Randy, Great Question. I'll provide some background to make it easier for Bram to give a short answer. There is quite a debate about these. Skiff sailors in Australia seem a style preference and elsewhere people have different opinions. It has been suggested non to subtly that we Australians don't have such big tackle as other nationalities, but I doubt it. There are plenty of harness and different designs out there and available from the performance sail shops but any good chandlery can get you one. I would strongly recommend you avoid harness with too many buckles on the outside. Some models attempt to fit everyone with adjustments in every dimension. I have two of these and they are For Sale! Mostly the debate about harness style revolves around the safety and comfort of your Crown Jewels. Bram has a made a nice design that uses straps on the legs and leaves the codpiece open. Its comfortable for a long time, according to him. F18 Cat sailors like these strap types, and they spend a lot of time on the wire. I do not mind the "secure" feeling of a nappy type harness. I have one with no adjustments and a flush front with just the hook sticking out. Here is a picture of a nappy /codpiece version. The codpiece protects the Jewels. The front is clean of buckles and stuff, the hook is clear and easy to hit. Mine on the left. the Banks Sails harness is on the right. Magic Marine have this style and a very light weight "Skiff" harness (1kilo). If you are not so daring and "tackle challenged" to prefer the strapless types then Magic Marine also have quite good strap-on style harness with spreader bars that attempt to make the experience more comfortable. These even have padding in appropriate places like hips and lower back support. Hope these sources work out for you. BTW Julian has a line of harnesses and a special system that does not have a hook like the ones above. Having such a weapon protruding from the harness can be a bit of a problem and If you are clumsy you might put scratches and dents in the boat from it. Most importantly you don't want to get tangled under a capsized boat by the hook. Bethwaite design has perfected the ball and key slot type harness and these or their parts are available from http://www.bethwaite.com I have not heard rave reviews about these but they virtually eliminate the hook getting caught and do not gouge your centerboard as you shimmy up and over it. Greg Swift Solo --Rose ----- Original Message ----- From: DNUS4192@xxxxxxx To: swiftsolo@xxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Thursday, April 08, 2004 9:14 AM Subject: Trapeze harness Bram: Do you have experience with the different trapeze harnesses on the market? Is there a particular manufacturer you'd recommend? Randy Rogoski
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