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jeffj
1st Mate

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USA
63 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/11/2003 : 21:30:32

Just wanting to get some advice on singlehanding safely. Primary concern is how to securely "tie onto" the boat in case of MOB. Anything wrong with a dock line cleated to the stern and wrapped around the waist? I know there are better ways to do this with harnesses, I just don't know what they are.
Any other basics besides flotation device and swim step down would be appreciated as well.
Thanks all.

Jeff J.
'85 Cat 25'

Edited by - on

John G-
Admiral

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793 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2003 : 22:07:58

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Primary concern is how to securely "tie onto" the boat in case of MOB. Anything wrong with a dock line cleated to the stern and wrapped around the waist?
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
 Excellent idea! When you go over instead of the boat continuing to sail away at speed, your body will fold in half and ka-thump against the hull till your lungs fill will water and you become a sea-anchor. The boat will then slow down and a salvage crew can take over your boat with little or damage to the vessel. Your boat will be fine. <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>
Don’t mess around. Buy a proper self-inflating life vest with a built in harness, a tether with Wichard clips and rig “jack lines” along the deck to clip into. Some soloists clip in on all sails, in any weather fair or fowl, my rule is to clip in when I reef.
 

[url="http://www.peregrinefund.org/"]<img src="http://www.peregrinefund.org/images/intro_mid_image.GIF" border=0>[/url]
[url="http://www.catalina25-250.org/photo/peregrine2.jpg"]"Peregrine"[/url] C25-#4762 FK

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2003 : 22:17:57

As John stated, you should use the proper gear to keep you in the boat. This would include a harness or inflatable PFD with and integrated harness, a tether, and jackline.

<img src="http://www.sailnet.com/store/prodimage/160x160/sos38mhar-p.gif" border=0><img src="http://www.sailnet.com/store/prodimage/160x160/sosteh1001.gif" border=0><img src="http://www.sailnet.com/store/prodimage/160x160/jacklines.gif" border=0>

An autopilot is another item that enhances the safety of the singlehanded sailor. It's like having additional crew and when the weather pipes up and you need to adjust something, it's nice to know that you have someone willing to take the tiller. It has greatly increased my singlehanded sailing time.

Additionally, anything that keeps you in the cockpit and off the foredeck(lines led aft, roller furling,...etc) will increase your safety while singlehanding.

<img src="http://www.catalina25-250.org/c25sm.gif" border=0>Don Lucier<img src="http://www.catalina25-250.org/c25sm.gif" border=0>
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2d904b3127cce9f7cd9ffdf1d0000003010" border=0>
North Star SR/FK

Edited by - dlucier on 06/11/2003 22:29:41

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2003 : 22:21:25

To answer your question.... I need to tell a story. A builder who I've worked with... told about the day he was installing a TV antenna on his new house. The two story house had a steep roof... too steep to climb and he needed to attach a house bracket about half way up on a gable end. His extension ladder would make it to the eave but not up the gabled wall high enough to reach the location.

So, he tied a rope to the rack of his truck which was backed into the drive way in the front of house, threw a rope over the ridge to the back of the roof where he could use the extension ladder to reach the roof and then using the rope he could hand over hand and pull himself up the steep roof to the point near the eave where he would attach the bracket.

When arriving at the point of installation, he needed his hands free so you guessed correct if your thinking he then tied the rope around his waste. Shortly after the knot was tied, he heard the truck start up... and while he commenced to holler, the rope started pulling him to the ridge.

Fortunately the rope was loose enough and my friend was slim and he slithered quickly out of the loop. Unfortunate, he hadn't arrived at the ridge yet and began to slide down the backside of the roof. Close enough to the gable end to get a hand over the edge he pulled himself to the edge and reached and arm over the gable and bear hugged enough that the friction of his arm on the shingles slowed his decent.

Fortunate again, the ladder was near enough to the gable end that he could get his feet on it as he reached the eave. Unfortunate was the ladder to reach the eave was perched rather steeply and the momentum of his impact with the ladder pushed the ladder away from the building and he narrowly clung to roof and ladder between the eave and the ladder. Only after a few moments of reflection on how good life had been... and the vision of his wife trailing the rope down the street did he find the energy to get himself on the proper side of the ladder and to the ground.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

jeffj
1st Mate

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USA
63 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2003 : 22:33:32

Thanks for the advice Don. I am a novice sailor and straight forward advice goes a long way. That is why I am asking the questions. Arlyn's was good too.

