18july: companionway safety

The companionway hatch is sometimes described as the biggest hole in a boat is: Cruising World magazine does it. I'll ignore cockpit hatches just for the sake of simplicity. 

The requirements of a safe working hatchway include;-
- being able to secure hatchboards in place.
- keeping boards tethered to the boat.
- sliding hatch lockable from below and from the cockpit.

We're assuming that each component is of stout dimensions and well fitted.  

Cruising World suggest a few other requirements:-
- visibility through hatch boards from below
- relatively high bridge.
- side panels creating an entrance tunnel.
- handholds.
- large steps on a sloping ladder.  
Famous JESTER CHALLENGER, Ming Ming showing tunnel companionway, sloping hatch with portlight, deck hatch for ventilation and viewing. A small collapsanlr hood was available for deployment as needed.
She also had a remote control station below for steering and windvane control. She also has reduced cockpit capacity in case of popping - she regularly towed a Jordan drogue in heavy weather. 
 .

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