This talk about being pulled under makes me wonder. We had a lady get caught up in jib lines during a pitchpole last summer on an H16. SCARY!

I know there are a lot of more seasoned sailors than I here, so what I am going to type is not meant to be insulting, it is more out of consern.

Always attach a knife to your PFD or body in some way. I carry a lock blade that I can open with one hand in a PFD pocket with a 4' layard back to my vest. If you are getting pulled under, slice the dang rope! Don't funble around with a harness. I tell my crew the same thing. If something is draging you around, start slicing, but don't hurt yourself in the process.