Hi

I sail an I-17R, and I just want to share my safety tips. I'd like to know if any other UNI sailor takes some extra precautions too.

When I sail for fun (read non-racing), I always my standard Life vest. It is fitted with a Knife (cutting lines, square end), some spare parts (pins, ropes, shackles...) , my new VHF to call for a club towing
or MAYDAY (ship happens) I also have a small Strobe for when the lights go 'out'

From 15 knots, I wear an helmet. I don't know why they've designed a brand new UNI-Rig with a boom My helmet also does a great job for Sun protection. I also wear a safety line I can use to attach myself to the boat. It is mainly designed to tie me when I flip over, just in case I loose my grip and the boat drifts away (never again!)

So, am I a wussy, or do you guys put lady Luck on your side too ?

Happy Sailing !

Mr. Flying Frog,

Sounds like you are ready!

What type of harness did you choose?

Also sounds like you got separated from the I-17R,...what happened?.....did you get back to the boat on your own?

regards,
Bruce
I-17
St. Croix

We seems to have the same approach. Communication is the key for safety! I use both a cell phone (Ericsson waterproof phone) and a VHF. The VHF is for safety use only.

I don't use any safety line when sailing, to messy to have another line on the tramp and also a risk! I sail an A-cat and that boat travels really fast when it is laying on the side! No chance to catch it swimming!

Check this link
http://user.tninet.se/~zdt420t/safe.htm

/hakan

Yes indeed. It was at last year Performance Week at Traverse City. It was the day it blew, real hard. I'm used to big winds, it was no surprise to me. Problem is I capsized for the second time EVER on my 17, flew through the second UPPER mainsail panel, and the boat drifted past me

Martin, on his Twister, picked me up and drove me back to my drifting Cat . I jumped, held on and righted it.

So now, I wear one of those Kayak safety line. I only attach myself ONCE capsized, while doing mechanics in the front (read spinnaker mess's). It is ready on my right hip, and can unlock the safety harness with one tug on a fast release.

Hakan,

This waterproof cell phone,......tell me more,..how is it in salt water?

Where in Sweden is Uppsala?.......I have been in the University in Ostersund January 2003 and 2002....kinda cold too.

Bruce
St. Croix

..2nd panel in the mainsail,..eh?......ok, now I see,...'flying frog' .....right?


...this safety line you speak off,....where did you get this?.....do you have a link online?....I'd like to see a pic of this...

Bruce
St. Croix

I agree with your concern for safety, especially when sailing uni.
My boat is boomless, so I do not feel it is necessary to wear a helmet.
But, I never sail it without life jacket on, kit with spare parts, and water,even on local lake in good weather.

Instead of adding a line to attach oneself to the boat, simply attach an oversized carabeaner to your harness and run your sheet thru it.

That seems to do the trick...

GREAT IDEA! I'll buy a large carabeaner(?) next time I go to REI!

hmnmm...and no more dropping the sheet while on the trapeze...gotta try that! Although I might suggest something that might have a little more positive and quick release (i.e. if the sheet is pulling hard against you and your carabiner - how are you going to get it detached if you need to?). I would prefer a snap shackle with a short lanyard on the release pin instead.