Rigging a safety jackline; harness reco

[Jim]

I am interested in ideas on the best way to run a safety jackline from bow to stern on my 29.5. Since the bow cleats are covered in the anchor line locker, what can be used to anchor the forward part of the jackline? Also, should I run the jackline through the covered line run on the cabin top? I'm not doing any offshore foul weather sailing, but want to have a jackline for evening/night sailing.Any personal experiences/recommendations for harnesses and tethers also appreciated.Anyone using the spliced harness illustrated in Chapman's?Thanks!

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

On my 29,5...

I run the jackline from the base of the port bow pulpit back to the well where I attach it taught to the starboard side of the wheel rail. Then I run the tether up and back as needed, taking care not to get hung up on the winches or the topside cleats. Sometimes I skip the jackline but attach the tether to the lifeline. That's dangerous if I fall overboard, unlike the jackline up the middle. Bought all the gear at West Marine and have used this setup for years. I also wear an IRPB emergency signal, and when fully outfitted I look like a well-dressed terrorist. Accordingly, I steer well shy of the US Naval Weapons Station at Yorktown, VA.

 

[Victor23952]

Some thoughts on safety gear

Because the theory appears sound, and not wanting to look silly, most of us fail to actually try going overboard with this gear to find out where we would end up and how/if we could get back onboard. In climbing the mast I have learned that hanging at the end of a line seriously throws off your sense of balance and ability to function. Being dunked in cold water probably won't help much either. Could you deal with an extra foot of freeboard if you fell off the windward side? This would really be the best way to determine line lengths and locations. I know that if I find myself hanging over the side some stormy night I will be wishing I had done this exercise.