Since you are placing your total trust in these safety products, they had better be the best. When the boat is pounding through large waves and the resulting green water sweeping the decks is doing its utmost to drag you over the side, wearing the ideal harness and tether will give you the boost of confidence needed to complete difficult tasks under trying conditions.

But what makes an ideal harness and tether and what should you look out for to be sure you have found the right one? Because every sailor is built differently the perfect harness and tether probably does not exist, but most products out there today come pretty close.

My Ideal Harness

For me the harness must be strong, lightweight and constructed of at least 50mm wide smooth webbing.

Two non magnetic s/s D- rings are a must, and when the harness is under pressure there can be no chafe points.

Large reflective SOLAS-grade tape should be stitched on the shoulders.

Also two pouches are needed so that a whistle, strobe light or flare can be carried.

For easy inspection the stitching and webbing must be a different color.

I like the harness to be bright orange or yellow.

It would have to be hassle free and easy to slip on and off, especially in an emergency or when dog tired.

Personal Choice

Harnesses with built in inflation are also very popular.

These are all good products and great for cool weather boaters.

The manual and automatic inflation PFD (personal flotation device) with harness, each has its advantages and disadvantages and which one is better is a personal choice. Make sure it is USCG approved.

My Ideal Tether.

At the harness end a quick release s/s snap shackle with a strong cotter ring is preferred.

A release line with plastic toggles would be fitted to the cotter pin so they will enable you to get a good grip when releasing.

At the boat end a good brand s/s snap hook with locking gate is a must.

A tether with a 3ft and 6ft leg/safety line including some shock cord built in for ease of moving about on large boats is the way to go. If you usually sail small yachts a single 6ft tether is fine.

Over laps would be about 3 inches long with the stitching a contrasting color to the webbing.

Lady Sailors

It\’s mentioned in some studies that quite a few women find wearing a harness uncomfortable. I have noticed that the simple designed harnesses are usually the prefered choice. My wife wore her personal one for many years and although she did find it a little uncomfortable, pulling to tight around the chest area when under load,she would never be with out it.

The Weak Link

Naturally, even if you are wearing the number one choice harness and tether ( like any chain being only as strong as its weakest link), they will fail to save you if don’t secure the tether to proven strong points. Therefore well secured jack lines and strong padeyes should always be your first choice to clip on to.

Frank Rijkers is a Certified Offshore Yachtmaster.He has sailed the oceans around world in his home built 34ft sailing yacht, Footloose. He also worked as a charter boat skipper in the Caribbean. Go to http://coolboatingsupplies.com where he reviews safety products you may want to buy for your yacht

Frank Rijkers is a Certified Offshore Yachtmaster.He has sailed the oceans around world in his home built 34ft sailing yacht, Footloose. He also worked as a charter boat skipper in the Caribbean. Go to http://coolboatingsupplies.com where he reviews safety products you may want to buy for your yacht

Author Bio: Frank Rijkers is a Certified Offshore Yachtmaster.He has sailed the oceans around world in his home built 34ft sailing yacht, Footloose. He also worked as a charter boat skipper in the Caribbean. Go to http://coolboatingsupplies.com where he reviews safety products you may want to buy for your yacht

Category: Sports
Keywords: harness,tethers,sailing harness and tether,safety line,safety gear,sailing,boating,boat safety,yacht