Clip-on safety lines - suggestions please

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Antipole

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Hi... we have three clip-on lines with one hook at each end and 1.5m in length.

When working with, say, the spinnaker on the foredeck I usually clip on close to the base of the mast so that I have some security when hauling on the snuffer etc. Trouble is when the spinnaker is down I may not be able to reach far enough to disconnect the lines etc. I have to let go of the sail to change the clip.

I am tempted to get a longer safety line. But I am aware of the danger of being dragged along in the water if the line is longer and I were clipped on at the side of the boat. The ideal solution might be to have a line which can be kept short when working along the jack stay but extended when clipped on at the centre of the boat.

I can see there are lines with three clips, i.e. two at the far end, but it looks like there could be a spare clattering around and when working with the short length they would not reach back to the harness to tidy them away. Two separate lines, one short and one longer may be the most practical answer.

What do others do? Any recommendations?
Tony
 
Antipole said:
What do others do? Any recommendations?
Tony
Click to expand...

I use a petrzl grillion, but might not suit everyone if you're not used to it.

F231_grillon_with_hook.jpg
 
Hello Tony,
A hassle but worth it! We have several tethers, including Y-shaped with 3 clips which would be handy for your situation. The unused clip gets parked on your harness eye next to the middle clip. You can keep the middle clip on your harness, and switching clipping positions without ever disconnecting. This type can also be used end-to-end if you need a longer reach. In addition we have jacklines going from the stem on each board to the quarters, mandatory here in New Zealand. With the tether they act as a curtain rail on deck so you can go forward and aft without unclipping. They are of a prescribed strength and made from tubular webbing so they won't roll underfoot. On some boats a 1.5m tether might be a bit on the long side, you could end up in the sea after all, where it is hard to surface in time when dragged through the sea.
Best wishes
Matthijs Siljee
 
Antipole said:
I can see there are lines with three clips, i.e. two at the far end, but it looks like there could be a spare clattering around and when working with the short length they would not reach back to the harness to tidy them away.
Click to expand...

I think you've got the wrong end of the stick with these. You attach the middle clip to your harness, and then you have a long and a short tether to use in different situations. It's normal to clip the unused one back to the harness D-ring, with any slack draped around your neck.

Pete
 
prv said:
I think you've got the wrong end of the stick with these. You attach the middle clip to your harness, and then you have a long and a short tether to use in different situations. It's normal to clip the unused one back to the harness D-ring, with any slack draped around your neck.

Pete
Click to expand...

That is my understanding too. mine is 1.5m and elasticated to keep it tautish by taking up the slack. Longer lines are prohibited under USCG rules anyway and not sold. That said with a roller headstay, and wrinklies friendly in mast main now deck work is minimal. Back when we sailed in all weathers we had wire jacklines running from cockpit to bow in the corner twixt deck and coachroof, these had hollow tubular webbing covers that prevented the roll under foot syndrome it was possible to clip on in the cockpit and get to the bow still connected..
 
prv said:
I think you've got the wrong end of the stick with these. You attach the middle clip to your harness, and then you have a long and a short tether to use in different situations. It's normal to clip the unused one back to the harness D-ring, with any slack draped around your neck.

Pete
Click to expand...

Almost.

If you have a snap shackle at the chest end and value the quick-release function (not everyone does, and I respect that there are 2 valid schools of thought) , you do NOT clip the spare tether end to you harness D-ring. Doing so defeats the quick release function. There has been a fatality associated with this common mistake. Instead, clip the spare to the eye or a loop provided for that purpose.

(this image is from an accident)
double clipping.jpg
 
The focus is staying on board.

if the lifeline is so long you could go over the side its too long. If you need the long lifeline change the securing points, (run of the jackstays, add extra 'U' bolts, identify other strong points on the boat) such that you can use the short tether. Staying on board is more critical, imho, for a cruising couple than a racing yacht as if you go over on a cruising yacht then the, possibly, one person left on board will find it very difficult to get you back, alive.

Jonathan
 
I would suggest a jackline from the mast base to the bow down the centre. This will give max longitudinal movement on foredeck but keep the tether short enough that you can not go over the side past the life lines.
Here is a specialised hook for tether.
https://www.whitworths.com.au/main_...rch123=Witchard+Safety+Harn&intAbsolutePage=1
Here is a 2 hook tether https://www /main_itemdetail.asp?item=74368&search123=Witchard+Tether&intAbsolutePage=1
Here is a 3 hook tether https://www.whitworths.com.au/main_...0&search123=Witchard+Tether&intAbsolutePage=1
Might give you some ideas. Note the 2 action hook seems to be essential for this job.
Witchard also make tethers but I can't find any actually listed. sorry it is an Oz site good luck olewill
 
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