I'm pretty sure the throwable is a U.S. Coast Guard requirement. We carry one of the cushions with straps under the storage bag for long distance races just to meet the requirement. I can't imagine ever using it either...then again I heard of someone breaking his arm when his rookie crew came back to pick him up consequently ran him over.

On a catamaran, and especially away from protected waters, it's important that all onboard understand how to maneuver a sail boat. I sail frequently with new people and it always makes me nervous. I usually instruct them to either abandon ship or to go to the low side and capsize if I happen to fall off. The choice between the two depends on their their physical abilities and the area and conditions we are sailing in. What else can you do when you have a newbie on a boat?