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Old 09-07-2017, 14:35   #46
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Re: Some things that can go south in a second when sailing singlehanded

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Originally Posted by Intentional Drifter View Post
There's a great MRI study showing that in normal unimpaired brains, a critical part of that system starts shutting down after about 60 to 75 quickly occurring decisions.... After it starts shutting down, as in fatigue, we start making poorly mediated, impulsive decisions.
Training SAR crew on handling a twin engine RIB yesterday in the mooring pond area inside the marina. 10-15 knots of wind. Had them approaching a buoy and holding station, manouvering around it just on the engines (wheel centered).

With beginners who have to consciously think about every move it always happens - after a few minutes of trying to coordinate the throttles in forward/reverse they start to go to pieces. Over-revving, using the wrong lever in forward/reverse etc. You need to watch for it and relieve them before they become too stressed and lose all confidence in themselves.
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Old 09-07-2017, 21:18   #47
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Re: Some things that can go south in a second when sailing singlehanded

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Originally Posted by SV Wendaway View Post
I was crossing the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) by myself earlier this year on a broad reach in 12 - 15 kts of wind. Perfect. But not perfectly perfect, since I could see that the genoa track needed adjustment.

So I got out my small handy billy, attached one end to the clew and the other to a pad eye on the deck, pulled in the slack enough to depressure the genoa sheet; then adjusted the genoa track perfectly.

I was very pleased by myself. Until the Bad Thing Happened.

When I released the handy billy line from the jam cleat, suddenly my hand was pulled into the cleat. I could not get it out. I did not have a knife with me. I could not reach the genny sheet to try and pull it in and relieve the strain on my arm.

Essentially, my arm was now part of the genoa sheet, taking all the strain from the sail. The wind was rising and I had about 150 miles of open sea in front of me. And I was stranded on the side deck far from the helm.

This is the sort of thing that can happen in one second.

Mark
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Mark, you type very well for a guy with one arm!

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Old 09-07-2017, 22:12   #48
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Re: Some things that can go south in a second when sailing singlehanded

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When I tell my girlfriend that, she reminds me that there a many fewer ocean sailors than there are pedestrians, bike riders, or drivers...



I've been thinking that I wear a helmet when riding my bike, windsurfing, and skiing/snowboarding... so why don't I wear one when sailing? I will most likely consider it next time I'm going out solo.


Absolutely vital for deck work if solo.
Too many near misses not to wear my Gath helmet.

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Old 10-07-2017, 00:23   #49
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Re: Some things that can go south in a second when sailing singlehanded

I would really recommend Frank Mulville's "Single-Handed Sailing" - it's an absolute classic.
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Old 10-07-2017, 21:28   #50
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Re: Some things that can go south in a second when sailing singlehanded

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HA! After I smacked my head (in the kitchen, not on the boat) a few years back, I can't take any more blows to the noggin. So I stashed my old kayaking helmet in the v-berth, but I am still too shy to wear it in the marina But my boom is just low enough that it will live up its name and relieve me of more gray matter should I give it the chance.... so the helmet waits for the fouler weather, or less vanity, that will call it out.
OK Don, I'm putting vanity aside and wearing my ski helmet next time I'm out alone. Due to a friend's accidental death, our family has a self imposed helmet law for skiing. When we started it was mostly racers that wore helmets. Now it is a majority of skiers.
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Old 11-07-2017, 12:51   #51
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Re: Some things that can go south in a second when sailing singlehanded

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OK Don, I'm putting vanity aside and wearing my ski helmet next time I'm out alone. Due to a friend's accidental death, our family has a self imposed helmet law for skiing. When we started it was mostly racers that wore helmets. Now it is a majority of skiers.
I have a good friend, excellent skier, who was nearly killed by another skier hitting her in the head. Now she wears a helmet skiing, and so do I. Maybe there is a market for a new-fangled and super stylish sailing helmet. The only problem with mine is I don't have a way to put a a good brim on it for shade
Something that looks like A but protects like B:
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Old 11-07-2017, 12:54   #52
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Re: Some things that can go south in a second when sailing singlehanded

Still not ready yet for:
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Old 11-07-2017, 17:00   #53
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Re: Some things that can go south in a second when sailing singlehanded

Have a look at Gath helmets - they can be fitted with a sun visor or the face visor - possibly enough for face protection .
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Old 11-07-2017, 17:34   #54
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Re: Some things that can go south in a second when sailing singlehanded

Think outside the box a bit
Top 10 Best Whitewater Kayaking Helmets - Kayak Helmet Reviewes
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Old 11-07-2017, 17:36   #55
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Re: Some things that can go south in a second when sailing singlehanded

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Still not ready yet for:
Looks just like the full face kayak helmet on the page I just linked to
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Old 11-07-2017, 19:39   #56
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Re: Some things that can go south in a second when sailing singlehanded

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I have a good friend, excellent skier, who was nearly killed by another skier hitting her in the head. Now she wears a helmet skiing, and so do I. Maybe there is a market for a new-fangled and super stylish sailing helmet. The only problem with mine is I don't have a way to put a a good brim on it for shade
Something that looks like A but protects like B:
Another GREAT IDEA! A "HELLHAT" combining a COWBOY HAT with a HELMET - and it looks good! The best part: you can make one yourself!! - Horse and Man
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Old 11-07-2017, 19:51   #57
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Re: Some things that can go south in a second when sailing singlehanded

Most of my boom collisions was a result of bounding for the dock upon docking and not seeing the boom because of my hat brim.
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Old 11-07-2017, 21:29   #58
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Re: Some things that can go south in a second when sailing singlehanded

Well, there you go. Thank you!
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Old 11-07-2017, 22:12   #59
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Re: Some things that can go south in a second when sailing singlehanded

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Most of my boom collisions was a result of bounding for the dock upon docking and not seeing the boom because of my hat brim.
Mine, too, mate.
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Old 11-07-2017, 22:49   #60
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Re: Some things that can go south in a second when sailing singlehanded

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Most of my boom collisions was a result of bounding for the dock upon docking and not seeing the boom because of my hat brim.
Common problem, and it can hurt.

I stopped banging my head on the boom when I made a practice of lifting it high out of the way with the topping lift after furling the mainsail. I recommend this on boats which can do it.
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