Jack Lines

[tsimoht]

Hello again,

Okay, I am confused still. I am not meaning to be stupid, but I guess I just cannot help it.

In general I know what a jack line is, and what it is for. Sometimes we use the same term for different meanings, so to avoid confusion, may I define some terms the way I am using them, and if I am using them incorrectly, please someone correct me--please!

All of these are in some way to keep the sailor on the boat, but they differ by place and attachment.

Life lines, the lines, usually wire-rope now (sometimes coated) running bow to stern along the boarder of the boat.

Tether, the line or lines, usually webbing now, connecting the sailor to the boat, usually via a jack line.

Jack line, the line, usually webbing now, running, in part or in whole, from bow to stern, just inside the boarder of the boat or near centre line of the boat.

Please forgive my pedantic character, but I am slowing down, because I want to make sure I understand what Brion Toss just wrote, and I have a similar, but somewhat modified version or my original question:

Firstly, I want to know what it means to provide a "fetch-up-against barrier" as Brion used in his last e-mail.

Secondly, I want to know, still, why you would not want your jack lines running "flat".

I believe Robbie g attempted to answer this question by explaining the force on the jack lines, especially on the anchors, would be diminished by getting them off the deck, but maybe I did not understand as well as I hoped. I was thinking something like the same way the force compressing the mast is diminished by inducing and angle in the shrouds and stays. Am I wrong?

What is the advantage of having them run through a d-ring or shroud cleat? It seems if the jack line does this, then it is necessary to disconnect yourself from it for a moment to reconnect yourself to it on the other side of the shroud. Isn't there a disadvantage to this? I would think you would want to remain attached the entire time.

I realise if you have a double tether then you can always be connected, but many people do not have these, so the danger still exists. Not that this really increases the danger any more than being out in the first place.

I realise people have better things to do than to teach me what should be obvious, but if you have a moment, this would be one grateful man.

Thank you

Greg