Larry is right, the first thing is a PFD with a built in harness. The one end of the tether needs a quick release shackle that will open under full load. Next is to rig taught jack lines that run stem to stern so you can move about but always be clipped on.
I also have the quick release lines on my swim ladder. I don't know if I could actually board if she was under way but I'd sure want the option to try. http://www.catalina27.org/wingtip/photos/Wing-Transom.jpg Lastly, everything should be run to the cockpit. Having a single handing safety discussion has to include what to do in case of a blow. Can you shorten sail from the cockpit? If you have roller furling have you determined how much you can roll in (pseudo reef) before you have to furl completely (usually only 10-15%)? Maybe a little over the top but do you have a gale sail equivalent. Remember in cold water if you are being drug by the boat hypothermia will set in many times faster than the exposure charts indicate. The charts here say hypo will set in twenty minutes; however a sailor who was drug was dead after twenty even with a CG rescue. The best defense is a tether that keeps you on-board. After that it is all about strategies to keep the best defense in place (lines to the cockpit) or get back aboard (quick releases and trailing lines). Phil Agur s/v Wing Tip Commodore, Call Sign WCW3485 IC27/270A MMSI 366901790 www.catalina27.org Vessel Doc# 1039809 -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Tim Ford Sent: Sunday, December 04, 2005 8:31 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: catalina27-talk: Re: Single-handling I usually would tow a bunch of polypro with a float on the end of it. 30-40 feet. Had a quick release on the swim ladder...simple yank would deploy it. no smart alec jokes about the simple yank. -tom south of philly [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Listees > > Thinking about trying it alone this coming year. Installed an > autohelm last year, next year lazy jacks. Already have the requisite > auto-inflatable PFD. But have not figured out the best way to get > back in the boat if I happen to fall in and the boat is nearby. > > Any thoughts, suggestions, experiences? > > John Jennings > Escapade > 83 Standard, 5267 > Hopkins Creek off Middle River, MD
