I need a recommendation for a new life vest/pfd. I've seen a few pfd's that have a cutout for the harness spreader, but I'm not sure if that's needed. Also, I've heard of people using windsurfer harnesses for buoy racing...is this true? If so, what brand / model are you using?

I have a Lotus (Patagonia) Lola and love it, I used the same PFD back in my whitewater kayaking days and its always held up well, and fits awesome.


We just bought my wife an MTI Reflex and she likes it so far.

Magic Marine makes an awesome PFD! It's slim, so it doesn't make you feel like a snowman and it also doesn't ride up. There's a built in pocket in the back for a waterpack and internal routing for the hose/mouthpiece. Additionally, there is a large pocket on the front that will house most any small items/spares you'd want on you (whistle, shackle, flares, food, whatever).
It's from their MX2 line: www.magicmarine.com

Also, it'll look great on your new N20.

This is CE rated (European standard) - Not US coast guard approved (e.g. Type II PFD). Not saying this is a bad thing but if you are racing in the US it does not comply with US sailing RRS prescriptions. Here is the specific rule which says it has to be coaset guard approved unless you are a foreign competitor.

Theoretically you could be protested for not complying with the rules. Me personally - I love the look of some of those CE flotation devices but choose to follow the rules. And I am not going to engage in U.S. Sailing bashing on this point - federal regulations require coast guard approved PFDs - the same way that european regulations require CE approved flotaion devices.

Chris.

Alternatively... buy the one you want and stick a small orange coast guard approved preserver in your hull.

Presto... street legal for the coast guard and racing rules again.

Coast Guard has set precedent that states an approved PFD must be "readily accessible." Stuffing it in the hull does not satisfy the law. However, breaking the law is not protestable under the rules. For example, read the NOR for the upcoming F18 event. Under the rules, the US SAILING prescription to RRS 40 is removed, making it impossible to protest someone wearing a CE vest. However, if you're stopped by the Coasties and they decide to read the label on your vest, you'll get a ticket.

You found a judge to approve this .... my read of the rules (and a large consensus on other forums) is that you can't waive this prescription.

What is the logic?

Read the US SAILING prescription to RRS 88.2 - a North American Championship is, by definition, an international event.