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Tips on singlehanding

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DaveC25
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USA
152 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2006 : 15:40:11

When I single-hand (which is almost every time I go out), I always drop the hook (anchor) and put up my sails at my leisure, then sail where I need to go and then drop the hook again to take them down. Works well for me. I agree that trying to put the sails up while underway without someone or something tending the helm is just asking for a jibe or worse.

I once lashed the tiller while underway under main alone, and was able to raise the jib before she misbehaved, but the wind was light that day. Put the hook down, raise the sails, have a drink (lemonade), then pull up the hook and be on your way. :)

-Dave C25

Edited by - DaveC25 on 07/25/2006 15:41:32

Lightnup
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1016 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2006 : 17:08:30

Dave, aren't you concerned about the boat taking off on you while you're weighing and stowing the anchor?

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2006 : 07:43:07

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5908 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2006 : 08:28:54

If you raise the mainsail first, and then put the boat on a course approximately between a beam and a close reach (trimming the mainsail accordingly), and then lash the tiller to hold that course with a tiller tamer type device, a C25 will usually hold that course almost indefinitely, while sailing on the mainsail alone at a low to moderate speed, while you raise the jib. When you raise the jib, don't put any tension on the jib sheets until after you have raised the jib halyard all the way and cleated it.

To lower the sails, head straight up to windward, release the jib halyard and drop the jib on the foredeck. Then put the boat on that same course, set the tiller tamer, let the boat self-steer on the main alone, and then go forward and secure the jib. Lowering the jib only gets dicey when it's so windy that the wind picks up the jib and starts flying it up the headstay. In that case, a jib downhaul or dousing line can help.

Edited by - on

DaveC25
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USA
152 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2006 : 09:12:14

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Lightnup
 Dave, aren't you concerned about the boat taking off on you while you're weighing and stowing the anchor?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Not really. I've done it in winds up to 20 knots gusting to 30. Basically I raise both sails, but leave the sheets loose so they're luffing. I pull the boat up to the anchor, then wait until she swings to the tack I want to leave on. Once she's there I pull up the hook. She'll fall off with the wind while I'm putting the anchor away, but she doesn't go far because her sheets are not pulled in so the sails remain luffing. Usually by the time I get the anchor put away and back to the cockpit she is beam-on to the wind. Then I just pull in my sheets and she's on her way. Sometimes the mainsheet hangs on the tiller, but that just makes her start on her way before I get back there. But under main she doesn't go very far before I get there. Obviously, this method requires you not to lolli-gag while stowing the anchor.

I believe with this way I have more control over her when single-handing, rather than trying to go up and raise the sails while she is underway, especially in gusty conditions.

When lowering the sails I let loose her sheets and point her to windward with the sails luffing, wait until she stops and and then walk up front and drop the hook while she begins to drift backwards. Once the hook is set she'll swing back and forth on it, so I wait until the swings pointing to windward and then drop the jib, get it bundled up and tied up front, then wait again until she swings to windward, and then drop the main so the boom rests in the cockpit. I get the sail down and the bungie it up front, then hang the boom on the backstay and finish tying up the main.

Different strokes for different folks....

-Dave C25

Edited by - DaveC25 on 07/26/2006 09:22:08

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2006 : 09:32:20

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Sloop Smitten
 You can easily see 7.6 mph if any current or waves are assisting.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I was cruising at about 13 knots in my powerboat yesterday and was passed by a Mac 26...

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2006 : 09:43:53

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by DaveC25
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Lightnup
 Dave, aren't you concerned about the boat taking off on you while you're weighing and stowing the anchor?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
...Different strokes for different folks....
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Yup, Dave... I hoist the main from the cockpit under power into the wind, set my course, turn off the engine, pull out the genny, and sail. Coming in I pull in the furling line, start the engine, head up, and drop the main (with a dousing line to help). Often I skip the whole mainsail part--then there's no need to even head up. Different strokes...

