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Old 24-06-2011, 11:27   #1
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Single person sailboat

Hello,

I am writing a story that involves sailing and I admit I know very little to nothing about it. My first question is to find a sailboat that could handle open water (ocean travel) with a main mast and backup outboard engine but that could be sailed by one person alone.

Does anyone have any links or comments to help me get started?

Thank you,

SW
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Old 24-06-2011, 11:30   #2
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Re: Single person sailboat

It has certainly been done before. I would check out the Pacific Seacraft Flicka. Contessa 26, might be able to do the trick as well. Many sailboats can handle open water ocean travel, most sailors cant. read Tania Aebi's book, "Maiden Voyage".
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Old 24-06-2011, 13:35   #3
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Re: Single person sailboat

Welcome Aboard Cruisers Forum,
Just about any boat can handle open water, can you?

Stories about singlehanders are.
The Dove by Robin Lee Graham, 16 yr old sails around the world alone
Around the World Alone by Joshua Slocum

These are cruising stories not technical.

I regularly sail my 43' by myself offshore...
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Old 24-06-2011, 13:46   #4
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Re: Single person sailboat

Thanks Scook and UD,

Great suggestions, I will need to read up on sailing a lot before I delve into the writing piece, would be even better to go sailing myself but as I don't know anyone with a boat I will have to live vicariously.

I imagine sailing alone with a large vessel at one's command has got to be invigorating and soothing all in one.

SW
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Old 24-06-2011, 13:49   #5
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Re: Single person sailboat

Lots of boat are single handed, including mine u should be able to find all types of stories
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Old 24-06-2011, 14:09   #6
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Re: Single person sailboat

Also, when I go looking for books, I go to Alibris: Used Books, Used Textbooks, Rare & Out-of-Print Books it is a used book store with very good quality books. The books will have a condition statement that I've found very accurate.

Have actually gotten autographed books twice..
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Old 24-06-2011, 14:09   #7
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Re: Single person sailboat

I'm thinking about a sailboat that normally would be used by a wealthier family, maybe that could accomodate 4-5 people and would normally be operated by 2 people - one doing most of the duty with a second person helping but a boat that 1 person, with some skill, could handle by themselves.

I'm looking for a specific boat type/name that I could insert into the story.

If it matters the story will take place near the Philippines.

Thanks,

SW
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Old 24-06-2011, 14:14   #8
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Re: Single person sailboat

Go to Boats for Sale, New and Used Boats and Yachts - YachtWorld.com and in the search area, enter 45-50' boat and go look at the boats presented and pick one to write about..
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Old 24-06-2011, 14:19   #9
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Re: Single person sailboat

Guessing that the idea is that solo is doable, but nonetheless meant to be challenging?

In that case I would say something in the 40 - 45 foot range - have a look through Yachtworld.com and you will get a bucket of choice.......I'd go for any Beneteau model (mass market - middle of road, but nonetheless some do go round the world). The plus of picking from for sale ads is you get to see what you are writing about.
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Old 24-06-2011, 14:20   #10
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Re: Single person sailboat

Quote:
Originally Posted by Unicorn Dreams View Post
Go to Boats for Sale, New and Used Boats and Yachts - YachtWorld.com and in the search area, enter 45-50' boat and go look at the boats presented and pick one to write about..
LoL beat me to the submit button
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Old 24-06-2011, 14:23   #11
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Re: Single person sailboat

I guess it all depends on how affluent the owners of the boat are meant to be. Nice ones can come with electric winches and automated gear that make single handing a lot easier, but then again I think it takes a lot of the fun out of sailing.
I would agree you should check out the boat classifieds around the internet and see what is available in the size/price range you're looking.
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Old 24-06-2011, 15:04   #12
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Re: Single person sailboat

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Originally Posted by Seawriter View Post
outboard engine
Quote:
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I'm thinking about a sailboat that normally would be used by a wealthier family, maybe that could accomodate 4-5 people

If it matters the story will take place near the Philippines.
Does it have to be an outboard engine? Boats of the type you are describing would normally have an inboard engine. If the out board is important to the story, that could guide the recommendations.

Two top-end American sailboat makers are Hinckley and Morris. You can look at their web sites for newer boats. If you want a specific recommendation, I think it would be hard to go wrong with the Hinckley Bermuda (as long as the outboard engine is not a requirement).
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Old 24-06-2011, 16:48   #13
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Re: Single person sailboat

Thanks everyone, this is very helpful.

I have to say I wrongly stated it should be an outboard, an inboard is fine and makes much more sense.

Good point about all the automated gear that can be purchased, I hadn't thought of that. Will probably not include that in the story thus making it more difficult for the person to sail.

Yes, it should be a challenge to sail as one person but also not to the point where it's unrealistic. I should be able to check out a 40-45' and see what I can come up with.
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Old 24-06-2011, 18:06   #14
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Re: Single person sailboat

I think you are on the right track, the above responses all seem right on the mark.
Good luck with the writing.......
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Old 24-06-2011, 18:48   #15
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Re: Single person sailboat

Welcome aboard Seawriter I singlehand my 34 foot ketch. It took a bit of courage but She has saved me more that once. Good luck to you
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