Jeff J.
'85 Cat 25'

Edited by - on

John G-
Admiral

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793 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2003 : 22:44:34

Sorry I was being flip. Before I started sailing I rock climbed. For awhile it was the style for a few to use 2” webbing around their waists instead of a proper seat harness. That was until a couple of kids had the inevitable falls. One needed a new kidney another broke his back. Harnesses take into account the forces your body will endure in a severe fall.
As crew on the foredeck I used a climbing seat harness so I could go up the mast if needed. The problem is a seat harness will tip you upside down when you go over, a chest harness or an inflatable PFD with a built in harness at least has a chance of keeping your head above your butt. You may still go “Ka-Thump” against the hull for a few miles but then again maybe not. The rope around your waist WILL KILL YOU!!!!
 

[url="http://www.peregrinefund.org/"]<img src="http://www.peregrinefund.org/images/intro_mid_image.GIF" border=0>[/url]
[url="http://www.catalina25-250.org/photo/peregrine2.jpg"]"Peregrine"[/url] C25-#4762 FK

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John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2003 : 22:53:29

Hi jeff, I wear a harness any time I am onboard and in open water, I often sail with my younger daughter and she also wears a child's harness. I use a heavy deck plate and ring through bolted through the cockpit wall with four 3/8 bolts. The safety line is cliped to the harness and to the deck ring. from there I can make it all the way to the bow. I just have to come back the way I came.
Grace is 9 years old and has cruised with me since she was an infant. day trips at first with my wife and them as she got older we would venture out for an overnight and then for several days. Each year she asks me "where are we going this year daddy?" We do man overboard drills, and she can slack all sails and come up into the wind all on her own. she also can shoot a 12ga flare, and can operate the VHF. My C25 is equipped with all lines to the cockpit. there are 6 in all..Main, outhaul, downhaul, boom vang, single line reef, and a-symetrical chute haulyard. I also use a Raymarine st1000 auto pilot.

Sailing single handed is a matter of planing and preparation. for example, you may have a fine harness and safety line but if you don't have a short line on your swim ladder you may never be able to get back on board. Or the old sailing adage, one hand for your work one hand for the boat. (when moving about allways have a hand on the boat)
Be carefull about the weather, it is bad enough to be caught in a storm with a full crew, but it is foolish to go out alone when there is the possibility of a blow.

Don't tie yourself on with a deck line, it probably won't hold you anyway.

John V. Nin Bimash II
77 C25 sk/sr #153

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jeffj
1st Mate

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USA
63 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2003 : 22:55:52

John,
I appreciate your last comments. I was a little miffed, but now understand your position on the subject and the gravity (no pun intended) of the consequences.
Any other comments from the group on single handing would be great. I do have roller, lines run aft, no auto pilot, small seas in the 1-4 foot range but with an average temp of probably 50 degrees (Puget Sound).
Thanks.

Jeff J.
'85 Cat 25'

Edited by - on

jeffj
1st Mate

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USA
63 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2003 : 22:58:09

Sorry, last reply was for John G. not John V. Complications!

Jeff J.
'85 Cat 25'

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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2980 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2003 : 23:16:42

Jeff, I too was a bit tacky with my story... your question brought back the long ago account.

I remember a few years ago feeling somewhat good for myself as I'd purchased and used a harness and teather and had installed jack lines. Then someone raised the question... ok, your over the side hung on your teather and can't get back aboard.

I realized in an instant that my thoughts had been far too shallow... and I felt humbled by the vastness of conditions and circumstances that call for each of us to be prepared with both equipment and knowledge.

Please don't let our lack of thought stop you from asking questions... we all benefit.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - arlyn stewart on 06/11/2003 23:17:27

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jeffj
1st Mate

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USA
63 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2003 : 23:37:41

Arlyn,
Thanks very much. I hate to ask a question and then dominate the board, but I do feel very passionate about this topic. I am a returning sailor, having not been aboard for years, but have been around boats (power) for 25+ years and appreciate the potential consequences that boating brings. It is at once very relaxing and tranquil while also life threatening in the wrong instance. I have the chance to take out my Cat 25' singlehandedly (I think that's a word) on a near daily basis, but fear the consequences of a mistake and the darn thing sits at the dock most of the time!
As always, this board is the greatest learning tool I have come across and I appreciate the insight. Maybe someday I can actually answer a question instead of just ask!

