singlehanded sailing - tips

[Stingo]

I like your idea, but people will know that you know what you're doing and so will probably not run to your assistance where as my method does attract many a helping hand and that, I find very attractive when coming into a berth.

 

[AndrewWR]

As already mentioned, prepare early and if you think the main might need two reefs in, but currently one will do, put both in. Perfect your Hove Too, it gives you time to think and take a storm jib. you would be surprised how many boats don't have them.

Prepare for little sleep, clip on and if you can have as many meals prepared before hand.

Then enjoy the experiance.

 

[paulrossall]

Also on the Deben at Ramsholt when I return from Bedwells. The most important advice must be to plan ahead. Put waymarks in GPS and write out passage plan. Make sure engine OK and enough fuel. Don't be afraid to ditch most of the sails early and motor if winds get up, but having a partially furled headsail does normally steady the boats motion. Useful if VHF is within reach. Advice already given re mooring lines is vital if going into marina or on pontoon but is good practice anyway. If towing a dinghy make sure it has two lines to it and it is right up to the back of the boat. (I once had a dinghy flip over in a following force 6/7 and two of us had major difficulties retrieving the dinghy after the towing line then broke....in Hamford Water. However I never tow with the outboard on and all contents eg. oars where well secure so I did not loose any kit).
And finally ....do what you think is right for you.Good luck. Paul

 

[Guest]

I do exactly the same. It can be a very useful technique for example when waiting for a lock to open on a windy day when lots of other boats are milling around.

 

[Sonnamara]

Wow - I was very excited to see your post - my father owned Tugela until about 3 years ago - and still gets a tear in the corner of his eye when talking of her - it would be great to know that she's being well looked after. We put many many hours of hard work into her. I would love to hear any news of her. - I'll PM you my email address.

 

[oldharry]

Jimboa, you old spoilsport, you are missing out on the most rewarding, challenging, and enjoyable aspect of the whole sport! Get out there and its down to you and you alone to get yourself there in one piece. Everything goes up to 110%: preparation, the boat, yourself, your gear, your plans.

And above all your enjoyment of it!

Something goes wrong, you have only yourself to swear at.

I very rarely sail other than single handed. It a bit like motorcycling - you and your machine versus the rest!

 

[kds]

Thanks for asking the question, Tugela - I am in the same situation, but sail the Trintella 29 which I have just completed - so have been very interested in the answers.
Good luck.
Ken

 

[jimi]

One purchase I've made is the McMurdo fastfind EPIRB which is small enough to be carried in a pocket, JIC I go over without being noticed. Might be a wise investment for a singlehander?

 

[tome]

Agree with the importance of a good autopilot when sailing solo.

Couple of other things I find useful. When short-tacking in any wind, it helps to have a jib small enough to set within the fore-traingle and clear of any baby stays etc. Sheet it both sides so it's hard amidships and the boat becomes self-tacking.

Other thing is to have a spring ready midhsips when coming alongside with one end made off at the midhsip cleat and a bight brought through the midship fairlead and back over the rails to the cockpit. The other end then comes back to one of the primary winches. When coming alonside, drop the bight over a cleat and take up any slack at the winch. With the engine going slow ahead you can settle the boat alongside and take your time putting out the mooring lines.

Best wishes, I don't sail single-handed so much these days but often short-handed. Cannot stand my own company for extended periods!

 

[alex_rogers]

Agree with the comment about the midships spring. However, I find that this invariable confuses the hell out of the anyone who comes to help you with a line (trying to describe that you want it looped over the cleat and not made off to the cleat) and it always seems to be a little rude to ask them not to help.

Recently, I've taken to having a bow line ready to throw as well. I'm quite happy coming alongside alone using just the midships line, however if someone asks for a line, I throw them the bow line and carry on as if they weren't there.

 

[pvb]

I've found that picking up a mooring can often be one of the trickiest tasks when you're on your own. The best thing I've found to help with this is the bizarrely-named Handy Duck, which is very well made, works like a dream, and is worth its weight in gold.

Otherwise, I'd echo the tips others have given. Anticipation is the key to much of it. Learn to heave-to, it's often overlooked as a great way to take the stress off both you and the boat. I like to pre-prepare quite a lot of smallish sandwiches and snacks, wrapped in clingfilm, ready for nibbling as and when. For marinas, a midships spring works well, but I use a simple loop of rope from the midships cleat and back to the same cleat - come alongside, drop loop over cleat on end of pontoon, motor gently against it. Rather guiltily, I'm prone to declining kind offers of mooring help, it's amazing what a mess well-meaning bystanders can sometimes achieve! A handheld VHF is invaluable, as is an autopilot.

And don't be afraid of getting it wrong from time to time. Even if people are watching, they're most probably envious of your ability to try it in the first place!

 

[Mirelle]

Autopilot vs keel type

I agree in that would not consider sailing singlehanded in a fin keel or twin keel boat without an autopilot.

But in a suitable long keeler, I can and I do - have done for donkey's years. Two bits of rope - i.e. the tiller lines - replace the autopilot quite sucessfully. They are much quicker to set up and give zero current drain.

 

[doris]

Wind vanes

Electronic autopilots eventually will let you down....a wind vane,either type and of any make almost, will amaze you as soon as you are in a steady breeze.

 

[tome]

Re: Autopilot vs keel type

Ah, the advantages of a long keel! Mind, you pay the price when close manouevering. I can leave my helm for a few moments without worry provided she is balanced, but need the autopilot when hoisting, lowering or reefing. Also, to have a welcome rest with a cuppa under the sprayhood from time to time.

 

[Peppermint]

Re: Oh! Practice heaving to in a variety of conditions.

It's the single most useful thing for the singlehander bar none.

 

[pvb]

Difficult in a marina though...

I often use the autopilot to maintain heading whilst stowing fenders and lines when leaving a marina berth. Try that with a wind vane!

 

[anglo_saxon]

Re: Difficult in a marina though...

try making your first trips short ones and pay attention to what your body tells you (cold, tierdness etc) and plan both ahead and for any emergency should it arise.
hand held vhf, and instruments that can be seen from the cockpit will help and a good autohelm which should at first be used as much as possible. its only when your approaching a tricky situation that you will have doubts as to press +or- ten degrees.

 

[chrisb]

there is no substitute for experience and competence.the ability to think ahead and plan every move is essential.it is difficult to so do when cold and tired.go for it.
chris

 

[cameronke]

Hi Tugella

Like you, I started my solo sailing trough neccesity. Now I think it is my favourite mode. I tend to sail in the relatively sheltered waters of the Clyde so nothing extreme (yet!)

The only thing I could add to all the replies received would be to fit lazy jacks and a good stackpack system to help with sail handling. A fully battened main also helps.

Good luck

Cameron

 

[summerwind]

Yes, preparation is definitely the key.

When I had swinging mooring to pick up I rigged a line from bow, outside everything to the stern. Approach bouy with the wind or tide, depending on the stronger dead on the bow but aiming to put the bouy under your quarter just as you loose all way.

Slip the line through the ring on top of the bouy and secure back to the boat. Wind or tide will move boat back sternward and the line will slip through the ring until boat is brought bow to bouy.

You then have loads of time to do whatever to secure her fully with chain etc.