I have fastened a snap shackle to myself.

The snap shackle has a quick release cord. I clip it to a line that is attached to the boat; this line has a bowline loop tied in the end of it. (traveler line in my case) Or you can snap onto the continuous sheet/traveller.

This system is less than perfect, but it works and has proven itself to me a few times. One time was a pretty intense emergency where the boat was dragging me at 3-4 knots.

The problem, so far, is that the snap shackle has a bulbous end when it is open (the bulb is the female to the male fastener pin) and this end resistes pulling smoothly over the edge of the tether line.

My crewman, Bill Mattson has come up with a very good release line. It is a thin rope that has a vinyl tube over it, with a plastic ball at the outter end. The vinyl keeps the line errect so that it is easy to find with one hand (without having to look with your eyes). (/joke temptation off)

Bill uses something like this:

but his has the same problem as mine, the end of the shackle, when open, is bulbous and catches on the line that it is attatched to.

Keep your eyes out for something that is easy to trip and will smoothly allow a line to release. Mine takes two motions, one to open the shackle, then one to assist the line over the bulbous end of the snap shackle jaw.

I have another kind in mind, but have not yet tried it. I'll try for pictures soon.


About Sharks: While we do have great whites and plenty of other sharks here in the Channel Islands, California area, they are not an issue. Shark attacks are extremely rare if even heard of. We routinely jump into the water, off shore to test our righting skills or have a swim. I have, however been within 20 feet of a Blue Whale (largest animal ever) when he spouted and the sound is felt, rather than heard as you ears can not seem to register such amplitude. It shook me but half the shake was excitment, the other half was vibration and fear combined.

GARY