Can anyone offer some recommendations on a harness for distance racing? Specific harnesses that you like, what to look for, what works and/or what to avoid?
thanks,
George

Hi,

The new Hobie Full Auto Harness looks like it will be very comfortable and easily adjustable.

Check it out in the 2003 Hobie Catalog....downloadable at

http://www.hobiecat.com.au/accessories/sailboats.htm

then click on....

>> Pages 14-17
Wings, Trapeze, etc.
(231KB)

It's on page 15.

There are also some nice Wallpapers and Screensavers at the Hobie Australia site.

Nige

I have two of these I use for only long distance races. Check them out.

http://www.magicmarine.com/

Don

I have a Magic Marine full harness with the optional legs. Hard to describe, actually, but rather than those little crotch straps (which will REALLY bother your...uhhh..."who who dilly"...after 50 or so miles on the wire), they have wraps that fit over your thighs with velro, leaving your....uhhh..."sensitive area"...untouched. They work especially well over a wetsuit, but slide a bit over spraypants or a baggy drysuit.

Only drawback to this (and other full harnesses) is that if you're in a tacking/gybing duel with someone, it's a bit harder to tiptoe across the trampoline than a half-harness would be.

Also - make sure you get the lumbar support.

I haven't seen those harnesses on the catsailor store site, and I'm trying not to post shameless ads, but Rick Bliss at New England Catamarans used to carry them.

I've got a Magic Marine "Equipe" harness and think it's AWSOME!! I wore one of the big Magic Marine harnesses for two legs of the Worrell and switched to my Equipe for the rest of the race. If you want one of those big harnesses, try one before you actually go buy one. The big harness hurt me a LOT, however after spending 8 hours or so on the wire, any harness is going to get uncomfortable. (Especially after speding a couple of days in it)

I don't think that it being a full harness slows me down any, but I do LOVE the support that it gives.

Will

Magic Marine gear is now distributed exclusively through Vanguard dealers, which is why we don't carry it in our catsailor.com store. They are advertising in "Catamaran Sailor," however. Their website is www.magicmarinegear.com, and to find out your closest dealer, you can call 1-800-966-SAIL.

Thanks for the great input. Looks like I've got some shopping to do!

George