The singlehander's second worst fear: Falling over the side and being dragged by the boat. (the first worst fear is falling overboard and not being attached to the boat.) Some singlehanders feel it is impossible to get back aboard if you are being dragged by your tether so they don't bother with a tether. In this video I show the use of nylon ladders as a means for the singlehander to climb back aboard in the event that he or she goes over the side and is being dragged by the boat. Of course, the singlehander should do everything in his power to avoid this scenario using his tether, clipping short, jack lines, etc.. However, if the unthinkable happens, this at least gives the singlehander a chance to climb back aboard with no outside assistance.
This tactic is meant as a last resort tactic for emergencies. One should seek expert coaching, have a crew on hand while learning, practice with a stationary boat and have significant fitness and strength before attempting this. Even practice sessions in perfect conditions feature significant risk and could result in injury or death in any number of ways.
All of that said, these tactics could save the singlehander's life in the event that he or she does go over the side and is being dragged by the boat.
