I am seeking information on solo sailing. I need to know the length and any other specifications anyone can give me on which sailboats may be sailed by one person.
2006-11-01 17:14:54 · 8 answers · asked by robert4155k 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
With the right equipment a single sailor (A Sailor not a Lubber). Can handle most any vessel that doesn't require going aloft for sail handling. Jim
2006-11-02 02:22:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The largest sloop ever made was completely computerized to sail itself. It sailed from Holland and went to the Americas cup in New Zealand. Many parts of sailing can be done by machine now, but the question becomes what to do if the power goes out. We chartered a 51 foot in BVI and found that all the equipment was just too big to handle alone. Roller furling is a must, even for the main.Electronics are wonderful, but be prepared to do it yourself too.
2006-11-02 10:50:02 · answer #2 · answered by science teacher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That depends on how well the boat is setup for short handing, and the abilities of the crew. My wife and I live aboard a 37 foot catamaran, but we could handle a much larger boat. If it was set up correctly I'd have no problem taking out a 50 foot cat with just the 2 of us (we've chartered 44 footers). You need a good autopilot, and with a really big boat power winches might be in order. For anchoring you need a windlass when you get to a boat that big. Of course the bigger you go the more everything costs. For the two of us a 37 foot catamaran is the perfect combination of size, speed, cost and comfort. The real question is how big a boat are you comfortable with?
2016-05-23 11:12:47 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think 30 - 33 feet is the best range for solo. The things you have to think about are running up to anchor, docking, maneuver in a harbor, and raising and lowering/furling sails solo. Sailing (strearing and trimming) a larger 35' + boat is easy - it is the ship handling that is easier in 30-33 footer. Also - a sloop with a smaller jib (100% jib versus a genoa) is easier to man handle too. I have heard good things about Freedom yachts. If you want a sloop - get roller furler and lazy jacks. I have a 33 foot Tartan 10 and think that is as big as you should get and sails easliy solo - especially with the 100% jib that it was designed to sail with! tten.com
2006-11-03 11:43:32 · answer #4 · answered by fffrrreeeddd 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the boat is rigged properly for single handing with all lines lead aft, all self-tailing or power winches and redundant autopilot and self steering equipment then it is quite easy to single-hand a rather large boat. There are many sailboats in the 40' to 60' range that are rigged for single-handing. A few years ago a dock neighbor at my marina raced her Santa Cruz 50 to the first to finish honors in the Single Handed Transpac race. The boat was originally purpose-built by Santa Cruz Yachts as a single handed racer. Check out the Single Handed Sailing Society website:
http://www.sfbaysss.org/
2006-11-02 11:57:59 · answer #5 · answered by cat38skip 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your capabilities and the knowledge of your boat. I own and live on board my sailboat which is 36' long which I can just about handle in most situations but at times I could not if it were not for the fact I have an auto pilot which in effect is a "first mate"! Knowing where everything is on the boat is a must especially in an emergency situation at sea or in the dark. Test yourself in pitch black or with a blind fold on, may sound silly but it could save your life and or the boat!
2006-11-01 23:40:40 · answer #6 · answered by Mike D 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
30' is usually the limit although with newer equipment you can handle bigger boats up to 35-40' It just a matter of cost. but for your average Joe 30' is best as a limit.
2006-11-02 05:33:08 · answer #7 · answered by brian L 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Which person?
2006-11-05 02:58:19 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