Recovering a man overboard (MOB) under sail rather than engine power is less common but equally essential to master—especially if your engine is unavailable or fails. Maneuvering under sail demands more skill and planning but can be executed safely with the right techniques.

---

⛵ 1. Initial Setup and Assessment

Assuming you have already performed the initial safety steps and have the yacht stopped and hove-to, the next priority is to locate your casualty and determine their position relative to the wind—whether they are upwind or downwind of your current location.

Your goal is to return to the casualty with enough control to depower your sails and come to a stop near them. To do this effectively, approach on a fine reach, allowing you to accelerate and slow as needed by adjusting your mainsail trim.

---

⚓ 2. Sail Management for MOB Recovery

In ideal conditions with steady wind and moderate seas, the mainsail alone should provide sufficient power for your approach. Before your final approach, furl or drop and secure the headsail to avoid complications from flapping sheets or sail handling near the casualty.

---

🚤 3. Recovery Maneuvers Based on Casualty Position

• If the casualty is roughly on the same point of sail (close-hauled)

        •  Sail away on a beam reach for approximately six boat lengths, keeping the casualty in sight.

        •  Tack the boat, then bear away onto a broad reach for around two boat lengths.

        •  Point the bow directly at the casualty and ease the mainsail to depower.

        •  If you can’t fully depower, bear away briefly and then turn back upwind until depowered and aligned.

        •  Trim the mainsail as needed to regulate speed and approach.

        •  Ensure the casualty is aligned with your leeward side (near the shrouds).

        •  Bring the leeward beam alongside the casualty and stop by easing the mainsail and dumping the vang.

• If the casualty is further upwind

        •  Sail away on a beam reach for six boat lengths, maintaining sight.

        •  Tack, then head directly toward the casualty while easing the mainsail.

        •  Use short bears away and turns to fully depower the mainsail while pointing at the casualty.

        •  Control your speed with mainsail trim.

        •  Line the casualty up on your leeward side.

        •  Stop the boat by depowering the mainsail and vang.

• If the casualty is downwind of you

        •  Sail away on a beam reach for six boat lengths.

        •  Tack, then bear away on a broad reach for about three boat lengths.

        •  Point at the casualty and ease the mainsail.

        •  If needed, bear away and turn upwind again until you can fully depower.

        •  Approach with careful mainsail trimming.

        •  Position the casualty on your leeward side.

        •  Stop the yacht by dumping the mainsail and vang.

---

⛵ 4. Important Tips for a Safe Approach

• Always approach on a fine reach to maintain the ability to control speed and stop near the casualty.

• Avoid approaching too close to a beam reach, as you won’t be able to depower and stop effectively.

• Don’t approach from directly downwind (the no-sail zone), as you’ll lose steerage and speed.

• Always recover the casualty from the leeward (lower) side of the boat to prevent windward side risks.

• Maintain constant visual contact with the person overboard throughout your maneuver.

---

🛠️ 5. Practice Makes Perfect

Whether you are sailing under engine or sail, the time taken to reach the casualty is usually shorter than the time needed to safely bring them back aboard. Regular practice of man overboard drills and having a clear recovery plan are critical for effective and safe MOB retrieval.