I have got an O'Day 35 and am thinking about working my way into single handing in the protected waters of the Pamlico Sound area. I am looking for any ideas, suggestions, etc. for working ones way into single handing capability. One question I have is autopiloting necessary. Good Winds, Dave s/v DAMWEGAS
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Curt Weaver - Hope Floats
Go for it
My previous boat was a Hunter 33.5 - my current boat is a 410. While I never took the 33.5 out by myself, I decided I would definitely learn to single-hand the 410. I don't know the layout of your boat, so I don't know how easy it will be to control. I do know that on mine, single-handing would be impossible without the autopilot. All the winches are forward of the wheel on the cabin roof. Set up everything in the cockpit that you normally want to use or would ask your crew to fetch. (Boathook, VHF radio, chart, winch handles, horn, bottle of water.) Whenever I single-hand, I also have my SOSpenders automatic-inflation life vest in the cockpit with me. I don't leave the cockpit to go forward without putting it on. Go out on a day when you are sure you can get back into the dock without assistance. In fact, the first time you go out you may just want to go when there is no wind and motor around. Build up your confidence as you go. I am now single-handing more than 25% of the time, and I love it. It's very peaceful, while still giving a very strong feeling of accomplishment.
My previous boat was a Hunter 33.5 - my current boat is a 410. While I never took the 33.5 out by myself, I decided I would definitely learn to single-hand the 410. I don't know the layout of your boat, so I don't know how easy it will be to control. I do know that on mine, single-handing would be impossible without the autopilot. All the winches are forward of the wheel on the cabin roof. Set up everything in the cockpit that you normally want to use or would ask your crew to fetch. (Boathook, VHF radio, chart, winch handles, horn, bottle of water.) Whenever I single-hand, I also have my SOSpenders automatic-inflation life vest in the cockpit with me. I don't leave the cockpit to go forward without putting it on. Go out on a day when you are sure you can get back into the dock without assistance. In fact, the first time you go out you may just want to go when there is no wind and motor around. Build up your confidence as you go. I am now single-handing more than 25% of the time, and I love it. It's very peaceful, while still giving a very strong feeling of accomplishment.
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HenryV
single by habit
I sail a Beneteau 331 and single hand most of the time. My usual companion - my wife - started coming out while recovering from a broken hip so I got used to doing everything myself. I also go out alone frequently. The auto pilot is a big help although I find many times that I can get stuff done without engaging auto. I do have both main and jib on furlers which simplifies things a lot but my last boat had a conventional main so I have worked with both. With a conventional main you definitely should have auto when hoisting or lowering sail. The previous suggestion of a pfd with harness and a safety lanyard is also a must. The only other area that can be tricky is docking. I have a line permanent line running at an angle between the pilings at the end of the dock and a cleat half way down the dock. I can stop the boat and hook or grab this line while still on the boat This allows me to stabilize the boat by the dock before stepping off - you don't want to try to jump off when the boat is drifting away from the dock.
I sail a Beneteau 331 and single hand most of the time. My usual companion - my wife - started coming out while recovering from a broken hip so I got used to doing everything myself. I also go out alone frequently. The auto pilot is a big help although I find many times that I can get stuff done without engaging auto. I do have both main and jib on furlers which simplifies things a lot but my last boat had a conventional main so I have worked with both. With a conventional main you definitely should have auto when hoisting or lowering sail. The previous suggestion of a pfd with harness and a safety lanyard is also a must. The only other area that can be tricky is docking. I have a line permanent line running at an angle between the pilings at the end of the dock and a cleat half way down the dock. I can stop the boat and hook or grab this line while still on the boat This allows me to stabilize the boat by the dock before stepping off - you don't want to try to jump off when the boat is drifting away from the dock.
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larry w.
singlehanding
Dave; I singlehanded my first boat, a Windmill 18, up through a Catalina 22, a Catalina 30, and now frequently sail my Beneteau 40 singlehanded. It's very satisfying while at the same time opening up much sailing time since you don't have to round up crew. It does require preplanning. Coming into a strange dock, have the lines ready, especially a midships line, flanked by two fenders, that you get secured first. Don't be afraid to use the engine throttle to control the boat so wind and current don't take control from you. At my slip, I have three tall wands set up, made from PVC pipe, that I hang my mooring lines from. When I come in alone, I don't have to jump to the dock. I stop the boat in place with a shot of reverse, pluck a stern line from the wand, drop it over a cleat, then go foward and pluck those lines from two more wands and drop them over cleats. An autopilot is not strictly necessary, but it does free you from the tyranny of the helm. I don't use mine to tack, though. I take the genoa sheet out of the jaws, put the wheel over, release the line, wait for the genny to blow over, pull in the slack, put the wheel back up, crank in the genny. If there's at least ten knots of wind, I sail without the main. My boat sails well under genny alone. Remember the seven P's, and you should have no trouble.
