We used something similar to the Wichard system. We took about 15 feet of 5/16" line, removed the core, inserted bungee inside, and attached a snap shackle to the end. The bungee kept the line length short on the boat, and snap shackle allowed you to release yourself under tension if you got tangled up. Never fell off the boat and used them...
We use tethers similar to this, but not as long (about 8ft stretched out) - we'll only clip in if the weather is getting really big and we are a way off shore. They make me feel better - but I see it as a personal choice issue - do you want to drown attached to the boat or die of exposure because you lost contact with the boat and no one could find you? (try spotting someone in the water from the air)
The tethers clip to a spectra line strung across the tramp from the side shroud attachments. This gives us good freedom of movement when tacking or gybing .
What I haven't tried is releasing the tether while being dragged by the boat or hanging with full body weight on the tether. Does anyone have experience with this? Quick release shackles release easily when not loaded - but will they release with 190lbs load?
I've been dragged behind the boat and had to let go or drown. Luckily Jeremy from Surf City Catamarans was right next to me in a safety boat.
Perhaps we need to do some tether release experiments in controlled waters.
Chris.
