In response to Whitecaps' note about footstrap and chicken line usage, I agree. Unless you are familiar with footstrap usage, you might be better off until you DO get used to them. I grew up on windsurfers, and know that the footstrap should never be too snug, and shouldn't really go much past the ball of your foot, lest you suffer ankle injury in a crash. Remember, too, that if you wear shoes, booties, etc. when sailing, account for these. Most straps are adjustable, and learning how to adjust them before mounting them is essential.



I have chicken a chicken line for me attached to the rudder pintle, but I am running a second through the rear beam for the crew. I am concerned about the forces involved on the rudder in a crash when there are two people on the line, but I've heard from other teams that this isn't too much of a problem with the pintle. When we're really flying, the crew traps out jus in front of the rear beam, and moves forward in lighter air, so perhaps the rear beam option for him(her) could suffice.



PS the footstrap for the skipper really helps with gybing, as you can hang out longer, and use the strap to pull yourself in to the tramp if you're caught out there too long in the turn.