Single Handed Sailing: Is it For You?

Ever wondered why some sailors choose to go it alone? Well, there are plenty of reasons! For starters, it takes a lot of skill and smarts to handle a boat by yourself, which is a pretty awesome challenge. Plus, you get to be your own boss out there – total freedom to go wherever, whenever.

An ideal boat for long-distance single-handed sailing—the Rustler 36

It's a real journey of self-discovery, building confidence and resilience you won't find anywhere else.

Finding a crew isn't always easy (or cheap!). Sailing solo solves both of those problems. And for some, it's the only way to achieve certain goals, like participating in solo races or sailing alone around the world.

But beyond the practical stuff, there's something magical about being alone on the water – a deep connection with nature and a chance to truly unplug from the humdrum.

Of course, it's not for everyone. It takes serious prep, solid sailing skills, and a good head on your shoulders. But for those who are up for it, the rewards are incredible.

I got into solo sailing quite early in my sailing career—I use the word 'career' in a loose sense—sailing for me has been nothing but a compelling hobby. My real career involved working on a contract basis in various overseas locations which provided regular leave periods of 3-4 weeks.

You can sail a long way in 3 weeks; it's how I got my Nicholson 32 'Jalingo II' (most of it single handed) from the UK to the Mediterranian in several hops: Falmouth (UK) >> Camaret (France) >> Vigo (Spain) >> Villamoura (Portugal) >> Gibralter and onwards to the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean.

Of course when Mary got into my life my days of single-handed sailing were over!

Planning for Single Handed Sailing

Okay, so maybe you're seriously thinking about sailing solo? Not just a singlehanded daysail along the coast, but a longer offshore passage of several days or more.

First things first, you'll need a solid passage plan. Map out your intended route, check the weather and tides, and have a backup plan (or two!). Share your adventure with someone on shore, just in case.

Now, get to know your boat like the back of your hand. Practice sailing, anchoring, and docking solo.

Regular maintenance? Non-negotiable. It's way easier to fix things before they become a problem.

Safety gear is your best friend out there. Life jacket, flares, first-aid kit, liferaft, EPIRB – the whole nine yards. And make sure it's all in good working order.

Weather wisdom is key. Check reliable forecasts and be flexible with your plans. Mother Nature is in charge out there!

Communication is your lifeline. VHF radio, satellite phone, EPIRB, PLB – have options! And check in regularly with someone back on land.

Even though you're alone, try to create a little routine. Short naps and regular checks will keep you alert and rested. You'll find that it takes two or three days to get into the swing of things, before your sleep pattern reluctantly aligns with your watch-keeping routine.

Always, always wear your safety harness and tether when on deck, and clip on to your jackstay which must be rigged to provide uninterupted access along each side of the boat from bow to stern.

Keep your boat tidy! Secure anything that could go flying, both inside and out. It'll prevent accidents and make it easier to find things when you need them.

Listen to your body and mind. Don't push yourself too hard. If you're tired or the weather turns nasty, find a safe harbour.

A 'last chance' floating grabline that will disable the self-steering is certainly worth thinking about.

Last but not least, take care of yourself! Stay hydrated, eat well, and keep fit. Singlehanded sailing is demanding, so you need to be in top form, both mentally and physically.

Preparing the Boat for Single Handed Sailing

This may involve some key modifications that will make a world of difference in terms of safety and ease of handling. Think simplicity, efficiency and robustness:

A reliable autopilot or windvane self-steering system is practically essential. These systems keep you on course while you're busy with other tasks or catching some much-needed rest. And hand-steering for hour after hour tends to lose its appeal after a while.

Rope clutches and jammers are another great addition. They centralize your line controls, allowing you to adjust sails quickly and easily from one spot.

Bringing all your control lines and running rigging back to the cockpit is a game-changer. You can manage everything without leaving the safety and security of the cockpit, a huge plus in rough conditions.

Single-line reefing systems are another safety and convenience booster. Reefing from the cockpit is much safer and faster when the wind picks up.

A tiller extension gives you better leverage and lets you steer from different positions in the cockpit when you have to, making things more comfortable and flexible.

Self-tailing winches (ideally 2-speed) aren't cheap, but make a big impact. They automatically grip the line, freeing up a hand and simplifying sail handling.

Good lighting is essential, both inside and out. Upgrading to LEDs provides better visibility at night and saves energy.

A cockpit sprayhood and bimini provides shelter from the elements, making those long passages much more comfortable, especially in challenging weather.

Safety should always be a top priority. Install jacklines, invest in a quality safety harness and tether, and consider a single-handed MOB recovery system for added peace of mind.

Upgrading your navigation and communication gear is a must. Reliable GPS, AIS, VHF radio, and maybe even a satellite phone significantly enhance safety and navigation.

A self-stowing anchor setup simplifies anchoring solo, minimizing effort and maximizing convenience.

Finally, keep your deck and cabin organized and secure everything. This prevents accidents and ensures you can quickly find what you need, when you need it.

The Elephant in the Room: Complying with Rule 5

Rule 5 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) requires that every vessel maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing, and by all available means appropriate in the circumstances. This includes singlehanders, who must take all reasonable steps to comply with this rule.

Here are some ways singlehanders can comply with Rule 5:

Maintain a constant lookout: This means scanning the horizon regularly, using binoculars if necessary, and listening for sounds that might indicate the presence of other vessels.

Use available technology: Radar, AIS, and other electronic aids can help singlehanders maintain a proper lookout. These tools should be used to their full potential.

Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to the weather, sea conditions, and other factors that could affect visibility or the behaviour of other vessels.

Take action to avoid collision: If a collision risk is identified, take immediate action to avoid it. This may include changing course, speed, or using sound signals.

Consider the limitations of singlehanding: Singlehanders may have limited ability to respond to a collision risk, especially in adverse conditions. They should be aware of these limitations and take steps to minimize the risk of collision.

It is important to note that compliance with Rule 5 is a matter of judgment and depends on the specific circumstances. Singlehanders should always err on the side of caution and take all reasonable steps to avoid a collision.

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I wrote this article using GPT-4, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model, as a research assistant to gather information, summarize research findings, and provide suggestions for the content and structure of the article.

Dick McClary, creator and owner of sailboat-cruising.com

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