Dave; I singlehanded my first boat, a Windmill 18, up through a Catalina 22, a Catalina 30, and now frequently sail my Beneteau 40 singlehanded. It's very satisfying while at the same time opening up much sailing time since you don't have to round up crew. It does require preplanning. Coming into a strange dock, have the lines ready, especially a midships line, flanked by two fenders, that you get secured first. Don't be afraid to use the engine throttle to control the boat so wind and current don't take control from you. At my slip, I have three tall wands set up, made from PVC pipe, that I hang my mooring lines from. When I come in alone, I don't have to jump to the dock. I stop the boat in place with a shot of reverse, pluck a stern line from the wand, drop it over a cleat, then go foward and pluck those lines from two more wands and drop them over cleats. An autopilot is not strictly necessary, but it does free you from the tyranny of the helm. I don't use mine to tack, though. I take the genoa sheet out of the jaws, put the wheel over, release the line, wait for the genny to blow over, pull in the slack, put the wheel back up, crank in the genny. If there's at least ten knots of wind, I sail without the main. My boat sails well under genny alone. Remember the seven P's, and you should have no trouble.
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andy
I can't imagine single handing without autopilot
I often single hand my Lecomte 38 but I can't imagine trying it without Bob, my Simrad/Robertson ap. I must go to the mast to raise/lower/reef the main. how about food or the head? 10 minute naps while off shore overnight? emergency repairs?
I often single hand my Lecomte 38 but I can't imagine trying it without Bob, my Simrad/Robertson ap. I must go to the mast to raise/lower/reef the main. how about food or the head? 10 minute naps while off shore overnight? emergency repairs?
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Bill O'Donovan
Try this
Biggest problem is raising the main at the mast and then running back in time to haul up the last leg. Install a $5 plastic clutch to thumb the halyard into place temporarily so you can get back to the well and crank her up. Other advice... 1. Try not to move too quickly when solo. 2. Develop your skills before going auto-pilot. 3. Lay a flat jackline from bow to wheel. 4. Buy an approved marine harness & tether. 5. Buy a small IPRB in case you go over. 6. Attach a whistle to your lifejacket. 7. When approaching a dock, holler for aid. 8. Enjoy the serenity & mastering of your fate.
Biggest problem is raising the main at the mast and then running back in time to haul up the last leg. Install a $5 plastic clutch to thumb the halyard into place temporarily so you can get back to the well and crank her up. Other advice... 1. Try not to move too quickly when solo. 2. Develop your skills before going auto-pilot. 3. Lay a flat jackline from bow to wheel. 4. Buy an approved marine harness & tether. 5. Buy a small IPRB in case you go over. 6. Attach a whistle to your lifejacket. 7. When approaching a dock, holler for aid. 8. Enjoy the serenity & mastering of your fate.
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Denny Fegan
Be Careful
Dave, I have done a fair amount of single handling, both with a McGregor 25 and my Catalina 30. I find that you have to bring all the lines back to the cockpit so that you can raise and lower the main. An autopilot is nice but is not neccessary, depending on your skill! You have to feel comfortable in leaving and returning the dock by yourself. Also make sure your anchor can be deployed easilly. Best Denny Fegan
Dave, I have done a fair amount of single handling, both with a McGregor 25 and my Catalina 30. I find that you have to bring all the lines back to the cockpit so that you can raise and lower the main. An autopilot is nice but is not neccessary, depending on your skill! You have to feel comfortable in leaving and returning the dock by yourself. Also make sure your anchor can be deployed easilly. Best Denny Fegan
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Dave Mauney
Thanks, keep it comming, I am encouraged
I have now: 1) All lines except vang and outhaul back to cockpit. (Ginney is furling system) Only exception is a main downhaul which I am finding I need more and more anyway. 2)Use inflatable pfd with integral harness and planned to us flat jackline bow to stern. 3)Will not go beyond Pamlico Sound. 4)Have a secondary hook I can deploy from the stern. 5)Have lines between pilings in slip to help hand control boat when motion is slowed with engine. If you have no autopilot and go forward in cockpit to work lines does securing wheel temporarily with shock cords help any. Thanks Dave s/v DAMWEGAS
I have now: 1) All lines except vang and outhaul back to cockpit. (Ginney is furling system) Only exception is a main downhaul which I am finding I need more and more anyway. 2)Use inflatable pfd with integral harness and planned to us flat jackline bow to stern. 3)Will not go beyond Pamlico Sound. 4)Have a secondary hook I can deploy from the stern. 5)Have lines between pilings in slip to help hand control boat when motion is slowed with engine. If you have no autopilot and go forward in cockpit to work lines does securing wheel temporarily with shock cords help any. Thanks Dave s/v DAMWEGAS
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Rick
Good Reference
I single hand about 95% of the time, and, without an autopilot. Of course, things on an O-22 are a bit simpler. An excellent reference is "Single-Handed Sailing" by Frank Mulville, 1990, Seafarer Books, 10 Malden Road, London N.W.5.
