Eleuthera 60: Single hand

[waldron777]

I am looking to purchase a used, larger cat. I have a large family and lots of eager relatives; they will be traveling with me most of the time. My concern is whether or not I can handle a Eleuthera 60 by myself when everyone has left. Does anyone have experience with this model?

[Dragon Lady]

Wow that's a lot of boat for one person, I know you have power everything and I guess wireless remotes but still just being alone on a boat that size raises a lot of issues for me.
Good luck, they are very nice cats.

[Palarran]

I have a Marquises 56 which I bought to do exactly what you are looking to do. Good choice with the Eleuthera.

Twice I've moved the boat from Oyster Pond to Simpson Bay, through the bridge and to a dock solo. As long as someone is there to assist on the lines it isn't a problem but these are relatively short distances and I motored. But direct to the question, yes you can sail the boat solo just like any other boat. You will be every time all your guests arrive. They really don't make or break your sailing ability.

The real issue would be can you handle the boat if something goes wrong solo. Like if you lose an engine or a rig failure. Could be a real problem, but what are the chances? Not high if you maintain the boat.

I'd feel comfortable docking, anchoring, and sailing the boat in near shore areas. What would be difficult to do solo would be Med mooring and flying my spinnaker.

[boatman61]

See how fast you can run around a tennis court... that's what your sailing..

[Blue Skye]

Originally Posted by boatman61

See how fast you can run around a tennis court... that's what your sailing..

Haha, you crack me up

[Le Doume]

manoeuvring under power will not be an issue , different story if you have to say reef the main while under sail on your own as you will need to be at the mast handling two winches handling a reasonably heavy piece of canvas .
Happy sailing , they are beautiful boats

[markpierce]

Perhaps you should consider a much smaller boat and take your relatives and friends in smaller increments.

[MIRELOS]

Crossed the Atlantic on mine; 4 of us, 2 on, 2 off. With the auto on reefing the main is a quick job for two.....if it's blowing it may be a handful for one....shorten sail before you have to. In calm conditions you can dock, moor and anchor by yourself.... but when the weather picks up that's when the fun begins.
Great boat; stable, comfortable, reliable and relatively fast....practice a lot before you attempt it solo.....good luck and enjoy.

[SVI]

Originally Posted by Palarran

What would be difficult to do solo would be Med mooring and flying my spinnaker.

I think if you do the preparation - put a floating line from the pier (with a dinghy), and put this line on a winch - you can winch yourself med-mooring style (winch in - release anchor chain- winch in). Very safe with side wind.

I assume you have a power winch

Flying the spinnaker - you need a top down furler. Expensive