Soloing

I sail solo often. I carry a righting bag, and I can stand my mast solo.

I have a 20' line with clips on both ends that I attach to my bows where the bridle wires connect, then I hook my jib halyard to the center of this line. I can step my mast and then cleat the jib halyard, then get off the tramp to pin my forestay.

i have added a roller furling jib and have reef points in my sail. i practice sailing from the wire. i sail conservatively. i keep my sheets free from tangles. i stay in touch with the main sheet and uncleat in anticipation of gusts. i watch the weather. i think about loick peyron alone in the southern ocean and i DONT CAPSIZE. i hope to get a garys solo right system for that ? inevitable? surprise. and i HAVE A BALL flying around with that awesome wing slicing through the currents high above me. whoa..think i'll just go do it!

Keep a death grip on the main sheet so that you will stay connected to the boat. A good friend of mine uses a surfboard leash. I love the idea. It has a velcro ankle cuff that could be ripped free in case the boat was to drag you so hard that you would not be able get your head above the surface.

The leash is a spiral urethan cord so it keep itself retracted and somewhat out of the way. It also has a swivel bearing on it to keep it from becoming twisted.

My way of keeping connected to the boat is that while I am dragging under it, the sheet sheets itself in and makes the boat either round up and stall, or capsize. It is the Dragging Under My Boat Automatic Sheeting System that I've coined "DUMBASS."

The roller furler is a very important item for a quick reduction in overpoweredness. It sure makes things better at the dock or beach too.

Capsizing may or may not be something you try real hard to avoid. But one thing is certain, when you sail a beachcat either with or without crew, you WILL capsize some time. And for that, I also cary one of GARY's [color]SoloRights. It has served me well for years.

I agree with Gary (by the way, nice photo Gary) about the use of a roller furling jib. I had one on my H16 and I'm installing one on my P18. It's not only great to adjust the power when soloing, but also with crew. Very handy when launching, docking, taking a break, etc. If anyone is interested, I still have my Hobie 16 roller furling jib and upper cable.

http://www.bright.net/~jmhoying/rfjib.htm

Jack

All great tips i'm sure. I have a Hawaiian righting system on my 16 now thats brand spankin new, but I hav'nt had to use it yet. I've heard all good things about Gary,s system but I can't throw mine in the trash yet. I might have to try the water bag thing first. Do you have to have the block & tackel deal or can you manage without it?

The leash sounds like a great idea, but I think i'll just whip a bowline around my neck and use the DUMBASS method of non separation. That suits me to a tee.

Thanks for the help....

Chuck