Comments
about the key-hole systems:
I
did sail with the new key-hole and really did like the new system. The
only difference is when you hook up, it is a little harder, due to the
fact that you need to push in closer to you. But once you get used to
the difference, it becomes easer and l like the fact there is NO HOOK
digging into the deck. We sail in San Francisco and in 25+ mph winds,
both myself and my crew (wife) use the new hook. It is a winner as far
as my crew feels and she is not concerned about flipping and getting
unhooked or getting hooked to the boat any more. She's also not worrying
about getting back on the boat with the hook making dents in the hull
like the old fashioned one would do when we flipped.
Thanks,
Skip Elliot
Comments
about the key-hole system: I
had a chance to use the key-hole trapeze buckle this weekend and was
nicely impressed with its usability in course racing. Not once did I
get hung up trying to get hooked or unhooked on the trapeze when making
transitions as expected. Far superior than any other mechanism I have
used for course racing! Also, the buckle will not puncture the hull
if you capsize or are separated from the boat and trying to board again...
Very nice, and I am looking forward to the new carbon ones!
Brian Lambert
After first use:
1. The Key Hole carbon buckles are quite an upgrade
from the anodized aluminum ones that Team Moxie was was using in that
they were lighter and more 'boat friendly' for the user. You did not
have to worry about scratching the hull while lying down on paddling
or scurrying up to the bow to repair/re-tie a line, etc. On the other
hand, the aluminum ones are better suited for long distance racing since
you can drill and mount clam-cleats on them for use with a restrainer
line or chicken line. I can provide you a diagram of this if you need
to see our restrainer system developed by Jamie Livingston.
2. The Keys came in two forms... one with a large diameter ball and
smaller grip ball, and one with a circular teflon disc. The first one
with the two diameter balls was a bit easier to use in that it tends
to release quicker and easier without getting caught inside the buckle.
The disc one proved to be a bit more cumbersome to use since it was
heavier and almost too large to use for easy release (i.e.- it kept
getting hung-up in the buckle). Also, it had more of a tendency to dance
around the trap wire, making it difficult to grab prior to the start
of a race or after tacks.
3. The system worked very well and was secure, much more than I had
anticipated. As a matter-of-fact, I had a knot on the key become untied
on the last race of the series, sending me plopping to the water, yet
when I recovered the key was still lodged into the buckle! Overall,
they were a great alternative to the typical harness 'hook' and 'dogbone'
because they were lightweight, relatively harmless when the bungee cord
retracted them into your crew's head, and they stayed connected very
well in pre-race 'ready' state and during full trapeze condtions. I
give the system an overall rating of a 3.5 stars (out of 4) and highly
recommend them for anyone competing in buoy racing.
Thanks...
Brian Lambert
After one season, February 2002
Comments
about the key-hole system:
This is the first time I've used the key hole harness system and really
liked how it performed. I found it easy to get the ball in and out of
the slot, and had no problems during the 3-day regatta. There were 2
major advantages I saw in the key hole vs. the standard hook system.
First, the key hole ball does not slip out of the holder easily. This
prevents the sailor from becoming inadvertently disconnected from the
boat, which can happen when moving around on the tramp while hooked
in to the trap line. I sail an A-cat, and you end up going in and out
on the wire a lot in moderate winds. The boat can flip over to windward
if you stay on the wire too long when the wind dies. It would be great
to never have to worry about whether or not the trap line is still attached.
The second advantage is the decreased potential for damage to the hulls
that can happen from the hook. Last year I flipped several times in
one race and put 2 holes in my hull as I was climbing up to right the
boat. The A-cat hull is pretty thin and it doesn't take much to damage
it. It's easier and quicker to get back on the hull when you don't have
a pointy object protruding from your waist. I would definitely put this
on my A-cat and feel that it would be pretty popular in that class,
as well as others.
Jeff LoSapio
USA-107 A-Cat
February 2004