What Is The Big Deal About Single Handling?

[Exile]

I love hearing or reading about any & all sailing passage stories, but somehow the ones accomplished via singlehanding are usually the most interesting & inspiring. While I usually enjoy having crew on my own passages, the ones that I've solo'd are likewise that much more gratifying.

[Wrong]

Sailing alone, single handing, going solo. Like Janice Joplin says, "It's all the same damned thing!"

The hard part of doing whatever you want to call it is the fatigue. So yes, the longer the passage sailing alone is hard.

I'm amused by the condension displayed by some in this forum toward people like me who have been sailing from the get go - 25 years ago - entirely alone. And during that time, completed the better part of two global circumnavigations.

Never felt alone or lonely. And when I arrived at my destinations thouroughly enjoyed the company of people, no matter their color, religion, level of education or political stripe. I never needed anyone to help manage the boat 'cause she's set up for sailing alone.

Was I ever concerned? Sure. Afraid? No. Close calls? A couple, but in broad daylight while I was awake. Same stuff that can happen to crewed boats.

Lots of talk here about the danger sailing alone presents to others on account of no one on watch... Well, if you need examples, take mine. 40,000 plus miles sailing the South Pacific, Indian Ocean, Atlantic and Gulf pf Mexico with nary a mishap. Nobody was injured or killed on my account.

And, if illness didn't prevent it I'd go again.

[Exile]

Originally Posted by Wrong

Sailing alone, single handing, going solo. Like Janice Joplin says, "It's all the same damned thing!"

The hard part of doing whatever you want to call it is the fatigue. So yes, the longer the passage sailing alone is hard.

I'm amused by the condension displayed by some in this forum toward people like me who have been sailing from the get go - 25 years ago - entirely alone. And during that time, completed the better part of two global circumnavigations.

Never felt alone or lonely. And when I arrived at my destinations thouroughly enjoyed the company of people, no matter their color, religion, level of education or political stripe. I never needed anyone to help manage the boat 'cause she's set up for sailing alone.

Was I ever concerned? Sure. Afraid? No. Close calls? A couple, but in broad daylight while I was awake. Same stuff that can happen to crewed boats.

Lots of talk here about the danger sailing alone presents to others on account of no one on watch... Well, if you need examples, take mine. 40,000 plus miles sailing the South Pacific, Indian Ocean, Atlantic and Gulf pf Mexico with nary a mishap. Nobody was injured or killed on my account.

And, if illness didn't prevent it I'd go again.

Best post of the entire thread as far as I'm concerned!

[jkindredpdx]

Originally Posted by Wrong

Sailing alone, single handing, going solo. Like Janice Joplin says, "It's all the same damned thing!"

Lots of talk here about the danger sailing alone presents to others on account of no one on watch...

Come to think of it... a Sailboat with no one on watch is probably speeding along at about 6 knots. Unless the potential victim is anchored, moored, or on shore, what fully crewed boat/ship can't avoid getting hit by that?

[Island Time O25]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

I think a more knowledgeable crew fir day trios is fine but NOT for longer passages. Thats the time to settle back, relax, and put into practise what you have been taught, and to figure out the rest of it yourself.

As for tired and exhausted: just do things slowly. Do the fewest things you can and sleep a lot. Take your naps before you start to get tired

Mark

Since I'm not a liveaboard yet my sail trips are usually with either my g/f (which is actually pretty close to singlehanding) or sailing buddies. And since I'm still working I don't want my sailing experience to feel like an extension of my work. Not that my job is so hard physically but mentally can be unnerving at times. Anyway I hear what you're saying and will most likely do exactly just that, once I'm established on board permanently. Perhaps then I will even look forward to a challenge that single hand sailing will present just to break up the monotony of being stuck in one place.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

Take your naps before you start to get tired

Mark

Like a cat, take a nap to rest up for sleeping later

[sailorboy1]

BTW - best to single hand a BIG boat, better survival chance if you hit one of th0se little old brick shithouse boats that can't get out of your way!

[nimblemotors]

What I've said, sailing solo is taking more risk than those with crew.
Voluntarily taking more risk == Less seamanship.
Has nothing to do with how much skill, friends, or lovers you have.

