I can actually tell you guys first hand as the coast guard and other boats searched for me for more than 3 hours after my trapeze broke and I separated from the boat.... when the s**it hits the fan, arms and heads are the only thing visable in high winds&waves (until you are floating the next morning). More import than color is amount of buoyancy... I use a 35lb manually inflatable (2x normal buoyancy)when I do distance sailing and always use some form of sport-jacket for everyday. Also from this experience, we had flares, phone, and VHF radio in the boat that could never be used....

Matt