An article in the new sailing breezes magazine (see link) seems to suggest that a harness and tether are not such a good idea for deck work. What do you guys think? I think as long as I'm on a short leash I won't get into too much trouble.
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Not Exactly...
The article is spot on as it addresses the problems of improper use of a harness and jack line. The point it makes is for us to rig it properly to keep crew aboard. As you ended your thoughts..."short leash" were the key words.
The article is spot on as it addresses the problems of improper use of a harness and jack line. The point it makes is for us to rig it properly to keep crew aboard. As you ended your thoughts..."short leash" were the key words.
Jack lines...
Jack lines should end aft far enough forward to not drag you behind the boat. Ask ABN AMRO II if a harness is more dangerous than not having one on. I agree that the thing has to be used in a safe manner, but I'd rather get dragged beside than left behind. B
Jack lines should end aft far enough forward to not drag you behind the boat. Ask ABN AMRO II if a harness is more dangerous than not having one on. I agree that the thing has to be used in a safe manner, but I'd rather get dragged beside than left behind. B
Tether
Maybe it's just anal, but I have this fear of being tethered to the boat, and being drug through the water while it sails/motors merrily along. Luckily I am pretty sure footed, and have never been close to going over the side. But, when it gets really snotty out there, I clip myself to a cleat on both sides of the cockpit. I can not get out from behind the helm, and can't move around much, but I can't go over the side. A 6' tether on a jackline down the side of the boat will let you get into the water if you fall. Those of you who think you can get back into the boat, with no help, while it is making five or six knots, need to give it a try. Then tell me you can do it. The need to go forward is dealt with as it happens, and I do not have any certain procedure, except hang on tight.
Maybe it's just anal, but I have this fear of being tethered to the boat, and being drug through the water while it sails/motors merrily along. Luckily I am pretty sure footed, and have never been close to going over the side. But, when it gets really snotty out there, I clip myself to a cleat on both sides of the cockpit. I can not get out from behind the helm, and can't move around much, but I can't go over the side. A 6' tether on a jackline down the side of the boat will let you get into the water if you fall. Those of you who think you can get back into the boat, with no help, while it is making five or six knots, need to give it a try. Then tell me you can do it. The need to go forward is dealt with as it happens, and I do not have any certain procedure, except hang on tight.
Solo or Crew makes a big difference
If you are sailing by yourself and you go over the side on a six foot tether, you are really screwed. Especially if the boat is on autopilot, which it probably is while you went forward to do something. Solo, you need to keep it short. With a crew, the tether will keep you close and make sure you can be found at night. If you go over the side, assuming some one hears you, they can stop the boat and recover you. So a six foot tether makes more sense. I recently had the experience of reefing at night in blue water in a squall. It is hard to move around and do tasks, even with six feet - three feet is very restrictive. For solo sailing, I think a good PFD, a stobe light, a whistle and a good waterproof VHF clipped on to the PFD is a safer combination that a harness and a tether - for sure if you have an autopilot or anything that will prevent the boat from luffing up by itself.
If you are sailing by yourself and you go over the side on a six foot tether, you are really screwed. Especially if the boat is on autopilot, which it probably is while you went forward to do something. Solo, you need to keep it short. With a crew, the tether will keep you close and make sure you can be found at night. If you go over the side, assuming some one hears you, they can stop the boat and recover you. So a six foot tether makes more sense. I recently had the experience of reefing at night in blue water in a squall. It is hard to move around and do tasks, even with six feet - three feet is very restrictive. For solo sailing, I think a good PFD, a stobe light, a whistle and a good waterproof VHF clipped on to the PFD is a safer combination that a harness and a tether - for sure if you have an autopilot or anything that will prevent the boat from luffing up by itself.
Never tether solo
There's no one to pull you in. If you are injured or snagged, you may drown. Better to have a PFD with a handheld radio, mirror, whistle and flares in the pockets. The boat is insured, and in many cases can still be saved if you are able to quickly signal for help.
There's no one to pull you in. If you are injured or snagged, you may drown. Better to have a PFD with a handheld radio, mirror, whistle and flares in the pockets. The boat is insured, and in many cases can still be saved if you are able to quickly signal for help.
Never tether solo EXCEPT
Sorry, unless you are offshore and your boat is your only salvation. Then tether. Keep your end tied near the stern and have an extended release for the swim ladder.
