[Public-List] going solo

[Jeffrey Randall]

Thanks to all,

I have a spinnaker sock, but will try that another day.  I especially liked
the idea of "approach the dock as if you have NO reverse"  I will
incorporate that every sail.  I have both an auto tiller and a wind vane
(still something of a mystery as it was rigged incorrectly and I am working
to get it right.) so those will serve me in my endeavors.

I have often sailed as the only sailor on the boat, and the passengers were
noncompetant so maybe I have solo'd already.  Still for docking they were
instructed and performed the bow duties that I will have to consider.

This is the year of the solo.  Thanks for the advice.  Plan and execute
with extra time and a solo backup plan.

Jeff

On Tue, Jun 5, 2012 at 10:26 AM, John Riley <jriley at dsbscience.com> wrote:

> I agree with the other comments and will only add (expanding on what
> George said) single handed sailing is more about mindset than "gear."
>
> Everything takes longer, so as George said, plan and begin execution
> earlier than you are perhaps used to doing.  This includes reefing (or
> other sail handling), rigging docklines, fenders, whatever.  When you
> have crew, even if they do not really do much, they are a bit of a
> safety net.  When it's just you, it's just you.  <grin>
>
> Only comment I'd offer on the jacklines/harness issue is that I don't
> think (in the so-called ideal world at least) our procedures should
> really be any different alone or with crew.  If it's important enough to
> do it while alone, maybe it should be SOP all the time?  The other
> thought is that sometimes even "with crew" is more like single handing,
> if we are running single handed watches.  Habits are habits - jacklines
> and harnesses are less of a hurdle, psychologically as well as
> physically, if they are part of the routine.  That said, we don't rig
> them inshore in fair weather.  Offshore?  All.  The. Time.  Fair weather
> or foul, all on deck or one on watch or alone on board.
>
> I think the key to docking single handed is to slow down...slow WAY
> down.  A good friend, sailing in his 70's (and since the 1950's) has
> 'taught' me to approach the dock like we don't have a reverse on our
> engine.  This advice has served me well over the years, single handed or
> otherwise.  When the wind (or tide) is unfavorable, the game is
> changed.  Sometimes, the seamanlike thing to do is dock temporarily in a
> better slip or a face dock if one is available.  I've done that.
>
> A midship dock line is also helpful, or using a single line led from bow
> to stern cleats with "just enough" slack is a handy trick I've used this
> a lot on multiple sail boats and power boats.  Assuming floating docks
> with cleats (ie, not pilings alongside), you simply lay the continuous
> dock line over a cleat as you drift past and it secures the boat while
> you tend to other things.  It's dirt simple docking this way, I've used
> it coming alongside in some rather bouncy and windy conditions.
>
> Just some thoughts...
>
> I love sailing with my family and friends, but I also love sailing
> alone.  The experience is very different.  In conversations, I usually
> recommend it to sailors that have never done it.
>
>
> Best of luck, and please do report back to us your first single handing
> experiences!
>
> --
> John S. Riley
> S/V Gaelic Sea
> 1972 Alberg 30 #521
>
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-- 
Sincerely,


Jeff Randall
JCMedical
603-498-5574

 1338907642.0