E.B. White once wrote that sailing his boat was like going out with his best girl -- he didn't want anyone else along. Do you like singlehanding your boat? Do you singlehand because of difficulty in getting crew, because you enjoy the solitude, or because of the sense of accomplishment from handling your boat on your own? What's the most challenging part of singlehanding for you: getting in or out of the slip, off a mooring, or on or off your trailer? Maybe it's reefing or flaking the main or sail trim in feisty wind conditions? How have you learned to handle these difficult situations on your own? Have you added autopilots or tiller tamers or lazy jacks to make singlehanding easier? Or is singlehanding something you still aspire to? Share your singlehanding stories and be sure to vote in the quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz by Gary Wyngarden)
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Definitely Prefer Company
Single handing has been nice at times but overall I definitely prefer company. This assumes, of course, that the company doesn't complain too loudly about "cold" or "wet" and the like. Unfortunately in the "great" Pacific Northwest it can sometimes be hard to find that idyllic sailing weather. One year I didn’t get the sails on until after July 4th! If I would have had a willing partner this weekend I would have been out there. There aren't many more doable days left. Having company makes sailing more enjoyable, especially if they are good with food. For more than day trips it's difficult for me to singlehand because I basically don't cook! Oatmeal and pancakes (premeasured mix) - maybe. Did do scrambled eggs a few times.
Single handing has been nice at times but overall I definitely prefer company. This assumes, of course, that the company doesn't complain too loudly about "cold" or "wet" and the like. Unfortunately in the "great" Pacific Northwest it can sometimes be hard to find that idyllic sailing weather. One year I didn’t get the sails on until after July 4th! If I would have had a willing partner this weekend I would have been out there. There aren't many more doable days left. Having company makes sailing more enjoyable, especially if they are good with food. For more than day trips it's difficult for me to singlehand because I basically don't cook! Oatmeal and pancakes (premeasured mix) - maybe. Did do scrambled eggs a few times.
Peace, Liberty, and Happiness
While sailing with others can be enjoyable, I find the rewards of singlehanding unmeasurable. In this fast paced world we live in there is nothing more satisfing than a day on the water alone. Shut off the cell-phone and you free to mentally wonder where ever you wish to go. It is very similar to meditation, in that you are acutely focused on the tasks at hand. Don't get me wrong; I love my wife, kids, friends, and dog. But I have a very strong need for personal time and space, and being on the boat alone satifies those requirements. Singlehanding puts my immediate personal desires and survival at the center of my attention. It refines your ability to focus and concentrate without distraction. Frankly, there are times out there when everything is going just right on a beautiful day that it can be emotional. There you are out on your boat; healthy and luckly to own. At the risk of not being PC, Thank you GOD,LIFE IS GOOD! I think you would be hardpressed to find others who would understand the raw emotional bonds between myself and this experience. You then go back to the dock refeshed to face to the world again. Yeh, I love singlehanding. Guess where I'm going today after work? Smell the roses, life is just to damn short.
While sailing with others can be enjoyable, I find the rewards of singlehanding unmeasurable. In this fast paced world we live in there is nothing more satisfing than a day on the water alone. Shut off the cell-phone and you free to mentally wonder where ever you wish to go. It is very similar to meditation, in that you are acutely focused on the tasks at hand. Don't get me wrong; I love my wife, kids, friends, and dog. But I have a very strong need for personal time and space, and being on the boat alone satifies those requirements. Singlehanding puts my immediate personal desires and survival at the center of my attention. It refines your ability to focus and concentrate without distraction. Frankly, there are times out there when everything is going just right on a beautiful day that it can be emotional. There you are out on your boat; healthy and luckly to own. At the risk of not being PC, Thank you GOD,LIFE IS GOOD! I think you would be hardpressed to find others who would understand the raw emotional bonds between myself and this experience. You then go back to the dock refeshed to face to the world again. Yeh, I love singlehanding. Guess where I'm going today after work? Smell the roses, life is just to damn short.
Company man
I too prefer company, but E.B. White got it right as well. Solo sail is very focused and takes the mind off everything else. Hardest thing used to be raising the main until I put a cam cleat on the mast to temporarily hold the halyard so I could grind the winch. Now the hardest thing is raising the spinnaker, since I don't have autopilot or a wheel brake. But it's a joy to behold once it's up.