Sorry, unless you are offshore and your boat is your only salvation. Then tether. Keep your end tied near the stern and have an extended release for the swim ladder.
Good article. Jacklines are the problem
I think the article pointed out the problem with using Jacklines. I have never understood why anyone would clip on to a jackline. They are great if the weather is fine to hold on to going forward,but not so great for extreme conditions. Also I think 6 feet is too much teather. I think four or five should be max. Using two teathers is best when one is about 4 and one is 5 feet.
I think the article pointed out the problem with using Jacklines. I have never understood why anyone would clip on to a jackline. They are great if the weather is fine to hold on to going forward,but not so great for extreme conditions. Also I think 6 feet is too much teather. I think four or five should be max. Using two teathers is best when one is about 4 and one is 5 feet.
Dave Is Right On
When Solo Sailing especially in cold water your only chance is to stay on deck. Once you are outside the life lines you are dead. I believe the best policy is to stay in the cockpit. I am fortunate to have a boat with a RF main & jib this is the best thing since sliced bread. For you none believers I have only been on deck to fix Seldon RF main twice. The continues furling line came off the drum. I have learned if you cleat the lines this never happens. I never had a problem with the sail jamming. The roller RF jib is no where as reliable as the main. Offence is the best defence.
When Solo Sailing especially in cold water your only chance is to stay on deck. Once you are outside the life lines you are dead. I believe the best policy is to stay in the cockpit. I am fortunate to have a boat with a RF main & jib this is the best thing since sliced bread. For you none believers I have only been on deck to fix Seldon RF main twice. The continues furling line came off the drum. I have learned if you cleat the lines this never happens. I never had a problem with the sail jamming. The roller RF jib is no where as reliable as the main. Offence is the best defence.
Use two thathers
One to go forward on which is longer so you can just get to the main and one for the cockpit that is shorter and will not let you go overboard. AND There is a new gismo out there that you wear on your PFD that turns off the auto pilot by remote control. You go overboard, hit the button and the boat lufts up into the wind. Course you would have to be alive to do this but if you are dead it does not really matter does it. One hand for me and one hand for the boat!
One to go forward on which is longer so you can just get to the main and one for the cockpit that is shorter and will not let you go overboard. AND There is a new gismo out there that you wear on your PFD that turns off the auto pilot by remote control. You go overboard, hit the button and the boat lufts up into the wind. Course you would have to be alive to do this but if you are dead it does not really matter does it. One hand for me and one hand for the boat!
Kids??
Did the article have an opinion on kids?? We have a harness for our 3 1/2 y/o that we plan on using this year since he likes to stay awake on sails now. We were just going to tether him to the pedestal guard with 6 or so feet of radius...so he can go to either side ot steer. By the way...this one hand for the boat, one hand for me always bothered me. If I have one hand on the boat and one hand for me, which hand holds the beer???? ;D
Did the article have an opinion on kids?? We have a harness for our 3 1/2 y/o that we plan on using this year since he likes to stay awake on sails now. We were just going to tether him to the pedestal guard with 6 or so feet of radius...so he can go to either side ot steer. By the way...this one hand for the boat, one hand for me always bothered me. If I have one hand on the boat and one hand for me, which hand holds the beer???? ;D
Using Harness more as time goes by.