Jeff J.
'85 Cat 25'

Edited by - on

John G-
Admiral

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793 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2003 : 23:54:02

I tend to be a bit blunt. But think about it. If you have a great PFD with a harness and jack lines, run your lines aft, and have an auto-pilot, that is NO guarantee you will survive going overboard. You may go “Ka-Thump” for awhile till you can get to the stern. Then, have you velcroed the swim ladder and put a trailing line on it? Have you sent a 50’ foot trailing line out with a float? Will you have the strength to grab the line and pull yourself back to safety? The auto-pilot will most likely continue to sail steadily instead of luffing up and stalling the boat, will that drag you for miles?
John V.’s post is right on, “Sailing single handed is a matter of planning and preparation.” But don’t think you won’t drown if you go over. If you are even a half mile off shore your chances are ... well not great. The water in Long Island Sound is 56 degees right now, how long could you last in that?
Sailing is fun and you can do it with “relative” safety, but consider the risks. Please don’t add to them by trying to find shortcuts like tying a line around your waist attached to a cleat.
Don't forego sailing alone. Just think about the steps and stay within your skills.
In the last week or two I have advised a couple of sailers to practice reefing in fair weather so when the time comes (not if) you can do it when it counts. I stand by my advise. All of these things will make going out alone fun and safe.
 

[url="http://www.peregrinefund.org/"]<img src="http://www.peregrinefund.org/images/intro_mid_image.GIF" border=0>[/url]
[url="http://www.catalina25-250.org/photo/peregrine2.jpg"]"Peregrine"[/url] C25-#4762 FK

Edited by - john g- on 06/12/2003 00:03:44

Edited by - john g- on 06/12/2003 00:10:56

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2003 : 23:55:53

You should have your tether short enough so that you can't go over the side. If you go overboard single-handed in anything but ideal conditions, getting back on board is a daunting task.

You need a 'real' harness, tether and properly rigged jackline. A transom ladder is a good safety feature, secure it in the up position with velcro wraps or light twine and trail a trip line from the top down to the water level so it can be pulled down. There are also inexpensive rope ladders that can be used for this purpose.

We had a fellow here on Humboldt Bay nearly lose his life from going overboard with the with a tether just a little too long.

He was sailing in an overnight '3 buoy' race off the coast here and in darkness and rough seas, turned down the wrong side of the Jetty. Instead of coming into the harbor he sailed into the surfline.

He quickly recognized his mistake and and was starting to claw his way off the shore when a wave flushed him out the back of the cockpit. Just a few feet behind the boat, he couldn't get back in against the pressure of the water.

He later said that after a few minutes being drug behind the boat he was ready to give up and cut the tether with his knife (he probably would not have survived). His life was saved when the boat backed up on an incoming swell and with a final effort he was able to flop his arms up over the transom and get back on board.

Severly hypothermic, he was unable to operate the boat and called the coast guard. A few minutes later he was lifted off the boat by helicopter. The boat was recovered (in good shape) a few days later a hundred miles down the coast.

Currently maintaining two holes in the water...'77 Venture 23 and new to the family,
'78 Catalina 25

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jeffj
1st Mate

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USA
63 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2003 : 00:29:06

Thanks John G and all. l am a member of a sailing club which sells gear and will be looking into all of the necessary gear mentioned above.
Happy and SAFE sailing to all.

Jeff J.
'85 Cat 25'

Edited by - on

MattL
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2003 : 04:54:20

Latatude 38 had an article this past year about "Stupid things I have done."
The one that comes to mind was written buy a guy that was out single handing and he thought it would be cool to hang out over the stern on a rope and watch his boat. As I remember he was wearing shorts no top, as he exited he tripped, but was able to grab the rope. The force of the water pulled his shorts off. He was barley able (pun intended) to make it back to the boat and his constant thought was he didn't want to be found naked on the beach with his boat going on without him.
Oh he said he never did that again.

Matt/Brigitte Loeffler
E.C. Rider
Cat 25 86'
FK/SR _/)

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2003 : 12:24:46

an inflatable harness and jack lines and autopilot and lots of other stuff are on my list to buy.
How do you run jacklines. Do you run one up the center, or two, one on each side? Are there advantages/disadvantages to both? I only single hand on our lake here in Knoxville, not yet in the ocean.

