On 22-Jun-12 2:02 PM, Bruce King wrote: Hi Bruce, My first thought is that you need some sort of loops or large figure 8 knots in the line to give you a hand-hold, as you are trying to grab it and hang on. If you are sailing on a broad reach an M15 can easily be doing 4.5 to 5.0 knots. Grabbing the trailing line at that speed means you need some firm hand-holds to be able to hang on to the line. I certainly would also want a large loop at the end that I can - hopefully - easily get it over my shoulders and under my arms so that I am being held by the rope, till I can solve the overboard problem, and I am not trying to hang on just with my hands. I would suggest some actual testing of your trailing line idea, with someone else in the boat, to gain an idea of what the problems might be in hanging on to the trailing line while sailing; and in getting back on board. Connie
I have been considering toeing a line while sailing solo. Has anyone been overboard while sailing? Assuming that a 100 foot floating line is visible, have you been able to swim to it before it passes you? Issues: 1. Any Coast Guard guidelines? 2. It is a hazard to vessels moving across the stern. 3. Low chance of survival in cold No. Cal waters. 4. Don't "tie the tiller" when sailing alone. Better chance to get back to boat. 5. Attach it to starboard stern cleat above folding ladder.
I would really appreciate hearing views, considering the vast amount of knowledge available from all of you.
Bruce King '84 M15