I single hand about 95% of the time, and, without an autopilot. Of course, things on an O-22 are a bit simpler. An excellent reference is "Single-Handed Sailing" by Frank Mulville, 1990, Seafarer Books, 10 Malden Road, London N.W.5.
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Jack Tyler
'Capturing' your boat when docking
Dave, it's been interesting reading the answers but one technique I notice most singlehanders at our marina use hasn't been mentioned: arraning lines to 'capture' the hull when you return and giving you lots of time to retrieve the dock lines. It requires a stern piling on each side of your slip. Folks run a line at/near the high tide line from one rear piling, to a cleat midway across the slip at the dock and back to the other stern line. This has many permutations depending on slip size, boat size, etc. E.g. some will seize the lines together that is going to/coming from the dock cleat several feet 'into' the slip, which arrests the hull before the bow's overhang connects with something on the dock (like a dock locker). Some will put a nice cushy fender midway at the slip's front end, under the cleat and on the face of the dock - in case the bow comes that far up. Some forego a mid-slip cleat for an eye lag screw on the face of the dock, since they then seize that line a few feet off, as described above. While the details vary, in each case the boat is docked until the hull slips into these lines, at which point it can't really go anywhere while a few dock lines are attached. You must be on a different Pamlico Sound than the one we've transited; I think you understate things just a bit to call if 'protected'! <g> Jack
Dave, it's been interesting reading the answers but one technique I notice most singlehanders at our marina use hasn't been mentioned: arraning lines to 'capture' the hull when you return and giving you lots of time to retrieve the dock lines. It requires a stern piling on each side of your slip. Folks run a line at/near the high tide line from one rear piling, to a cleat midway across the slip at the dock and back to the other stern line. This has many permutations depending on slip size, boat size, etc. E.g. some will seize the lines together that is going to/coming from the dock cleat several feet 'into' the slip, which arrests the hull before the bow's overhang connects with something on the dock (like a dock locker). Some will put a nice cushy fender midway at the slip's front end, under the cleat and on the face of the dock - in case the bow comes that far up. Some forego a mid-slip cleat for an eye lag screw on the face of the dock, since they then seize that line a few feet off, as described above. While the details vary, in each case the boat is docked until the hull slips into these lines, at which point it can't really go anywhere while a few dock lines are attached. You must be on a different Pamlico Sound than the one we've transited; I think you understate things just a bit to call if 'protected'! <g> Jack
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Mike
A fellow newbie
I just started single-handing my Oday 23 this season, so I can relate. This is my third season with my boat, so I have had a chance to learn where I need help. I made a few improvements to the boats that have made all the difference. First, I put on roller furling. A no-brainer. Second, I installed a "tiller tamer". Its not an autopilot, but it does allow for some surprisingly effective self-steering. Now, I can point the boat into the wind with the outboard running and get the mainsail most of the way up before waves knock me back on the wind. So long as the wind isn't too strong, its not hard on my small boat to actually hoist or lower the main regardless of the point of sail. The tiller tamer also allows me to balance the sails and then go hands free. I originally thought it would hold course for only a minute or so, but the other day I set course, locked the tiller and didn't have to touch it again for twenty minutes! Had me some lunch and a look-see at the other boats in beautiful weather. In order to prepare myself for solo docking, I actually practiced my over-the-life-line moves while at the dock, and also made a few "solo" dockings when I had crew on board. By the time I actually did a solo, I had the procedure down and it was no problem. While I love the feeling of independence and sense of accomplishment I get from soloing, I find that after three straight solo sails, I really want to have some company on board for my next sail. I like the social aspect of sailing, but also enjoy the solitude of going solo.
I just started single-handing my Oday 23 this season, so I can relate. This is my third season with my boat, so I have had a chance to learn where I need help. I made a few improvements to the boats that have made all the difference. First, I put on roller furling. A no-brainer. Second, I installed a "tiller tamer". Its not an autopilot, but it does allow for some surprisingly effective self-steering. Now, I can point the boat into the wind with the outboard running and get the mainsail most of the way up before waves knock me back on the wind. So long as the wind isn't too strong, its not hard on my small boat to actually hoist or lower the main regardless of the point of sail. The tiller tamer also allows me to balance the sails and then go hands free. I originally thought it would hold course for only a minute or so, but the other day I set course, locked the tiller and didn't have to touch it again for twenty minutes! Had me some lunch and a look-see at the other boats in beautiful weather. In order to prepare myself for solo docking, I actually practiced my over-the-life-line moves while at the dock, and also made a few "solo" dockings when I had crew on board. By the time I actually did a solo, I had the procedure down and it was no problem. While I love the feeling of independence and sense of accomplishment I get from soloing, I find that after three straight solo sails, I really want to have some company on board for my next sail. I like the social aspect of sailing, but also enjoy the solitude of going solo.
