Dr. D. Welcome to the wonderful world of singlehanding. There is a free book you can download that will give you lots and lots of tips to get you started. Download it from the resources section of the San Francisco Singlehanded Sailing Society website at sfbaysss.org

And most important, have fun and don't worry about your boat. It can take a lot more than you can, so if you look after yourself you'll be all right.