Why We Sail--"Jacklines and Harness"

[@ChristianWilliamsYachting]

Clarification re "kids." I'm thinking of 12-year-olds. Younger children are different, and each child is different. I have found that a policy of "lifejackets on all the time" simply does not work in the real world, and can be false security. The point is, think it through.

[@deusexmachinareznov4975]

Dear Mr Williams this month i intend to join a temp service and save my money to buy a boat i plan to sail across lake Michigan motor down the Illinois then Mississippi down the gulf coast cross the panama up to California and across to Honolulu then to Okinawa and back again but passing Mississippi and going up the east coast and entering the great lakes there Do you have any advice for someone who has never sailed before endeavoring such a task With regards Reznov

[@CJ.Hamblin]

There's a difference between a sense of safety and actual safety. I think it would be a worthwhile exercise for you to try climbing back on board from the points where your tether won't slide any further along the jacklines and not just assume you can. It's harder than most people realise even on a boat with a low freeboard, especially fully clothed and in foul weather gear. Factor in potential injuries including a possible loss of consciousness and a rough sea state and then determine if your strategy is truly an optimum one. It wouldn't take much more to have a 3' and a 6' tether from a harness (with a crotch strap to stop you falling out of it, which has happend in the past with a loss of life as the result) attached to a centrally positioned jackline. Increased lifeline heights also help. In general, they are too low on most boats and can't cope with the load of an adult falling on them.

[@WhatAboutTheBee]

Swimming a mile in 60° water is far harder in practice than it seems.

[@popsoldboats3406]

I have had to climb on and also swim to shore. The sports camera from that day is at the bottom with a million dollar video. Along with a mast, sail, and new sheet line. This is good advice in this video.

[@ministryofsailing]

You are so correct - if “you think it through”, understand the offshore special regulations, or actually take a safety at sea course, one will realize the nonsense of this video.

[@theislandpackrat]

Why not run the jack-line down the middle of the boat with a short harness line so you can't fall overboard? I ran mine from top of dodger to mast to front stay.

[@clydemorris8644]

theislandpackrat , you know that thought has crossed my mind, too. it would be best too not fall off. i did fall off. in 50 degree water HELL

[@ChristianWilliamsYachting]

Whatever works. I like a jackline either side of mast. The tether has to be short (6' doubled is 3') , but it must be long enough to permit working over the side (if somebody or something is being retrieved). Can I climb back aboard with my rig? Absolutely. The key is that the lifelines (not just the bulwarks) remain within easy reach.

[@GuyIncognito764]

I run mine approximately down the middle, on the starboard side of the mast. all work at mast is done on starboard side under way so this works for my boat. others may need a line either side. my theory is based on "can't physically fall off the boat". however, I don't have lifelines and I'm sure many think I'm nuts. we always wear a harness and while ours has life jackets integrated, I hate the feel of it and have been considering just getting a harness only design like shown here.

[@wonderboy6511]

Here’s what the RYA has to say about it “Jackstays should be placed as close to the centre of the boat as possible. This helps reduce the risk of someone falling overboard, by keeping them attached to the boat.”

[@joerobert2010]

Thanks for the post. We always enjoy your videos and narration.

[@ks8581]

SIR YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION.. I'm currently taking sailing courses and hopefully can afford my own boat by the end of the year. You are great on the boat and will take your lessons to sea with me .. God bless your strength and courage .. I hope that when I'm your age i will be as awesome as you are ...

[@pbbrown1963]

A lesson truly learned. Thanks, Mr. Williams.

[@Anmeteor9663]

Agreed with this message. The skipper (nor anyone else) should ever fall off the boat. Personal view is that Lifejackets with integrated harness, crotch strap and tether to jacklines should be compulsory to use for all on deck at all times. Same principle as seat belts in cars and crash helmets on mototcycles.

[@_Netto]

Thanks for another video, Christian! Hope you're doing great in your trips. This was great!

[@firefox2716]

Can never be to prepared I suppose ! Safety 1st , Thanks Captain Williams

[@Fiarati]

I think that it is a good idea to teach all passengers on your boat to turn into the wind if anything like this happens. It does not take that long and requires almost no knowledge of sailing.

[@niccat7051]

Another enjoyable video! Education delivered in a soft voice 👍 looking forward to seeing more this season!!

