woman singlehanders

[locrian13]

Anchors - ugh! We don't have a windlass either, but just having bought the boat we currently have, haven't needed it...yet. That is on the list, but I haven't decided if it's right before or right after self-tailing winches for the cockpit.

Our club is offering what basically amounts to a 'Racing for Dummies' series this summer...they have the beer can races on Wednesday nights, and this year they're doing a Thursday night series for people looking to learn to race. This way we can do it without posing major risks to ourselves or others. I've been racing with other folks for a few years now, but nothing too serious...and mostly I just stay out of the way. I've learned a lot that way, but I think it's time to get my feet a bit wetter.

Best of luck in your docking endeavors! We're moving to a slip across the pier from us, but this one isn't in a channel opposite other slips. This way I can back out and take as much room as I'd like. It'll be a good start. I too have the goal of being able to take the boat out without the assistance of my husband. Even if I never do it, I'd like to know that I can. I think he's a little nervous about this!

[Irwin32]

You know how unreasonable men can be!!

My wife and a friend of hers took the boat on one of the club cruises to Winthrop a couple of years ago, while I had to sit home and worry. They were fine and had a good time w/o me.

Our docks are not very forgiving, which makes docking a bit tougher.

Did you take the Rick's old slip - the one I wanted!

[locrian13]

You're right...our docks are not very forgiving at all. We had one of those rolling bumpers on the end of our pier last year. That alone has saved us probably several thousands of dollars worth of damage to the hull. And whoever invented fenders was a genius. If I'm going to be in any way responsible for docking, we're going to need a few more of those.

If Uber does the Hook this year and Ed goes with them, I'll be going up with the cruising fleet...with supervision, of course! Ha ha.

Yes, we took Rick's old slip. John only gave it to us because you weren't taking it though...right? Someone said something about you not slipping this year due to extended cruises. And what's this I hear about you MOVING?!?!

[Irwin32]

I could not resist giving you a hard time about that slip. I am taking a demit this year because we are planning on moving to NY State - north of Buffalo along the shore of Lake Ontario. My hope is to get the house sold in time to move out there and then come back to move the boat in June. I took the demit because sometimes plans don't go through.

[locrian13]

We'll keep it warm for you.

I hope all goes well and you find your way back to Lake Michigan for the occasional visit!

[figgenshu]

Roller furlers.. ended up on the foredeck yanking down one in 30 kt winds when the wind kept it from being brought in by the sheet alone. I never trusted it again.. if it won't drop in heavy air, it needs to go !

[Hawkwind]

I remember listening to one of the female members of the GLSS (Great Lakes Singlehanded Society http://www.solosailor.org/) complaining about a worried neighbor boat callin the Coast Guard on her when she went out for a late night sail. lol

I wouldn't worry about what others think, especially if you're gonna singlehand. To those who don't get it, I doubt you could explain it to them.

[Mary51]

I've decided to rename my boat "Dog Talking." Because . . . when I'm out alone or with female crew, male boaters look at me/us with this expression on their faces as if their dog had just started talking to them.

The first 5 times! I came into the Bay, turned up into the wind, and started taking down my hanked on jib either the Coast Guard or Marina Police boat was there within a minute. They never came over to talk to me, just watched for less than a minute and went away. That doesn't happen any more, tho.

Getting in and out of the slip is always a challenge. My boat is a 31', heavy displacement, modified full keel sloop, with very little steerage at slow speed. The marinas seems to be parking structures built for Honda's and I'm trying to park a '58 Buick . . . Getting a slip with more backing room has been a godsend!

Hope to see you all out there, single handing or with crew!

[kjsailingSpring]

I'm glad I ran across this post tonight because I have been ruminating all weekend over the reaction I have received as a woman singlehander. I am a 38 year old woman and new to sailing. I just bought an older 27ft Hunter to sail the New Jersey coast. I've only been out four times and every time someone says (both male and female) something to the affect of "are you by yourself?...hmm... very brave." What am I missing? I've never thought of sailing as brave, even for a woman alone. Sure it is adventurous and gets my heart racing, particularly because I still make a generous amount of mistakes as a newbie, but is it as dangerous as their odd looks are telling me? What am I missing and should I be more cautious, being a woman and sailing alone? And, completely off the topic, how the heck do you dock the boat by yourself into a double narrow double berth wedged by two brand new 40 ft. power boats?

Thank you for the great posting!
Karen

[PBzeer]

To answer your last question first.....very carefully <grin>.

If the boat is setup properly, you plan ahead, and keep an eye on the weather, then it doesn't really matter if you're male or female. Prudence and preperation are the keys, whether solo or with crew. If other's want to think you're "brave", just remember, as long as YOU are comfortable with what you're doing, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.

Fair winds,