As I get older and wiser, I'm starting to use my harness more often. My boat beam is 12Ft. at the widest. I made 2 6Ft long lanyards and clip them onto the cable handrails/safety rails. I Hook up one on each side. It keeps me more or less centered on the boat. Yes, i do have to clip and unclip as I move forward but this doesnt pose any problems. If for some reason, I need to work close to one side more than the other, I have other places to move the lanyard to, such as the grab rails or the mast. As others have said, the idea is to not go overboard in the first place. If you are being dragged, more that likely, you will never be able to get nack on the boat. If you were able to cut yourself loose, then you get to wave 'bye-bye' to the boat. The boat, unattended, should head up to the wind and stop......Dont bet on the fact that you can catch up to it. Its not that much more trouble to be safe. Be Safe Tony B
As I get older and wiser, I'm starting to use my harness more often. My boat beam is 12Ft. at the widest. I made 2 6Ft long lanyards and clip them onto the cable handrails/safety rails. I Hook up one on each side. It keeps me more or less centered on the boat. Yes, i do have to clip and unclip as I move forward but this doesnt pose any problems. If for some reason, I need to work close to one side more than the other, I have other places to move the lanyard to, such as the grab rails or the mast. As others have said, the idea is to not go overboard in the first place. If you are being dragged, more that likely, you will never be able to get nack on the boat. If you were able to cut yourself loose, then you get to wave 'bye-bye' to the boat. The boat, unattended, should head up to the wind and stop......Dont bet on the fact that you can catch up to it. Its not that much more trouble to be safe. Be Safe Tony B
Overboard
Jim: Good discussion by others so far. If I solo on our cold deep Fremont Lake when there is no one else out nearby, I wear a pfd and trail a 50 ft polypropylene line. I don't ever want to try it, but perhaps if going overboard I'd get one chance to catch the line and pull myself forward to the stern where I can easily pull down and board the swim ladder (though maybe not if hypothermic). If that doesn't work, it may be a half mile to shore and there the going could get tough because only about 1/4 of lakeside has access. Best to stay aboard on a short leash! RK
Jim: Good discussion by others so far. If I solo on our cold deep Fremont Lake when there is no one else out nearby, I wear a pfd and trail a 50 ft polypropylene line. I don't ever want to try it, but perhaps if going overboard I'd get one chance to catch the line and pull myself forward to the stern where I can easily pull down and board the swim ladder (though maybe not if hypothermic). If that doesn't work, it may be a half mile to shore and there the going could get tough because only about 1/4 of lakeside has access. Best to stay aboard on a short leash! RK
Tony B - you're dreaming
Tony B. While all the discussion on tethers is good conversation, I have to correct your incorrect comment, "The boat, unattended, should head up to the wind and stop". Unless you had the mainsheet in your hand when you went over-board and it was set free to flog, then the boat will continue sailing - whether you're on-board or not. Most sailors of larger sailboat set the sails and secure the control lines once the boat is "balanced". As long as the controll lines are secured to a stopper or winch, the boat will find its new balance and sail on. It will not "stop", as you suggest.
Tony B. While all the discussion on tethers is good conversation, I have to correct your incorrect comment, "The boat, unattended, should head up to the wind and stop". Unless you had the mainsheet in your hand when you went over-board and it was set free to flog, then the boat will continue sailing - whether you're on-board or not. Most sailors of larger sailboat set the sails and secure the control lines once the boat is "balanced". As long as the controll lines are secured to a stopper or winch, the boat will find its new balance and sail on. It will not "stop", as you suggest.
Ron M
You are probably right, but my point was " Dont bet on the fact that you can catch up to it."
You are probably right, but my point was " Dont bet on the fact that you can catch up to it."
Why not
tow an inflatable kayak, a boogie board, or a soft styrofoam surf board on 1-200 feet of polypropylene line? Put something about 5 feet in front of your last chance ride that would stop your tether. So if you're over the side by your tether, release it. Find the dragging line, and tether to it. Your tether will stop you when the board or kayak gets pulled thru to you, and you have to roll up on top of it. Maybe not easy, but you would be motivated. You can't pull yourself back to the boat against 2-3 knots if you're in the water, but it would be easy if you were on the above. I'm picking something soft so it couldn't hurt your transom. the soft surfboard should have a slight drag to it with the fins to keep from riding up. None of these should seriously slow down the boat more than the insurance is worth. Has this been tried?
tow an inflatable kayak, a boogie board, or a soft styrofoam surf board on 1-200 feet of polypropylene line? Put something about 5 feet in front of your last chance ride that would stop your tether. So if you're over the side by your tether, release it. Find the dragging line, and tether to it. Your tether will stop you when the board or kayak gets pulled thru to you, and you have to roll up on top of it. Maybe not easy, but you would be motivated. You can't pull yourself back to the boat against 2-3 knots if you're in the water, but it would be easy if you were on the above. I'm picking something soft so it couldn't hurt your transom. the soft surfboard should have a slight drag to it with the fins to keep from riding up. None of these should seriously slow down the boat more than the insurance is worth. Has this been tried?
Stay On The Boat Or You Are Dead
It better be a very short tether, I assume the other alternatives are terminal.
It better be a very short tether, I assume the other alternatives are terminal.
