Jack Lines

[csandys]

I'll second that question.

I "think" I understand the idea of having the jackline elevated, so you don't step on it, and it adds another level of "catching you". The part I question is, if the jackline runs along the border above the gunwales, then if you start to go over, your teather would be slack and not catch you.

Now if you are reaching and on the windward side, then the odds of falling leeward and being caught by the teather makes sense.

I noticed the guys on the Volvo Ocean Race have the jacklines running on the deck close to the gunwales.

Are the teathers only supposed to catch you when you do go over?