I'm a newly minted ASA basic keel boat grad planning on solo sailing a 27-30' Catalina (or similar) in SoCal coastal waters in a year or so. I did a little sailing with my Dad in his 22' Pearson Electra in the late 60's to early 70's and he soloed often with no lines leading to the cockpit. But after having the opportunity to try them myself on my schools 25' Merits, I thought they were the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Then I came across this thread from 11-29-2008, the OP was asking about boats for single-hand sailing:
Then I came across this thread from 11-29-2008, the OP was asking about boats for single-hand sailing:
I thought most people liked the idea, was I wrong? I have no plans for the open ocean, but is this at all applicable to coastal sailing or theoretically, you should never be caught in a squall so close to shore? And given the above situation, what are your options other than easing the main and/or heading up?