I too prefer company, but E.B. White got it right as well. Solo sail is very focused and takes the mind off everything else. Hardest thing used to be raising the main until I put a cam cleat on the mast to temporarily hold the halyard so I could grind the winch. Now the hardest thing is raising the spinnaker, since I don't have autopilot or a wheel brake. But it's a joy to behold once it's up.
The Thrill Is Gone
I used to singlehand my boat a lot more than I have in the past couple of years. I simply don't enjoy the long trips by myself, and although it sounds whimpy - I miss my wife and dog. I have a wheelpilot, all lines back to the cockpit, clutches, furling, six winches, and all the rest of the stuff, and my boat is only a 28 footer, which should make things easier than with a bigger boat. However, It is undeniable that singlehandling in weather is a lot of work. It is especially disheartening to be tired, a long way from home port, crossing shipping lanes, and have uncooperative wind and waves. Hours alone sailing for me no longer seems like a challenge, but rather a senseless ordeal. I know several sailors who sail alone, and act as though they are more macho than those who do not. I will admit to feeling that way at one time as well, but I have since learned that the only real reason for sailing alone is that I have no one to go with. It is a fact that singlehandling does train you to be more organized and to really plan out every move as much as possible. Being prepared for sudden action is a necessity when sailing alone, and laziness is not an option when you only have one pair of hands. Docking skills which involve planning, are also enhanced by necessity.
I used to singlehand my boat a lot more than I have in the past couple of years. I simply don't enjoy the long trips by myself, and although it sounds whimpy - I miss my wife and dog. I have a wheelpilot, all lines back to the cockpit, clutches, furling, six winches, and all the rest of the stuff, and my boat is only a 28 footer, which should make things easier than with a bigger boat. However, It is undeniable that singlehandling in weather is a lot of work. It is especially disheartening to be tired, a long way from home port, crossing shipping lanes, and have uncooperative wind and waves. Hours alone sailing for me no longer seems like a challenge, but rather a senseless ordeal. I know several sailors who sail alone, and act as though they are more macho than those who do not. I will admit to feeling that way at one time as well, but I have since learned that the only real reason for sailing alone is that I have no one to go with. It is a fact that singlehandling does train you to be more organized and to really plan out every move as much as possible. Being prepared for sudden action is a necessity when sailing alone, and laziness is not an option when you only have one pair of hands. Docking skills which involve planning, are also enhanced by necessity.
Great Question!
I was struck by the frankness of each person's response. I have enjoyed the (limited) solo sails I have had. The depth of respondents' comments are only matched in one other setting: while minding the helm on a long tack with very close friends and family: poems, prayers and promises need a voice and an ear. joe
I was struck by the frankness of each person's response. I have enjoyed the (limited) solo sails I have had. The depth of respondents' comments are only matched in one other setting: while minding the helm on a long tack with very close friends and family: poems, prayers and promises need a voice and an ear. joe
WIFE WON'T ALLOW IT
Single-handing is something I've always wanted to do, more for the reasons espoused by Mr. White than out of necessity. But my wife has nixed the idea because my deafness adds a dangerous dimension to the practise should something go wrong. To keep the peace I go along. Maybe someday. Bill on STARGAZER
Single-handing is something I've always wanted to do, more for the reasons espoused by Mr. White than out of necessity. But my wife has nixed the idea because my deafness adds a dangerous dimension to the practise should something go wrong. To keep the peace I go along. Maybe someday. Bill on STARGAZER
Temporarily nixed by Mrs.
I too am handicapped so my wife has nixed any sailing solo. She does allow me to go out under power alone. But i have to promise to wear my life jacket not just have it handy. She will allow me to sail solo when two things have come to pass. One I get one of those inflatable life jackets. Two I finish running all sail controls back to the cockpit. Confession - I some times go out and just raise my main sail - shh don't tell Carol. I agree with some of the other responders as well a E.B. - there is something special as a handicapped person about "doing it myself". The solitude of a sunny day on Chesapeake Bay is truly beautiful. So as you can guess running lines back to the cockpit and a new life jacket are high on my off season list of things to do.
I too am handicapped so my wife has nixed any sailing solo. She does allow me to go out under power alone. But i have to promise to wear my life jacket not just have it handy. She will allow me to sail solo when two things have come to pass. One I get one of those inflatable life jackets. Two I finish running all sail controls back to the cockpit. Confession - I some times go out and just raise my main sail - shh don't tell Carol. I agree with some of the other responders as well a E.B. - there is something special as a handicapped person about "doing it myself". The solitude of a sunny day on Chesapeake Bay is truly beautiful. So as you can guess running lines back to the cockpit and a new life jacket are high on my off season list of things to do.
