How dangerous is the sport of sailing?
Briefly, it is as dangerous as most other outdoor recreational activities, like cycling or canoeing. It does not compare to sky diving or motorcycle racing. Stormy seas are not part of everyday life of a coastal cruiser as a prudent sailor seeks shelter ahead of the storm. During our Basic Course, if “small craft wind warning” is issued during the course (more than force 5 Bofourt’s scale), we will stay in the harbour. During our Coastal Skipper Course, we will be sailing up to force 6. One should note that these are wind velocity limits that skippers normally set for their own good. More than that is more like “if I must go …” Hypotherima due to prolonged cold water immersion is a serious threat, but easily preventable by good seamenship practices. Common problems are sun burns, sea sickness and minor injuries. Sea sickness rarely occurs during Daysail Course as we will sail in protected waters. On the intermediate level you might be exposed to larger motion, but prevention is part