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 07/26/2006 09:46:33

DaveC25
Navigator

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USA
152 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2006 : 10:06:06

Dave,

Your way is great and much easier, but I don't have all that fancy equipment.

Maybe one day....

-Dave C25

Edited by - DaveC25 on 07/26/2006 10:07:20

djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2006 : 10:26:30

Hi Dave, I just converted to having all my lines in the cockpit. I don't move so fast anymore so I don't like to fight a sail on the fordeck. Surprisingly it did not cost that much to do this. You don't need all the fancy clutches, which cost a lot, and you can use your winches from your mast on the top of the cabin. It is a much safer way to go when single handing. Cheers.

Edited by - on

bbriner
Captain

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349 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2006 : 11:27:18

In the Berkeley Marina there is a turning basin where I will usually raise and lower my sails (lines are at the mast still too), which means sailing into or out of the marina (which can get interesting sometimes too). Where I am in the marina makes it very hard to sail to the slip by myself, plus it's a downwind slip, so I just don't do it. Instead, I motor to/from the turning basin (a distance of about 100yds). The turning basin is well protected so I have time to do it all without the boat going very far while I'm at the mast (I tuck in behind some big boats before I get started). If it's not too crazy out there I'll motor out, raise the jib, go to a close reach, lash the tiller, and then raise the main - with the mainsheet loose. A close reach allows the main to luff easily and the battens won't get caught inside the shrouds. If it wasn't for the turning basin it would be very very dicey - since as soon as you leave the protection of the marina's breakwall you go straight into teeth of the winds (and waves) of "the slot" on SF Bay.

Edited by - on

cks
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126 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2006 : 12:43:30

ok, you guys have to clue me in. i'm on a mooring at the mouth of a river as it comes out into the long island sound-so there is some current. as long as there is some wind, though, i'm always pointed into it. i lash the tiller, loosen the mainsheet and the traveler lines, and i go up and raise the main before releasing my mooring lines. every time i do this, however, the main seems to catch the wind and i start spinning. i let go of one mooring line, wait until she is pointed towards the direction i want to go, and then release the second line. is it possible to get my main to luff completely so that it doesn't catch any wind?

Edited by - on

DaveC25
Navigator

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USA
152 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2006 : 12:49:20

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by djn
 Hi Dave, I just converted to having all my lines in the cockpit. I don't move so fast anymore so I don't like to fight a sail on the fordeck. Surprisingly it did not cost that much to do this. You don't need all the fancy clutches, which cost a lot, and you can use your winches from your mast on the top of the cabin. It is a much safer way to go when single handing. Cheers.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

One thing I don't understand about raising your sails from the cockpit: How do you keep your main sail slugs from coming out of the mast at the gap right above the boom?

-Dave C25

Edited by - on

DaveC25
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152 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2006 : 12:54:37

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by cks
 ok, you guys have to clue me in. i'm on a mooring at the mouth of a river as it comes out into the long island sound-so there is some current. as long as there is some wind, though, i'm always pointed into it. i lash the tiller, loosen the mainsheet and the traveler lines, and i go up and raise the main before releasing my mooring lines. every time i do this, however, the main seems to catch the wind and i start spinning. i let go of one mooring line, wait until she is pointed towards the direction i want to go, and then release the second line. is it possible to get my main to luff completely so that it doesn't catch any wind?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Did you disconnect the boom from the backstay? Before I raise my main I disconnect the boom from the backstay and then let it lay in the cockpit, then I raise it when the boat has turned toward the wind so that the boom doesn't get caught under the lifelines. Once it's up it tends to swing freely back and forth as the boat wanders from side to side on the anchor. A mooring should be the same way. Sometimes I end up having to push the boom out to make sure any friction in the main sheet block doesn't hold it and that it can swing freely.

Also, I do not lash my tiller. Maybe let the tiller swing free when you do this so the boat can round up easier as it's hanging off the mooring.

