Zhik all the way
Huge difference between the two (flotation vs pfd)
First is thickness, second obviously is amount of flotation provided.
The thickness issue is important when sailing with a lot of vang on and/or if you happen to be a "thicker" person. It can be the difference between a sucessful tack or a capsize..
If you want to stay with the PFD, take a look at the Extrasport Stilleto. It's a pullover, but a little thinner overall then the other Extrasport models
Zhik all the way
How does that work with the 2005-2008 US SAILING PRESCRIPTIONS and rule 40 here in the US?
What's unfortunate is that it just says personal buoyancy, it never states what that means. It has to say in the SIs if the lifejacket has to be USCG approved. Regattas have to have the USCG approved statment in the SIs more often and that way people will have to start using something other than a buoyancy aid.
If you are racing in the US you are required to have on board a Coast Guard approved life Jacket.
The SI can State that they must be worn at all times and they can remind competitors that they must be US Coast Guard approved
Here is the prescription
Rule 40 Change rule 40 title to: PERSONAL BUOYANCY; HARNESSES; LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT After rule 40.1 add US SAILING prescribes that every boat shall carry life-saving equipment conforming to government regulations.
Just missed reading the prescriptions.
If that's the case, I would love to see a regatta where a group is protested and thrown out for improper life jackets. I have thought about doing that. I hate seeing people wearing them and after I tell them it's illegal I get the "Well they don't check so it's not a problem." excuse.
I hope its not a Zhik that Goodison is waring at the Olympics. When he gets pulled out his boat after the medal race, it looks like he can hardly swim! Not good if you can't swim after you boat.
If for some reason you get stopped by the Coast Guard or possible other law enforcement officers and your floation devise isn't CG approved you will get a ticket for not having an approved life jacket aboard.
Chambers, can you quote the Florida law that requires you to wear a life jacket ?