I read a story by Tristan Jones that one should always drag a line
behind you. It would make sense if it was tied to the wheel
somehow, to stall the boat or heave-to, or popped all the sheets
out of their cleats. It makes more sense to wear a tether, or two.

Tristan Jones also said you should have a collision patch rigged
and ready to go on deck. I don't know anyone who does this.
It would get in the way, come apart, or get snarled beyond usability.

That was when I realized, Jones was starving and desparately trying
to impress his uninformed editors enough to get published, so he
could eat. He was not writing worthwhile books.

Capt. Mooron wrote

"Martin Baxter" wrote in message

| Bingo! BB wins the cupie doll! Anybody here ever tried this trick?
Even
if you do it on purpose,
| just to see, it's pretty much impossible even with a 25 foot line.
Before
anyone hangs a line of
| their stern and thinks that this is a substitute for proper seamanship
they should try it, with someone
| still on the boat to drive of course, your illusions of safety will be
quickly evaporated.

I tried it on Overproof at about four knots....... I just tagged the 3/4
mark of a 100 foot floating yellow 3/4" line. This was knowing what was
about to occur. There is no way to pull yourself up that rope! NO WAY!

CM