I think experimenting with simulated overboard falls is a great idea and I'll make it a point to do it sometime. I do worry about the issue, as I usually sail alone. My main focus is on fetching up against safety before going past the lifelines. I could see where a catboat would permit a centerline rig more easily than my cutter does for reasons I mentioned above. I'd much prefer it otherwise.
I have wide side decks, a 6" bulwark and 30" double (amsteel blue) lifelines, safety features I'm glad for. But it's an impossible chin-up from the water to the gunwale. So I'll keep the tether short, and avoid too much slack in the jacklines.
JV
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