Which Do You Prefer - Sailing In Company or Solo

[cabo_sailor]

I've been looking through some of threads here and noticed that some people prefer to sail in company with one or more boats. Others prefer sailing solo.

I've done both and must admit I prefer solo. It's fine to agree on meeting at a destination, but staying in convoy is a PITA. One boat's faster, another is slower. Everyone wants to leave at a different time or won't agree on the weather

So for grins and giggles, what would be the consensus. Solo or herd?

Rich


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[a64pilot]

I thought two boats heading in the same direction was called a race?


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[sailorchic34]

I have to agree with A64Pilot. I've only done solo, but then I'm never in a hurry. Unless there's a boat ahead of me.....

[barnakiel]

I would not sail at all if I were to sail in a company.

But a short flotilla sail from one anchorage to another is OK with me. The one who sails in last pays my beer. ;-)

b.

[Stu Jackson]

We do four cruises a year with a half a dozen other boats.

The answer is: sometimes.

Sometimes we meet at a given destination and everyone gets there on their own.

Sometimes we have to time a bridge opening and we sail together.

Open water? Everybody is scattered and it really doesn't matter.

Personally, I have never enjoyed or understood the "herd" mentality, like ARC. Most of the time the reason cited is safety.

Heck, if you're goin' that far YOU better be prepared. No one else is gonna save your bacon.

Many times we get questions here that go: "I'm doing the ARC next month. How many batteries do I need?"

Gotta love 'em.

[s/v Beth]

Solo-but I enjoy the dock chatter. But I often leave at 0400. Try getting someone to come along at that hour.

[frozenhawaiian]

I like meeting up with people at places but I like to sail solo, and by that I mean no "companion" boats and no one else on the boat with me. sailing is in every way my therapy and being alone with my boat on the water just heals me in a way nothing else can. my family and friends know that if I go off sailing solo for a few days there's a good chance that something is bothering me.

[JPA Cate]

Solo, generally speaking. It is actually difficult to sail in close company as the OP mentioned in his preamble. Have done so, when friends damaged their rudder, so as to be available if their situation worsened. Otherwise, save the herding for when you're all anchored.

IMO, things like the rallies actually lend a false sense of security. It can be really hard on boat and crew to have to go back upwind against reinforced trades to get to someone's aid. [Fortunately, the only time we were asked to go to the aid of another vessel, it was a question of off the wind, and adding sail.]

Ann

[Steadman Uhlich]

If you have the fastest boat, more boats is fun. If you have a slow boat, solo is more enjoyable.

[cabo_sailor]

Originally Posted by Steady Hand

If you have the fastest boat, more boats is fun. If you have a slow boat, solo is more enjoyable.

I don't quite understand. If I have the fastest boat, I would constantly have to depower so the slowest boat could keep up.


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[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by cabo_sailor

I don't quite understand. If I have the fastest boat, I would constantly have to depower so the slowest boat could keep up.


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Nope. You would win the race, even if none was declared or formal, and be at the finish line or destination before every other boat.

[four winds]

Spent the last few months traveling with a young couple in a westerly. Their first boat and first coastal cruise. Very much enjoyed the company and the chance to help them grow in experience. They even say I'm a mentor for them, which is a good feeling as I have a background in teaching among other things. We parted ways a week or so ago and I'm both happy and sad.

On our second overnighter in three days (because the winds were right) we sailed parallel courses about a half mile apart. Doing so as they could be my lookout. I could rest more since solo and they were two.

I had a waterline advantage but used my roller headsail to match speed perfectly in great steady wind. I slept much of the night. Popping for a look and radio check at regular intervals. Nicest sail I've ever mostly slept through.

They came a long way in boat handling really quickly. On our first offshore run I sailed ahead, looped back behind them and sailed ahead again, several times. That frustrated them but by our third run I had to use all the fabric to stay ahead, no looping back anymore.

And... I'm rambling.

The rest my five years have been solo and a blessing. Very much where I'm supposed to be I think.

But wouldn't hesitate to travel in the company of other boats in the future if it felt like it's the thing to do.

Could have simply said I enjoy solo and the company of other boats. But I'm not a one sentence responder. They annoy me.

[conachair]

Originally Posted by cabo_sailor

So for grins and giggles, what would be the consensus. Solo or herd?

Yes.

[four winds]

Originally Posted by conachair

Yes.

lol... And one word posters, too. jk ⛵

[boatman61]

I'm easy.. as a m/cycle rider I enjoyed the 'Group Hacks' down to the Cotswolds or N up to Yorkshire.. however it was a once every couple of months.. not the regular w/end gathering many choose.
Occasionally the herd is fun.. for short periods but after a while the constraints start to wear..
I like to sail as I feel.. sometimes I'd rather hack on and sail through a couple or three nights.. not many folks are keen on that.
also.. catch up on a boats not as much fun as on a Katana 1100...