One thing that worries me, swimming in full gear

[TrueBlue]

Bad thing about dry suits is, they are air-tight so the skin cannot breathe. I can't imagine sailing actively for hours, being hermetically sealed in a ziplock baggie. A wet suit will create a similar, but more uncomfortable experience. The neoprene rubber will trap in body heat - making you sweat like a pig.

I own a few sets of both types but they're used exclusively underwater.

[merlin2375]

Thanks a lot for the comments guys. Sounds like maybe a practice dip is in order, I'll have to find someplace suitable. Just trying to be prepared for a wide variety of hazards. Seems like going over is not as uncommon as I once thought, particularly in racing. You just never know.

I have another question about harnessing, but I think I'll throw up another thread about that

[Stillraining]

I think the best advice you got was the fact that you will not be trying to swim anywhere...maybe 20' max if the boat lays over and you fell out a little before hand...Your PFD WILL keep you afloat with all your wet gear on...no worries about that....only worrie is a punctured inflatable...In a storm or single handed not my choice of PFD anyway..getting back aboard is the chore...You can practice that if you wish..or throw your 70 lb Labrador in... getting him on board will be about the same difficulty..