What an exhilarating day!

[Brian D]

Sorry if this is rather lengthy but it was just an incredible day for me.I solo’d for the first time in my life. Yeah, I’ve been out before with passengers and ended up doing most everything on my own, but at least there was someone at the wheel when I needed to do something. Today… nope. Just me.I was nervous. A little apprehensive to say the least. I got the boat ready, well I thought I did, and backed her out of the slip. So far so good. I was even being watched as I backed her out. Almost perfect if I say so my self.Headed out of the harbor and realized it was too windy for me to put the sails up alone. So back into the harbor I went. Pulled up to the launch ramp, which by the way was facing into the wind, put my sails up and let the wind back me out. That was easy.Headed out of the harbor and made my way towards the Coronado Bridge, about 6nm away. Wind was about 12-15mph and the boat sailed well. There were times that the boat seemed to sail itself. I’d just let go of the wheel and could relax. Went below a few times to get things like wench handles and to turn on the instruments.Although my confidence is now higher due to this solo trek, I know I still need more time before my mast to get better.What a great day for sailing! By the way, the boat was a Lancer 27 (see the link).Do you recall your first solo adventure?

 

[tom]

Most early sailing was solo

Most of my sailing was solo with a Laser or sunfish and later a windsurfer. Alone time is good!!!! But since my wife and I married it has been mostly sailing with her. But this weekend I was using the autopilot to hold course while I put up and took down the sails. Our current boat is larger than a sunfish(32'). My only concern is docking if there are high winds. It might be best to just stay out or anchor out until the wind drops. I routinely sail while she is below and it's not too hard. If my autopilot would hold a point by pressing a single button it would be easy. But you have to go to the companionway to dial in a new heading. So now it is a little sloppy when I let go of the wheel to work the jib during tacks. Steering in front of the wheel feels strange. Setting and retrieveing an anchor might be difficult in high winds.I plan to spend more time sailing alone. It would be akward to fall overboard while the boat is being steered by autopilot!!!!

 

[Ross in Tampa]

I am now that much closer

I am now that much closer to be able to single hand. This past weekend was my birthday.(don't ask how old, I am really feeling my age these days) One of my very thoughtful gifts was a tiller tamer. My Oday 25 did not have anything like this, so it's always been "grad the tiller and keep it pointed insert targer here". I have yet to install it, have to get some jam cleats, but am looking very forward to being able to take my hands off the tiller to take care of the chores at hand.

 

[Brian D]

No surprises here...

I'm 53 and thrilled to death that I finally got up the nerve to do this. The one thing that I got out of the experience? Have to move the halyards back to the cockpit. I guess the previous owner(s) before me removed the hardware. The mounging holes are plugged but still visible.

 

[Anchor Down]

Congratualtions, Brian

I single-hand a 30' sloop all the time, without the wheelpilot I see in your pic.Single-handing is about thinking ahead/preparing ahead, and avoiding getting in over your head. You learned about raising sails before you get out there, a prime first lesson. A few other tactics you may want to consider:I habitually raise the main in the turning basin before getting out in the bay, but leave the headsail furled until I'm out in the open. The engine and main are plenty to maneuver with for a solo skipper. I don't see a furler in your pic, so I'll assume you hank on your headsail and leave it in a jib bag on the foredeck, ready to deploy by simply hauling the jib halyard. If so, rigging a downhaul line that runs back to the cockpit will let you drop your hanked-on headsail to the deck quickly when you're coming in, or if there's a helluva lot of wind and getting that headsail down becomes desirable. Once things are under control, you can trust you wheel pilot and scamper up on the foredeck to secure the sail to the bow pulpit with a couple of ties/shock cord if it's blustery, or if it will stay on deck by itself, bag it later in the slip.Speaking of leaving the cockpit: it would be more than just "awkward" if you and your boat parted company: you really must spend the money on a harness or harness/inflatable PFD combo, and a tether, and clip yourself to the boat whenever you leave the cockpit. Whether you run jacklines, or clip in to any solid thing you can, you must ensure that you do not fall over. I don't cast off docklines unless I'm wearing my harness, guests (who would have no clue what to do if I went splash) or not. The use of tethers and jacklines is a whole topic in its own right; begin reading to get the basic concepts to apply on your vessel. Not to be indelicate, but have a container to relieve your bladder into while at the wheel. Gatorade bottles have a large mouth that is convenient in a pitching and rolling cockpit. Unless you're halfway to Avalon with no other traffic, running down to the head on autopilot would be irresponsible and dangerous.Welcome to the world of single-handing. The challenges and rewards are great.Jeff

 

[viejodelmar]

INTERIOR SHOTS

Really like the interior of your boat. How is the overnight room etc. >?<

 

[Near Bliss]

Solo Voyage Round trip Pensacola to Panama City

Three weeks ago I took my first major trip on my Macgregor 26X. I sailed solo for 11 wonderful days. I sailed from Pensacola to Destin down the intercostal waterway and then from Destin to Panama City I sailed in the Gulf. I caught a few spanish mackeral and had fish every day for lunch and dinner. I sailed back to Destin on the intercostal and then went outside into the Gulf for the sail back to Pensacola. What a wonderful trip. I sailed around all the bays and did a lot of visiting less traveled spots. This was my first major trip. I have soloed a lot on the lakes and rivers in Tennessee, Alabama and Arkansas but this was my first extended trip in the Ocean. I can't wait to do it again.

 

[John Dawson]

Drifting strategy

I found my Mac 22 drifts beam-to very well. I get out where there is room to leeward, let her drift with a free helm, and raise sails. She keeps crabbing until I get back to the cockpit and sheet in; it depends on the boat if this is possible for you. Agree with others that an inflatable and tether is required, also a jackline if you need to go forward.

 

[Brian D]

viejodelmar...

Haven't overnighted in the boat yet. Will one of these days. But I can say that everyone who was a little tired and went below for a nap have told me they feel not boat motion what so ever. Maybe because they were asleep? I too have rested below in the aft berth when underway. It was very very comfortable.