Shipscarver wrote:Jackline discussions usually center on rigging to get back aboard. But, when I went in the Bay I learned I could not get back aboard.
Research tells me I had a better chance of drowning than getting back aboard once over the side and in tow.
In my opinion, for what little it may be worth, Shipscarver is 100% accurate.
I preface my comments with the statement that I am a true rookie sailor; I do not have jack lines on S/V Tadpole; I do not have tethers; to my knowledge I have never been on a sailboat that had jack lines rigged. My experience and observations comes solely from a lifetime of being in and under the water and climbing aboard many different types of boats.
I hesitate to make these statements because I know I have no practical experience or training in going overboard while attached to a jack line, tether and PFD/harness. I honestly apologize to anyone who is offended or insulted or thinks I should not be making these statements and observations. All I can offer in defense is my comments are well intended.
In my younger days I had a lot of experience in climbing aboard small boats and skiffs that had minimal freeboard. Sometimes the boats were stationary, sometimes moving at about 1- 1.5 kts more or less. I was then in excellent physical condition. It was not easy to do, even with minimal equipment.
Today, despite wanting to believe it so, the fact is I am not in the same physical condition I was back then. I also do not have the upper body strength I had back then. I shamefully think of myself these days as average at best. I still climb aboard small boats a lot but they are definitely stationary and I use my fins a lot more for lift than I used to.
As I have said,
I am no expert and have no experience in this particular area. However, it is my firm belief that a person going overboard while on a jack line is in serious, serious trouble. It is one thing if you are knocked backwards a little while on a very short tether with minimal stretch (2'-3'). You hopefully won’t end up with your body weight on the outside of the hull. You can pull yourself back to a secure position. However, if you are on a 6' tether and you end up with your body hanging over the side of the hull with some or most of your body in the water, with your PFD inflated, and your sailboat is moving, I would respectfully suggest it will be almost impossible to pull yourself far enough up the side of the hull to even grab onto a stanchion or the toe rail - let alone have the strength to pull yourself up onto the deck. Also, unless your PFD/harness has crotch straps, your harness will be up around your neck very quickly from the force being exerted by boat speed, the water and your body weight.
If anyone doubts the degree of difficulty involved try it this Summer on a warm, sunny afternoon with your sailboat well anchored. Make sure there are 1-2 (or more) sailors on board and that you have figured out how you will get aboard when you can’t pull yourself aboard. Hopefully you have a boarding ladder to deploy. Put on your harness and attach your tether to the jack line and jump over the side (or fall over the side as would happen in a real life scenario-you do want the "full effect" experience don't you
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). It is my understanding tethers can be bought with "quick disconnect" clips. I believe this is a good thing to have on a tether.
I would be very surprised if 1 out of 50 could climb aboard unassisted (active duty Marine Recons, SEALs, Rangers, PJs and SFs do not count in the calculation) . I honestly do not believe I could do it although I would try like hell. "Never give up. Never quit. Never surrender. Never, Never, Never". And this is in calm water, with an anchored sailboat, and anticipating the event.
Should I ever be fortunate enough to own a Cape Dory 25D and take her anywhere out of sight of land it would be my plan to make sure I do not go overboard period. Whatever it takes; I will not go overboard. If that means a 2'-3' tether with 6,000 lbs. load capacity and a jack line bolted to the deck every 3' with ½" diam padeyes and backing plates, then so be it. If I do go overboard, it would be my plan to be wearing a PFD, a knife, a strobe, a mirror, a whistle, and possibly a small personal EPIRB. I would quickly disconnect from the tether. My CD 25D will be able to take care of herself, hopefully. I will stay focused on staying afloat, staying calm and waiting for a passing boat, low flying plane, etc.