Tragically, lives continue to be lost when the use of a harness might have saved them. Many race organizers, including those of the Volvo Ocean Race, require crews to carry harnesses, but they do not dictate when the harnesses should be worn. But this is beginning to change. The venerable Transpac and Newport-to-Bermuda races have taken the lead in requiring both PFDs and harnesses to be worn at night.

It has been seven years (November and December 1999) since Practical Sailor published its last report on safety harnesses and tethers. That test was put together in conjunction with the Seattle-based Sailing Foundation. Since then, increased awareness, and less obtrusive and more…