[eherlihy]

On our 31' Corvette we have a locking wheel, there are no lines back to the cockpit but the boat holds its course very well while I hit the cabin top to raise the sails. Single handed this can be done in about 2 min away from the cockpit then 2 hours of pure bliss, followed by 4 min of prep before hitting the dock..

You said it best; "followed by 4 min of prep before hitting the dock.."

I can single hand my 35' O'day - that is; once I am out of the slip, and provided that I have someone to help while bringing her back in. She has no Autopilot (just a wheel brake), and the halyards and reefing lines are not run to the cockpit. The main sheet is on the cabintop.