What Is The Big Deal About Single Handling?

[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by jongleur

That said, [most] are just a bit crazy and don't play well with others

There, fixed it for you.[/QUOTE]

That's scarry close to the single handers I've met in real life (as opposed to those saying it online where it's harder to tell thier real intent).

They may go on about challenge, accomplishment...etc...but after talking to them for 5-10 minutes, it's readily obvious why they single hand.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by Saleen411

Thanks for the reasoned response Jim. My apologies to all for the inappropriate tone.

No worries, mate!

Oh BTW, have you noticed that a lot of posters here are pilots... and seem to mention it frequently? What's the big deal... I don't get it (just kidding, despite the true observation).

And true confession time: despite the single handing history related above, I have never had the urge to cruise solo. Have done so a couple of times when required, but I too prefer amenable company with whom to share the joys of the cruising life. Fortunately I have Ann...

Jim

[boatman61]

Why do I single hand whenever I can..?
Mainly because I am no great 'Raconteur'.. I cannot waffle on with amusing tales for hours wallowing in the sound of my voice.. and mindless chatter does my head in..
Sometimes I like to heave to for a few days mid ocean and chill.. sunbathe.. grab some good meals instead of snacking.. other folk hate this.. rush rush.. need retail therapy..
One thing stands out with your OP tone.

Your a harbour hopping Tiki Bar hero..

PS; Svmariane nailed it

[captain58sailin]

Pilots sooooooooooooooo love to tell everyone they are pilots.

[Stendecian]

Probably belongs in the joke thread - but considering the above post :


How can you tell if there's a pilot at the party?


Don't worry, he'll tell you



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[PoutingFish]

Originally Posted by svmariane

.........Top Ten Reasons to Sail Single Hand:........

10. You get all the credit when things go right...

9. (and accept all the blame if things go wrong.}

8. Can have a girl in every port without any argument from a partner.

7. You can clear port whenever you like - or need to.

6. The music in the CD player is always what you want.

5. No need to share the buttered popcorn.

4. The chart dividers are always right where you left them.

3. You can argue out loud without being interrupted.

2. Each case of beer lasts twice as long.


And the Number One reason to Single Hand:


1. No witnesses.

All points can still apply baby. Just bear in mind:-

8. No argument. I'll find other company

2. Have chilled champagne ready please, thank you

1. I can look the other way

[PoutingFish]

Originally Posted by Lepke

There is no big deal, just information. It tells an experienced mariner much more about the posting than a lot of other words. We sail alone for a number of personal reasons, so that tells a little more about the poster, too. Much of that has already been covered.
Enjoy the "smokin' hot" company while it lasts, because it doesn't last forever. You should print out and save your comments and look at them 40 years from now.
Lepke

True, "smokin' hot" doesn't last forever. But he doesn't need to print and save. The company part doesn't expire. Thank you for your input

[nigel1]

On the issue of single handing, there is being planned a solo non-stop circumnavigation race in 2018, and based on the 1968 Golden Globe Race.

What makes it a bit different from today's races:

Entrants are restricted to using the same type of yachts and equipment that were available to Sir Robin in that first race. That means sailing without modern technology or benefit of satellite based navigation aids.
Competitors must sail in production boats between 32ft and 36ft overall (9.75 – 10.97m) designed prior to 1988 with a full-length keel with rudder attached to their trailing edge, similar in concept to Sir Robin’s Suhaili.

If it goes ahead, should be an interesting competition.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by nigel1

On the issue of single handing, there is being planned a solo non-stop circumnavigation race in 2018, and based on the 1968 Golden Globe Race.

What makes it a bit different from today's races:



If it goes ahead, should be an interesting competition.

What tickles me about it is few of the boats were 'Production'..
RKJ's was built in India.. Motessier was definitely not.. in fact most boats of that era were built to order from plans.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, PoutingFish.

[sailorboy1]

Doesn't singlehanded mean no one likes you enough to be stuck on a little boat with you 😏s


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[SimonV]

Single handing a sailboat across oceans is cathartic, sailing with other not so much. Sailing with your other half can be magic, a sunset is just a sunset without someone to share it with.
A retired solo sailor.

[Kenomac]

To the OP,

When YOU eventually buy a boat, YOU will see that it's not always as easy as YOU think it is to do things when alone on the boat. Things need to be planned out ahead of time and safety and practical measures need to be incorporated into many if not most of your actions. The consequences of a mistake are usually unforgiving.

So yes, single handling a 25 footer or 60 footer requires an extra set of skills not always needed when you're a passenger on someone else's boat whilst daydreaming of the boat you might also own someday yourself.

Take off on a 50 foot boat all by yourself sometime... the "BIG DEAL" will become evident to you almost immediately... Especially when you try to dock the boat all by yourself. Or better yet... try climbing the mast alone.

Your original post reeks of arrogance and a lack of sailing knowledge. Being alone on a boat out of sight of land may be just what you need, the ocean can be a very humbling experience.

Or... maybe you're the type who expects to call 911 on your cell phone for assistance at the first sign of trouble?

[El Pinguino]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

Take off on a 50 foot boat all by yourself sometime... the "BIG DEAL" will become evident to you almost immediately... Especially when you try to dock the boat all by yourself.

Same same aeroplane..... landing it is the hard bit

The bit in the middle... ? 'hello sea... hello sky... I wonder whats for lunch today'

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by Saleen411

Please enlighten me. Many here LOVE to mention that they "single hand" Well good for you.

Why do people say this all the time? Is it a form of braggadocio or what?

From what little I know, many if not most competent sailors can single hand....so what?

To me, boating, cruising, sailing is something to be shared and enjoyed with friends, family and loved ones. Personally, life is too short to spend alone....esp sleeping alone. IMHO, sailing is OK fun....not super exciting...but is a COMPLETELY different experience with my gal.....makes all the difference in the world. So again...why all the bravado about single handling?

Not to be insulting...but I REALLY don't get this.

The short answer to your question is that it is human nature for some of us. Some folks are simply loners.