Edited by - DaveC25 on 07/26/2006 12:59:17

djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2006 : 13:06:59

Hi Dave, you can either make mast gates or buy them from Catalina Direct. I am making mine from carpet edgeing. It is aluminum, has a little lip that will fit in the slot and is easy to fab. Also, you can look in the tech tips for mast gates. It makes a world of differnec. Cheers.

Edited by - on

jerlim
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USA
1484 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2006 : 13:58:05

Dennis - I intend to fabricate some mast gates this weekend. I wonder about screwing into the aluminum mast w/ SS screws. Any thoughts on the dissimiliar metals? I am thinking about applying some silicon ahead of the screws into the tapped holes, as come the fall I really going to want to be able to back-out those screws! Also, I've come to realze that the other necesary element to install, if you want to be able to singlehand, are lazyjacks. Best -

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2006 : 14:51:12

I use self tappeing SS screws on my mast. I also removed a shive from the mast that looked like it had been on it for 20 years and it had SS screws and they came right out. When you use self tappers, just make sure you use the correct drill bit. Too large and they will strip out the hole and too small and they will break off in the hole. CHeers.

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2006 : 16:12:36

Regarding dissimilar metals - remember that your screws will be much harder than your aluminum mast, so do not overtighten or you will strip your threads. It happens a lot easier than you'd think it would.

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Jmurfy
Navigator

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USA
176 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2006 : 22:26:12

If there is anything I can say I learned after completeing my first full year sailing is that when I'm alone I do not leave the cockpit unless I really have no other options. Lake Michigan is beautiful but unforgiving.

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2006 : 23:12:42

Same here Jmurfy. Lake St. Clair has confused sea most of the time, or maybe its just me. Cheers.

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Ombra
Deckhand

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USA
5 Posts

Response Posted - 07/27/2006 : 00:26:08

Lake St Clair almost never has HIGH waves, but also almost never has three going in the same direction..
At least not around Clinton river...lol

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 07/27/2006 : 06:20:32

Hi Ombra, have you joined the Clinton River Catalina Association? We do overnight cruises, en mass, once a month during the season. Its a ball and there is always someone around if you need help. It is a great way to use the boat. Cheers.

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5908 Posts

Response Posted - 07/27/2006 : 08:31:43

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">when I'm alone I do not leave the cockpit unless I really have no other options. Lake Michigan is beautiful but unforgiving.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">That's one of the big differences between sailing on a small inland lake and a big lake or bay. If you go overboard on a small lake, you can probably swim to the nearest shore. Not so on a big lake or bay. The boat will sail off or drift away from you, and there won't be other boats nearby to pull you out. I just got jacklines and a sospenders inflatable pfd with safety harness, and won't go to the foredeck anymore without hooking up, when singlehanding on the Chesapeake.

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djn
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Response Posted - 07/27/2006 : 08:46:34

I do the same thing Steve. Even thought Lake St. Clair is not one of the Great Lakes, when I am in the middle of the lake, I can't see any shoreline. I just got my autoinflate pfd. It is so much more comfortable than the pfd I use to use. Also, I drag a 40' line off the back when it really gets rough. I know the racers here are cringing, but I feel better knowing there is something to swim to if need be. Cheers.

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Ombra
Deckhand

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USA
5 Posts

Response Posted - 07/27/2006 : 08:47:01

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by djn
 Hi Ombra, have you joined the Clinton River Catalina Association? We do overnight cruises, en mass, once a month during the season. Its a ball and there is always someone around if you need help. It is a great way to use the boat. Cheers.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I'll have to look into it..
It'd be nice to meet some fellow cruisers..

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 07/27/2006 : 09:03:49

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by DaveC25
 One thing I don't understand about raising your sails from the cockpit: How do you keep your main sail slugs from coming out of the mast at the gap right above the boom?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Dave: The mast gate plates are indeed the best solution, but a perhaps quicker one is to buy a "sail stop" and tighten it in the track just above the opening so the slugs don't drop below that point. The downside to that is the slugs won't drop to the boom level when reefing--the gate plates solve that problem.

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