Hi Paul,

Great information, thanks. If you've got pictures of your safety gear and safety pod implementation I'd appreciate seeing them posted.

Is the Laser Rescue Flare available on the National Geographic web site?

What kind of strobe do you attach to the rear lash tap on you PFD; amazingly I'm having trouble finding a strobe that has a built in lash tab clip.

Regarding the sea anchor, I agree with you that most are way too big. However, the companies that make these will often custom make them for you in any size you want. The smaller ones are much less expensive than the bigger ones (but they're still pricey). The one I use has a 5 or 6 foot diameter I think but the material is so thin (even though its very strong) that it folds down into a small pouch of about 4" x 6" x 2". They also sewed in a small amount of flotation into one edge of it which further prevents it's spinning and also keeps it near the surface so it won't sink. I fully agree with the need for a decent length of rode and the need for a shackle with a rotating head.

Thanks,

Jerry