Fall Overboard at www.japanese-home-gardens.com

5. Maneuver to return to the spot where the person fell overboard. Determine in advance whether turning to port or starboard is fastest. Stopping and backing down may be the fastest way for some boats, but this should be done only in daylight, and only when the person in the water can be seen clearly. Never back down over the spot where a person went down! If you are alone, note your compass heading, and turn back 180 degrees on the reciprocal heading. Otherwise, follow the signals of your lookout. Sailboat operators should carry out man overboard drills from a variety of headings in respect to the wind, in order to minimize confusion and loss of time in a real emergency. (Many electronic navigation devices have a "MOB" button which should be pressed immedi ately upon the cry "Man Overboard"—this will record the boat's position and start calculating a course back to that spot.)

Cats make excellent cruising companions, and are really more practical than dogs. They do not need trips ashore for exercise, and an on-board kitty litter pan serves them very well. They can swim, too, in case they fall overboard. At anchor, it is a good idea to have a piece of carpeting rigged from the stern down into the water, so that the cat can get itself back on board.

ately upon the cry "Man Overboard"—this will record the boat's position and start calculating a course back to that spot.)