Bene 473 single handed

[snadd1s]

Hi, unfortunately it seems that i have to sail my new baby short / singlehanded for some time.
Any suggestions to make it easier?
Install an extra winch for mainsail handling together with rebuild to "German sheeting"? or better ideas / views?

 

[Captn TJ]

Lots of questions before answers. Furling main? Electric winches? Standard 140 headsail or bigger? Sailing in and out of a dock or mooring? Extent of single handed planned - day sails or cruising? Etc etc

 

[snadd1s]

Standard "non furling" main, only 1 el winch on couch roof.
in / out of mooring and often dock,
day and cruising sailing.

 

[Stu Jackson]

These may help, smaller boat but same concepts, good luck, nice boat.

Docking 101 http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6379.0.html [includes a link in Reply #1 to a very good single handed topic]

Single Handing 101 http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5445.0.html

 

[Captn TJ]

A bit bigger than single handing my 423 (with a classic main). A few thoughts:

Hopefully you have jack lines set up and use a harnessed pfd

I'd get a remote for your autopilot. This will allow you to leave the wheel for any emergencies while under power or sail

A device for picking up a mooring ball

Rigging the reef line for the genny so that you can use the cabin top electric winch (hopefully yours is on the port side). If not run it down the starboard side - you can put a snap shackle on the pad eye then run it to the cabin top winch

If you're at a dock - I leave the lines on the dock. (But always have a spare set on the boat) also have it set up so that you can easily grab the spring and stern line when docking. Ours are set up on a pole. Also I'm less concerned about the bow since I can control the bow with my thruster.

Learn how to quickly reef both sails

Always file a float plan in case there's a problem

If money's not a problem convert the primaries to electric

Start single handing in light winds.

 

[markwbird]

One word: autopilot.

 

[Gunni]

You can do this. Mark your reefing positions on your halyard and practice your reefing drill. Reef early to manage power. With an autopilot you can handle both genoa sheets at the same time as the pilot tacks the boat. Install a staff on your moor to hang your pennant, get a remote for the autopilot to control the boat from the foredeck. A pre-set springline laid from mid-ship to the helm gives you control at the dock. Good luck, singlehanding is great!

 

[NiceBeny]

Yes all good ideas. I use auto pilot, jack lines, I clip in when rough. Also I make a point of not running around on deck trimming as fast as I can, when you run you can fall more easy and get hurt or go over the side which can be a death sentence depending on location and water temp.

 

[Kestle]

Not to be obnoxious, but here are some things I keep in the cockpit, as I try to not leave it anymore than necessary:

1) pee bottle ( a big Gatorade does fine)
2) spare vhf, on and in a charge cradle
3) soup/lunch in a thermos
4) an alarm of some type for reminders (position log, sunscreen app etc)
5) my Spot, which I use to check in once an hour, on the hour, with my float plan holder (buddy or wife)
6) more line bags than others(I hate lines under foot)
7) Binoculars
8) A red handheld, low power, laser.
9) two handheld gps, with one below in an oven/faraday cage.

I also have a pilot style checklist for set up and take down, along with a paper maintenance log, as at the end if these trips I'm dopey tired.

All in all, fatigue scares me more than other drivers.

Jeff

 

[NiceBeny]

Not to be obnoxious, but here are some things I keep in the cockpit, as I try to not leave it anymore than necessary: 1) pee bottle ( a big Gatorade does fine) 2) spare vhf, on and in a charge cradle 3) soup/lunch in a thermos 4) an alarm of some type for reminders (position log, sunscreen app etc) 5) my Spot, which I use to check in once an hour, on the hour, with my float plan holder (buddy or wife) 6) more line bags than others(I hate lines under foot) 7) Binoculars 8) A red handheld, low power, laser. 9) two handheld gps, with one below in an oven/faraday cage. I also have a pilot style checklist for set up and take down, along with a paper maintenance log, as at the end if these trips I'm dopey tired. All in all, fatigue scares me more than other drivers. Jeff

Do you have this for all sailing or just longer passages, I keep a whistle, strobe and hand launched flare in my PFD vest for if I go overboard when solo, I want to be seen

 

[TropicalSeattle]

Kestle, can you explain #8 and #9? Thanks.

 

[Rob2435]

Kestle,

I get #9 is in case of a lightning strike but don't understand #8 at all. Please explain what you are using the laser for...

 

[Kestle]

I keep a red laser, as at night, with the higher moisture in the air, a red laser can flag someone to your exact position. You see a beam and not a spot of light. A waving flashlight or strobe is very hard to source.

Here's an example. Take a cushion and tape your strobe to the top if it. Drop it in the water and go away 200 yards. You'll see ho hard it is to sight, especially in waves.

If I point my laser straight up, I can be found very easily. If I want a boat to see me, he will.

Jeff

 

[Kestle]

On #9, I grew up in an area with lightning. Having a gps in a heavy, grounded metal box, sitting in insulation, can protect it in a lightning strike.

You never know the path of lightning.

Overly cautious, you bet. But I solo a lot.

Jeff