WOKE Royal Yachting Association chiefs want members to swap “man” for “person” in language to be more inclusive.
Terms like “Man overboard”, “winchman”, “seamanship” and “sportsmanship” should be dropped, says the 148-year-old organisation.
Its 23-page inclusive language guide also provides the pronouns for non-binary people plus a “gingerbread person” illustration to help explain sexual orientation.
One female RYA member, 52, blasted: “I was shocked by this guide.
“If I ever find myself in the unfortunate position where there’s a man overboard, the last thing I want is my crew to hesitate about kicking into action out of concern about what language to use.”
Trawlers owner Sean Ryan, 57, of Brixham, Devon, added: “It’s absolute madness.
“When will all this pandering to the woke brigade stop? Terms such as man overboard have been used for generations.”
His wife Diane, 54, who also works on the boats, said: “People need to stop being so sensitive.”
The RYA said its guide is meant to help affiliates “consider alternative language where appropriate”.
