Any one here ever singlehand when they don't want to?

[Kenomac]

I think nothing of it. Started singlehanding our O'Day 20 up and down the Cailfornia coast back in 1980. Honestly, I don't give it a second thought.

But my limit is 14 hours. I won't sleep and just put it on auto, and I do wear a live vest and harness when outside the cockpit, even back in 1980.

[Orion Jim]

I singlehand 99.9% of the time. I like to get offshore before I start getting any sleep which means I'm awake the first 24 hours if headed offshore. If coastal cruising I like to keep my destinations 12 hours or less from one another. I also wear a harness at all times. If at anchor I deploy my boarding ladder as most drownings take place within sight of land. I've never fallen overboard yet but I'd hate to see my boat sail away without me or be unable to scramble back aboard if at anchor.

[Sails Rock]

I have started sailing singlehanded from time to time in the last couple of years when crew not available and rather enjoy it.


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[Sails Rock]

Key things are preparation and safety. Get the boat set up properly before casting off from the marina. Anticipate actions well in advance because they take longer to complete on your own, e.g. furling sails before that next squall strikes. Life jacket, harness and jack lines are a must and I carry a PLB when outside the harbour.
The autohelm is a key piece of kit so I am now working on installing some redundancy in the system in case it breaks down, i.e. solar panels to charge battery if engine/ alternator packs up and spare tiller pilot.


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[exkma367]

Debs' father passed away when we were in the Exumas. She stayed home after the funeral and I sailed back to Titusvillle by myself. Sailing by yourself is good for the soul. The gulf stream was a long night. It was great sail, but I was worried about falling asleep and getting run over. I did nod off for about 15 minutes, but woke up with a adrenaline burst that carried me all the way though the inlet at Fort Pierce. As I type, I am remembering that sunrise as I neared the Florida coast. Just me, my boat, and that awesome sunrise...

[hoppy]

Jut grow some goolies and just get out there.

I basically hadn't sailed for 25 years when I bought my boat. I spent 5 days with an experienced skipper onboard to get up to speed, then two weeks with my family.

Then it did not matter if I was ready, I did not want to sit around the marina so I decided, f..k it and went sailing. Spent 4 of 6 weeks solo in the Aegean in summer enjoying the Meltemi.

Just pick the right weather and plan easy journeys.


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[weavis]

I grew up believing that going boating WAS single handing and taking occasional guests or fishing buddies was a treat for them.....

[Sandero]

There is literal SH when no one else is on board... and functional single handing when the person on board does nothing at all related to sailing... effectively a "passenger". This can be MORE difficult because they can get in the way... perhaps get sea sick and need "attention" or simply "distract".

I've done lots of literal single handing including ocean passages of multiple days. I've done most of my sailing with functional single handing. Perhaps one feels some "moral" support in functional single handing... company can make any experience more (or less!) interesting.

If I couldn't sail my boat alone... it would make me a prisoner to having a crew. I've set up the boat for single handing and this includes:

AP
cockpit data displays including a small plotter (displaying GPS data)
electric windlass w/ foot and remote switches
lines for reefing and sail control led to cockpit with rope clutches
winch bit power assist to raise the main
mid ship cleat for docking (stopping the boat's motion)
dutchman flaking
furling head sail
demountable lifting crane for OB

[weavis]

Originally Posted by Sandero

There is literal SH when no one else is on board... and functional single handing when the person on board does nothing at all related to sailing... effectively a "passenger". This can be MORE difficult because they can get in the way... perhaps get sea sick and need "attention" or simply "distract".

I've done lots of literal single handing including ocean passages of multiple days. I've done most of my sailing with functional single handing. Perhaps one feels some "moral" support in functional single handing... company can make any experience more (or less!) interesting.

If I couldn't sail my boat alone... it would make me a prisoner to having a crew. I've set up the boat for single handing and this includes:

AP
cockpit data displays including a small plotter (displaying GPS data)
electric windlass w/ foot and remote switches
lines for reefing and sail control led to cockpit with rope clutches
winch bit power assist to raise the main
mid ship cleat for docking (stopping the boat's motion)
dutchman flaking
furling head sail
demountable lifting crane for OB

Im totally set up for single handing:

Auto coffee maker
Hot water for the shower.
Microwave.
Ready meals.
Beer on keg.
Commode in helm seat.

[FamilyVan]

Is it considered single handing if you have your dog with you?

Because, frankly, I find my Bassett Hound to be more useful than most passengers. He stays out of the way, barks at stuff in fog and doesn't drink too much of my beer.

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[boatman61]

Yes... Bludi autohelms...

[Siberianhusky]

I sail 99% of the time solo, life is too short to bother waiting for crew or having them cancel at the last minute.
In the planning stages for taking off solo in 3-4 years for some world cruising.

[FamilyVan]

Single handing is irresponsible, I always make a point of having at least 2 crew with me.



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[Siberianhusky]

Well I guess if you count the furry crew! Siberian husky and a husky greyhound cross. They are always ready to go at a moments notice.

[carstenb]

actually, even when you are two,, as my wife and I are, you're effectively single-handing when you sail for more than a day. The other person is always either sleeping, or doing something else - so you have to do everything yourself