We’re soon going to be in the spring and early summer migration and offshore event season and so our thoughts turn to the gear we’ll need to be safe out there. We’ll need the foul weather gear for the region we’re sailing. Got that. Sea boots. Check. Sailing gloves and a watch cap if the nights will be cold. Check. Headlamp with a red lens, check. New-last-year PLB with AIS. Check.
And then there’s the most important item, an inflatable PFD/harness with a good tether. Last week we reviewed the new Mustang Atlas PFD which impressed me and made me look at my very old and bulky Mustang PFD with a clear eye. It’s going to be replaced.
But just as important is the tether and the hooks at either end. These little bits of gear are the keys to the whole personal safety kit. If you don’t stay on the boat because the hook on the end of your tether failed, everything else is now Plan B.
What makes for the best tether in my view? Three things: I like a tether with a snap shackle and short lanyard for hooking to the harness. This can be easily released if you get in a bad tangle or submerged. The tether should be elastic, so it does not get underfoot or wrapped around winches and cleats.
The hook at the end should be a double-action hook, one that you can open with one hand but which will not self-open if twisted on the attachment point. There are three brands of hooks that are generally favored by experienced sailors made by Wichard, Gibb and Kong. I’ve always had a Wichard double action hook on my tether. But, I’ve heard that both the Gibb and the Kong hooks are easier to open.
I also, like having a second hook half way down the tether. But remember, the middle hook, when stowed on the harness rings should be attached to only one ring so if you need to release the snap shackle, the middle hook doesn’t keep you attached.
Now, let’s see if all of this gear still fits into my sea bag.