[@jmconnollyus]

In addition to the notion that the skipper should not fall overboard -- accidentally or on purpose -- a key part of the safety of every vessel should be multiple redundancies. In other words, more than just the skipper should know how to raise & lower the sails, start the engine, execute a MOB maneuver, etc. Just like you have spare parts for the boat, the knowledge should be replicated as well. If it's your boat and only you know how to sail it, only you should sail it. If you knowingly take passengers with you (even family) that don't know how to do even the basics like dropping the sails and starting the engine, you're asking for trouble. And it continuously boggles my mind how many sailors refuse to wear PFD's because they're "bulky" or "uncomfortable." I sail a 22' trailer sailer -- not close to the most spacious accommodations internally or externally. Yet whenever anyone is out of the cabin, a PFD is REQUIRED. I've done everything from step the mast, raise & lower sails, etc. without having a problem with mobility. PFD ≠ Pretty For Display. It's helping to save your life. Webbing will fray & break. A properly worn PFD will keep your head above water.

[@methuselah444]

Loved the video as someone who is just getting into sailing and just bought a boat, the only thing that struck me (as an avid rock climber) is your harness line where to attach to your jackline you have nylon on nylon where it will wear very fast and could break on a shock load(you falling over)

[@robertorzech2466]

Thanks for the walk through on your views of safety harnesses ! Great video !

[@hahahshs5169]

So put on a inflatable PFD/Harness. Lines break, it's impossible to assume thst all you need is to be clipped in when you can very easily just have a redundant system. In case you do end up unattached and overboard and unconscious. Have a PLB attached to your PFD/Harness too. Stay Alive

[@jchase5408]

How about an inflatable PFD with integrated harness?... best of both worlds! Obviously a PFD won’t do you any good if you fall off while singlehanded,... but with a crew, well, why not? As you pointed out, the CO2 PFDs are very unobtrusive, and staying afloat without having to expend energy swimming is what will keep someone alive long enough to be retrieved before it’s too late... ...Anyhow, just an opinion, and there’s no shortage of those on the internet! Great videos.

[@ChristianWilliamsYachting]

Sure, why not. My simple harness is easier to sleep in.

[@jchase5408]

Christian Williams Also a factor for a singlehander,... but with a crew, I just take it off completely to sleep!

[@Fiarati]

I would argue that even if you are single handed, a PFD could be instrumental in your rescue in case you fall off. It's just that much more time you have to stay afloat and alive.

[@jchase5408]

Fiarati True, Though still won’t help in a trans-Pacific crossing with no-one around for hundreds of miles... Staying on the boat is the only thing that will work... even being tethered to the boat, but going over the lifelines and being dragged in the water on the leeward side is likely to be unrecoverable...

[@clydemorris8644]

i just love this jackline reminder. High 5. I see many sail without not even having tried the man over board maneuvers once. when young i fell off my boat on lake constance. 50 degree water. My boat went on. if another boat had not seen it I would have drowned. I think jacklines are very important. one person here commented ' why not 1 jackline in the middle of boat so one doesnt fall overboard?' what do you think? is it possible? it is extremely hard to climb up on board when boat under sail and hanging in jackline. I could not do it these days.

[@mikecrummy5260]

On the openning sea scene you have a plaited sennet hanging from the upper guard rail. I'm guessing it's a pull to help you climb aboard from a dinghy. Am I correct? It's a nice bit of ropework. Mike

[@Rama_Guru]

Sir, your video is amazing, like that of the man who made a house is Alaska in the 60's . Thanks for your work! Its so honest, I hope I can live as you do. I in Hilo now

[@DavidCAdams]

You're thinking of Richard Proenneke.

[@01ariti]

Each with his own way, only when it goes wrong and you view it with 20 20 hindsight can you tell if was the right or wrong way and what to change next time, if there is a next time that is! Great videos.

[@grangerecords2246]

Was thinking about you today. Was considering listening to your book for the 4th time. Such a pleasant voice and storyteller.

[@HipposHateWater]

That is a really cool system. I've been wanting to get into sailing, but the possibility of falling overboard at some point has been my greatest fear. (Life vest won't help much if shit happens and you somehow fall off halfway through a solo trip to Hawaii, for example.) This sort of harness system would definitely see use on my boat. :)

[@neilsheldon8355]

Hi Christian ... So, I love your stuff, but I didn't get hooked by short videos. I loved your video of sailing alone to Hawaii. (I bought your book, and then I also bought my sister and my son a copy of your book). I also loved your second video of sailing to Hawaii. But I was really disappointed when I brought my grandson to see some of your great stuff, and it wasn't available anymore. They really represented, to me, many of the reasons why I learned to love the sea. I know that we're getting up in years, and that you may not be able to go on long journeys any more. I also love that you took time to teach your daughter to sail. But please, don't kill the reasons of why we sail. Please put your long versions back on youtube. (Thank you!) :)

[@Vatsek]

If you fall of the boat in the middle of the Ocean, it's probably over, correct?

