Kirsten Neuschafer's Folding Ladder?

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by LakeSuperior

Would like to know if a second person is onboard when she goes out on the ladder.

If she is solo and offshore the amount of unnecessary risk she is assuming is immense. It is unimaginable that someone would put themselves in that position for little or no gain. Massive downside and little upside. I personally don't see the point. That said, some folks are missing a part of the brain that assesses risk and reward. It looks like she has got away with high risk acts to this point in her life.

Second person?

That's not allowed in the the Single Handed Golden Globe Race. (2022 edition)

She is currently in 3rd place overall now headed for Cape Horn.

Her boat is a 1988 Cape George 36, full keel, tiller steering.

I believe there are only 6 boats still racing of the original 16 or so that started the race.

The video above was made before the Cape Town South Africa check point.

She arrives at that check point at the end of that video.

She has now already passed Australia and is headed to round Cape Horn. See her exact location on tracker link below.

** btw Robin Knox-Johnson during the 1968 Golden Globe Race used to jump overboard midocean and swim along side his boat**

Also she is a bit of an athlete and before this event rode a bike across the African Continent.

https://goldengloberace.com/

https://goldengloberace.com/live-tracker/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLef3TNKGPE

[Scorpius]

I had one like that built for Scorpius. It folds up to form part of the pushpit and when down goes well into the water - making it easy for an old man like me to use. It has a folding brace that goes against the hull to stop the ladder from swinging and hold it at a nice incline for climbing.

It also has a quick release mechanism (a line hanging down to just above the waterline) so that it can easily be deployed by someone in the water.

If I was anywhere near the boat I'd include pictures - but unfortunately I'm not.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by Greatest Lakes

Was my first thought too. I didn't see a trip line to point the boat into the wind either.

In other videos, she has said she sometimes goes for a "drag" behind the boat so the one in the video above isn't a first.

[AKA-None]

Originally Posted by thomm225

In other videos, she has said she sometimes goes for a "drag" behind the boat so the one in the video above isn't a first.

So kind of like trolling for sharks?

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by thomm225

In other videos, she has said she sometimes goes for a "drag" behind the boat so the one in the video above isn't a first.

Its good fun actually..

[Franziska]

Originally Posted by boatman61

Its good fun actually..

True, but to do it offshore solo, you need to be slightly suicidal I guess.
Close inshore with a good helmsman no problem.

[Don C L]

Boy, not sure I would advertise hanging on by one hand going 5 or 6 knots. Still... gotta hand it to her, she is out there and doing it well and still in it.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Franziska

True, but to do it offshore solo, you need to be slightly suicidal I guess.
Close inshore with a good helmsman no problem.

Many say doing trans ocean solo is suicidal, so guess she's just living the normal life..

[thomm225]

Looking at that video a few more times of her dragging behind the boat, I now think she is holding on with both hands.

One on the ladder and one on the wind vane mounting hardware.

Stern shown in this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iuf6_dRt_lE

[rslifkin]

Originally Posted by boatman61

Many say doing trans ocean solo is suicidal, so guess she's just living the normal life..

I think there's a difference between doing something challenging and somewhat risky vs putting yourself in a position where the slightest hint of a mistake leaves you dead.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by rslifkin

I think there's a difference between doing something challenging and somewhat risky vs putting yourself in a position where the slightest hint of a mistake leaves you dead.

That's solo sailing.. no backup if your hit by the boom or knocked overboard by a jib back winding, slipping and breaking your leg going below in a blow amongst a few other possiblles.. I would say she sticks to below a certain speed and is very aware of her limits.
Good abilities in the water and a slender body help a lot along with strength, I'd not recommend a 200lb+ 60+yr old office worker try it solo..
I've known men in their early 40's who struggle climbing the swim ladder at the scoop in still water at anchor..

[letsgetsailing3]

Originally Posted by boatman61

Its good fun actually..

For me, it's a lot more fun if there is someone on the boat to come get me if something goes wrong...


But everyone has their own comfort level.

[SVTatia]

Originally Posted by boatman61

Many say doing trans ocean solo is suicidal, so guess she's just living the normal life.. [emoji3][emoji3][emoji3]

Yeah, and they drive on the freeway at 150 knots without any problem. Go figure.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by SVTatia

Yeah, and they drive on the freeway at 150 knots without any problem. Go figure.

Yeah.. but how many own a Ferrari or similar car that can do 225mph..
As few as those who single hand I guess..
So maybe you have a point..

[El Pinguino]

Originally Posted by boatman61

That's solo sailing.. no backup if your hit by the boom or knocked overboard by a jib back winding, slipping and breaking your leg going below in a blow amongst a few other possiblles.. I would say she sticks to below a certain speed and is very aware of her limits.
Good abilities in the water and a slender body help a lot along with strength, I'd not recommend a 200lb+ 60+yr old office worker try it solo..
I've known men in their early 40's who struggle climbing the swim ladder at the scoop in still water at anchor..

Many "swim ladders" are just DDLs ( dinghy disembarkation ladders ) which don't extend below the water. I extended mine about 2 foot/ 2 steps below the water so that I can get out of the water with wet suit on.

Re 'no back up solo'. There are inherent risks and there are risks that we create. Two different things.