First Single Handed Sail Was Very Zen... And Then... A Couple Close Calls !!! | E44
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- Опубліковано 10 вер 2024
- I called a bunch of my friends to go out sailing this weekend on Lake Michigan, but no one was available. So....I decided to go single handed by myself! This was a goal of mine to achieve later this year... but the weather window looked calm and the rain earlier that morning had stopped and gone away. I was very prepared safety equipment wise, but some strange little things happened on my first solo voyage...A dock line caught on the motor leaving the berth, the main sail snagged during raising, and the boat ran aground in the channel ! I did overcome each of these obstacles with some quick reactions, and a little luck, and solo sailed my O'day 25 for the first time. It was an epic day!
~ Music ~
1. 7. Powerful Dream - by Rymdklang Soundtracks
2. 3. 4. Kingston - by Ch@ntarelle
5. Naransas En Diciembre - by Vendla
6. Blue Pacific - by Dexter and the Disciples
All music used by permission of Epidemic Sound
Beautiful,Thank You.
So, as a solo sailor myself I thought I might share a "trick" with you. When I am setting or striking sails on my boat, I put the outboard into reverse with the tiller imobilized center, the stern shifts to wind/current and, by adjusting the throttle appropriately, it puts the boat stationary and allows me freedom to go forward and deal with hank on headsails. (Lake Michigan/ Lake Huron)
Oh, and I cannot overstate the advantage of running halyards to the cockpit, that way you hank on the sail and raise from safety, I use the sheet winches to tighten halyards.
That is a great idea! I have done something similar on my fishing boat to stay and a certain spot by putting the trolling motor in reverse on the back of the boat. I will try it.
I have the jib halyard currently ran to the cockpit. But the main sail halyard is still on the Mast to raise it I could see that would be helpful in the future for solo sailing. Thanks for the tips.
My best friend, Thank you for your hard work in making the video. I enjoyed the good video. Have a happy day.
Thanks for taking us along. Enjoy your boat. Thumbs up.
Thanks for watching Bubba ! : )
Great vid Karl! I enjoy your editing style. First time solo can be a challenge, and you dealt with each setback calmly, which is key. I can see a number of places where you will undoubtably "streamline" your "System", such as preparing for your return before you even leave. Your green springline docking line is brilliant! To be honest, you probably had a better learning experience overall single handing than you would have if any of your friends had come along. You need to be able to sail your boat by yourself anyway. Lake Michigan is not to be trifled with, nor is Lake Erie where I did some sailing in my "yoot", so you made the right call to come back when you did.
Thanks for watching Tim! Lake Michigan can get very rough. There has been a couple days when I was out, I only sailed a very short time due to the large waves, and headed back to the harbor. I am learning more every time I go out!
Pretty awesome, Karl. Really enjoy these videos.
Good job on your first solo sail. Looks like a challenge when doing it all by yourself. Looking forward to your next video!
Thanks Jeff. Yes, it was a handful leaving and docking. The sailing and all the rest is manageable once you figure out a system. I would like to get a roller furler head sail for that very reason. Keep looking up!
Rope in propeller, ran aground and got held up at a bridge. I think at that point I would have probably waited till the next day to sail even tho I’m a sailor. We all have to start somewhere by ourselves. You’re doing great and it’ll become second nature to you in a few more trips. Nice job. Nothing like sailing…period. I think I recognize that your on an Oday. Great boats and handle amazingly. I live on an ‘86 O’day 28 and will never go back to land living until it’s time for my dirt nap. Anyways..keep making vids and I’ll keep watching
I have contemplated living on a boat. So tired of the rat race and suburban traffic and noise. Even a bad day out sailing is still better. I love sailing my Oday 25. She handles well and is well balanced when the sails are trimmed right. Going out solo sailing this weekend again! Stay tuned...and thanks for watching. Keep looking up : )
Great video! Doing it all on your own is the way to learn sailing. Perhaps one or two remarks:
it really helps to keep your lines in order, all ropes coiled up and hung up or put into corners so that they are out of the way.
When a sail seems stuck, in 9 out of 10 cases this is because a line is hauled tight which should not be hauled tight. In this case the boom vang? I made it a habit to memorize a checklist for each operation to tick off in my head.
13:22 I noticed that you left the mainsheet loose and the boom swang around when you lowered the mainsail. Many people say that this is the correct way because then there is no pressure on the mast sliders and the mainsail will go down more smoothly. I don't follow this rule because after an involuntary contact between my head and the boom I decided that the danger is more relevant than the promised effect. Which doesn't manifest in my boat anyway, I have to go to the mast and pull down the sail as well. :) Therefore I always pull tight the mainsheet when lowering the sail.
Ah, the culprit was the reefing line. Yes, forgetting this one is also one of my favourites!
Nele, I agree and I have tried it both ways with the mainsheet loose and tight when hauling down the mainsail. It seems to work well both ways and is much more controlled with the sheet hardened to prevent the boom swinging all over the place like it was in the video. And like you said, could prevent injury while single handed. And yes, I keep forgetting to ease the boom vang ! I didn't say it to myself when I went over the mental checklist to raise halyard, ease topping lift. Thanks for the tips! I really appreciate your comments and insight.
Your reefing line was still too tight. Take it off the cleat until you have raised the main. You will be able to raise it without the winch.
Thanks for the comment, I will try that. keep looking up : )