What Duane said...
Even though Duane said it all with - "The key to sailing alone safely is setting the boat up for it."I'll still share my experience, I have none!! LoL!!!But, I am in the final stages of setting up for it. Like you I have a 26M, mine is an '03 model. First I got an Autohelm, Raymarine ST4000 MKII+, then I ran all lines aft. This spring I just installed my Schaefer Snapfurl rollerfurler and luff conversions and now I am getting to the finishing touches with a Harken LazyJack system.Then it will be a couple practice runs while having my crew (wife) on standby. Once I am confident that I can leave the slip and get under way alone, hoist the sails, sail a bit, then take everything down and dock again on my own I will start going out alone. My wife needs to see it done so that she doesn't have to fret while I am out there.The Autohelm is the real convenience, we both really like it, but I think the Snapfurler will also rank right up there. It is a bit expensive to do what I did but I wanted the whole package so I spared no expense. Now I just have to get out there and try it all, first splash of the season is next weekend. Amazing how much money one can spend on a boat!!