Eli5: Why can’t we simply attach sailors to their boat with a harness to prevent them from falling into the sea?

Question

Is it possible ?

In: Engineering

Answer 1

We do! Sometimes. In cruiser sailing it’s common to hook yourself in if you’re going up towards the bow if things look a bit dicey, and there’s usually a straps or rope on each side (called a jackstay) for this purpose, don’t clip onto the guard rail it won’t take your weight if you fall. It’s also recommended if you’re keeping watch alone to clip onto something sturdy in the cockpit.