Sleeping whilst single handed

On my crossings I have adopted the practice of sleeping in the daylight hours and staying awake most of the night. My thought is that in the daytime the crew and maybe passengers will be awake on the passing ships and have a better chance of seeing me under sail then at night when most of the crew is asleep or getting coffee down below.

I usually know when the end of the passage is coming. I can plan ahead and stay awake for the last part of the trip. If you are keeping up with the navigation you should also know when you are close to land.


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Sorted out my sleep pattern a hybrid of Yanita and Ellen,any ideas for any body who will insure long-haul single handing?

<hr width=100% size=1>If it can't be fixed with a lump hammer dont fit it!
 
I'm with GJW, and they insured my Biscay crossing under the understanding that it was just for that crossing, in a specified timeframe and that I notify them on arrival.

Not sure how they are about long-term. As with most insurers, a lot depends on area to be cruised, time of year, qualifications,...

<hr width=100% size=1>Experience is a good teacher, but she sends in terrific bills.
 
Most points covered but here's my two-pennerth:

I agree it's against IRPCS but you have to apply a bit of discrete common sense based on the risks.

Daytime is definitely safer for a longer sleep (sails are usually highly visible).

20 mins cycle is OK but beware the effects of accumulating fatigue - even the simplest decision-making can be a huge challenge (not to mention the physical effects if you have a problem that requires exertion). Fitness and diet helps.

Coastal cruising: no excuse for improper lookout - drop the pick for a kip.

If you're dog-tired after a long period single-handing and you find that whilst underway and making way anything more than dozing is impossible, I think it's best (if you're well clear of shipping lanes and hazards) to hove to and have a good longish 'battery-charging' sleep. If you really want to bend the IRPCS, hoist NUC signals!! (Probably won't stop you getting run down by a deep sea trawler though)

Don't drink coffee etc - it stops you 'power kipping' and ultimately makes you more tired.

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If the other vessel is doing 28kts and you are doing 3kts then it's possible for the pair you to have a closing speed of 31kts. I admit you'd have to be very unlucky with the timing but it I reckon it's possible for the other vessel to travel from your 10nm perimeter to you in 19mins 21 secs!


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I could also get hit by an asteroid.

Lets face it - highly unlikely.
When I crossed Biscay 2 years back, only was woken twice because of a contact at night.
Most boats doing the ARC - there are always 200+ going the same direction - claim that by day 3 they hardly ever see another ship.

I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.

<hr width=100% size=1>Experience is a good teacher, but she sends in terrific bills.
 
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