ON THE WATER
Before taking on any planned solo voyage, your boat handling should be up to scratch, but even the best sailors will find their skills improving quickly from a bit of time on the water alone. Thinking through manoeuvring into and out of marinas berths and moorings, and then practising this a few times can take away some of the stress of a solo trip.
At sea you need to be able to heave-to or stop comfortably, as this will give you time to boil the kettle, tend to any problems, or even have a quick break. Manoeuvres such as tacking or reefing can also be rehearsed: which lines are eased or hauled in first, and when to put the helm down will be particular to your boat, but can be practised. Once you’re at sea, it is worth keeping manoeuvres to a minimum when possible, as they take time and energy, and incur an element of risk. As beating will involve a heeled boat and some tacking, it is, by its very nature, the toughest point of sail.
SELF-STEERING
Vane steering systems or an autopilot that can adjust the course to the wind shifts, will keep the boat steering effectively. Some newer autopilots also have tacking and gybing functions, leaving you free to concentrate on trimming the sails. An autopilot remote is also an option, giving you access to control from anywhere on the boat (usually worn on the wrist).
It’s also worth spending time on your passage planning and general theory. Going below for five minutes to check when the tide turns or to find out what a specific light means will be five minutes that you’re not on deck keeping a lookout.