Tether...and good PFD
This is an interesting topic. Let me give you two scenarios. First, keep this in mind since more and more people are using the auto-inflating vests. Please inspect and service yours often. We lost a sailor during one of the doublehanded Farallon's races (27 miles outside of the GG Bridge). While surfing back into the SF Bay in healthy wind and seas, they broached, righted and took off. I believe it was the skipper who went over during the broach. His vest did not inflate and he was dragged to his death. It was discovered that the pin that strikes the CO2 bottle was rusted and thus failed. If the vest had inflated, he wouldn't have submarined and died. Second scenario. My father was struck by a sleeper wave outside of Half Moon Bay at Maverick's (yes, the big surf contest venue). It was at night and he was not tethered in. He was ejected from his Beneteau 38s5, swam ashore and survived (broken leg and all). He's a former Marine aviator, so he's pretty tough. In any case, he would have surely died had he been tethered in. My rule is solo = tethered. I'd rather die next to my boat then float alone and be eaten by the big creatures in the ocean. Only time I don't is while SF Bay or near shore ocean sailing. When you sail to the Farallone's, your tether is 15". That's Great White territory. Tech tip: If you are worried about pulling yourself back on board, consider using a cliff climbers device called an ascending rope clamp. Something like Petzl's Tibloc device. http://en.petzl.com/petzl/SportFamille?Famille=12
This is an interesting topic. Let me give you two scenarios. First, keep this in mind since more and more people are using the auto-inflating vests. Please inspect and service yours often. We lost a sailor during one of the doublehanded Farallon's races (27 miles outside of the GG Bridge). While surfing back into the SF Bay in healthy wind and seas, they broached, righted and took off. I believe it was the skipper who went over during the broach. His vest did not inflate and he was dragged to his death. It was discovered that the pin that strikes the CO2 bottle was rusted and thus failed. If the vest had inflated, he wouldn't have submarined and died. Second scenario. My father was struck by a sleeper wave outside of Half Moon Bay at Maverick's (yes, the big surf contest venue). It was at night and he was not tethered in. He was ejected from his Beneteau 38s5, swam ashore and survived (broken leg and all). He's a former Marine aviator, so he's pretty tough. In any case, he would have surely died had he been tethered in. My rule is solo = tethered. I'd rather die next to my boat then float alone and be eaten by the big creatures in the ocean. Only time I don't is while SF Bay or near shore ocean sailing. When you sail to the Farallone's, your tether is 15". That's Great White territory. Tech tip: If you are worried about pulling yourself back on board, consider using a cliff climbers device called an ascending rope clamp. Something like Petzl's Tibloc device. http://en.petzl.com/petzl/SportFamille?Famille=12
Use two jacklines on each side
Rig one jackline inside and one outside on both sides of the boat. Carry two tethers, one for the inside jackline while going forward. Use the other one hooked into your inflatable harness, but rolled up and clipped with rubber bands so it is not dragging all over the boat. If you go over, clip on the spare to the outside line - and once secure, unclip the inside line from your harness, and slide to the back where you can climb back aboard. We have used this technique offshore and practiced on Kentucky Lake. It works! Our rule when offshore, is whenever out of the companionway, you stay hooked to a jackline 100% of the time.
Rig one jackline inside and one outside on both sides of the boat. Carry two tethers, one for the inside jackline while going forward. Use the other one hooked into your inflatable harness, but rolled up and clipped with rubber bands so it is not dragging all over the boat. If you go over, clip on the spare to the outside line - and once secure, unclip the inside line from your harness, and slide to the back where you can climb back aboard. We have used this technique offshore and practiced on Kentucky Lake. It works! Our rule when offshore, is whenever out of the companionway, you stay hooked to a jackline 100% of the time.
Safety first
I know no one's discouraging safety, but I hope most readers can pick out the good ideas from this post and the article. For instance, multiple jacklines, quick-releases and shorter tethers make a lot of sense. For every person who's perished with long tethers or not tethered at all, there are thousands who slipped a bit, got grabbed by their tether and jacklines, reoriented themselves and made it safely back into the cockpit. Wearing a harness, especially in rough seas and at night, is a pretty good idea. Paul
I know no one's discouraging safety, but I hope most readers can pick out the good ideas from this post and the article. For instance, multiple jacklines, quick-releases and shorter tethers make a lot of sense. For every person who's perished with long tethers or not tethered at all, there are thousands who slipped a bit, got grabbed by their tether and jacklines, reoriented themselves and made it safely back into the cockpit. Wearing a harness, especially in rough seas and at night, is a pretty good idea. Paul
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