We had gone over to port tack just before the start of the Wednesday June 11 SSSS race and I leaned on the lee life line with my right hand. I was in the water immediately, gravity is mighty quick. But I managed to hang onto the disconnected life line. The novice crew, after some confusion and forceful directions from the wet and cold skipper, managed to release the sheets, stop the boat, roll up the genoa, and lower the boarding ladder. Dry clothes and forced air heat were mighty welcome. Because of the moderate and pleasant conditions none of us were wearing life jackets.
The life line pelican hook (Sea Cure, Johnson Marine, 1997 West Catalog, page 288) was examined carefully and no flaws could be found. When closed correctly it withstood as much abuse as I can muster. However, it is possible to incompletely close it, have it still support the life line, and open with moderate pressure. Most likely it had not been snapped shut properly; one of the many ways in which sailors can find themselves suddenly wet.
Tom Fell
Spiff