A delivery captain not having crew is a better seaman than one who takes crew? I don't think so.

The 'gatekeepers' as markj calls it, are not the opinions on a forum, but the insurance companies, who get paid to keep score on this issue.

There are very few, if any, insurance companies that will write single hand, ocean crossing policies.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ers-14167.html

[Wrong]

Originally Posted by jkindredpdx

Come to think of it... a Sailboat with no one on watch is probably speeding along at about 6 knots.

Shaky assumption to say the least. Anyone sailing alone will judge whether they should heave-to or continue sailing. If continuing to sail is the choice, which sail plan should be deployed? You can continue down the dtk under a triple reefed main and no foresail, slowing the boat considerably. Some will favor flying a foresail and no main. This has NEVER been my choice because absent a mainsail there'll be no heaving to. What is your level of confidence no other traffic is in your area? How distant are you from any type of hazard or land? Is current an important consideration? What do those senses you've developed over the years tell you? Just how fatigued are you and what's more important, rest and holding your relative position or making way? It's called making decisions based on your best judgement.

Unless the potential victim is anchored, moored, or on shore, what fully crewed boat/ship can't avoid getting hit by that?

Not sure of what your asking here.

[CarinaPDX]

I can't believe I am quoting Taylor Swift: "Haters gotta hate".

My years of single-handing have been punctuated by folks with the arrogance to tell me that I shouldn't be doing it, shouldn't be allowed to be doing it. Oh, and I really love the insinuation that single-handers are somehow "damaged" people. Yet it is OK for someone with deep pockets and no experience to buy a gold-plater and take family and friends to sea. Utter nonsense.

Just having crew does not assure a safer passage. I have had crew fall asleep on watch in the middle of the San Juan de Fuca TSS, another (an Alaskan crab fisherman no less) become incapacitated and hug a bucket in heavy going, another (who was finishing a Yachtmaster) go on the wrong side of a lit buoy - the keel just clearing the reef, and a couple who repeatedly ignored my standing orders on wearing harnesses and tethers (and relieving themselves overboard at sea). I have learned to trust myself, my skills and experience, my boat, and my various aids: wind vane, autopilot, AIS, radar, depth sounder, etc. I don't brag about it, and haven't met any single-handers who do, but I am guilty of being proud of my self-sufficiency. The truth is there is seldom anything to brag about: my passages tend to be rather uneventful affairs - I avoid situations where heroic efforts would ever be called for.

I got started because a crew left me stranded in the middle of nowhere (Neah Bay in November) due to a combination of weather, illness, and that greatest of evils: schedules. So I had no choice but to bring her home alone, down the coast and over the Columbia River bar - with an engine that failed soon after departing. I learned that I could do it. After a truly miserable experience with a couple in Central America I learned that it might actually be preferable. I still take on crew, on occasion, but now because I enjoy their company, not because I feel I need them. It is a very good place to be.

Those who rail about solo sailors being unsafe merely expose their own lack of experience. Merchant ships frequently don't respond to VHF hails, and don't "see" small boats on radar because they have turned down the sensitivity to prevent false collision alarms. They can't visually detect anything but another ship due to all of the bright lights aboard. Is that an adequate watch? And I have a special place in my heart for the many fishermen who operate without lights, (all) asleep overnight near their nets/pots, and return to port on autopilot with everyone on the mid/afterdeck cleaning fish and stowing gear. Solo sailors are mere amateurs in the business of creating hazards.

Greg

[Wrong]

Originally Posted by nimblemotors

What I've said, sailing solo is taking more risk than those with crew.

Voluntarily taking more risk == Less seamanship.

So, you're saying taking risk on a crewed boat is good seamanship only because there's less risk than that assumed by anyone sailing alone? Your logic suggests anyone who takes risks while sailing is exercising poor seamanship. More or less.

Has nothing to do with how much skill, friends, or lovers you have.

Lovers and or friends don't matter. But, skill?

A delivery captain not having crew is a better seaman than one who takes crew? I don't think so.

Who suggested such a thing?

