The Captains Nemesis wrote in message ...
On Thu, 23 Oct 2003 18:15:28 -0400, "Jeff Morris"
jeffmo@NoSpam-sv-lokiDOTcom wrote:

So what? Does that make it a good design for family cruising? I'd hate to think
that
some kid is sitting on the leeward side and his fate depends on a small cam cleat
holding.
Teach "some small kid" to stay clear and keep an eye open.

Not a very good answer when the hazard is in the middle of the cockpit.

What do you do about winches?

My winches are on the periphery of a rather large cockpit.



Sailing can be dangerous, keep it safe.

That's my point. Some boats are safer than others. That's why some boats that may be
well suited for racing are not good for family cruising.

Oh and cam cleats rarely let go if loaded properly and replaced when
worn.

Yes, and uncontrolled jibes never happen. And the traveler doesn't move across on
every
tack. And any little kid that get his finger caught in it didn't deserve to play the
violin.

Wow, you must have some ancient systems onboard, and really
unattentive helm and parents.

Who said I was talking about my boat? I'm talking about average boats with average
sailors. Are you saying that accidental jibes never happen? My claim is that on a
proper family cruiser you can have the occaision mishap with triggering a trip to the
hospital.


If you want to sail safe, don't go so square as to risk a gybe,don't
tack without making sure fingers/kids are clear just as you make sure
the jibsheet is free to run.

Or, get a boat that is a bit more forgiving than a racing boat.