I used to single-hand...
...now I have a bigger boat (Hunter 30T). I can't figure out how to get in and out of our slip alone without banging up my neighbors' boats. My wife does the dock-piloting while I grunt, groan, and manhandle the thing as she backs from the slip--then jump gracefully aboard at the last moment. Once we're out of the slip, it's usually smooth sailing. Cheers!
...now I have a bigger boat (Hunter 30T). I can't figure out how to get in and out of our slip alone without banging up my neighbors' boats. My wife does the dock-piloting while I grunt, groan, and manhandle the thing as she backs from the slip--then jump gracefully aboard at the last moment. Once we're out of the slip, it's usually smooth sailing. Cheers!
Prefer sailing alone
I want company when the boat is anchored, but I would rather sail the boat alone. If I had it my way, my guests would all take the ferry to our destination while I sailed the boat. My wife takes no interest in sailing, so she can't really help me with anything. She's the typical non-sailing spouse. I've been trying for years to get her to remember the emergency channel on the VHF. She gets it right about 50% of the time when I ask her. That means I am single-handing even when she's there. The only difference is that I have to worry about her getting seasick. And, she won't go below when conditions get bad, so she's in the cockpit in the way when I am most busy. When I'm alone, I tend to go all out in terms of safety. Jacklines and harness, clipping on, doing one thing at a time, etc. When I have people on the boat I hardly ever clip on, even though none of them could possibly turn back for me if I fell off. Sailing alone is, for me, when I am most focused and feel most alive. I'll never give it up.
I want company when the boat is anchored, but I would rather sail the boat alone. If I had it my way, my guests would all take the ferry to our destination while I sailed the boat. My wife takes no interest in sailing, so she can't really help me with anything. She's the typical non-sailing spouse. I've been trying for years to get her to remember the emergency channel on the VHF. She gets it right about 50% of the time when I ask her. That means I am single-handing even when she's there. The only difference is that I have to worry about her getting seasick. And, she won't go below when conditions get bad, so she's in the cockpit in the way when I am most busy. When I'm alone, I tend to go all out in terms of safety. Jacklines and harness, clipping on, doing one thing at a time, etc. When I have people on the boat I hardly ever clip on, even though none of them could possibly turn back for me if I fell off. Sailing alone is, for me, when I am most focused and feel most alive. I'll never give it up.
Solo sailor
I enjoy single-handing for all the reasons given so far. The tiller pilot makes a huge difference. I'd have to admit that any single-handed passage longer than 24 hours probably wouldn't be as much fun because of fatigue. Peter H23 "Raven"
I enjoy single-handing for all the reasons given so far. The tiller pilot makes a huge difference. I'd have to admit that any single-handed passage longer than 24 hours probably wouldn't be as much fun because of fatigue. Peter H23 "Raven"
I'M OFF TO FLORIDA FRIDAY
I GOING ON MY ANNUAL SAIL TO FLORIDA ON FRIDAY (SINGLEHANDED)O-DAY 25. I FIND I LIKE COMPANY BUT A WEEK ON A 25 FOOTER CAN GET A LITTLE CROWDED.
I GOING ON MY ANNUAL SAIL TO FLORIDA ON FRIDAY (SINGLEHANDED)O-DAY 25. I FIND I LIKE COMPANY BUT A WEEK ON A 25 FOOTER CAN GET A LITTLE CROWDED.
depends on the purpose of the voyage
I'm single....sailing is a cheap date! haha For all other purposes, I'm a solo sailor. IJ
I'm single....sailing is a cheap date! haha For all other purposes, I'm a solo sailor. IJ
I love sailing alone
It took me a while to get the nearve to solo for the first time. I think the worse part was geting the sails up by yourself in a strong wind. I finally rigged a tiller holder using a long bungie that helped. The pay off is great!
It took me a while to get the nearve to solo for the first time. I think the worse part was geting the sails up by yourself in a strong wind. I finally rigged a tiller holder using a long bungie that helped. The pay off is great!
