Do you older guys (40+) find you can't do it all any more?

[TLUKC]

I feel like I am getting to the point where singlehanding is a struggle, perhaps I should get some strong, young crew? Or windvane self-steering? (I dislike autohelms)

 

[syvictoria]

OMG! Older? 40+?

 

[Andibs]

40+

I've got slippers older than that !!!!!!

 

[fredrussell]

I find it a lot easier since the internal combustion engine was invented. When I were a lad I had to warp boat around using a horse. It was a nightmare if your horse wasn’t keen on swimming - you had to have an extra long bow sprit with sugar lumps hanging from it to tempt the horse along.

 

[Praxinoscope]

Still managing days out single handed at 75, although avoid much more than force 5 winds if I can

 

[LadyInBed]

This is a lesson in how to get yourself noticed with your first thread!

 

[Scillypete]

Do you older guys (40+) find you can't do it all any more?”

There’s a pill that helps apparently ?

 

[Neeves]

Welcome to the forum - it looks as if you might raise some interesting issues none of us have considered previously.

Jonathan

 

[PCUK]

I feel like I am getting to the point where singlehanding is a struggle, perhaps I should get some strong, young crew? Or windvane self-steering? (I dislike autohelms)

I think you need medical help!

 

[Blueboatman]

Quick answer : you’re stuffed m8

longer answer : autohelm is your friend, learn to like him( or her)..

Expensive answer : and his mate electric windlass/cockpit winches/bow thruster

armchair sailor version: Slippers, virtual racing….

 

[Minerva]

I feel like I am getting to the point where singlehanding is a struggle, perhaps I should get some strong, young crew?

Try sitting on your right hand for a while 'till it goes all tingly and numb. It'll feel like someone else's hand then. See if that helps?

 

[john_morris_uk]

Hmm. I passed Commando Training when I was 40.
Now at nearly 66 and MRs M developing some arthritis, we are considering some electric winches.
I still single hand though...

 

[ProDave]

It is sad to think anyone considers themself old and past it at 40. I suspect you might have some medical condition that needs treating. I am a little short of 60 and in no way feel past it. I might look a bit grey and wrinkly but I don't feel "old"

 

[vyv_cox]

It won't be long before I am 40 x 2. Have unfortunately not seen my boat for two years but during my last season aboard I was still fully capable of sailing.

 

[Boathook]

Still managing days out single handed at 75, although avoid much more than force 5 winds if I can

The boat yard owner where I keep my boat is around 84 and still sails single handed. His boat has all the toys which does help a bit and he still helps out in the yard when it gets very busy. If I'm still sailing at his age I don't think I can complain.

 

[Bilgediver]

You are just a young whipper snapper. You should be fine till your 60th or beyond. An autohelm is a big help as then your hands are free to enjoy other pursuits.

 

[Jonny A]

I'm 50 and no, singlehanding isn't a problem at all.

 

[rotrax]

I was still riding Speedway - at International level - in Oldtimer races at 64. My old mate Dennis packed uo this year at 75.

He is a mad old bastard - and tough with it!

 

[V1701]

Autohelm is probably the one single biggest thing that will help with single handing, and autohelm or windvane for any longer distance solo sailing but what kind of sailing in what kind of boat are we talking about? There's allsorts of ways to make it more manageable - lines led aft, self-tailing winches, lazyjacks and so on...

 

[ryanroberts]

I only started sailing 'properly' as an owner at 44, mostly solo. If I was still the person I was in my 20s I would probably already claiming on insurance.