Tiller / wheel holding while sailing short handed

nksmfamjp · #1 (**permalink**) 09-09-2007

Sorry, but this maybe a total newbie question. . . .

When sailing solo, how does one hold the tiller in a fixed position while working the jib and or main lines?

camaraderie · #2 (**permalink**) 09-09-2007

Tiller Tamer by Davis!
http://www.davisnet.com/product_docu...TllrTmrINS.PDF

Then there are tiller pilots as well if you have electric on the boat.

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 09-09-2007

Autopilot.... ST1000+ by Raymarine...

Tiller tamer

Bungie cords and cam cleats

Lots of ways to do this.

ereuter · #4 (**permalink**) 09-10-2007

I straddle the tiller and steer through the tack with my knees, but all of my sheets are reachable in my Pearson 30. Can also crank the winches with one arm and steer with the other. This would be difficult on a larger boat, of course.

Eric

nolatom · #5 (**permalink**) 09-10-2007

On smaller boats? Usually steer with my foot, or leg, or nothing try to do the sailtrimrealquickandgetbacktothetillerbeforeit'sto olate...;-)

sailingdog · #6 (**permalink**) 09-10-2007

I guess part of the issue is the boat itself. If you have a boat that has helm balance issues, then you'll probably have to have something more secure. If your boat balances well, often you can leave the helm alone for a bit and then get back to it before it does much of anything.