Happy to be here...

sailhog · #1 (**permalink**) 10-05-2007

Just got back from scaring the hell out of myself, and I thought it might be worthwhile to mention a couple of points about singlehanding without an autopilot... It's blowing between 15-20 here right now, but the wave action is robust due to the NE winds we've had for the last week or so. Anyway, I crossed Port Royal Sound at about 7.5 to 8.0 kts, and once I got out to Atlantic, I came about and headed home. Not a lot to mention up to this point, other than the fact that I always had a rail in the water and was getting jacked by the wave action every step of the way. Can't say it was blowing like snot, but handling the helm and the sails simultaneously was a bit much. Finally, as I came in for the last stretch, I accidentally jibed just as I was adjusting the headsail, and I damn nearly had to swim home. Can't begin to describe how close I came... I'm still shaking. Anyway, I'm back. Need to clean my shorts.

TrueBlue · #2 (**permalink**) 10-05-2007

I've done that sh - that boom sure swings fast and hard, especially when sheeted out. Times like that, a solo-sailor's glad he was tethered to the boat . . . which of course you were . . . right?

johnhalf · #3 (**permalink**) 10-05-2007

Were you using a tether? If not, will you start?

sailhog · #4 (**permalink**) 10-05-2007

TB, John,
Nope. No tether. Definitely will start. I'm generally pretty steady on my feet, but the stern sort sloshed to port as it jibed -- just as I was screwing around with the starboard winch... It was just a weird sail all the way around. I'm never nervous on the boat, but I was this time. Just felt like I was clutzy... cut my finger, nearly went OB... A weird, wild two-hour ride...

bestfriend · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2007

Beers on me Hog. Glad you're ok.

sailhog · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2007

BestFriend,
Get your ass down here and buy me a beer! NOW!

bestfriend · #7 (**permalink**) 10-05-2007

Sorry, gotta wait for the housing inspector. I am shaking too.

sailortjk1 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-05-2007

I hate when that happens.
Seriously, sailing down wind and the accidental jibe is one of the worse things that can happen as far as I am concerned.

CharlieCobra · #9 (**permalink**) 10-05-2007

Yeah, it kinda sucks. One thing I gotta watch for that you guys don't is that clubfooted staysail on an accidental gybe. It'll sweep ya off the fordeck in a heartbeat. Nothing like 12' feet of stika spruce changing sides at knee level to get your attention.

TrueBlue · #10 (**permalink**) 10-05-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailortjk1

I hate when that happens.
Seriously, sailing down wind and the accidental jibe is one of the worse things that can happen as far as I am concerned.

Ever try recovering from an accidental jibe when solo-sailing wing 'n wing - while using a whisker pole?

Happened a couple weeks ago with me - the pole and 150 genoa ended up submerged with starboard rail in the water in a 26 kt gust - with me clammering around trying to straighten the boat out. It happend so fast, I felt like a pendulum hammer. I refuse to pole out while solo anymore.