Does anyone have a well tested setup for a safety line pack system to prevent solo sailors being separated too far from their cat if you go overboard and can't hold onto the mainsheet?

http://www.catsailor.com/forums/sho...;amp;page=0&fpart=1&vc=1

Check my post, post number four. Ive been using it ever since. I run the mainsheet through this quick release shackle.

The bottom part of the shackle the part that does not open is attached to my harness. The top part, parts that opens is where my mainsheet runs through.

Ive been using it for around seven months now with good success. I do not get tangled up and the mainsheet is always right there were I need it. In my initial post, I say I would have to release it for every tack and gybe, well in actually that is not the case. Once I am shackled in, I do not release it and everything works just fine.

BIG NOTE
This shackle has been designed for use on human gear. This is not one of those quick release shackles that Harken or Ronstan builds.

I have several of those quick release shackles sitting in my garage from sailing monos long distances. I think I might try that. Robi- where/how do you attach it to your harness? Do you get tangled up in the sheet?
Seems like it might do a good job of helping in extra line control also. I loop the mainsheet over the trap handle to keep the excess line out of the water.

Where are the shackles shown in the photo available
Thanks

Pat, I attached the shackle to the right hip strap, just to the right of the hook when you have the harness on. No I have not been tangled up in anything yet.

Hullflyer - the attached photo is the quick release shackle I am talking about.

Robi,

what is the difference between this shackle and the ones Ronstan and Harken made? They look identical to me, except for the leash you have put on the release pin.

To be honest I have no clue. The one thing I noticed in the package of this shackle was it clearly stated "for personal use only" I guess this shackle is not designed to be used on anything else other than personal gear. IE like mountain climbing gear.

These shackles are used in the US Coast Guard by the rescue swimmers as a quick release from the helicopters rescue hoist.

I believe the harken and ronstan shackles are not designed to be use on personal equipment, but instead on sailing hardware.

Or perhaps not on a yacht, or perhaps just a liability notice? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />
Anyway, neat system. Something to ponder for solo sailing. Have you tried releasing it under load? I know some kitesurfers have used similar shackles and been unable to release under load. The loads are quite large when you are being towed behind your boat. Your boots _will_ be sucked off if you fall off at speed. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

No I have not had to release it under a load. I have not been a situation where I have had to release it yet.

Also considering that rescue swimmers with all their gear on can weigh upwards of 220+ lbs and they have used it successfully I do not see how I can run into problems.

I use whichard. It does release under a load.

http://www.apsltd.com/Tree/d270000/e267100.asp

test it;

A) hang yourself from tree
B) pull pin

Jake,

That may demonstrate its usability, but I doubt you will have the "motivation" when just hanging from a tree. Put yourself behind the boat being dragged underwater (backwards), and I will venture a guess you'll have more "motivation" to pull that release. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

How high?

If you actually do it make sure that you hang high enough up so that when you drop you remove yourself from the gene pool...

Gosh, not even a <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> or a <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />.

I meant to add one!

You guys are funny <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Now what am I supposed to do?

What a great idea, hadn't thought of using that type of shackle. I will get one and adapt it to my harness.

I've found that when you use Ronstan Shackles with small diameter Prussik knots on chicken lines, the shackle will open fine under load, *BUT* the small diameter line can catch on the fat tip of the open shackle, so you will not be free even though the shackle is open!

The problem is that the shackle arm is skinny compared to the tip. The pictured shackle does not seem to have this weight-saving (and safety sacrificing) "skinny arm" feature.

--Glenn