How easy is it for the helmsman to dump the main in gusts? Also, how easy to handle the sails on one's own? (I have only sailed a (UK) Hunter 27 before and am not built like Arnie). Hopefully yours Patrick Randall, Port Charlotte Fl.
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single-hand all the time
Patrick, I single-hand my 1983 H34 all the time. I recommend you reef the main in anticipation of strong winds. You might want to re-route your main sheet controls to make it easier to control it from the wheel. I've done this temporarily when single-handing. Single-handing can be a joy, and can be done without undue risk if you are cautious, and practice ways to keep control. Good luck.
Patrick, I single-hand my 1983 H34 all the time. I recommend you reef the main in anticipation of strong winds. You might want to re-route your main sheet controls to make it easier to control it from the wheel. I've done this temporarily when single-handing. Single-handing can be a joy, and can be done without undue risk if you are cautious, and practice ways to keep control. Good luck.
More Often Than Not
Pre-planning is everything when you're soloing. Most of my sailing is done solo, and Bill's suggestions are right on. On my H-30, if I expect to be needing to dump the main, I bring the sheet back to the helm and cleat it onto a spare cleat that I can reach easily. Under more accomodating circumstances, I'll often stand forward of the wheel/pedestal to steer so that when I tack, I'm in a much better position to handle the jib sheets as well as the main/traveler (I got tired of bruising my shins sneaking between the pedestal and cockpit lockers.*cry)
Pre-planning is everything when you're soloing. Most of my sailing is done solo, and Bill's suggestions are right on. On my H-30, if I expect to be needing to dump the main, I bring the sheet back to the helm and cleat it onto a spare cleat that I can reach easily. Under more accomodating circumstances, I'll often stand forward of the wheel/pedestal to steer so that when I tack, I'm in a much better position to handle the jib sheets as well as the main/traveler (I got tired of bruising my shins sneaking between the pedestal and cockpit lockers.*cry)
Add Lazy Jacks
I just jumped up to a 1981 Hunter 36 this year from a Columbia 23 and added a Harken Lazy Jack system. A small amount pf prep work to do prior to sailing, but it sure makes single-handing easy when I drop that mass of sail and don't have to worry one bit about it covering the deck!! After I tie the ssail ties the lazy jack line is slacked and hooks at the aft end of the boom so I can put the canvas cover on the sail.
I just jumped up to a 1981 Hunter 36 this year from a Columbia 23 and added a Harken Lazy Jack system. A small amount pf prep work to do prior to sailing, but it sure makes single-handing easy when I drop that mass of sail and don't have to worry one bit about it covering the deck!! After I tie the ssail ties the lazy jack line is slacked and hooks at the aft end of the boom so I can put the canvas cover on the sail.
Equipment Upgrade
I often single-hand my Hunter 30 on Lake Michigan. It made all the difference in the world to upgrade the traveler and boom vang (Garhauer)as well as a new double clutch for the main and jib sheets (Lewmar). By the way, all the best equipment will not help you if you fall overboard so make sure you have a way to be clipped in.
I often single-hand my Hunter 30 on Lake Michigan. It made all the difference in the world to upgrade the traveler and boom vang (Garhauer)as well as a new double clutch for the main and jib sheets (Lewmar). By the way, all the best equipment will not help you if you fall overboard so make sure you have a way to be clipped in.
I single hand my '81 h33 all the time and
it's no big deal. Two important aspects mentioned in the responses are 1) some sort of sail handling system (lazy-jacks or a Dutchman system), and 2) PLAN AHEAD!!!! If the forecast is calling for winds at the upper range I'll put a reef in the main at the mooring and go out under reefed main alone. Depending on what's out there I'll let out some jib staying within my comfort level. If the wind is as forecast then I'm comfortable with the reefed main. If they're a lot less than forecast it's a hell of a lot easier to shake out the reef than to put it in out in bouncy waters. And if the winds are more than forecast, or increase, lazy-jacks or a Dutchman system make it real easy to drop the main and worry about flaking it later back on the mooring.
it's no big deal. Two important aspects mentioned in the responses are 1) some sort of sail handling system (lazy-jacks or a Dutchman system), and 2) PLAN AHEAD!!!! If the forecast is calling for winds at the upper range I'll put a reef in the main at the mooring and go out under reefed main alone. Depending on what's out there I'll let out some jib staying within my comfort level. If the wind is as forecast then I'm comfortable with the reefed main. If they're a lot less than forecast it's a hell of a lot easier to shake out the reef than to put it in out in bouncy waters. And if the winds are more than forecast, or increase, lazy-jacks or a Dutchman system make it real easy to drop the main and worry about flaking it later back on the mooring.
Solo on my H37C.
The previous posts are what inspired me some years ago. Lazy jacks and my Simrad WP30 autohelm make it very easy. And none of my lines are led back, everything is at the mast. I have complete control of the main in the cockpit. Sometimes I only use the main and staysail(self-tacking). But I have also used the oversized jib(yankee). I always hope for help at the return however.
The previous posts are what inspired me some years ago. Lazy jacks and my Simrad WP30 autohelm make it very easy. And none of my lines are led back, everything is at the mast. I have complete control of the main in the cockpit. Sometimes I only use the main and staysail(self-tacking). But I have also used the oversized jib(yankee). I always hope for help at the return however.
Single handing a Hunter 37C
I have been sailing mostly single handed for 19 years on my Hunter 37C. The key to successful single handling is Planing Ahead! I have an Autohelm 3000 autopilot which certainly helps. I have not modified anything on my 37C except to rig permanent docking lines from the bow to the cockpit. I leave these lines always rigged so I do not have to worry about lines at the last minute when entering harbor. The lines are 40 feet long. I also leave the stern lines rigged (shorter). When coming alongside I only have to get the cockpit near the dock. I then step off with a bow line and a stern line in my hand. I always reef when I first think of it. That is usually too late but that is life. I furl the jib, reef the main, drop the staysail and then double reef the main in that order. I let the autopilot steer and just work the main carefully. I do not have lazy jacks. Single handling is not difficult. It is a frame of mind. If you mentally stay 1/2 mile ahead of the boat you will be okay. Fair winds.
I have been sailing mostly single handed for 19 years on my Hunter 37C. The key to successful single handling is Planing Ahead! I have an Autohelm 3000 autopilot which certainly helps. I have not modified anything on my 37C except to rig permanent docking lines from the bow to the cockpit. I leave these lines always rigged so I do not have to worry about lines at the last minute when entering harbor. The lines are 40 feet long. I also leave the stern lines rigged (shorter). When coming alongside I only have to get the cockpit near the dock. I then step off with a bow line and a stern line in my hand. I always reef when I first think of it. That is usually too late but that is life. I furl the jib, reef the main, drop the staysail and then double reef the main in that order. I let the autopilot steer and just work the main carefully. I do not have lazy jacks. Single handling is not difficult. It is a frame of mind. If you mentally stay 1/2 mile ahead of the boat you will be okay. Fair winds.
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