General #
Recovering a HLM is not a trivial task under any circumstances.
The mass of a laser with its crew is around 150 kg. Even at a few knots, on the head of a person in the water the shock can be fatal. If the HLM has fallen into the water conscious you will want to recover it consciously.
The HLM is a maneuver to be adapted according to the conditions, it will be necessary to adapt, you will be the only judge. In any case, think before you act. Being ill-prepared and having to turn around again takes more time than stalling for a few seconds to be sure. Rehearse this maneuver often, as it is important for its proper execution.
As soon as you realize that there is an HLM: you do not leave it of the eyes and slow down.
Manoeuvre : the luffing line #
You have to arrive at the LHM at the right speed. This is the only speed that guarantees :
- A margin of maneuver in case of a wind shift (you have the windward and the leeward)
- A possibility to sail at low speed while remaining maneuverable
- A possibility of stopping quickly
We recover the HLM to the wind:
- We see it better
- One will not drift on him
Disadvantage: we drift faster than him! To take it into account
- It is necessary to be able to recover the HLM by “stretching” the arm. It is thus a question of aiming at it. Be careful if you loff or shoot at him: the turning radius is not zero.
The luffing maneuver
During the entire maneuver, gybing is avoided to prevent over-accidents.
- We turn or we shoot down around the HLM in order to come down to the drop.
- We move away from the HLM by leaving it on our side, we take advantage of it to reassure it and to note if it is conscious.
- We turn to establish ourselves full, we avoid gybing. If you are low enough, you can luff or drop to adjust the trajectory.
- You approach to get to the full boat, windward target within arm’s reach, zero speed. You must anticipate the drift and act quickly.
- If the HLM is conscious, prepare a piece of resalage to give him if you can’t get him back.
- Reassembling it often requires help. A HLM weighs its own weight plus the weight of its wet clothes: help it with its vest which should allow you to grab it by the shoulder straps.
- Once on board: do a “health” check: cold, fear, … Do not hesitate to return or take a break.