Frank Gloss
89WK/TR

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2003 : 13:19:48

It's all about the level of risk one is able to accept for one's self.

I remember reading about a singlehanded ocean racer who, for excercise on the open ocean during slower times, would trail a long line off the stern, dive off the bow, then catch the trailing line.

Obviously, this guy was willing to accept a risk that maybe others wouldn't.

At a singlehanded safety seminar that I attended in April put on by the Great Lakes Singlehanded Society, the hottest topic was tethers. For races, the GLSS had instituted a new rule mandating tethers at all times while not down below. Some argued that this was a bit much, especially if the conditions were on the light side, while others argued that tethers are cumbersome and should not be mandatory. Those who argued against tethers, brought up an instance during their last race where a racer, who was tethered, fell overboard and, due to conditions on the lake, was unable to get back in the boat. It was stated that this racer probably lived for a few hours, before being pummeled to death by the seas and the hull. Those arguing against tethers made the point that if he would have fallen overboard untethered in his survival suit(which is equipped with flares, lights,...etc), his odds would have been much greater.

Now this group of sailors are not your typical "around the marks and to the clubhouse" kind of racers. Membership in the GLSS requires completion of one of their grueling, multi-day singlehanded challenges(Chicago to Mackinac, or Port Huron to Mackinac) that are hundreds of miles in distance. Their attitudes appear to be that they know and accept the risks that their sport presents.

I singlehand quite a bit(almost daily <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>) in varying conditions and I, for one, do not wear a PFD as often as I should. Usually, I only put it on if I'm going forward in heavier weather or if the sea conditions warrant it. Risky?...yes, but I know and accept that risk. Will I be diving off the bow and catching a line dangling off the stern?...Probably not, but it all boils down to knowing the risks and minimizing them to a comfortable level for you.

<img src="http://www.catalina25-250.org/c25sm.gif" border=0>Don Lucier<img src="http://www.catalina25-250.org/c25sm.gif" border=0>
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2d904b3127cce9f7cd9ffdf1d0000003010" border=0>
North Star SR/FK

Edited by - dlucier on 06/12/2003 14:49:46

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John Mason
Admiral

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USA
687 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2003 : 16:26:41

I've only singlehanded twice so far, both times it was in Budd Inlet (South Puget Sound) on calm sunny days. I decided that every time I do, the PFD will be worn the entire time regardless of heat etc. One slip and I could be swimming, and even if I were a strong swimmer (NOT), I'd like my strength reserved for other things than just keeping my head above water, like swimming back to the boat and climbing back on board. The PFD affords me the luxury of resting (I don't consider treading water to be resting).

I have yet to install jacklines or purchase a harness. When I do I think I'll run one up each side of the deck (jacklines, of course). It's much more comfortable to me to walk up the windward side than the leeward. I think also that I'd want the tether line to be short, so if I fall I don't actually go overboard. My thinking is, either make it short enough that I don't go over, or long enough that I'm not pinned against the hull and thrashed about. Shorter seems better than dragging behind the boat.

An autopilot seems like a hindrance if one actually goes overboard. The boat keeps on sailing rather than rounding up and, hopefully, stopping. How do you go forward without one? I don't know. Lashed tiller? But then wouldn't I have the same problem as the autopilot, the boat wouldn't round up and stop. I have no experience with an autopilot, so this is pure speculation.

Does anyone see anything wrong with my thinking. Something that I haven't considered?

Sorry for the long post, but safety is an important subject to me and I'm learning a lot from this topic thread.

John Mason
<img src="http://www.users.qwest.net/~jamason/ali.jpg" border=0>
pronounced "Ali Paroosa"
1982 - FK/SR #3290

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2003 : 19:32:04

On a 25 foot or smaller boat... its about impossible to use a teather that would prevent going over the rail. The jack line would have to be down the ceneter of the boat and a six foot teather doubled back.

There isnt a great way of running a jack line on center line so most often there will be two running inside the stanchions which allows hooking up on the weather side... and going forward without unhooking but it usually requires the full six foot of teather to work.

The suggestions about having the ability to deplow the swim ladder are on the mark. It is the single best chance a single hander has to getting back aboard. Of concern however is getting to the ladder if over the rail on a short teather. Most teathers have a snap shackle for releasing. The lanyard on the release should be such that it can be grasped firmly.

