Stopping little things going splosh

Entering Lymington many years ago, at about 3kts, the skipper of 42' Sigma and I were setting fenders when, with the tensiest, weensiest splash, said skipper announced that his 'cheap' Rolex watch (£4000!) had just come off his wrist! Still there I imagine?
 
I tell new crew that contrary to first appearances winch handles are actually highly intelegent sentient beings who have only one wish, which is to live at the bottom of the sea. Give them the slightest sniff of an opportunity and they'll be off!
I tell them winch handles are magnetic to water. They have 1 of 3 places to be, in your hand, in the winch , in the winch pocket. Also tell them the replacement cost which helps focus the mind. Still lost a couple over the years when crew don't listen.
 
Perhaps closing the barn door but...

Tie a lanyard to expensive tools and attach to the boat. This is what Ive done with my loos guage.
Don’t ever tie a lanyard to an angle grinder! If you drop it, the last thing you want is it dangling and swinging towards your legs / crotch!
 
try it in the bow anchor locker but do note, if your compass is constantly telling you you’re heading North - the magnet is too close!
I keep my Sea Searcher magnet in the old gas locker about 2m from the main steering compass. I find it ideal for sailing great circle routes...
 
Entering Lymington many years ago, at about 3kts, the skipper of 42' Sigma and I were setting fenders when, with the tensiest, weensiest splash, said skipper announced that his 'cheap' Rolex watch (£4000!) had just come off his wrist! Still there I imagine?
I always buy the cheapest watch I can get from China. However I still wear a cover guard over the watch and strap when sailing. A piece of cloth (sail cloth even) about 50mm wide long enough to go around my wrist over the watch with overlap. I sew velcro to the overlap I then cut out a hole a bit smaller than watch face so I can see the time. Works well prevents watch from catching on anything and holds it if strap fails.
Similar bands can be bought made out of neoprene.
ol'will
 
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