Mary and All, (Obviously, Mary and I only communicate via this forum <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> )
I have been concerned about Mary because she has not sailed since her capsize a few weeks ago and was unable to get back on the boat with out assistance. I really hate to see here give it up.
So, I have thought pretty hard on the subject and was going to show her my idea before the North Coast Championships coming up this weekend.
Our boats both have spreader bars, so the idea was to have a line already attached to the spreader bar and leading back to a point on the deck, tied in such a way that it would not drag while sailing.
Then when in the water, loosed the line to now drag at whatever depth you wanted in the water between the spreader bar and front beam.
I don't think you would even need a loop. Then just step on it and up you go.
Come to think of it, you could simply use the righting line and throw on a quick clove hitch around the spreader bar and accomplish the same thing.
Additionaly, you could hang a hand loop from the leading edge of the mast.
More food for thought.

Hope a bunch of you all are coming to Bay Week and the Wave North Coast Championship. You will have to have surgery to remove the smile from your faces.<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Rick