Seeking blog posts from singlehanders

[RunningRabbit]

I'm collecting blog posts from singlehanders on how/why they go it alone. Here's the gist of it:

Singlehanders go it alone. What does that mean for them regarding relationships, friendships, and family? Was it a choice or did the other half back out? Would you rather be alone, are you looking for a long-term partner, or perhaps looking for the occasional buddy boat? What are the emotional and practical realities of going it alone in what is often a coupled-up cruising world?

Are you a singlehander with a post on how and why you live life solo or your view, experience, or plan on finding a sailmate? Do you know of someone's blog post on this topic? If so, please post or message me a link or drop a comment over on The Monkey's Fist: The Monkey's Fist: Collecting Cruisers' Perspectives: Going It Alone

Thanks!

[boatman61]

Not many single handers blog... unless its to achive some ulterior motive... usually dosh related...
Blogging kinda defeats the whole idea...

[Doodles]

MarkJ has one. Check with him.

[MarkJ]

Im not single handing.

I am not single.

Im not really here. Im having my afternoon nap and there is a full crew in my dreams. Quite pretty too, I might add...

[deckofficer]

Well Suzanne it went like this. The guy that was 1/2 into the boat was a real estate agent and kept delaying our departure for the close of escrow on the last property he sold. It kept dragging out until I finally said "You can ride the Green Turtle (Baja Bus) down, I'll meet you in Mulege. I just happened to really enjoy sailing alone.

[Kettlewell]

I'm not usually a singlehander, but of the many I've met I would guess that 90% of them were hoping to run into just the right person to share their trip with. And, when I ran into them again later many of them had hooked up with someone.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Kettlewell

I would guess that 90% of them were hoping to run into just the right person .

The other 10% are hemaphrodites.

[Kache Walk]

I'm a woman single-hander, though not by choice. New to sailing, I bought a Nonsuch 30 last May with my then boyfriend and docked it 30 miles S of Annapolis. He had the boating experience. It became clear that I had the passion for learning to sail and maintain Little Wing. Okay, not a bad compliment of skills and interests, EXCEPT that he was unhappy with my interactions with other guys as we learned stuff and threatened by my competence. Come August, good-bye, I said compassionately. I was left with the boat.

We had set a goal together to anchor out during the first summer. Suddenly a single-hander, the challenge was now much harder. But by September, I'd built enough skills to do it...a few times. Great feeling of accomplishment to single-hand. I love it, but I am sometimes lonely. I blog a bit about the whole experience, not just single handing at Missing F-Dock | Riding with the wind...

[resilientg]

I'm not sure if I'm classed as a single handed sailor as i have a female crew with fur aboard.

I don't prefer to be alone, but i guess that in some ways I'm more comfortable to be that way.

Yes it would be nice to meet someone that fits into the space that is available in my life.

But then considering the space and weight that they would take up on my little boat, another pair of AGM batteries would also suffice.

As for loneliness, i have found that you can be lonely with someone in your life too, so its just a personal thing that the individual has to deal with.

Guess the only thing that i really miss is the ability to share some of the lovely things i have seen and some of the varied moments that come to mind.

Would i crew with other people? while i have my own boat most probably not, at least not without being shanghaied.

Would i accept someone on my boat, the right person yes, but then therein lies the problem, as i don't have jack sparrows compass

So in the mean time i smile, i live and i sail and search.

Matthew

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Kache Walk

Suddenly a single-hander, the challenge was now much harder.

Ummm, not necessarily. Sailing isnt all that difficult and single handing can be easier than with a crew.

I anchored the other day with a friend on board and all of a sudden we were arguing about exactly where the drop the bloody hook. He volunteered to go forward and drop the anchor. I told him to stay int he cockpit and "Dont touch anything including the big wheely bit".

So stop underestimating yourself and get the boat out of the dock and have fun


Mark

[Kache Walk]

MarkJ, you are probably right. It is nice to be able to make split second decisions and make it happen without having to open my mouth.

But some things, like anchoring with little wind or backing into the slip while simultaneously securing the lines are still challenging. And the celebratory glass of wine in the cockpit under the vast array of stars sometimes...not always, but sometimes...seems a little empty. But hey, life's a mix. We deal.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Kache Walk

the celebratory glass of wine in the cockpit under the vast array of stars sometimes....

Yes thats the bit.


Though, I dunno if I am ready to give up my Man Cave.

[Me-and-Boo]

"That's a big boat for a woman to handle all alone"
That is why I single-hand Sisu. I don't have to put up with dumb comments and guys trying to be macho (and getting in the way).

[RunningRabbit]

In case anyone wants to read the posts I compiled, you can wander over to The Monkey's Fist blog and check them out.

[delmarrey]

For some of us it's just the independence that we prefer. Having others on board as guests on occasion is fun but being able to weigh anchor and move on w/o debate makes life peaceful and free.