I've seen several threads on other forums discussing this of recent, mainly the knife topic for cutting ropes when we get tangled up after a capsize.... however the topic seems to have shifted to helmets after recent deaths from drowning after being knocked out.

eg: http://brisbane18footers.com/

other issues have also be addressed on the other forums such as the Bethwaite designed trap harness system, no hooks to get tangled up with...
(google - images - Bethwaite trap harness )



seems very odd to me that sailing is one of very few sports that doesn't require any form of head protection or other personal safety gear other than a lifejacket .... and yet we are experiencing deaths from the small club day to the major AC races

other sporting groups seem to be well advanced on the helmet issue....

rock climbers
cyclists
baseball
NASCAR pit crews
skateboarders
jockeys & horse riders
snowboarders
BMX / mountain bikes
rollerblade & skaters
water & snow skiers

and yet all we have is the personal choice of a sun hat for those that are a tad thin in the hair dept.....


how safe is our sport ???