[@Brgnalf81]

99%. There's always that slight chance that you get rescued by ... well, no. 100%.

[@SirMo]

It depends on many factors but the odds are heavily against you. If the water is cold you have but an hour before hypothermia sets in. If the waves are a few feet.. you lose sight of the person in the water fairly quickly. If it happens at night or in the rain with poor visibility, forget it. The only time I can see it being feasible is if there is no wind, and the sea is flat and not cold. Then yes. All this in the event that someone saw you fall over board and that someone is capable of controlling the boat. You could fall over without anyone realizing for hours that you fell over, in which case.. you have no chance. s/v Delos did man overboard drills, you can probably look it up. And even when fully expecting it in perfect conditions it was quite a challenge getting to the man overboard. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHibfKqlmd2dn6c If you have just one person on the boat, it's game over. Even with just 2 people chances are the other person will be sleeping or catching some rest.

[@Namdor2012]

You do a roll in the water and kiss your arse goodbye...

[@mikehurley5052]

Miles from land and alone a life jacket just prolongs the inevitable.

[@neptunesfancy]

Great vid with superb narration

[@qb6025]

Climbing harness is way much more practical - it supports your centre of weight for you.

[@ts3871]

I'm curious, and this is an honest question. When the cockpit cover fell overboard, was it not an option to lower the sails, fire up the engine, and motor over to the fallen accessory and pick it up? It seems like that would have been a fairly controllable way to approach the floating cover to retrieve it.

[@ChristianWilliamsYachting]

Yes, easy, if the bag had a loop on it to grasp with a boathook. Wouldn't even have to turn on the engine . But the topsides are nearly 4' off the water, and there is simply no way to reach down like a rodeo rider and pick up yer hat off the ground. Simply--no way. Cockpit covers are expendable. Consider if this were a man overboard in 25 knots and you see the greater issue.

[@passgas4u]

With much respect, you will never pull yourself above or below the lifelines once you go over on a moving boat. Keep that tether short or don't use one. Same as having a long one.

[@obidamnkenobi]

yeah, nope. I'm

[@paulmorris7603]

Good reminder Christian. Thanks.

[@davidjbrande]

What is the hitch you've used to attach the aft ends of your jacklines to the folding padeyes? I'm re-rigging mine to bring them inboard (and chose similar hardware). Looking for a hitch that will allow me to establish a reasonable amount of tension in the webbing before finishing the hitch.

[@ChristianWilliamsYachting]

Just half hitches and a security lashing. The jacklines shrink taut again after use, I don't feel a need to adjust them.

[@davidjbrande]

@@ChristianWilliamsYachting Thank you. I enjoy your videos a great deal.

[@jbratt]

I am going to install on on my boat. Thanks for the video.

[@davekrochenski]

Great! I've been waiting for another video.

[@richardbohlingsr3490]

I would say that the concept is to not fall off the boat. Once your body is over the railing getting back onboard is a chore in calm seas. Heavy weather is much worse. A rope or webbing ladder attached to the hull and positioned about abeam of the cockpit on both sides then rolled and zip tied to the rail may be what is needed to get someone back in the boat. You want something that you can grab and deploy without knot or difficulty from in the water. Weak zip ties will snap rather easily, if pulled on yet are strong enough to hold the ladder in position stowed on the railing or shear rail. The intent is that you can reach it and use it to climb out of the water in an emergency. Second to fire onboard, I can't think of a much more dangerous situation to find oneself in. JMHO

[@FSEVENMAN]

Great stuff

[@BusyBob6971]

Speaking as the novice I am. I wish i could learn with you aboard.

[@jacksonms212]

well said ! as always ... fair wind and all that jazz :)

[@davidh7613]

One of my favourite quotes: .....I hope he would have the decency to drown like a gentleman..... But staying in the boat is of import! One hand for you're self and one for the ship!

[@PayrollTips]

The trial and error technique seems a bit harsh for the kids. I suppose it's a quick way to make a marener out of them though ;)

[@romeowhiskey1146]

"The skipper CANNOT fall off his boat"... (does happen) Perhaps... "The skipper MUST NOT fall off his boat?"

