Single Handed Distance/Lessons

[mageekenneth]

Hey guys,

I have been planning a trip now for a while. I probably will not
make it all of the way around, but I have managed to equip the boat for
such a passage. I have also managed to piss everyone off to the point
that I don't think they will mind my being gone for a while. d So I
am almost ready to cast off (in a couple of months).
While thinking/obsessing about the upcoming trip, it occured to me to
ask all of you: How far have any of you taken the VEGA singlehanded
(or shorthanded) and what did you learn most about the routine at
sea/everyday sailing that had not been apparent while costal cruising.
Where do you think the primary difficulties are in undertaking such a
trip?
Any advice?

 

[pjacobs55]

Kenneth,
I've never been "off shore" by more than a dozen miles, but have done
lots of single-handing. Tony Skidmore took 'Lorna Doone' around the
world solo. His letters and photos are in the VAGB newsletters.

http://www.albinvega.co.uk/downloads.html

My advice: have good steering help in the form of a windvane (plus
spares) and a tiller pilot (preferably 2 of them) ... being free of
the helm while single-handing is a must. A good dodger (spray hood)
is mandatory. Anything that makes the boat simpler and easier to
handle helps, but that could be an endless list too!

Where are you setting out from, and which way to you plan to head?

Ah, and the 'primary difficulty' is probably casting off and leaving!

Best of luck on your voyage!
Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

 

[vega1860]

Hi Kenneth,

Second everything Peter said, and I have been offshore. Tony
Skidmore's voyage is also available in its entirety, downloadable in
printer friendly form so you can take it with you at
Long and Short Voyages of Vega 27 sailboats and others
You may also want to read Nick and Jenny Coglan's "Tarka the Otter -
Preparing your Vega for Offshore Cruising" at the same url.

Malie ke kai,

Chuck Rose