Single handing

[Duster]

Loads of sound advice here as ever. I did about 600 miles solo last year and enjoyed every minute of it. The key points seen to be ;-
Think what you are doing
Never rush or leave the helm with the engine in gear
Walk round as if you were climbing a ladder - 3 points of contact at all times
Put fenders out in an area where it is safe to drift - before entering moorings
Keep the deck tidy - avoid trip obsicles
Sturdy long handled boat hook - old fashioned type very usefull
fit a long swim ladder - just in case
Enjoy your summer
mikej

 

[SnaxMuppet]

[ QUOTE ]
fit a long swim ladder - just in case

[/ QUOTE ]

All good advice but this one is often overlooked and is actually very important.

I did a test on my boat and it is completely impossible to lower my rear ladder when in the water. So I bought a scramble net/ladder which I hang over the side (not rear) when I singlehand. This has a chord that hangs down to almost waterline. Being on the side means I would not be approaching a stern that is bobbing up and down in the waves... very dangerous /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif. It only cost about a tenner too.