In the late sixties this poor trapeze worker was being forced by his helmsman to hang extremely low on the wire, thus increasing the exposure to cold sea water beyond any human decency.

Here is another frightful example of a helmsman abusing his crew!

The argument from this particular helmsman (no names, but we are still watching you!) that a low trapezing position would increase boat speed, only shows how little value these ruthless helmsmen put into the well-being of their crews.

The International Trapeze Workers Union (ITWU) had for years advocated for a so called "fee swing" trapeze position. That is when the crew can enter the dinghy without having to pull himself upwards to prevent him from bumping into the gunwhale.

Not until recent years do the parties seem to have come to some sort of understanding and today 2-3 purchase part block systems seems to be the order of the day as standard equipment on all trapeze wires of a 505.

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