singlehanding - and courage

I have single handed my 26 footer for over 30 years including a wonderful Poole Cherbourg return. Helps when it is all in the same boat because you get "in tune" over the years.

Like many I effectively singlehand with the big boat with SWMBO getting very good at her end of the anchoring bit in the Med. Boat is now in the UK and I have almost summoned up the courage to take her out on my own. Biggest problem when singlehanding is when you want to moor alongside or in a marina where things can start to happen very quickly and you need to be able to respond.

Think I now have the hang of getting her in and out of her berth so planning my first trip from Poole to Solent, anchoring round the back of Hurst and sailing back. A mate has just done it the other way first time singlehanding in a big motor sailer from Hamble to Studland and back. Both of us have our bus passes but find modern gear removes most of the physical effort - so its just the mind to get sorted!
 
I have multiple sclerosis and getting to and on the boat is a serious issue - usually solved by taking plenty of time having resting once on board before doing anything - the boat (Moody 31) is small enough with plenty of handholds - (legs are **** but arms are strong if unpredictable - so crawling is the norm outside the cockpit as is a harness).

I'd agree with everything alread said so these are a few extras.

Planning is everything both for the skipper and the boat.

Physical strength (brute force) not required - if it is then there is a problem - fix the problem. The boat is suprisingly light lighter than smaller ones I've tried.

Fatigue - that's going to happen - know how to handle it as is making sure you don't get too hot or cold - judgement quickly gets compromised.

Planning is all and knowing you limits - on my own upto the top end of a 4 fine - after that with go back (I normally only sail 5 to 10 miles from my berth)

Know your boat and keep it well maintained to avoid those nagging worries.

Have everything you might need on deck - including a bottle to pee in!

Find out if you can anchor on your own - if push came to shove I think I could probably drop it - but very sure I couldn't recover it - so I would at then point have to ask for help -

consider a plb or Epirb in addition to a radio on deck as well as the main set.

A decent charts, autohelm, plotter and instruments essential.

Lastly - a sense of adventure rather than sitting doing b****r all and simply adding to the issues you already have.

Finally, when something disquietening happens - remember the mantra of - 'OK, it's OK - let's take our time and see what's happening' - remember sails can be let go - then they only make alot of noise.

Think this makes dsome sense
 
Well thanks for all the replies. As some have said, its all in the mind. I have no fears about the mechanics of mooring the boat or handling it on my own - just a nervousness about being on my own. It's part mental / confidence, though I am normally a fairly self confident type, and part social. Difficult to put into words though it looks as if I'm not alone.

Doesnt help that the first trip is planned to be 100 miles with a possibly unavailable anchorage in the middle.
 
Another good tip if you have a powered anchor windlass, add a remote contol to it so when you come to leave you can motor the boat forward and take up the anchor from the helm. Much easier than having to keep running forward to get the chain in also when it does break free you can motor out into deeper water before fully sorting the anchor out.

The remote dosn't have to be expensive I fitted one of these for £16 or so http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WIRELESS-WINC...ailers_Transporters_Parts&hash=item5d2d174c7d It works a treat.
 
Not sure I would try a passage that length. That could be at least 18 hours so you would not want to be out in demanding weather or congested waters. However, seense of achievement on completion could make it worth it!
 
Bosun Higgs said:
Doesnt help that the first trip is planned to be 100 miles with a possibly unavailable anchorage in the middle.
Click to expand...

Sorry, my comment "Go for it" wasn't really based on a 100 mile first trip. I'm sure you could do a 100 miler alone it but can you be sure you'll enjoy it?

Having said that what else do you do? The only way to find out if you'll enjoy 100 miles of your own company at sea is to try it.
 
Bosun Higgs said:
Doesnt help that the first trip is planned to be 100 miles with a possibly unavailable anchorage in the middle.
Click to expand...

That perfect! A couple of 50-ish mile passages will give you lots of time to relax, make preparations for arrival and so on. Anchoring alone is even easier than picking up a mooring and much easier than tying up in a marina or harbour. It's much more sensible to do a good big trip as a first singlehanded one than a short and fraught one.
 
Spare friend

How about taking a sailing pal out for a couple of trips but asking them to take no active part in getting you on and off your berth. That way you can learn the single handed bits without fear
 
Bosun H
For my first time I had simply to pull off a fuel berth (crew being ashore) then hang out for 10 mins and return to original berth - same lines, same fenders, all very reassuring.
Second time itwas across a harbour, meeting known crew, therefore that same assurance.
Third was 8 hrs in daylight and so I built up to a 36 hr crossing of the Azores.
For me, the first 3 were necessary as confidence builders - I don't think I could have jumped in the deep end !

If you have time you might try this way....

Good luck - it's an amazing experience..

Oh and a big yes to an autopilot and also a H/H VHF so that you don't have to go below to use one.
 
