Couple to Solo

[Douglby]

Hi Everyone.

Just joined this forum in hopes of finding an answer to a quandry. My sailing hopes of doing so as a couple are exhausted after 2nd attempt and 25 years of trying. Both times I got real close, first time was on a 34' Ocean Spirit Catamaran which I could sail single handed no problem. Autopilot, all the bells and whistles etc. The next attempt 14 years later and not so well funded, got me a Formosa 41 ketch that is in good nick but lacks any major electronics.

I would like to know if anyone has experience Solo Sailing the Formosa 41 and how difficult it may be and what equipment, such as Autopilot perhaps is considered essential to single hand easily.

I say easily, because I need to find some piece after the change and sailing is an essential part of that. Should I rather be looking to sell the boat and get something smaller and easier to sail.

Thanks for any replies.

Much appreciated.

[Pauls]

Your ketch is fine to solo. What makes a boat workable for single handing is mostly attention to details that make it easier for you to handle the boat and work the rig.

You should have either an autopilot or a wind vane, something to steer for you so you can attend to everything else.

Don't get complicated. Take your boat out and sail it. Sail it a lot. Learn how to work with it.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Douglby.

[AndyEss]

Buy and install an autopilot. If you know what you are doing, buy used and cheap on EBay.

[boatman61]

Hopefully Zeehag will pop in..

She is a Formosa owner and solo as far as I know, she took her boat down Mexico way.. found somewhere she liked and is doing a refit.
If she misses this thread drop her a PM, she knows boats..
A good lady..

[Adelie]

Welcome