Single-handed advice
‘Solo Sailing’ by Toby Heppell was interesting (YM, August 2020). I sail single-handed a lot myself. Out of necessity to pick up family or friends and because I enjoy it. I have set up my Jeanneau 43 DS so I hardly ever have to leave the cockpit. A few items that I thought Toby could also have included are:
■ Roller-reefing main with vertical battens. For a cruising boat there is little difference from a conventional battened main.
■ Rope control from the cockpit to correctly position the genoa fairlead cars.
■ Cruising chute rigged with a top-down furler, not in a sock, with the continuous furling line led back to the cockpit.
■ Remote anchor control with chain length counter and an anchor that self-launches.
■ A vital aspect: insurance that allows solo sailing. My insurance clause allows me up to 24 hours, which I accept as reasonable for my requirements. Andrew Geddes Toby Heppell responds:
I’m glad you enjoyed reading it. I agree that limiting the time one needs to venture out of the cockpit on a solo passage is always a good idea! While broad set-up is a matter of preference, and will depend on the type of solo sailing you are going to be undertaking, your point about insurance is something everyone needs to think about when planning to sail alone. Checking the small print is advisable – many people might be surprised to discover they are not covered should they leave port without a crew.