Whether you are racing across the Atlantic with a crew, sailing double handed around the Mediterranean or cruising across the channel from the UK to France with your family, safety lines are an important piece of kit.
It is generally a personal decision which safety line model you choose, however some races do dictate which model a person should use for example the Fastnet Race participants are required to have an ISO 12401 Safety Line with either a short + long tether or 3-point tether.
Spinlock safety lines are available in five styles so there is a safety line to suit everyone’s requirements and preferences.
1 CLIP, 1 LOOP DW-STR/1L/C
A short single point tether is favourable with adults and children who want some extra safety when staying in the cockpit. Using a loop secured with a cow hitch loop reduce the weight and bulk of the tether.
1 CLIP, 1 LOOP, STRETCH DW-STR/2LE/C
Using the loop option secured with the cow hitch on the harness eliminates any extra weight and clunkiness of a clip on your harness and ensures a secure attachment when wearing for extended periods of time. The stretch version minimises the slack in the tether to reduce the tripping risk.
2 CLIP, STRETCH DW-STR/02E/C
The two-clip stretch safety line can reach a length of up to 2m, useful for moving around the cockpit whilst minimising the tripping risk. Having a clip at the harness ensures the wearer has an option of unclipping the tether from the harness when necessary.
2 CLIP, 1 LOOP, STRETCH DW-STR/3L/C
A two-point tether system is essential for any movement on deck or foredeck. The 1m or 2m tether points allow the wearer to move freely around the boat whilst always connected to the boat. The shorter length is useful when working in an exposed position or attached to the high side to reduce the falling distance. A loop attached with a cow hitch reduces the weight of the tether on the harness and eradicates any risk of accidental unclipping. A loop confirms a secure attachment when using the tether for long periods of time. 3 CLIP, STRETCH DW-STR/03/C
A three-clip tether is often favourable to offer the option of quickly unclipping the tether from the wearer. Two variable point lengths enable the user to manoeuvre around the deck whilst staying attached to the vessel. The shorter length allows the wearer an option of a shorter tether when working in an exposed position or minimise the falling distance by clipping to the high side. Spinlock’s new safety lines are now lighter and more compact than conventional safety lines and include an ergonomically improved clip with a wide opening gate. The safety line hook must be free to rotate to align with the load. Lateral loading of the hook must be avoided.