Bosun H

After many years of sailing, I completed my first S/H passage last year - Hamble to Dartmouth including mooring up at midnight on the mid-river pontoon (thats what headtorches are designed for!!). The word 'courage' in your post title is the key one as the way you skipper the boat doesn't change - the planning and forethought should still be there but just allow a bit more time than normal to perform all the usual tasks. You need that bit of courage to slip the lines, but then it feels great to be out there on your own!

Make sure everything you think you might need is prepared and easy to find. I agree with the others - autohelm and handheld VHF make life much easier. I was also clipped on with lifejacket at all times but thats a personal choice.

I prefer to sail mostly with crew to be honest, but the challenge and sense of acheivement of completing a passage on your own is a special one - once your are tied up again, that first beer tastes good!
 
Bosun Higgs said:
I have no fears about the mechanics of mooring the boat or handling it on my own - just a nervousness about being on my own. It's part mental / confidence, though I am normally a fairly self confident type, and part social. Difficult to put into words though it looks as if I'm not alone.
Click to expand...

50% of the things that you love about sailing; Self sufficiency, freedom, achievement, voyaging (if cruising) - etc., are intensified by sailing sh.
With your experience you know what is required. As regards being alone, I love to have the radio on. (BBC or local that is). That makes all the difference and I wouldn't be without it.
 
Bosun Higgs said:
Well thanks for all the replies. As some have said, its all in the mind. I have no fears about the mechanics of mooring the boat or handling it on my own - just a nervousness about being on my own. It's part mental / confidence, though I am normally a fairly self confident type, and part social. Difficult to put into words though it looks as if I'm not alone.

Doesnt help that the first trip is planned to be 100 miles with a possibly unavailable anchorage in the middle.
Click to expand...

TBH, I wouldn't start with a biggish passage. It sounds like there is no real "fall-back" position if anythig goes wrong. Start by pottering around locally, with an overnighter to build confidence.

FWIW, I did a solo trip with my leg in plaster last week. Only 24 hours, potter up thro the Swellies, pick up mooring for lunch & back down on the tide to Aber menai to anchor for the night. Had a great time even if I couldn't put the sails up (no way & was going to try standing on the cabin top setting sails) - it wasn't worth trying to sail anyway as the wind was very light.
 
Bosun Higgs said:
Well thanks for all the replies. As some have said, its all in the mind. I have no fears about the mechanics of mooring the boat or handling it on my own - just a nervousness about being on my own. It's part mental / confidence, though I am normally a fairly self confident type, and part social. Difficult to put into words though it looks as if I'm not alone.

Doesnt help that the first trip is planned to be 100 miles with a possibly unavailable anchorage in the middle.
Click to expand...

Go for it. With the experience you have, you'll tie up at the end and wonder what you were ever worrying about.
 
The beauty of singlehanding is that in open water you can heave to if you like to have a rest or in the event of bad weather without having to worry about your crew and yourself in it. My comment is not selfish, it is practical.

The other thing is that somehow nature becomes more meaningful when alone rather than sailing in company.

If you have not done it I know for most it is a big step...the concept is a big step but the reality isn't. Once you have taken the plunge and tried it you will wonder why in the first instance it served to riddle you with doubts and fears.

Then it gets easier as you repeat the excercise, and its enormous fun too.
 
stuartwineberg said:
How about taking a sailing pal out for a couple of trips but asking them to take no active part in getting you on and off your berth. That way you can learn the single handed bits without fear
Click to expand...

Thanks but SWMBO admirably fills that role and has done for 20 years. No, its a mental hurdle rather than a practical one. Lets face it - I'm a wimp! :o
 
The planning ahead is the key, I am single handed most of the time, (billy nomates :) ) I know my exhaustion limits so I have to be sure I can get a berth where I am headed to, which is difficult at the moment, all the nice venues are already booked for next week.

The downside is it can be lonely, sitting on my own in the cockpit whilst theres a group of people having lots of fun on a boat nearby, that really hits home.
 
DO IT !!!
I started last year and it is now my prefered way of sailing ...
Don't get me wrong, I do still enjoy sailing with crew occassionally but there is a certain satisfaction and calm when out alone.
Daunting at first but after the first couple of times berthing on your own, you'll wonder what the fuss is about. It just takes a lot more forethought and planning.

I also think that you learn more about yourself and your boat without the distraction or reliance on crew.

Thoroughly recommend it.
 
Bosun Higgs said:
It might do so but I wouldnt buy from that arrogant **** if he were the last supplier on the planet. And if he thinks he can duck the sale of goods act by his terms of trade he will sometime learn how wrong he is.
Click to expand...

Guess when you are offering low grade stuff you don't want comebacks! At that price there can't be any allowance for warranty claims.
 
I think 50 miles is about right. Long enough to settle down and get into your stride and not too long to be knackered. The second 50 miles on day 2 will be really good - all other things being equal.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Other threads that may be of interest

bluey01
Anyone want to design a folding sailing dinghy with me?
2 3 4
Replies
66
Views
2K
bluey01
bluey01

Share this page

Top