O'Day 25 Solataire
I enjoy sailing my O'Day 25 either with crew or alone. The boat is a shoal keel-centerboard model, used (thus far) on a fairly large inland lake. It is kept at a tight slip in a crowded marina. The space between the slip piers is about 20 ft, and two craft must fit in that space. Several tight right angle turns are necesssary to embark from the slip and to land. The sail collection includes main, headsail (jib), 155% Genoa, and asymmetrical spinnaker. Headsail and Genoa are flown with standard hanks. I have a topping lift on the boom so that it stays in place without the main set. There is a 15 hp Johnson outboard for auxiliary power. The first time that I launched the craft (after purchase this year) I sailed it single-handed. The most difficult challenge to overcome was leaving the slip and landing. The 5,000 lb boat does not exactly turn on a dime or stop/start instantly. Leaving the slip, I proceed as follows: 1) take off and stow main sailcover (I leave it shackled to the halyard); 2) clip headsail to halyard and clip all hanks to headstay; 3) bunch up headsail and bungee cord to bow pulpit; 4) run headsail sheets to cockput; 5) verify fuel supply/fill gas tank if necessary; 6)start outboard and wait until it is running warm and smoothly; 7) with outboard running in neutral, undo dock lines and manhandle boat until bow is pointed in the right direction; 8) jump aboard, place outboard in forward and steer (with tiller) away from slip and down navigation channel to deep water in lake, away from traffic and pointed to windward; 9) place outboard in neutral and lower centerboard; 10)raise and cleat headsail (sheets are loose but not excessively so to avoid fouling sheetlines from 'flapping'); 11) slack mainsheet and raise mainsail; 12) adjust outhaul, downhaul and boomvang; 13)turn off and raise outboard; trim sheets and sail away. Returning to the marina is pretty much the reverse of the above, except I just bungee the main to the boom and fold and stow it in its cover at the slip. Probably the biggest challenge with all of this is learning how the boat responds to helm under auxiliary power, and the process of landing under power. Reverse of the outboard is necessary as I near the slip pier so that I gently arrive, at which point I put the outboard in neutral, jump up on the bow, grab a dockline, jump on the pier, and make fast. In travel within the marina corridors I have learned that use of the tiller is generally best, with outboard amidships (vision is better for one thing) but that use of the outboard directly for steerage is best for emergency or quick maneuvers. Sometimes I have maneuvered in the marina in reverse for better control and maximum vision. A significant problem in single handling is the lack of a crew to man the watch. I have also leaned to reduce sail to avoid problems with less human movable ballast. No problem at all in light to moderate air, but with a brisk breeze I will reef the mainsail and headsail and at times sail with just a headsail. Obviously I do not fly the asymmetrical sail without a crew. I can imagine this could be done with an autosteerage arrangement. I believe single handling would also be easier with a self-furling headsail. Also, safety is a particular concern, as falling overboard while single handling could be a disaster. In summary, I enjoy the accomplishment of being able to single handle the O'Day 25. One must do the jobs of both skipper and crew, being constantly on the watch for other boat traffic, keeping all lines and gear ship-shape, etc., but the solitude is a pleasure. Happy sailing!
I enjoy sailing my O'Day 25 either with crew or alone. The boat is a shoal keel-centerboard model, used (thus far) on a fairly large inland lake. It is kept at a tight slip in a crowded marina. The space between the slip piers is about 20 ft, and two craft must fit in that space. Several tight right angle turns are necesssary to embark from the slip and to land. The sail collection includes main, headsail (jib), 155% Genoa, and asymmetrical spinnaker. Headsail and Genoa are flown with standard hanks. I have a topping lift on the boom so that it stays in place without the main set. There is a 15 hp Johnson outboard for auxiliary power. The first time that I launched the craft (after purchase this year) I sailed it single-handed. The most difficult challenge to overcome was leaving the slip and landing. The 5,000 lb boat does not exactly turn on a dime or stop/start instantly. Leaving the slip, I proceed as follows: 1) take off and stow main sailcover (I leave it shackled to the halyard); 2) clip headsail to halyard and clip all hanks to headstay; 3) bunch up headsail and bungee cord to bow pulpit; 4) run headsail sheets to cockput; 5) verify fuel supply/fill gas tank if necessary; 6)start outboard and wait until it is running warm and smoothly; 7) with outboard running in neutral, undo dock lines and manhandle boat until bow is pointed in the right direction; 8) jump aboard, place outboard in forward and steer (with tiller) away from slip and down navigation channel to deep water in lake, away from traffic and pointed to windward; 9) place outboard in neutral and lower centerboard; 10)raise and cleat headsail (sheets are loose but not excessively so to avoid fouling sheetlines from 'flapping'); 11) slack mainsheet and raise mainsail; 12) adjust outhaul, downhaul and boomvang; 13)turn off and raise outboard; trim sheets and sail away. Returning to the marina is pretty much the reverse of the above, except I just bungee the main to the boom and fold and stow it in its cover at the slip. Probably the biggest challenge with all of this is learning how the boat responds to helm under auxiliary power, and the process of landing under power. Reverse of the outboard is necessary as I near the slip pier so that I gently arrive, at which point I put the outboard in neutral, jump up on the bow, grab a dockline, jump on the pier, and make fast. In travel within the marina corridors I have learned that use of the tiller is generally best, with outboard amidships (vision is better for one thing) but that use of the outboard directly for steerage is best for emergency or quick maneuvers. Sometimes I have maneuvered in the marina in reverse for better control and maximum vision. A significant problem in single handling is the lack of a crew to man the watch. I have also leaned to reduce sail to avoid problems with less human movable ballast. No problem at all in light to moderate air, but with a brisk breeze I will reef the mainsail and headsail and at times sail with just a headsail. Obviously I do not fly the asymmetrical sail without a crew. I can imagine this could be done with an autosteerage arrangement. I believe single handling would also be easier with a self-furling headsail. Also, safety is a particular concern, as falling overboard while single handling could be a disaster. In summary, I enjoy the accomplishment of being able to single handle the O'Day 25. One must do the jobs of both skipper and crew, being constantly on the watch for other boat traffic, keeping all lines and gear ship-shape, etc., but the solitude is a pleasure. Happy sailing!
