Dinghy Trapeze Harness - Under or Over Buoyancy Aid

[Burrow01]

Hi

Just started to learn to trapeze on our Catamaran and have a query about whether it is best to wear the trapeze harness over or under your buoyancy aid.

Under is more comfortable, but I do have concerns about being trapped under the boat/sail in a capsize and not being able to pull the harness off if necessary

[Rum Runner]

I prefer under buoyancy aid but with a quick release hook on the harness.

[Del 203]

I always wore under...

[Tyre Smoke]

Always under.

Learning? It's easy. Slop your arse over the side, swing out and keep fore leg locked and aft leg slightly bent.

[Burrow01]

Tyre Smoke said:

Always under.

Learning? It's easy. Slop your arse over the side, swing out and keep fore leg locked and aft leg slightly bent.

Yep tried it for the first time last weekend and fell back into the Helm

Was more concerned about being able to hook in and out reliably last weekend

Giving it another try on Saturday

[Del 203]

Tyre Smoke said:

Always under.

Learning? It's easy. Slop your arse over the side, swing out and keep fore leg locked and aft leg slightly bent.

And brace yourself when you hit a big one

[Tyre Smoke]

I always set the hook height just slightly higher than to be able to clip on whilst sitting normally. Always easier to raise yourself slightly so your weight holds the hook in place.

[Burrow01]

Rum Runner said:

I prefer under buoyancy aid but with a quick release hook on the harness.

This sounds ideal - can you get quick release hooks for any harness?

[dirkgently]

Burrow01 said:

Hi

Just started to learn to trapeze on our Catamaran and have a query about whether it is best to wear the trapeze harness over or under your buoyancy aid.

Under is more comfortable, but I do have concerns about being trapped under the boat/sail in a capsize and not being able to pull the harness off if necessary

Over the top of everything, then you can adjust the straps as you go. Do not wear a buoyancy aid with a co2 cartridge unless you enjoy broken ribs.

[Rum Runner]

Various brands make the quick release hook harness.
When going out on the wire always take load on the wire not your grab handle, always lead I.e push out with your forward foot. Going for a walk around the front end is much worse than back..
Leading leg always locked and aft leg slight bent.
If lumpy keep your legs a good distance apart and in some boats get your aft foot right up against the hip of the helm. Also raise the your high off the water with adjuster on the wire as its easy to get hit by a wave if at a low angle of dangle......

Edited by Rum Runner on Tuesday 21st June 22:03

[Rum Runner]

Various brands make the quick release hook harness.
When going out on the wire always take load on the wire not your grab handle, always lead I.e push out with your forward foot. Going for a walk around the front end is much worse than back..
Leading leg always locked and aft leg slight bent.
If lumpy keep your legs a good distance apart and in some boats get your aft foot right up against the hip of the helm. Also raise the your high off the water with adjuster on the wire as its easy to get hit by a wave if at a low angle of dangle......

Edited by Rum Runner on Tuesday 21st June 22:04

[Rum Runner]

Various brands make the quick release hook harness.
When going out on the wire always take load on the wire not your grab handle, always lead I.e push out with your forward foot. Going for a walk around the front end is much worse than back..
Leading leg always locked and aft leg slight bent.
If lumpy keep your legs a good distance apart and in some boats get your aft foot right up against the hip of the helm.