Sunday Smiles

/

Over at Hotair

And from July 19, 2019, updated this week.

True Story:

Man overboard’ is offensive term, says Royal Yachting Association

Set up in 1875 as the Yacht Racing Association, the RYA has become the National Governing Body for a broad range of sailing and boating activities. 

We are a membership organisation with over 100,000 members, and a world-leading provider of training schemes and publications. In 2025 we celebrate our 150th anniversary and are immensely proud of our lasting heritage. However, we must continue working to ensure that we, the sport, and pastimes we love, remain relevant, thriving, and accessible to everyone.

‘Man overboard’ is offensive term, says Royal Yachting Association

Inclusive language guide ‘honours and values’ women and non-binary people within sailing

And...they're serious.

...The national governing body for sailing, which was founded in 1875, has suggested that it should instead be replaced with “person in water” in an inclusive language guide.

It is one of a number of recommendations issued by the RYA to use language that “honours and values” women and non-binary people within the sport and recreational activity.

The guide suggests that while “man overboard” is an important phrase to “raise the alarm where a person has fallen overboard to initiate the emergency procedures”, outside of these situations the term “person in water” is recommended.

...Another term the RYA tells its members to avoid is “seamanship”, with people told to use “boat handling”, “navigation”, “deck work” or “maintenance” as replacements.

The guide also recommends using the word “sporting behaviour” instead of “sportsmanship” as it “might not be comfortable for a person who recognises themselves to be a woman or non-binary”.