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From: Tom French
Date: 21 Aug 1998
Time: 06:59:44
Remote Name: hd81-011.hil.compuserve.com
I have noted the "Hiking Strap" discussion with interest. I am not an owner, but have interest in the boat for the future. I am a former Olson 30 sailer (10 years), and had one of the first Melges 24s for 3 years. In the beginning, the Melges was not designed to have live lines. It became quickly clear that something must be done due to no hand holds on the boat. Also, the early boats sailed in PHRF. The foot rests were rather short in the early boats. The foot rests were raised another 2 inches. The stainless pipe arrangement on the Antrim seems very good. Non-skid tape on the pipes might be needed. The early Melges 24s had tight life lines. Everyones experience showed that the drivers back was sore due to a pounding by the line behind the back. The crew could not sit on the rail (with any heal) and not be left leaning back into the boat. The solution was was arrived at by trial and error. The bow pulpit did not offer any safety and just got in the way of the sails. The stanchons and stern pulpit were very well placed but something had to be done to allow the driver and crew to sit upright as heal angles increased. The solution was allowing the life line to go down to the spinnaker fail lead block that was just behind the driver possition. Also, the life lines (between the staunchens, crew area) can go to within 5 inches of the deck when under full tention. The boats have a heavy duty shock cord to keep the life lines tight when no one is leaning on them. This system works very well and is easy to police from a one design rules point of view. For overall, general safety, all crew are required to wear PFDs at all times. At high wind and high speeds, anyone can be at risk of being washed off the boat. Most Melges crews use the Musto dingy jacket or inflatable vest type gear. Overall, I think the Antrim is a very cool boat. Good luck to the class.