Similar -but different - Single Handed Docking

[jwing]

Bryan, you should not have to go to the mast but once; when raising the sail point the boat into the wind and let it drift to a stop, release the mainsheet to allow the boom to swing and stay pointed to the wind no matter how the boat's bow move...

That sounds good in theory, but the reality of my boat is that the bow will get blown down wind while the mainsail gets stopped by the shrouds and then my boat is running with the topping lift engaged, while I'm trying to raise the jib. That scenario can get sporty.

 

[Ward H]

Then, quick-like-a-bunny, go forward and pull down the main.

To avoid going forward to pull the main down I ran a thin line from the top sail lug down through a block at the mast base, then back to the cockpit. I use it to pull down the main after I trip the halyard. Keeps the wind from filling the main until I can tidy it up with sail ties.

When trying to keep the bow into the wind there are a lot of forces trying to turn it downwind. Wind, wave/wake action, change in boat balance due to people moving around. Even on my 25 a tiller clutch would only hold it for so long. An auto tiller pilot is the best solution but with a smaller boat, just try to do as much as you can from the cockpit. On my 17' Newport I did everything to the main and jib from the cockpit. Jib halyard and jib downhaul were run back and all the main lines were easily reached.

 

[Bosman]

Another option, for single-handling, is the lazy bag system. On the return to the marina you put the boat against the wind and secure the tiller. Drop the mainsail (falls into the lazybag) and close the lazybag zipper - you are done. The entire operation will take you under a minute. Then you motor to the marina.....

 

[Daveinet]

That's a good point. The answer is: no. The reason is that my boat is a 19'er, as is jbluto's, the boat in the original post. For me to reach my mast, I have to take one step in my cockpit, then step down into the cabin. A slip or trip would put me in the boat. Plus, I set the motor throttle just enough to keep the bow pointed into the wind, so the boat speed is quite slow.

You should always wear your life jacket when messing around with the rig. The reason is because when you slip and fall, the life jacket will save you... from smashing your ribs against the cabin or the seat. My life jacket has saved me from bruised ribs on more than one occasion.

 

[Raven34]

I have a similar question to that by Raven on single handed docking. I sail from a marina that doesn't allow leaving or docking under sail - only power. So generally, when I have another person with me, I have them hold the tiller while I raise/lower the sail. I've struggled with a way to do this while sailing solo. I have a 19 ft Oday - no problem docking under power and sail lowered. Any recommendations on how to best lower the sail while in open water solo...or is it safest to the leave the sail raised, dock, then lower the sail? I ask because the tradition at the marina seems to be to have the sail completely lowered before docking.

I have an Oday 22 and I use the Tiller Clutch to hold my tiller in place. Sailing into my slip would be very difficult so I use an outboard to get in and out of the marina. The first step I take is starting the motor while under sail. Like most guys have already stated, I next point into the wind and use a jib downhaul and tighten the jib sheets to assist bring the jib in and keeping the sail on deck. That way I don't need to go forward. I can get to the main fairly easy without leaving the cockpit. Lastly, I have my PFD on at all times while single handed. Would hate to be in the water watching my boat sail away thinking, "is this how it ends?"

 

[druid]

Lastly, I have my PFD on at all times while single handed. Would hate to be in the water watching my boat sail away thinking, "is this how it ends?"

I don't know where you sail, but in Georgia Strait that's exactly what would happen if you went overboard WITH a PFD: it would just be hours before you die of hypothermia rather than minutes from drowning. WEAR A HARNESS. The Number One Rule of single-handing is: stay with the boat!

druid

 

[BudGates]

WEAR A HARNESS. The Number One Rule of single-handing is: stay with the boat!

I wear a harness even when others are aboard because I'm usually the only one who knows how to handle a boat.

 

[Daveinet]

A 19 foot boat is probably lake sailing or sailing near the shore. When its cold out, I wear a wet suit.