Dealing with Fatigue

[SVHALLEL]

I had this happen once and I'm sure it won't be the last time. I found myself sick with bronchitis and sailing home in bad weather. There was a point of weakness where I felt I could not turn the winch one more time. I would like to hear how some people deal with fatigue when sailing on a passage single handing a 40+ size boat without an autopilot. Thanks and happy sailing.

[Unicorn Dreams]

If offshore, heave-to and lie ahull until feeling better.

[SaucySailoress]

A good reason for putting up with crew....

[atoll]

a good reason to get an autopilot,worth at least 3 crew,and doesn't require food.

we have used an autohelm3000 wheel pilot on a 63 ft yacht on 2 circumnavigations with good results,just need to balance the sails,bought 2nd hand,runs on less than an amp,best$100 dollars i ever spent!!!!!

fatigue---- undersail the boat,carry less sail=less sailchanges,cat nap and don't drink coffee as it stops you sleeping,heave too before making a land fall and get a good rest.

[acheron]

Self-steering?

[SVHALLEL]

Originally Posted by atoll

a good reason to get an autopilot,worth at least 3 crew,and doesn't require food.

we have used an autohelm3000 wheel pilot on a 63 ft yacht on 2 circumnavigations with good results,just need to balance the sails,bought 2nd hand,runs on less than an amp,best$100 dollars i ever spent!!!!!

fatigue---- undersail the boat,carry less sail=less sailchanges,cat nap and don't drink coffee as it stops you sleeping,heave too before making a land fall and get a good rest.

Yea an autopilot sure would of helped. My crew was also sick and we only had 4 hours to get home and we made it.

[SVHALLEL]

Originally Posted by Unicorn Dreams

If offshore, heave-to and lie ahull until feeling better.

That is also true but I was in the shipping lanes. If I could of I probably would of called in sick and stayed anchored. I told my wife it was not going to be fun and when the reefing line snapped in 30 kts. It required action to get the sail down before it was damaged. She took the helm and I clipped in and went to get the sails down. I did not have the strength left to roll the furler so I had to winch it. But we made it and my wife did a great job keeping it to weather while I got drenched on deck. Happy sails to all