Dangerous Run
Chutes can be a great advantage to racing, on a run or even a reach, but be carrrrreful, remember that fellow that went overboard the died was on the foredeck, they can be dangerous even for highly experienced crews that use 'em alla time, night et al. I had a good friend, very experienced had sailed all over the world, he was working the foredeck when he misstepped and the guy yanked him off his feet, he fell overboard, and drowned as the 'racing captain' towed him along. It is NOT that hard to get one wrapped round the forestay, and there is some kinda glue that keeps it up there just outta reach...;-) Lotta very sharp guys have ended up head over heels working the foredeck forward...;-( It CAN happen to you, and the overconfident ones will definitely get into trouble. Remember, murphy is always lurking over your shoulder and on a yacht there are son many things NOT in your favor that can actually work against you. Happens so fast it is over in a blink if you haven't thought it out and rigged to PREVENT it before hand, Preventer. Yes Randy, you certainly can take the boom-vang to the bail at mid boom. Do not take it to the stanchion if at all possible, they should never be touched except in an emergency as they are NOT strong and you cna crack the seal to the core and rot it. Use webbing from REI with a water knot, wrap it through the jib blocks, wont' hurt a thing, and I ahve used jib sheet runnin through em at the same time too. A large locking climbers biner is best, as it is easier to unclip the preventer to take it to the opposite side too, snap-shackles let you down, and can take precious seconds to unclip and re-attach.