[@Olieman2012]

Skipper Cristian, your videos are a joy to listen to: sharp, well prepared and presented with a pleasant “David Attenborough-like” voice. You write out your text in full or is this made “a l’improvice”? Content wise: inflatables can also get activated in foul weather and lifeline/harness are an excellent alternative, although by doubling you keep your lifeline extremely short. Double use increases risk of shafing and I prefer 2 single lines for manoeuvrability purpose.

[@obidamnkenobi]

hydrostatic PFDs are not activated by spray. Got mine from westmarine for

[@AndysEastCoastAdventures]

You have warm seas so it's possible to fall in and swim without too much bother except sharks lol. Here the sea is only warm for 2-3months of the year so you are gasping as soon as you hit the water so a lifejacket is essential as you are essentially drowning as soon as you hit the water.

[@jessereedpaintingsvmatador7009]

Great video, cheers !

[@chriscodrington5464]

The key to solo survival is to stay out of the water I keep a short-tether like you although my safety line on a Morgan 25 has to be center of the boat to keep me onboard

[@SquawkCode]

I enjoy all of your inspiring videos. Please make more!

[@markph0204]

More videos - it’s been awhile. Another trip perhaps?

[@simonsargent9514]

Nice to hear from you xx

[@billleskeep2033]

Sage advice as always.

[@valdiviezo32]

I love ur videos

[@tomwilliams8675]

So true

[@ShakespeareCafe]

You absolutely can't fall overboard just like you absolutely cannot fall asleep at the wheel of a car.

[@Seawizz203]

I would prefer my harness and jack lines to keep me on the boat. Have you ever been towed through the water by a boat going just 5 knots? We do it sometimes when it’s hot and we have at least three people. One at the helm, one to watch the person in the water and, well, the person being towed. Unless you have super human strength, you are not getting back on the boat. If you go over the life lines, especially in rough weather, it would be a miracle if you pulled yourself aboard. So, I run the jack lines centerline with a harness just long enough to reach anything within the confines of the lifelines, except for the jack lines from the cockpit. There’s no choice with them on my boat, they have to outside the dodger. Anyway, just some thoughts. We all do things differently. Sail la vie.....bad pun.

[@ces308]

No PFD? Don't be a fool.

[@charlesdeshler202]

I use safety harnesses a lot. Your demo of laying on the peer and getting back on board is not realistic in my view. When your body weight hits that nylon webbing, and it stretches...you will be several feet lower than the gunwale. Factor in water, wave and injury....Pulling yourself back on board will be Much more difficult that surmised. There is no fail safe answer, and your advice to "Think it through" Is good. Staying on the boat is paramount. I really enjoy your vids. Thank you and Merry Christmas

[@guydepoorter]

Yes Captain, I I .

[@superformOG]

Christian, I appreciate when you are inshore you might see things differently, however if you are offshore the only time you go over is if something dramatic has happened, wear a pfd!

[@BobbieGWhiz]

What about the birds?

[@MiQBohlin]

However it is done (comments below) I totally agree on thinking it all through, not only three times! 😉

[@scooptv9]

Very nice Christian.

[@Corkedit]

id like to see you actually get back onboard a moving boat. Some how i think the film would probably show your last days hanging of the side. very poir promo to not use life jackets because you choose not too. The only positive here is you have a great voice over.

[@francisdelvecchio7536]

REGARDING LIFE JACKETS, I WOULD HAVE EVERYONE WEAR AN AUTO INFLATABLE TYPE. IF NO SUCH THING IS AVAILABLE FOR KIDS, A STANDARD LIFE JACKET IS WHAT I WOULD REQUIRE. REMINDING EVERYONE TO HAVE A HAND ON SOMETHING IS A GREAT IDEA. JUST MY OPINION.

[@DartanyoValentino-gc9kb]

Good rule

[@stevenplancich6449]

Why not run the JACK LINE in the MIDDLE of the Boat? Barry Perkins (The Old Seadog) sez that’s the Best way😜

[@daveopincarne3718]

Because it puts you closer to the edge and closer to the water compared to a jackline up each side and only clipping into the windward (high) side line.

[@jeremiahblatz]

Four downvotes, I wonder what utility the think a PFD has when you're single handing to Hawaii...

[@obidamnkenobi]

none of the clips here were single handle to hawaii.. It was an older gentleman who could fall off his boat few miles from shore. Crew might not be able to get him, but USCG might if he's able to stay afloat long enough. If he refuse to wear a PFD probably not.

[@erich0022]

You are out of your mind