i made it out and back yesterday on my first solo sail; it was a little gnarly, but that's okay. by the time i got back i was whacked. i guess i'm officially one of neptune's ho's. he wasn't exactly gentle, but i can still walk and that's something.
there were concerns raised about how wise this kind of thing is, but as a learning experience it was invaluable.
a few observations:
it was a hell of a lot of work. fun? in a way, but i can see how much difference it makes when you have someone else aboard: not necessarily to crew, but to take care of small things when they happen. i doubt i had more than a few minutes at a time when i didn't have to do something.
i made a few blithe comments about the need for tethers in coastal waters. that's the inexperience showing. It was blowing to 25 knots and as there have been gales recently, the sea was pretty choppy, and i didn't like going forward at all. The aft reefing line for the mainsail pulled a bit through the clutch, but i didn't bother going forward to fix it because of the crazy motion. down below i really had to use the handholds to keep on my feet, something i've never needed before. I felt very vulnerable when i went forward to raise and lower the main, and could totally see how a guy could stumble and go ass over teakettle over the side. i'm getting a harness for the spring.
there was one other sailboat and a pilot boat, and that was it. no one would see you out there. the upside is that if you went cruising the anchorages would be empty.
as an aside, i went in a bit early to make sure there was good light for mooring, and the other sailboat stayed out a bit longer. I had just finished mooring my boat up when a request for assistance came from the CG asking for a tow for the hunter as they were having problems with their engine. probably crap stirred up in their fuel tank. the call wasn't repeated so someone must have brought them in.
i am glad that i was able to do everything myself, including taking and wearing while helming, and that i didn't forget anything (nautical) before going out; there's a lot of prep work getting a home ready for sailing. I even left a sailing plan with tracy.
the one thing i forgot was take the dog out for a pee, and by the time we were heading in she was standing with legs crossed and making a lot of fuss. tracy wouldn't have forgotten
contrary to some folks who say sailing solo is no big deal, I would say that's because they have done it and are very comfortable with it. my experience is that it is totally different, and requires much more from the skipper. all the death scenarios you guys gave didn't help, but I was very, very vigilant; not at all like a slow bobbing with a beer in your hand. as one more small, personal mountain, i would recommend it.
i have a utube video that's uploading; i'll post it soon.
thanks again to all those who contributed advice and comments.
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