I think the clips are called "hanks," and I've had two kinds on my P-14. My
working jib has plastic ones that require a 90 degree rotation to put them
on the stay, and my genoa has bronze hanks with a spring-loaded pin that
keeps the hanks locked on. Both types seem to stay attached okay. Your best
bet is to check West Marine or other suppliers for some replacment hanks
that will stay put.
If you have the centerboard down and the sails are lowered or uncleated,
you should be able to go forward without capsizing, unless you're heavy or
the sea is rough. I weigh 180 lb and have never felt like I was going to
capsize when on the foredeck. One day I was experimenting with a
self-steering rig that connects the tiller to the mainsheet. Singlehanded,
I was able to walk all over the boat, even stand on the bow holding on to
the mast while the boat sailed herself, maintaining a course relative to
the apparent wind. But that was in smooth water and a light breeze, and
maybe I was just lucky.
Harry Gordon
P-14 #234, Manatee
Mountain View, CA