Scotty on an corporate sponsered open ocean racer, in the top race
after the American cups race IMO.. it would be wise for all to be
required to wear a harness. These guys are Professional sailors and
should prepare in a professional way.

That being said, I seldom wear a harness and never a life jacket on
RedCloud, and never a lifejacket on my Dink. But I'm a strong swimmer
and feel a jacket or harness can entangle you and cause more harm then
it could prevent. I do have jackets on the boats. Now if I were out in
the middle of the pacific or atlantic on the bow fighting a big sail in
building weather I'd be tied to something and have a PFD.

It's a personal gamble for us to decide not to wear some safety gear,
but professionals engaged in a profession should set an example for
others to follow.

Joe