Then the concern about staying with the boat comes into play. One answer to this is to have a second and longer deployable teather as a safety feature attached to the harness. A harness thus equipped would allow the overboard person to make the longer teather to the shorter one and then release the short teather from the harness with the result of remaing teathered but with length to get to the swim ladder.

I've equipped my harness with a 15 ft long safety teather.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

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jeffj
1st Mate

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USA
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Response Posted - 06/12/2003 : 21:02:18

Arlyn,
You read my mind regarding tether length and swim ladder. 2 questions if I could. The first is what to do with a 15' tether while using a standard tether attached to the boat, wrap it around your body? Second is concerning the seemingly small swim ladder "attached" to a 28 year old boat. Being 200 lbs., wet, with full clothing on, the stress on the ladder makes me nervous and of course the only way to test is to be in perilous circumstances. Without the ladder I really doubt I could pull myself into the cockpit in any kind of weather as freeboard on a 25 Cat is not sky high, but high enough to make it difficult at least.
Any enlightenment would be appreciated.

Jeff J.
'85 Cat 25'

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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2980 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2003 : 21:19:46

The 15 ft teather is folded and secured to the harness with velcro straps that are sewn to the harness. Its snap shackle is made to the D ring of the harness and is ready for deployment. Be sure that the caribiner on the 15 foot teather will make to the eye on the snap shackle on the end of the regular six foot teather, otherwise it would be useless.

I agree... a ladder is the best chance of getting back aboard. Fortunately, the c250 has a nice swim ladder with an open transom so is fairly easy to board... I have a lanyard hooked to the ladder release mechanism as it would be difficult to reach from the water.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

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jeffj
1st Mate

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USA
63 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2003 : 21:26:12

Arlyn,
Excellent answer to the 15' tether and I am looking forward to that purchase, but I have to nitpick on the ladder. I have a '85 without the walk-through transom so the stern is difficult at best. Any way to secure the fold down ladder (which I keep in the water when single-handed) for peace of mind on reboarding? I can just see that 28 year old ladder tearing loose with 200lbs. + wet clothing and shoes trying to walk up it.
Thanks for the time.

Jeff J.
'85 Cat 25'

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Ellis Bloomfield
1st Mate

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85 Posts

Response Posted - 06/13/2003 : 11:32:34

Clam,
Your idea of a short tether seems to make the most sense. Or you could use a short and a long one so that you could usually have the short one clipped to something, even the mast if you are in that area. Paradys repeat over and over that if you go overboard you die, and concentrate on ways to stay on board. A long tether would not always work because if you fell overboard at the pointy end the assumption that the tether attach would clear all of the stanchions and rigging to allow you to end up behind the boat might not happen. If you are using a drag line and a lanyard to pull down the swim ladder, it might also be good to have this lanyard attached to a trip on the autopilot so it would disengage it and the boat would round up. Paradys add a lifeline at chest level attached to the shrouds but thats pretty hard on a cat 25. It would be interesting (with someone on board to assist if necessary) to try going off in cold water fully clothed and make it back on board.
Ellis

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Todd Frye
Navigator

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USA
222 Posts

Response Posted - 06/13/2003 : 15:13:10

This has been a very interesting topic. I was out solo last week in varying conditions. When the wind on the lake died, I decided to go up on deck to organize sheets. I think I caught the side of my foot on the handrail, and over I went. Although I tried grabbing for the life line on the way down, I had second thoughts about how I might dislocate my shoulder or who knows what. My first thought was I can’t believe you just did that, then it was, we better get back on board before the wind picks up. I made one attempt at grabbing the gunwales amidships (bad idea) and then swam to the back of the boat and grabbed on to the swim ladder mount. One of my winter projects was to make a “better “ swim ladder latch. It is shaped like an S and is made out of high-density polyethylene plastic. To unlatch the ladder I gave it a yank and it popped right out. Climbing aboard was easy, but because of the early morning air temp (65°) I was starting to shake already. I had towels and extra dry clothing that helped immediately, but for such an innocent beginning, things can change in a hurry.

