[Ian McColgin]

Thinking of tethers from a different point of view:

The reasons for double legged tethers are generally that they give some choise of movement and that they make it possible to clip past lifeline stauncheons without disconnecting completely.

The double legged lifeline is a bit of extra tangle and working from the longer lead, while it can give you a bit more access from the weather rail, can give you a long way to fall before catching up.

On my boats, I found double legged tethers unnecessary if proper jack lines, one for each side, were rigged bow to stern. With such jacks, a tether that's about long enough that one can just grab the far end will hold the far 'biner off the deck a tad as you work your way foreward or aft and, counting jackline stretch and assuming intelligent placement, will give access to the masts from either side and pretty much all of the foredeck.

You may have to train for going forweard on the lee rail for those rare times when you must work on that side. Many folk find it emotionally uncomfortable, though at an extreme heal it's actually safer and more comfortable to lean into the boat rather then bending against the weather lifelines.

Even with the end of the tether within reach, many consider it a safety feature to have a 'biner at the chest as well, in case one must disconnect in a hurry, like the boat's sinking. With the end within reach, this is not a real worry. With a figure 8 type harness, it's comfortable to have the chest end of the tether attached to one D ring or sholder loop and pass through the other, a plain loop around both for security, and on out. That way the harness is loose unless there's load on the tether. If the harness is a bit large for the wearer, a 'biner at the near end will foul, maybe even open, as it runs against the loop.

For these reasons, I've moved away from double legged tethers. But, different boats, different long splices. A tether you use is better than someone else's hypothetically better (for them) tether that you don't like.

G'luck

Ian