Tips for First Overnight Solo Sail

[TEE]

I think the advice offered by surfmachine is excellant; however, as a practical matter if you fall off of a boat you are single handing, a serious risk is that hypothemia will get to you before help. Strong attachment points, jacklines and a tether should be first priority. The backup plan of surfmachine though is a very good last resort idea. Under the circumstances you described, I would be putting in at least one reef at night even if I had a crew on board. A high water alarm in the bilge is also a good idea as a second set of eyes for flooding. They don't cost a lot of money, a cheap one run by a nine volt battery can be found somewhere since I once had one before hardwiring. Also, I didn't mention this in my prior post, but it is a good idea to really check over last impeller replacement, belts, fluid levels, fuel and bilge pumps before leaving the dock too. At sea you won't likely be using the head a galley sinks, toilets much, so have the seacocks off to avoid the potential of a drain or sink falling below the waterline if things get rough. If your boat has washboards in the companion way entrance, you might want to leave a couple of the lower ones in. These are my rambling and not necessarily orderly thoughts, but good luck again.