i recommend installing a very strong padeye, with an good sized and strong backing plate, just aft of the centerboard pendent hole in the cockpit. to this you can tether yourself to the boat. this location is also easily reached from inside the cabin to 'snap on' with your tether and is not too difficult a location install the backing plate. lots of debate on the length. i would have a short tether that would be long enough to allow me to move about the cockpit. if i wished to go forward have a second tether long enough allow you to reach the foredeck to do headsail work. a long tether allows your body to build up velocity. more velocity = more force when the tether stops your movement ... and a greater likelihood you brake the tether and/or the harness and/or the padeye and/or yourself. attached picture shows my recommendation. the padeye shown is a Harken 688 (working load of 3800# vertical to 5000# at 45deg.). :: Dave Scobie :: former M15 owner - www.freewebs.com/m15-named-scred :: M17 #375 SWEET PEA - www.m17-375.webs.com --- On Fri, 6/22/12, Bruce King <hillking7@comcast.net> wrote:

I have been considering toeing a line while sailing solo. Has anyone been overboard while sailing? Assuming that a 100 foot floating line is visible, have you been able to swim to it before it passes you? Issues: 1. Any Coast Guard guidelines? 2. It is a hazard to vessels moving across the stern. 3. Low chance of survival in cold No. Cal waters. 4. Don't "tie the tiller" when sailing alone. Better chance to get back to boat. 5. Attach it to starboard stern cleat above folding ladder.

I would really appreciate hearing views, considering the vast amount of knowledge available from all of you.

Bruce King '84 M15