In the first place, the skipper has failed in his primary
responsibility, maintaining the safety of the crew. As to what should
be done, on our boat, I would have one of the crew go forward in the
cabin and reach out to the cleat from the forward hatch. - If it's too
far to reach, he should try working the fouled sheet with the hook on
the docking pole, normally telescoping. If this doesn't work, attach a
harness and safety line and crawl out on the forward deck through the
hatch nearest the cleat.

Jim Cate

Bart Senior wrote:

You are sailing in gusty winter conditions, in an
area with only one other boat in the area. None
of your crew is wearing lifejackets. The boat is
heeling and waves are regularly breaking over
the bow.

After tacking you see the leeward jibsheet fouled
on the cleat located in a centeral position on the
foredeck.

What is the best way to clear it?