Quote:
Originally Posted by jesterchallenger
I have leecloths and tie up the head end with a quick release knot for hasty evacuation in an emergency. I also use a double duvet folded in half rather than a sleeping bag, so as not to hamper a speedy dash for the deck - cold weather you're inside it, hot weather on top of it. My bunks are so narrow I use the lee cloths even in a marina to stop falling out, but at sea the narrowness means you stay put without rolling, so a good sleep is guaranteed even rolling hard downwind.
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Lee cloths:
I had what I thought to be a superb lee cloth on Golden Dragon (JAC08) and I was very comfortable until one night I got thrown into it by one of those 'Mother-in-law swells' that go in a different direction to all the others! I was very lucky to get away with a nasty rope burn across my lip/cheek and a very sore neck. Stuffing some cushions into the berth reduced the width and hence the distance that I would move in a repeat incident. If doing the challenge again, I would make the berth much tighter from the outset although I don't really like to be so constricted. The cushion scenario was probably the best compromise so that one could be a little more comfy when it was really warm but safe when bumpy. It's one of those things that one maybe does not consider important until you venture 'out there'!
Sleep Timers:
I found electronic kitchen timers great. One attached to the lee cloth by my ear, the other set 1 min later and out of reach. I can't remember one instance when I needed the backup and usually switched it off before the alarm sounded bit it was nice to know that it was there should the first fail to wake me for whatever reason. Both were very light weight so unlikely to cause injury and very loud. They are designed for the kitchen and so are waterproof, go for ever on a small battery but yes I did have a clockwork version as well - which quickly failed! It rusted up inside!!
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