Do you come across many single handed

DoubleEnder

DoubleEnder

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liveaboards in the Mediterranean? I am thinking/planning to be one, in the next 18 months. Will I be the only one? And if you are one or know one, what are the specific challenges, problems, dangers, difficulties?

I think I'm reasonably aware of sailing related things, anchor handling, sail handling etc. I won't have a big boat, around 30 feet, aft cockpit, fin or bilge keels so manoeuverable in harbours. I should have a reasonable budget of say €1200 a month, with an emergency reserve.

I don't mind big chunks of my own company, so not too worried about that.

I was thinking more about other stuff eg security (leaving the boat unattended, how and where is best, any tips?) or social mores and gaffes to look out for. I guess just some tips hints and experiences, if you have any

Thank you

Graham
 
Just go with it. You can be as sociable or unsociable as you like. You will find some places very crowded and expensive, particularly in high season. Arguably easier to get away from the crowds in the east where there are more anchorages than marinas.

Important that you choose a boat that is good under power, has enough sail area for good light weather performance and is equipped for living in hot climates away from water and electricity. So plenty of shade and ventilation, good fridge, adequate water and fuel tankage and power supplies. Often difficult on smaller N European orientated boats, hence the popularity of 30'+ AWBs. However a single person makes lesser demands than couples so compromise may be easier.
 
"Do you come across many single handed liveaboards in the Mediterranean?"

Every time I looked in the mirror for three years to 2010. There were plenty of others. too (single-handers, not mirrors).

Tranona's points are well made about boat characteristics, although I was in a Rival 32, which was fine (and, reassuringly, much tougher than me).

As with any question of single-handing, a reliable self-steering system is key. Good ground tackle and electric windlass would also be pretty high on my list, the latter preferably operable from cockpit as well as bow. Incidentally, the Rival's now for sale.
 
On passage a good autopilot, radar/ais with loud alarm and a kindle would be a good starting point. Not so sure about fin/bilge keel though, long keel helps tracking and gives a windvane an easier life. On my boat anyway.

Electric windlass with remote helps lots as Macd pointed out.

I´ve never been into the Med but done quite a bit solo around the atlantic, singlehanders usually get a warm welcome with plenty invites from other boats. Definitely tends to make you into a "thinking ahead" type of sailor, having to dig yourself out of the poo every time you balls up :)
 
I'm one of them!

Further to the above good points mentioned:

- Make sure you have your power supply, i.e. solar panels, wind / water generator, sorted.
- Also look into good insulation under the deck / cabin roof areas.
- If you plan longer stays at rest a good sought-out cockpit / cabin cover is important.
- Ventilation: Plan on air in at the front of your boat and out at the back - I have six Dorade vents for the in-air and three solar powered ventilators to extract the air.
- Make sure you have a water cooled fridge or one with a separate compressor which you can mount as low as possible.
- Beef up on your anchoring equipment - the Med is known for sudden storms. Two different modern anchor with at least 40m chain plus some rope attached are required.
- Think about weather forecast: a NASA Weatherman for example does me fine.
- Plan on internet access via a dongle.

As to the single-handed situation, don't be afraid to call a marina on VHF for docking assistance. Plan your approach in advance and take the wind into account.

The sailing communities are quite open to single-handers.

Good luck!
 
Speaking of that

Singlehanding - Me too;)
Was not the original plan but when I was ready to shove off, I looked around and nobody was there:D......except some wonderful sailors willing to lend a hand:)

VHF in Cockpit - Thanks to a suggestion from sailing friend, I installed a remote Mic w/built in speaker ......which allows you to much more easily do what mhs6 suggests.........you can also hear all the Ch16 & weather alerts clearly
VERY helpful

Windlass Remote - I also installed one of those at the helm too but have not needed that often.....but that was due to my routing/stops

Ask for Help - when you feel a doubt or there could be a chance for damage to other boats or yours, don't be afraid to ask - an example - leaving the very first day - strong wind in Scotland (surprise:eek:) blowing cross slip - kind sailor asked if he could help before I asked and I accepted - which made things much smoother - happened several times along the way + asking at marinas who (especially some of the $$$ charged) usually willing & cheerfully helped.

Fair Winds:cool:
 
I have found that the solo sailor's out there, which their are many, get a lot of respect from fellow sailors with crew.
 
Why confine yourself to the Med? The Caribbean is great, provided you don't get your passport robbed. And the coral reefs ain't too difficult, even if you're solo.
peter
 
Even better

pW2 said:
Why confine yourself to the Med? The Caribbean is great, provided you don't get your passport robbed. And the coral reefs ain't too difficult, even if you're solo.
peter
Click to expand...

In some ways the Carib is much easier + the sailing IS much better. Security (in certain places) has to be considered but they are well known & common safeguards are normally sufficient.

Mexico (west coast) is a favorite of many and the Pacific has grass skirts :D
 
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