In shore racing is one thing. Been there, done that. Never fell off, but took risks. Sure.
The MOB recovery record off-shore in rigorous weather is not comforting. That's not a criticism, that is just a realist recognition that everything is against you. Many people have pointed out that off-shore the edge of the deck should be regarded as a 500 foot cliff, with waves washing across. Iv'e done perhaps 20,000 miles of solo sailing, on this and larger boats--no chance of MOB recovery. You simply avoid washing off a 500 cliff. My other hobby (35 years and counting) is rock and ice climbing; we do some crazy looking stuff, but we really don't take many risks, because real risk is stupid. It catches up with you. I understand working with tethers is a pain, but they need to be used AND they need to be used properly, which means extra clipping points and often keeping them short. As we have learned MANY times, if it's long enough you can go over the edge you may die anyway. So don't go over the edge.
The MOB recovery record off-shore in rigorous weather is not comforting. That's not a criticism, that is just a realist recognition that everything is against you. Many people have pointed out that off-shore the edge of the deck should be regarded as a 500 foot cliff, with waves washing across. Iv'e done perhaps 20,000 miles of solo sailing, on this and larger boats--no chance of MOB recovery. You simply avoid washing off a 500 cliff. My other hobby (35 years and counting) is rock and ice climbing; we do some crazy looking stuff, but we really don't take many risks, because real risk is stupid. It catches up with you. I understand working with tethers is a pain, but they need to be used AND they need to be used properly, which means extra clipping points and often keeping them short. As we have learned MANY times, if it's long enough you can go over the edge you may die anyway. So don't go over the edge.