1st Time Singlehanding

[tommyt]

Great post, and great memories that it brought back.

It seems that I single hand even when I have a bunch of people aboard. The only time I don't is with a few sailing friends, and those are also great times and it is amazing what the boat can do with crew. The family gets to do what the family wants. I have a grand daughter that wants to be involved, so maybe some family crew is in the offing.

You are absolutely right, planning is what makes it work. My slip partner cannot understand why I come in easy as can be, and he struggles every time with 4 helping, on a twin screw motor cruiser. The reality is, I weight twice as much as he does, with 10% of his power, and I HAVE to plan ahead.

The nice thing is we share a dock, but never share a dock. I sail mostly during the week when it is blowing, and he is mostly on the weekends when there is no wind. A perfect marriage.

You will find that solo is a most blissful experience. I only had an hour today after prep, but when the wind is blowing 15+, you have to go. Had the entire bay to myself for that hour. Got in 6 KM and still made it to pick up my grand daugther for basketball camp. Hey, got to keep the crew happy!

[kai34]

congrats, sounds like you had a great time. i cant wait till the day i can singlehand my own boat and then ill really know how you feel. cheers.
-kai

[sailingdog]

Unless your family can handle the boat well enough to do a COB recovery....wear the harness and tether and use the jacklines, even when they are aboard.

Originally Posted by JSL3

If I end up making this a habit, which I most likely will, I'll definately invest in some jacklines and a harness.

My family generally likes to go sailing with me, but for when they are busy with other things, there is something about doing it alone that is appealing and like being out on the water in general, really recharges the internal batteries.

[craigtoo]

That's great... it's what I'm working towards!

I've got some more practicing to do with someone aboard first... but I'll get there!

inspired!
craig

[MarkAllan]

Well already I am learning from just reading these threads and yes a harness and tying of sound like a good idea. I have soloed my small 16' and I am moored and sometimes stalling the boat out up wind and running and crabbing the mooring line and tyeing off before the wind catches he sails is hard and can be humorous for my neighbors watching

[BarryL]

Hello,

Congratulations, nice story, and good pics too.

I love to singlehand and do it often. It is very peaceful and quiet. It teaches you to be prepared and to plan ahead. A reliable autopilot is very helpful.

I don't clip in, but do wear an inflatable pfd and carry a handheld VHF. When I singlehand, I am never more than 5 nm from land and there are always other boats around.

Take care,
Barry

[tweitz]

Congrats. Singlehanding gives you a great feeling and sense of accomplishment. I regarded each of the big steps as landmarks of accomplishment and great satisfaction (and nervousness): my first time as captain of my own boat, my first time single handing, my first time overnighting at anchor, my first cruise to a destination. Still awaiting my first transAtlantic, though. In all my singlehanding, though, even today the parts that were the most concern were docking and undocking, and lowering the mainsail. My autopilot and lines to the cockpit took care of most of the latter, but I still worry with no one to help grab the lines, and no one to fend off when I screw up. So far so good, though. One of the best things about sailing is the sense of accomplishment as you achieve the next goal.

[captw3]

Congratulations on your solo. The P28-2 is a great boat to do this on. Everything leading back to the cockpit is helpful. We love ours.
Rick
Equal Partners
1986 P28-2 #182

[arbarnhart]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Unless your family can handle the boat well enough to do a COB recovery....wear the harness and tether and use the jacklines, even when they are aboard.

I have got to get better about this myself. I didn't on Saturday and at one point, I got away with something stupid - flipping up and fastening the boarding ladder while motoring out. Right after I sat down we hit a wave at an angle that made the stern dance a little. The "what if" scenarios with that are not good. It was just me and my 8 year old triplets. Hannah could probably steer well enough to turn around and run me over (isn't that comforting ).

The biggest problem I am having with SH is tangling the jib sheets. All it takes is to be about a half second off in timing and they are a mess.

[JSL3]

Originally Posted by captw3

Congratulations on your solo. The P28-2 is a great boat to do this on. Everything leading back to the cockpit is helpful. We love ours.
Rick
Equal Partners
1986 P28-2 #182

Rick,
I recognize your name from the P28 forum on yahoo. Keep the great advice coming! (Oh, and I think I'm hull #186 - I'll have to confirm)
Yes it is a great boat for single handing. It is interesting though steering from a position in front of the wheel when tacking so that you can man the jib sheets. It takes awhile getting used to it.