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Jeff
solo docking technique
We have just started playing with a docking technique which should be useful for soloists... Take a longish line (say 80% of boat length) aft from the bow cleat (midship cleat might be better if you are lucky enough to have one). Tie a bowline in the end. Take another line (can be shorter) from the stern cleat, clear the pushpit, life lines etc and loop it through the bowline. When you pull alongside the dock/into the slip, slow the boat with the engine, hop off with the stern line AFTER it has gone through the bowline. Loop the line around the AFT side of the nearest dock cleat and pull/hold. This has the effect of stopping the boat (bow line) and snugging the boat to the dock (both lines). The stern line counters the bow's tendency to come into the dock. So far we use this when we are just two on our Hunter 35.5 (only had the boat a few weeks so no soloing yet) and it is working quite well. YMMV, Jeff
We have just started playing with a docking technique which should be useful for soloists... Take a longish line (say 80% of boat length) aft from the bow cleat (midship cleat might be better if you are lucky enough to have one). Tie a bowline in the end. Take another line (can be shorter) from the stern cleat, clear the pushpit, life lines etc and loop it through the bowline. When you pull alongside the dock/into the slip, slow the boat with the engine, hop off with the stern line AFTER it has gone through the bowline. Loop the line around the AFT side of the nearest dock cleat and pull/hold. This has the effect of stopping the boat (bow line) and snugging the boat to the dock (both lines). The stern line counters the bow's tendency to come into the dock. So far we use this when we are just two on our Hunter 35.5 (only had the boat a few weeks so no soloing yet) and it is working quite well. YMMV, Jeff
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Steve O.
springline
The docking technique described by Jeff is called a "springline" and should be used for all docking, not just solo. It's nothing new, it's basic boathandling right from the book.
The docking technique described by Jeff is called a "springline" and should be used for all docking, not just solo. It's nothing new, it's basic boathandling right from the book.
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Andy Howard
Crew Holidays
Dave, One way to gradually work ones way into single handing capability that worked for me was to declare a "crew holiday". One morning I asked my wife and kids to just sit on the cabin top while I de-docked, raised the sails, and made a few tacks. We sort of turned it into a game where we now take turns being both captain and crew. It's great practice, it's fun to watch just my kids take us out, and it's good practice for an emergency. Most importantly it's a good way to practice singlehanding with a net; you can always ask for help. As far as the autopilot goes, of course it's not necessary, but once you have it, you wonder how you ever did without.
Dave, One way to gradually work ones way into single handing capability that worked for me was to declare a "crew holiday". One morning I asked my wife and kids to just sit on the cabin top while I de-docked, raised the sails, and made a few tacks. We sort of turned it into a game where we now take turns being both captain and crew. It's great practice, it's fun to watch just my kids take us out, and it's good practice for an emergency. Most importantly it's a good way to practice singlehanding with a net; you can always ask for help. As far as the autopilot goes, of course it's not necessary, but once you have it, you wonder how you ever did without.
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Dennis
Larry W. - What are the "seven P's"
What are the "seven P's" you mention in your reply to a singlehandling thread? Thanks.
What are the "seven P's" you mention in your reply to a singlehandling thread? Thanks.
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Dave Mauney
The 6 p's
I don't know about the 7 p's but I remember that every Monday morning in the Army in staff meeting the battalion commander would end the meeting by saying, "Gentlemen, remember the 5 p's" He had taught it as, Prior Planning Prevents #@! Poor Performance. He seemed not to notice that there were 6 p's there. Oh well it was the 60's anyway! Goodwinds Dave s/v DAMWEGAS
I don't know about the 7 p's but I remember that every Monday morning in the Army in staff meeting the battalion commander would end the meeting by saying, "Gentlemen, remember the 5 p's" He had taught it as, Prior Planning Prevents #@! Poor Performance. He seemed not to notice that there were 6 p's there. Oh well it was the 60's anyway! Goodwinds Dave s/v DAMWEGAS
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[author]Ray
Single handed
If you can get some pointers from Sailor Don on the Hunter Owners Website it could help you. He is one of the most capable single handers in this area. Might not know much about your area but the principles are the same almost everywhere.
If you can get some pointers from Sailor Don on the Hunter Owners Website it could help you. He is one of the most capable single handers in this area. Might not know much about your area but the principles are the same almost everywhere.
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