the VHF and cell phone, though if the seas are big enough they may not work! Brian [/quote]

Yes this is a concern of mine. Ya'll may know I am doing some coastal cruising the week after Memorial day. I order to cover all the basis i did rent an epirb and bought some flares. Question: Do y'all think I should be teathered to the boat in addition to the sometimes not attached trapeze wire? And with what? just some rope? you know the h17 with no jib will just weather vane in irons if not under command. But there is always the freak chance it will keep on going, right?