[Public-List] going solo

[Robert Kirk]

Jeff... Single handing is a piece of cake - enjoy it. 90% of my sailing has 
been single handed - my wife is not a sailing lover, and I have no problems 
with sailing or docking. Accept the fact you may look awkward every once 
in  a while coming into the slip or making sail changes, but the job gets 
done. Mooring or anchoring is trivial.

Hank on jibs & halyards at the mast aren't a problem, although I did get 
roller furling a few years ago. I also have a Dutchman rigged main (like 
lazy jacks) which makes dousing simple. Once or twice a year, under ideal 
conditions, I'd fly the (no sock) spinnaker, mostly to feel macho. Never 
used harness or jacklines, but then, I used to smoke, too.

Two things are necessary:

1. Autotiller

2. Most important: Be wary of the weather. Things that are a piece of cake 
in good weather are tough when the barometer sinks. In (unfortunately rare 
summer Chesapeake Bay) windy conditions, Reef before getting underway, so 
there's no fire drill on a heaving deck. Sometimes I'd look funny later, 
becalmed with a double reef, but that's ok. Weather forecasts are pretty 
good nowadays - if it looks bad, take a lay day or stay home.  You can 
handle the unforecast summer squall  as well single handed as with a crew - 
or as poorly. Finally, don't sail in the winter. Sailing should be fun, not 
masochistic.

Bob Kirk
Isobar #181

>I have owned Yankee Star for about 5 years and as yet have not sailed
>solo.  I have motored to a mooring and launched etc. But have not gone out
>solo for even a perfect wx sail.  What gear/safety precautions or reading
>would you solo sailors recommend.
>
>I use a slip so that is problem # 1 on a windy day.  I can easily catch and
>release from a mooring but the potential for the dock/boat contact is a
>little exciting.  My wife has been up on the bow and I have practiced solo
>dockings a few times and will continue to do so till I feel I can do them
>in heavy winds.  There is seldom someone around when you most need them.
>The corrollary to that is when you screw up the dock is full.
>
>FYI, I raise the main from the mast, and currently have no plans/cash to
>re-rig the main halyard to the cockpit but I do have roller furling.  After
>all it is the 21st century.
>
>Any and all ideas would be greatly appreciated.  Like flying the
>spinnaker,  this is one of those things that you have to try and become
>accomplished at.


 1338919688.0