A couple of weeks ago, in the article about watchkeeping systems, I mentioned the difficulty single-handers have in complying with Collregs Rule 5. I've since realised I hadn't written about solo sailing in general—I hope this week's article puts that right:

Single-Handed Sailing: The Risks and Rewards

We've all been out there on a beautiful day, managing the boat solo for a few hours, but how do you transition that experience into a successful, safe, and fulfilling offshore passage lasting weeks?

The sheer thought of handling every decision, repair, and emergency alone can be overwhelming, often making sailors reluctant to embrace the profound freedom of single-handed cruising.

Our new article cuts through the uncertainty, providing the expert guidance and preparation checklists you need to face the risks and reap the incredible rewards of sailing on your own terms.

Here are the key takeaways you will gain:

• The essential modifications your vessel needs, from self-steering to single-line reefing, for safe solo control.

• How to create a rigorous sleep management routine to beat the fatigue that is the single greatest risk to a solo sailor.

• Expert advice on steering and power redundancy, ensuring you have robust backups for critical systems a thousand miles offshore.

• The psychological tools and coping mechanisms required to manage decision fatigue and the profound solitude of long passages.

Discover the ultimate guide to mastering your boat and yourself on the open ocean.

Read the Full Guide to Single-Handed Sailing: The Risks and Rewards.

All the best