There was a long thread about this (actually, mainly in the context of single-handed sailing) on the Forum, some years ago in the 'good old days', which became as dismal as this one may. I believe the original trigger was a report on the Drascombe Forum about an appalling single-handed-sailing tragedy off the Irish coast. It was actually a useful discussion because, as direct results, various ladders were tried, and Swallowboats rudders were re-designed by Matt to incorporate a 'step' on the upper surface, in the hope that this would enable a MOB to climb back. I wonder whether anyone has tried this out, as a practice exercise or even in the fear and trembling of a real emergency?
At that time I had my tippy little double-ender Cadenza, and I knew, from my one capsize experience with her that, notwithstanding her low freeboard, getting back amidships was impossible. I cut a step in the rudder, but thankfully never had to use it. Even if I had balanced the boat to heave myself out of the water via the rudder step, I would have had 2 1/2 feet of narrow after deck to clamber across to reach the cockpit, and I think she would have tipped over again. I should have tested it out, but - ahem- never did, as one tends not to do.
With Cavatina, my Trouper 12, I have a low and short rudder stem to get up onto, in the middle of a reassuringly wide transom on an extraordinarily stable little boat, so I think I would be OK-ish. And I was brought up, sailing-wise, never to cleat the mainsheet (which is feasible on a boat as small as mine), so she would come up into the wind (no 'balance' because no mizen), and not sail away. But, like Julian, I try to be disciplined and severe with myself so that IT DOESN"T HAPPEN. 'All very well', I hear a mutter, 'but what about The Unforseeable?' There's no answer to that. This IS getting dismal.
Julian, excuse my ignorance, but what is a life sling? Should we all have one aboard?
Michael