Yachtsman overboard in South Atlantic

[l'escargot]

So which throwing line should I buy??? This one looks interesting. Anyone got one?

Tudorsailor

I've got one, came with the boat, never used it in anger though. Also got two heaving lines with monkey's fists on, one by the cockpit and one at the mast.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

On the basis of never had to use an actual throwing line in > 30 years of sailing I suspect that any made-up line would slowly sink to the bottom of its respective locker where it will be twisted and inaccessible when needed.

Our bought one is attached to the pushpit every time we go out and is ready in tBhe time it takes to undo the toggle that keeps the holder shut ... < 5 secs?

And no ... I can't tie a Turks Head ... or a Carrick knot.

Where's the 'deep shame' emoticon ?

Don't understand why a made up line should sink to the bottom of a locker any more than a bought one! And I need the "deep shame" emoticon - I've got the materials and haven't got round to making up the line yet. But I know I can - and know it is easy!

Throwing a line is something that I was taught a long time ago. The trick is to have the main coil (free to run) in the left hand, and just a few loops with the weighted end in the right (Vice-versa if you're left-handed). Then you throw the weighted end, and it all runs smoothly (provided you've got a firm hold of the end!). Try it in the garden - you'll be surprised how far a line will go, thrown like that. Personally, I found the best heaving line I ever used was a grass line - nice and light, and of course it floats. Polypropylene would be too stiff, and other man-made ropes don't float.

I suppose this is a new thread, really, but is it just me that feels that knotting and ropework is a vital part of the whole sailing experience? GEEK WARNING: I read Ashley's Book of Knots cover to cover as a teenager, a LONG time ago

 

[Wandering Star]

The trick is to have the main coil (free to run) in the left hand, and just a few loops with the weighted end in the right (Vice-versa if you're left-handed). Then you throw the weighted end, and it all runs smoothly (provided you've got a firm hold of the end!).

That maybe the correct way of throwing a line from a ship to the dock or vice versa but ignores the inherently unstable platform of a yacht deck (one hand for the boat etc) and the likelihood of a snarl up with winches, guardwires and other deck mounted paraphanalia just lying in wait to snag a thrown coil of rope. I think a simple underarm throw whilst holding on to the stays or whatever is the best a sailor would manage.

Cheers, Brian.

 

[TiggerToo]

That maybe the correct way of throwing a line from a ship to the dock or vice versa but ignores the inherently unstable platform of a yacht deck (one hand for the boat etc) and the likelihood of a snarl up with winches, guardwires and other deck mounted paraphanalia just lying in wait to snag a thrown coil of rope. I think a simple underarm throw whilst holding on to the stays or whatever is the best a sailor would manage.

Cheers, Brian.

yes, just make up a bag (we did it with some sailcloth offcuts) and stuff it with polyprop with a floating weight at the bottom and a loop hanging out of the top. Just like the stuff they sell, in fact. You can thorugh an amzing distance.