Re: [Paddlewise] Sailing and PFDs

I wrote:
> > debate in the sailing community as it is here.  IMO, a PFD is far more
> > essential in a sea kayak than on a sailboat, although I consider it
pretty
> > important gear on a sailboat, as well.  I *always* wear my PFD kayaking.

And David Whyte wrote:
> Interesting difference in perceptions. I do a lot of sailing (Laser)
> and windsurfing and consider them more dangerous than paddling my sea
kayak
> on FLAT WATER (but not the sea) and even though I don't wear my PFD in
> flatwater I always wear it  when sailing. I used to tell my kids when I
was
> teaching them to sail that the reason the boom is called that is because
> thats the sound it makes when it hits your head. Probably an argument for
> wearing helmets whilst sailing, I imagine that would go down like a lead
> balloon.

Probably not so much a difference in perceptions as in what we are talking
about.  I definitely agree that a PFD is essential on boats like Lasers and
on windsurfers.  I don't have the guts or skill (or svelt body) to sail
boats like that, so I mostly sail larger sailboats (current boat is 32 feet,
although I do have a smaller daysailor as well).  On the larger boats, you
are not likely to "go over", and the boom is usually far enough up that you
can stand up during a tack and not even think about the boom.  Still,
although falling off the boat takes more effort, if you do go overboard, a
PFD would be a good thing. . .

Mark



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