off fuel and electrical systems in case of fire.
• Escape and survive fire safely and calmly. Have an escape plan and practice it with your crew and passengers. Know how to use emergency exits, hatches, windows, or ports to get out of your boat if needed. Know how to use a life raft, life jackets, fire blankets, or wet towels to protect yourself from fire and smoke. Know how to use a VHF radio, flares, flashlights, whistles, horns, or flags to communicate with other boaters or rescue services in case of fire.

Piracy

Piracy is when criminals attack, rob, kidnap, or harm sailors and their boats for money, goods, ransom, or political reasons. 

Piracy can occur in any water, but it is more prevalent in some regions such as the Gulf of Aden, the Horn of Africa, the Gulf of Guinea, Southeast Asia, or the Caribbean.

To avoid piracy while sailing:

• Avoid sailing in high-risk areas and follow travel advisories and warnings from reliable sources such as the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), or your local authorities. Check the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre website for the latest reports and incidents of piracy around the world.
• Protect your boat and yourself from potential attacks. Install security devices such as locks, alarms, cameras, motion sensors, or barbed wire on your boat. Carry self-defense weapons such as pepper spray, stun guns, knives, or firearms on board if legal and permitted in your destination countries. Do not display valuables such as cash, jewelry, electronics, or documents on board or ashore.
• Respond appropriately and calmly if attacked by pirates. Do not resist or fight back unless you have no other choice. Cooperate with the pirates’ demands and follow their instructions. Do not make eye contact or engage in conversation with them. Try to communicate with other boaters or rescue services using a hidden VHF radio, satellite phone, EPIRB, or PLB if possible.

Wildlife Attacks

Wildlife attacks are when animals such as sharks, whales, dolphins, jellyfish, crocodiles, or bears attack or injure sailors and their boats for food, territory, defense, or curiosity. 

Wildlife attacks can occur in any water, but they are more common in some regions such as Australia, South Africa, Alaska, and Canada.

To avoid wildlife attacks while sailing:

• Avoid sailing in areas known for wildlife activity and follow wildlife advisories and warnings from reliable sources such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), or your local authorities. Check the NOAA Fisheries website for the latest reports and incidents of wildlife interactions around the world.
• Respect wildlife and their habitats and follow wildlife etiquette and regulations. Do not approach, feed, touch, or harass wildlife. Do not disturb or damage their nests, dens, or feeding grounds. Do not litter or pollute their environment. Do not take or collect any wildlife or their parts.
• Protect your boat and yourself from potential attacks. Install protective devices such as nets, spikes, fences, or repellents on your boat. Carry defensive weapons such as spears, knives, guns, or flares on board if legal and permitted in your destination countries. Do not swim, dive, fish, or kayak near wildlife or their habitats.
• Respond appropriately and calmly if attacked by wildlife. Do not panic or provoke the animal. Try to escape or fend off the animal using your boat, paddle, oar, or weapon if possible. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if injured. Report the incident to the authorities and seek compensation if applicable.

How to Stay Safe While Sailing

The best way to stay safe while sailing is to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. This means being proactive, responsible, and vigilant at all times. 

Here are some tips on how to reduce the risk of sailing accidents:

• Choose a suitable boat for your sailing plans. Make sure it is seaworthy, well-maintained, and equipped with all the necessary safety gear and communication devices.
• Choose a suitable route for your sailing plans. Avoid areas that are known to be dangerous or unstable. Check the weather forecasts and tide charts regularly and adjust your course accordingly. Have a backup plan in case of emergencies.
• Choose a suitable crew for your sailing plans. Make sure they are competent, experienced, and compatible. Have a clear division of roles and responsibilities on board. Establish a watch system and a routine that ensures everyone gets enough rest and hydration.
• Follow the rules of the road and respect other vessels. Use your navigation lights, sound signals, VHF radio, AIS transponder, radar reflector, and other means to make yourself visible and avoid collisions. Keep a safe distance from other boats, especially large ones that may have limited maneuverability or visibility.
• Follow the rules of the country you are visiting. Respect their laws, customs, culture, and environment. Obtain any permits or visas you may need. Check in and out with the local authorities. Avoid any conflicts or disputes with the locals or other sailors.
• Secure your boat and your belongings. Lock your companionway hatch when you leave your boat or go to sleep. Use motion sensors or alarms to deter intruders. Use padlocks or cables to secure your dinghy and outboard motor. Don’t leave any valuables on deck or in plain sight.
• Be prepared for any emergencies. Have a first aid kit on board and know how to use it. Have an emergency grab bag with essentials such as water, food, flares, a whistle, a flashlight, a knife, etc. Have an EPIRB or PLB device that can send a distress signal to your location if needed. Know how to use your liferaft and lifejackets if you have to abandon ship.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about sailing and its dangers:

Conclusion

Sailing is not a dangerous activity per se, but it does involve some risks that should not be ignored or underestimated. Sailors who want to sail around the world should be aware of these risks and take measures to prevent them or deal with them if they occur.

Sailing is also an amazing adventure that can offer many rewards and benefits for those who pursue it. Sailors who sail around the world can experience different cultures, landscapes, wildlife, people, and challenges that can enrich their lives and broaden their horizons.

The key is to find a balance between safety and adventure; between caution and curiosity; between preparation and spontaneity.

Sailing is not for everyone, but for those who love it; it can be one of the most fulfilling ways to explore this beautiful planet we call home.