tophatyachts.com

Hi Hatters,
I have purchased a Burke SeaBrake and 50 meters of 14mm Double Braid rope for the construction of the bridle. Has anyone built a bridle for their SeaBrake? If so, could you please provide details?
Cheers,
Kevin (KJD13)
Wayward Lady, a Mk111
Williamstown, Vic

So Kevin, what extreme conditions are you heading for that requires a sea brake.

Must be a story somewhere in that purchase

I don't have a sea brake as I have never required one or set out in conditions that would require one

Hi Phil,
No immediate plans, but with Bass Strait at our doorstep, I am readying my kit to cope with any eventualities. This year I crewed on a Arends 33 taking part in the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, Circumnavigating Van Diemens' land cruise. I crewed the leg from Hobart, along the East coast of Tasmania, to Deal Island and then onto the Gippsland Lakes (through my first bar crossing!). I know that these waters are unpredictable and that one needs to be prepared for any eventuality - for example, in crossing Bass Strait from Deal Island, we encountered fog in February!
So, in short, no concrete plans to utilize the Seabrake, but gearing up just in case I make to trip.
Kevin (KJD13)
Williamstown Vic

Sound good Kevin, Tasmania is in my bucket, but not in the near future as I want to go north again next year, hopefully to Cairns this time.

Hi Kevin,
I bought a sea brake and double brade before heading out into bass strait. I also bought 50m of double braid and another 10 m. As I wanted to keep the 50m as spare anchor rode, my plan was to use an alpine butterfly at about the 35m point of the rope then attach the other 10m piece using a shackle. An alpine butterfly can be tied without having an end of the rope and is strong when loaded in multiple directions. I’ve also heard of people using a rolling hitch to attach the 2nd line to the main rode, although I’d be worried that a rolling hitch would slip.

http://www.animatedknots.com/alpinebutterfly/

Cheers
Nick