The Coast Guard and Fire Department responded to a report that this sailboat was about to capsize off Ocean Beach Saturday. They determined that the crew of the boat did not need help. Photo taken with iPhone through coin-operated telescope. Photo: Andy Wernette

The U.S. Coast Guard and San Francisco Fire Department responded to a report of a sailboat in trouble in the choppy waters off Ocean Beach Saturday afternoon.

The Coast Guard first received a report of a vessel in distress at 12:57 p.m., said Petty Officer Morgan Bendgio.

“It was reported as a twin-masted sailboat reported possibly capsizing off of Ocean Beach,” he said.

The Coast Guard sent a 47-foot motor lifeboat with a crew of five from Fort Baker in the Marin Headlands, but determined that the crew of the boat did not need help.

The Fire Department also responded to the report, sending several vehicles and their crews, including a surf-rescue unit, to the area near the Cliff House. The department also dispatched a rescue boat.

The Coast Guard contacted the people on the boat at 1:17 p.m., Bendgio said. He said that while the boat was not actually in trouble, during periods of high winds and rough waters it can be easy for a person on shore — particularly someone without personal boating experience — to mistakenly believe something is wrong.

“It’s not a good day to go out on the water,” he said.