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02/06/2025 23:43

Observing favorable wind direction, wind force, and current conditions for sailing, Lieutenant Commander Doan Tu Nguyen Ngoc, Commanding Officer of Ship 286-Le Quy Don, reported to the mission commander and gave the command: “All hands on deck! All hands for sail maneuver!” Immediately, the entire crew and cadets moved swiftly to the deck.
The sail handling crew is divided into teams, each responsible for operating a specific sail system. Team leaders brief their members on the tasks and preparatory steps.
During preparations, personnel assigned to climb the masts to untie sail lashings are required to wear safety harnesses, which include metal carabiners and secure body straps.
The safety harnesses are carefully inspected and adjusted to fit each individual snugly.
After the preparatory work, team leaders report the crew’s readiness to the commander.
From the forecastle, Lt. Commander Ngoc gave the order to begin unlashing the sails.
The ship’s crew promptly ascended the rigging to carry out the task, while cadets assumed their positions, ready to haul the sheets as commanded.
Thanks to frequent practice during previous voyages, the crew is highly skilled and experienced in sail operations. According to Non-commissioned Commander Tran Viet Dung, radar technician aboard the ship, personnel climbing up or down the rigging must adhere to the “three-point contact” rule, maintaining two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the rigging at all times. They must climb with the wind at their back to stay pressed against the rigging and remain fully focused while performing the task.
Once at the designated positions, sailors move along the yards to untie the sail lashings, considered the most challenging task, requiring strict observance of safety regulations, high concentration, and meticulous execution.
Standing on the cable footropes, sailors use both hands and feet to slowly approach the lashing points. Each yardarm contains between 14 to 16 lashings. While two sailors are sufficient to untie a single sail, bundling the sail requires six to eight sailors per yard to ensure it is tightly and neatly secured.
According to Lt. Junior Grade Nguyen Le Huu Phuoc, Political Officer of Ship 286-Le Quy Don, to unlash the sails, crew-members have to bend over and lean forward, pressing their bodies against the yard while working. In stormy or gusty conditions, with the ship rolling, this becomes even more difficult. Therefore, maintaining physical fitness is a top priority for all crew-members.
After the sails are unlashed, the crew-members descend back to the deck and join the cadets in sail hoisting.
Joint forces start to haul the sails.
CO Ngoc supervises and directs the entire exercise. He explained that the officer in command must constantly monitor wind direction and speed via navigation instruments on the bridge. This information is used to determine the type and number of sails to deploy and to make timely adjustments, ensuring the vessel maintains its planned course and speed.
During sail hoisting, all members must follow the commands of the CO and team leaders to ensure synchronized pulling force.
Once the sails are hoisted, the crew secures the sheets and locks the sails in place.
They then neatly coil all excess lines before returning to their positions to await further orders. Sailing requires continuous readiness, as changes in wind direction, wind force, or currents may require immediate sail adjustments.
At the end of the sailing segment, the crew conducts furling procedures, including gathering, bundling, and lashing the sails back into their stowed configuration.
Amid the vast open sea and howling wind, each sail maneuver is a testament to the skill, resolve, and seafaring spirit of the ship’s officers and sailors. For the Naval Academy cadets, this voyage not only provided invaluable practical training but also instilled a deep appreciation for the unity, discipline, and traditions of Vietnam’s sailing fleet, inspiring them to uphold the glorious traditions of the heroic Vietnam People’s Navy.

Tag(s): Sailing Vessel 286-Le Quy Don sail handling

Sail handling on Sailing Vessel 286-Le Quy Don

PANO - Sail handling is a routine activity during voyages for officers and sailors aboard Sailing Vessel 286-Le Quy Don of Squadron 9, Practice and Crew Training Center under the Naval Academy.

During the latest long sea voyage with defense diplomacy and training missions, cadets of the Naval Academy, together with the crew-members, gained hands-on experience and practiced sail handling aboard Sailing Vessel 286-Le Quy Don.

Reported by Trung Thanh

Translated by Chung Anh

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