Whenever I take my boys out sailing, I like to wait for the right moment, and toss a fender overboard and shout out “man overboard”. They take the drill serious and it’s actually pretty tough to retrieve the fender without killing it. We practice MOB drills at the start of each season. First, shout man overboard and keep them insight, second, throw out a flotation devise, third enter MOB on GPS, fourth, figure 8 or turn upwind, and retrieve. Sounds easy but it does require practise to be quick.

Last year, a seasoned sailor went overboard in rough conditions on the Great Salt Lake. He was out with a girl friend who knew nothing about sailing. When the wind really started to blow, he went forward to drop the head sail. The pitching boat threw him into the water (sans PFD or tether). He drifted with the wind until he spotted one of the moored buoys they keep for racing marks. After climbing onto the buoy, he started thinking about what to do. Luckily, he had a knife with him, so his plan was to dive down, cut the buoy free and float back to shore. They had Search and Rescue looking all night, and I guess at one point passed within 20 yards. Although things could have turned out a lot worse, every one lived to see another day and learn some valuable lessons. His comments were that he would never go forward without a PFD and tether again, that he would acquaint “newbies” with SOP while onboard (how the boat works, radio, flares, flashlights, etc.) and always carry a knife onboard. From this example, I now keep a strobe, cyalume stick, folding serrated edge knife and whistle on my PFD.

We rented jet skis last year so our wild and restless kids could blister across Bear Lake, while the Admiral and myself enjoyed the gentle breezes that barely kept us jogging along. As the kids splashed one another with their wakes (frowned on by the Coasties) one of them falls off his jet ski and decides to swim to the boat for a rest. My GPS shows we are limping along at 1.8 knots. Aaron, who is a pretty good swimmer, is actually loosing ground. The moral of this story is, if you fall overboard untethered, you will probably not catch your boat.

This is an important topic. I’m glad it was brought up. I also appreciate the advice and experiences that have made my sailing safer. Fair winds. Todd Frye

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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2980 Posts

Response Posted - 06/13/2003 : 18:06:49

I couldn't agree more that the best efforts made are those to stay aboard.

However, if overboard... I want a game plan that gives me a chance. The long teather is the best that I can think of... or have heard offered.

Also, it might be necessary to clarify... I am not talking about using a 15 foot teather while onboard. I use a six footer.

The calculations for the additional teather follow this logic.

The 15 feet teather will be added to the length of the 6 footer for twenty one feet. The jack lines traverse just inside the stanchions and I have roller furling so am never backed into the bow pulpit as with hanked headsails. I doubt that I will go overboard forward of the bow pulpit stanchions. Twenty one feet from the stanchion aft of the bow pulpit places me to the swim ladder.

More teather than that would increase the effort to get back forward to the swim ladder.

Todd made a very interesting comment... in that injury could happen while or preceding going overboard. A long teather will not solve all the scenarios... but like having the knife, whistle, strobe, etc. I think it increases my chances.

I disagree with the Pardey's... not on the point of making every effort to staying onboard... but that to go overboard is to be dead. I'm betting that they were trying to make a point... and that neither of them would give into such fatal thought as to not make preparations that might save their hides. Such an attitude can prevent the very offorts that might offer a solution.

If my chances fall to 50% of surviving by use of an extra teather...I'll take the remaing hope of the other 50%. Heck... if the chances only add 10%... I'll take that too.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
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N/E Texas and Great Lakes

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deastburn
Captain

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USA
334 Posts

Response Posted - 06/14/2003 : 22:24:46

Last summer a sailor was plucked out of Nantucket Sound by a passing ferry. He had been in the water several hours without a life vest (or anything else for that matter--nude sailing, or as I am apt to call it from my own experience, "German sailing"!). He was hospitalized for jelly fish stings. His sailboat was later recovered by the CG, intact, sailing in circles. He was singlehanding, hit by a fluke wave, went overboard, was a very lucky man.

One thing I would add on the topic of harnesses. I use jack lines, an inflatable PFD and a separate harness with THREE Wichard hooks. The FIRST hook attaches the lines to my harness. Each of the two harness lines (I make sure they are of unequal length) ends in a hook. That way, as I move, I am always hooked in somewhere (ie. I do not have to unhook to move--that would defeat the whole purpose). The hook to the harness is crucial if your boat gets knocked down and you need to part company quickly from the boat. Believe it or not, some cheaper harnesses attach the harness lines via a loop. If you cannot reach the hook to unhook it, you are permanently attched to the boat and its fate.

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