The 'gatekeepers' as markj calls it, are not the opinions on a forum, but the insurance companies, who get paid to keep score on this issue.

It'd be interesting to see the 'scores'. I'd guess most cruisers, let alone people sailing alone don't carry the types of insurance required anyway.



http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ers-14167.html[/quote]

[Wrong]

Originally Posted by CarinaPDX

I can't believe I am quoting Taylor Swift: "Haters gotta hate".

My years of single-handing have been punctuated by folks with the arrogance to tell me that I shouldn't be doing it, shouldn't be allowed to be doing it. Oh, and I really love the insinuation that single-handers are somehow "damaged" people. Yet it is OK for someone with deep pockets and no experience to buy a gold-plater and take family and friends to sea. Utter nonsense.

Just having crew does not assure a safer passage. I have had crew fall asleep on watch in the middle of the San Juan de Fuca TSS, another (an Alaskan crab fisherman no less) become incapacitated and hug a bucket in heavy going, another (who was finishing a Yachtmaster) go on the wrong side of a lit buoy - the keel just clearing the reef, and a couple who repeatedly ignored my standing orders on wearing harnesses and tethers (and relieving themselves overboard at sea). I have learned to trust myself, my skills and experience, my boat, and my various aids: wind vane, autopilot, AIS, radar, depth sounder, etc. I don't brag about it, and haven't met any single-handers who do, but I am guilty of being proud of my self-sufficiency. The truth is there is seldom anything to brag about: my passages tend to be rather uneventful affairs - I avoid situations where heroic efforts would ever be called for.

I got started because a crew left me stranded in the middle of nowhere (Neah Bay in November) due to a combination of weather, illness, and that greatest of evils: schedules. So I had no choice but to bring her home alone, down the coast and over the Columbia River bar - with an engine that failed soon after departing. I learned that I could do it. After a truly miserable experience with a couple in Central America I learned that it might actually be preferable. I still take on crew, on occasion, but now because I enjoy their company, not because I feel I need them. It is a very good place to be.

Those who rail about solo sailors being unsafe merely expose their own lack of experience. Merchant ships frequently don't respond to VHF hails, and don't "see" small boats on radar because they have turned down the sensitivity to prevent false collision alarms. They can't visually detect anything but another ship due to all of the bright lights aboard. Is that an adequate watch? And I have a special place in my heart for the many fishermen who operate without lights, (all) asleep overnight near their nets/pots, and return to port on autopilot with everyone on the mid/afterdeck cleaning fish and stowing gear. Solo sailors are mere amateurs in the business of creating hazards.

Greg

Your post takes me back to the Malacca Straits, reminds me of those occasions when ship's navigation lights were obscured by a brightly lit deck, ships ignored my effort to contact via V.H.F. to determine intentions and lots more. Comforting to know others like you confirm for me it was not all but a dream...

Thanks.

[s/v Beth]

Originally Posted by CarinaPDX

I can't believe I am quoting Taylor Swift: "Haters gotta hate".
I got started because a crew left me stranded in the middle of nowhere (Neah Bay in November) due to a combination of weather, illness, and that greatest of evils: schedules. So I had no choice but to bring her home alone, down the coast and over the Columbia River bar - with an engine that failed soon after departing. I learned that I could do it.
Greg

Greg- I have had exactly the same thing happen at Neah bay! How do you do the stretch between Astoria and Neah single handed? Where do you feel comfortable enough to rest?
Seems like I am always seeing something new in this section....

[RTB]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

I think a more knowledgeable crew fir day trios is fine but NOT for longer passages. Thats the time to settle back, relax, and put into practise what you have been taught, and to figure out the rest of it yourself.Mark

It looks like you enjoy yourself while single-handing, Mark? I was hoping for another video from you on your crossing to NY.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0400LkO_Lqg

What I see in MarkJ's video is confidence in himself and his boat. I've observed quite a few single-handers sneak quietly into an anchorage, or up to a mooring. More often than not, it's done very skillfully.

Ralph

[thomm225]

There's no big deal about solo sailing. Most here just want to be like this guy but with crew. Too risky singlehanded!