1 more step added to my launch list. tether myself to the boat if winds are high.
Ack. This one comes up for discussion repeatedly. (Do the search on tethering and you get lots of hits.)
Tethering? Tying one's arm, leg, whatever to @200 lb floating object that can move pretty fast when the tramp is a sail... Tethered, you pull yourself back to the boat OR you get dragged along because the resistance is too great. Why go through this thought process though? (Don't sail alone.)
I keep working through a list of things to avoid:
1. Don't cleat the mainsheet in heavy air if can help it. (Which means wear gloves sometimes.)
2. Don't gybe in heavy air. Do a loop instead. Don't ask me how I know. Practice gybing more.
3. If the boat starts to go over, don't grab ropes, but aim to grab hold of the hull or crossbar or a corner hole of the tramp -- I haven't figured out which yet I like best, but one these things is my friend -- and count on resting and getting a good look around and working the bow into the wind...
At least if you are going to tether, use a surfboard type that breaks loose under extreme conditions... Ugh