Sailing Safely at TSC
The River Severn and Bristol Channel is widely recognised as one of the most challenging places you can sail. Why? Because of the tide. With a range of up to 12 metres at Oldbury, the tide affects every aspect of sailing on the Severn, dictating when and where you can sail, affecting sailing conditions and providing an exciting, challenging and ever-changing environment.
When is it safe to sail at TSC?
Sailing is inherently risky to the lives of the crew. Sailors are responsible for their own safety. Indeed, a key rule of sailing, firmly endorsed by our governing body, the RYA, is that a Skipper is responsible for the safety of their vessel and crew and it is their decision alone whether to go out on the water.
Whether it is safe or not to sail depends on all the circumstances. You should consider, among other things:
- The weather, especially the wind strength and direction
- The tide, state and magnitude
- Your boat, type and condition
- Your experience, including both your sailing experience and your experience of the local conditions
- Your crew, their capability and experience
- Safety equipment, including communications such as VHF (NB - buoyany aids are mandatory for all activities on the water at TSC)
- Your journey, where you are going, and the likely risks involved
- Your passage plan, including logging it with appropriate parties on-shore
Clearly this is not an exhaustive list, but if you can address these issues to your satisfaction, you'll be in a good place to go out on the water. The RYA training books cover this matter definitively and you should refer to these.
But remember, it is YOUR decision as to what is safe. We would say, if you're not sure, then it's not safe. So what are your options?
Organised sailing with safety boat cover
The safest time to sail is during an organised club event, which you'll find listed in the calendar. This is because there is an Officer of the Day (OOD) keeping an eye on proceedings and safety boat cover (usually 2 RIBs), able to rescue you if you get into trouble. You can either take part in the event, usually a race, or do your own thing. Whatever you choose to do, make sure that you sign on with the OOD and, if you are going to do your own thing, let them know what you are planning to do. They will be able to offer help and advice, so please make sure you ask if you are unsure about anything, but try to get there early if you have questions, as things can get busy before the start of a race.
There are also lots of members who can help, so again, if in doubt, ask someone if they can't help, they will be able to point you in the direction of someone who can. There is a wealth of experience at the club, so do take advantage of it. One thing though, try to avoid asking tricky questions just before the start of a race when people will be busy getting themselves ready to go out, an hour or so before race start (that's the time given in the calendar) is usually a good time.
Finally, you must remember that, as Skipper, you are responsible for the safety of your vessel and crew and it is your decision alone whether to participate in a race and / or to continue racing. If conditions look challenging, then think carefully and remember that the safety boats are there to rescue you in an emergency, not as a fall-back plan; you should only go out if you expect to be able to get yourself home without assistance. Of course, if you do need help, then do ask for it. Waving both arms above your head gives the clearest signal that you need assistance, which the RIB team will always be willing to give, provided they are in a position to do so.
Independent sailing
The vast majority of sailing at TSC is done during organised events, but some of the best and most rewarding sailing is when you venture out in small groups or on your own. The Severn offers a vast sailing area and, with knowledgeable use of the tide, you can cover a lot of ground. Usually, you get it all to yourself.
BUT, if you get it wrong, it can be mortally dangerous to you and your crew.
So, should you do it?
The answer means looking back at the "When is it safe to sail at TSC" section above. We would definitely recommend caution, take advice, gain experience, learn with and from others and always make sure you have a safety plan. But we would also recommend that you don't shy away from it.
Start small and build-up. Stretch your comfort zone for sure, but don't overreach yourself. Take small steps and before long you'll be amazed at what feels comfortable. But always think about what can go wrong and have a plan. And always prioritise your own and your crew's safety over your equipment a boat is expendable, but you and they are not!
Finally, remember that, as a minimum, you should always let someone ashore know what your plans are, including your expected return time and what to do if you don't come back on time. Alternatively, you can also use the RYA Safetrx App.
If you are doing anything out of the ordinary, tell Milford Haven Coastguard of your plans (name, starting point, destination, vessel, number of people, timings, whether you have VHF / mobile phone is a good start). As well as offering you safety benefits, it also helps them respond correctly to a situation where a concerned member of the public reports your activity to them, a number of TSC members have been "rescued" when they weren't in trouble, but were doing something "unexpected"!
You can get hold of Milford Haven Coastguard on 01646 690909. In my experience, they are always pleased to hear from you to log your plan. VERY IMPORTANTLY, don't forget to call them on your return to let them know that you're back, safe and sound, otherwise they will be obliged to send out a rescue party to look for you when you're not there.
How can you get more experience?
If you would like to sail independently at TSC, but don't feel that you have the necessary knowledge and experience, what can you do?
In terms of organised training, there is a Familiarisation programme at the beginning of each season, which includes sessions on tidal sailing and cruising on the Severn, which is a great place to start. We also suggest that you take part in as many of the organised events as you can, especially Challenge Series events, where there are always experienced member available to help you out and to offer guidance. With time of the water, you will gain experience of the river and the conditions and develop confidence in your own ability.
We also suggest that you talk to other members during sailing and in the clubroom. There is plenty of help and advice available if you ask, and many of us are only too keen to help others make the most of their sailing on our wonderful River Severn!
Last updated 15:19 on 8 March 2024