Single Handing a Catalina 22

[markpillow]

solo concerns

i'm on Lake Conroe also, #13242. I've been goingg through the same issues, now that there's actually some wind. best advice i can give on our gusty little lake is; be able reef your main pretty quickly. Also be able to deploy your anchor at moments notice, i broke my rudder ten minutes out from the PO's dock and i was really glad i took the time when rigging the boat. if you can see me then it is a race

 

[jbrosser]

Mark, thanks for the heads up re: Lake Conroe. Write me sometime. I'd enjoy meeting you and having you go out with me sometime. My email address is jbrosser33@comcast.net.

 

[Cadence9330]

Bringing down the main

I agree with all the previous posts. This is a good compilation of what to do/not to do single handing on a Catalina 22.

I have been single handing alone and with the Admiral aboard for 20 years and the one thing not mentioned yet is what to do dropping the main sail. I use a bungee cord with clips that used to be available through BoatUS and West Marine but I have not seen it in trying to give some 100% accuracy for this post. The closest thing is in the bungee chord sail tie section made by Star Brite called a sail lash centipede. Once the main comes down, taking the bungee and bringing it around the main to tame the main quickly around the boom is vital to keeping the deck clear, the sail aboard and under control, and making a rapid dash fore and aft safer when doing the work yourself. Also make sure you see exactly where you are going to step and then be sure to step there. No second chances if you step wrong.

I cannot over-emphasize the life jacket as the most important piece of gear to the single hander. Yes, a tether is good for keeping you aboard but my ribs have been spared a certain break more than once by cushioning myself from errant things as unfortunate as a slip and fall onto the cabin top with the flotation padding of a type III lifejacket worn tight (as tight as you can make it and breath with effort).

Worst case, everything goes well until something doesn't and you find yourself watching your boat sailing off without you and no curb to stand on. Some guys trail a line as a last chance hand-hold. I prefer to tow my canoe as a tender though I'm not sure I could grab and board that but it sure beats the alternative options. I have done a drill for every eventuality with the exception of a fall over the side while underway. I'm not sure how that could be done safely.

Re-emphasizing the "know where your foot is going next" comment and always be aware of all that is going on around you.

Go out and do it,
Derek

 

[Bilbo]

Re: Bringing down the main

Re-emphasizing the "know where your foot is going next" comment and always be aware of all that is going on around you.

I second this. I recommend repeating of proper procedures in sequence to familiarize yourself with a memorized sequence of things. I do my boat prep in a certain order each time like a pilot going through a checklist. So I always have a procedure in setting up the boat and then stowing things when done for the day. Another example, When on the cabin top stowing the mainsail, make sure that the hatch is back and closed every time. That way you will better remember and have less chance of dropping through someday. If single handing, I wouldn't sail with the hatch forward anyway and even on a calm day it is probably best to have some or all of the hatch boards in place. Just in case a gust hits unexpectedly.

Also make sure you see exactly where you are going to step and then be sure to step there. No second chances if you step wrong.

One example of this would be to NEVER step on a sail that is down on the deck. That's a surefire way to slip and hit your head as you are falling overboard.

Also when you are working with loose items such sail tie bungees or a wrench and some boat equipment, make sure that you have your loose parts under control.Work cautiously and think. On shore you can pick up a bolt that you dropped. On your boat, that dropped bolt will go overboard. Similarly, when I am going out to our boat on the dock, i have everything in a zipped up sack or backpack. This includes, car keys and even my watch. Our dock is about 30 yards of shaky fiberglass on aluminum poles and it's very easy to drop something or even step over the edge if you aren't thinking. As an example our 6 year old dog has actually walked off the dock while not watching and I had to go in and get her out of the water.

One can contemplate concerns about procedures and plan things out ahead of time. One can think about what can go wrong when you are preparing to do something like dropping the foresail and this may prepare you for many issues. ONe can also think about conditions, wind strength and if one is concerned, then trust your instincts and get out of there. Mother nature has a way of creeping up the conditions so mind the weather and how it is changing.

Another word after all of this cautions....Sailing alone can be great fun if only because you have no one to distract you from what you are doing.