Single-handed is the best
I single hand mostly because I like the solitude. I will go sailing any time the wind and weather are cooperating and it is also hard to find crew at the drop of a hat. My boat is small enough (21ft)that I haven't rigged it special. I do tie down the tiller if I have to. The hardest part is deploying the spinnaker even though I have a sock. I especially like to be out when the lake is rough. Just more fun.
I single hand mostly because I like the solitude. I will go sailing any time the wind and weather are cooperating and it is also hard to find crew at the drop of a hat. My boat is small enough (21ft)that I haven't rigged it special. I do tie down the tiller if I have to. The hardest part is deploying the spinnaker even though I have a sock. I especially like to be out when the lake is rough. Just more fun.
solitude, saneness, solo
I like to single hand for two reasons. 1 is that I often go out for short sails with little lead time. This makes it difficult to find a partner. Secondly I like the alone time I get on the boat. I have a columbia 28 and all controls lead aft to the cockpit. I can sail single handed no problem. The scariest part is anchoring and weighing ancor without any help.
I like to single hand for two reasons. 1 is that I often go out for short sails with little lead time. This makes it difficult to find a partner. Secondly I like the alone time I get on the boat. I have a columbia 28 and all controls lead aft to the cockpit. I can sail single handed no problem. The scariest part is anchoring and weighing ancor without any help.
You Single-handed because
you have too! Nobody want to go! I know because that is why I single-handed. All the other reason are BS! It is more fun to have crew.
you have too! Nobody want to go! I know because that is why I single-handed. All the other reason are BS! It is more fun to have crew.
Why choose?
I enjoyed reading the variety of replies and came to the realization that this discussion parallels why we sail in the first place. It's the variety and the new and constantly changing challenges and adventures. The difference can be subtle or unmistakable, but it keeps it new everytime out. If you've ever tried to explain this to a non-sailor and have received nothing but a puzzled look, you know that one either understands this, or it totally escapes them. So why choose? Enjoy it all.
I enjoyed reading the variety of replies and came to the realization that this discussion parallels why we sail in the first place. It's the variety and the new and constantly changing challenges and adventures. The difference can be subtle or unmistakable, but it keeps it new everytime out. If you've ever tried to explain this to a non-sailor and have received nothing but a puzzled look, you know that one either understands this, or it totally escapes them. So why choose? Enjoy it all.
I bought my Hunter so I could single-hand
When I decided to get my own boat, I went looking for the best vessel to single hand. I knew that I wanted the challenge of being out by myself--not having to worry about others. I am still mastering the techniques one needs to go out alone, but as I go out each time (even when I make a mistake) I feel my sense of accomplishment grow. I'll never want to sail around the world alone, but the afternoons out on the Puget sound with just me and my boat are the best experiences i have ever had....
When I decided to get my own boat, I went looking for the best vessel to single hand. I knew that I wanted the challenge of being out by myself--not having to worry about others. I am still mastering the techniques one needs to go out alone, but as I go out each time (even when I make a mistake) I feel my sense of accomplishment grow. I'll never want to sail around the world alone, but the afternoons out on the Puget sound with just me and my boat are the best experiences i have ever had....
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