Beneteau 323 Single Handling?

[BoxedUp]

We've previously chartered a Bene 39 & 42 but I had crew along. This year, we'll be chartering a 323 and it will be only my wife & I. Other than asking her to take the helm at certain times due to her limited experience (which will be greatly expanded with this coming trip), I'm figuring to basically sail single handed.

Any tips or suggestions pertaining to the 323 with regards to singe handed sailing?

 

[Stu Jackson]

Try this, and read the link to the single handed topic, too

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6379.0.html

Have fun.

 

[DougM]

The 323 is fairly easy to single hand. All the sail controls are led back to the cockpit. You would not be able to reach the mainsheet controls from the helm however.
If the boat has an autopilot, you can temporarily set it to hold your course while you trim sails. Absent the autopilot, you can temporarily lock the wheel. Overall, its a fairly easy boat to sail, a little tender, Its one you want to reef sooner rather than later. If your spouse doesn't mind steering, you're in business.

 

[Mike B]

If she can help pick up a mooring pennant or dock line plus steer now and then you'll be in good shape, especially if the boat has an autopilot. Relax and have a good trip.

 

[Rob2435]

I've single handed my 352 a number of times, usually due to inexperienced crew or because I had to move the boat. I do like someone else on board for safety reasons, which you will have your wife, however, she should know how to stop and start the engine and some basic boat handling just in case you go overboard. Have fun!

 

[BoxedUp]

If she can help pick up a mooring pennant or dock line plus steer now and then you'll be in good shape, especially if the boat has an autopilot. Relax and have a good trip.

I showed her this video and she said "then you won't have any trouble doing it yourself"...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8kWnVzHAwM&feature=related

 

[Mike B]

You should have kept that video to yourself...

 

[BoxedUp]

Try this, and read the link to the single handed topic, too

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6379.0.html

Have fun.

Thanks Stu. We'll rarely be pulling up to a dock but I agree that reefing early is key. It's always easier to shake a reef or 2 out than to shorten sail when needed.