Singlehanded sailing an H26

[svripple]

Hello everyone, I have a 1994 Hunter 26. As far as sailing skill, I rate myself more of an intermediate sailor. Most of my experience is with at least one other person aboard. But I've recently become more inclined to attempt sailing solo. I'm hesitant to do so as the winches are too far away atop the cabin to reach comfortably, and there are no cleats on the coamings with which to easily tie the jib sheets off to. Wondering what sort of modifications and/or adjustments anyone has done to compensate? Also, would anyone recommend using a Davis Tiller Tamer or similar? I get the feeling the boat is too big for using one of those. Any insight would be very much appreciated.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

I sail mine solo frequently.

I use very long jib sheets. I lock the rudder in place before the tack and step to the winches to prepare for the tack. I wrap the windward sheet around the winch and release the lee sheet. Keeping tension on the lee sheet, I move back to the rudder with both sheets.

I release the rudder lock, tack, and cut the jib over. I keep tension on the new lee sheet until I'm stable on the new course and can lock the rudder to step forward and cleat the sheet.

I use rudder because I've done this with both tiller and helm. The key is to have some way to prevent rudder movement when you need to work the jib sheets.

 

[Dan Johnson]

Ripple...

The Davis Tiller Tamer may work for your needs, but try tying the middle of a line on the tiller arm and put a pair of jam or clam cleats on the cockpit coaming on either side to sheet off the tiller and allow you to go to the cabin top for the jib sheet winches.

I'm across the river at NERYC if you need further help...

 

[Deleted member 78819]

I've used the Davis tiller tamer. Try this instead:

http://www.cansail.com/

Loved it. Easy to set up. Very sturdy.

 

[Drew13440]

The deep fin and spade design of your boat will make it very difficult to control with a rope tie off system on the tiller. Give it a try but don't spend a lot of money on gimmicky hardware.

I've cabin top winches, too. Single hand all the time and would like to meet the guy who decided to put the winches there so's I can slap his face.

 

[soling42]

I almost prefer solo sailing. While I enjoy experienced company, I'm growing tired of being a cruise host that has to accommodate everybody's needs and work around a crowd in the way of the winches and line clutches. I guess my avatar says it all.

My suggestion is to get a Raymarine tiller pilot and rig it to steer for you when you want to leave the helm. My last boat had one that was a couple hundred bucks used. The best money I ever spent on my 260 was a decent AP.


"would like to meet the guy who decided to put the winches there so's I can slap his face".
LOL....Stand in line behind me