How To Single-Hand an 11,000 lb Sailboat

Join me as I demonstrate the art of single-handing a medium sized sailboat (in this case a Cape Dory 28). I cover the basic single-handing safety systems, the docking process, running rigging configuration, and do some solo sailing in a confident wind (10-17kts in the forecast).
Filmed on Osmo Action 4

[@bobsenseney5690]

You did an excellent job. Loved the prep-work and safety-first checklist.

[@todddunn945]

Nice work. I was out single handing my Allied 36 yesterday. It is a good feeling. When you have the opportunity you will find that is is actually easier to single hand a properly set up bigger boat because things don't happen as fast.

[@db9086]

Excellent video , very well explained. I hope to see more content from you.Thank you for sharing.

[@charles.neuman18]

You don't need to convince me to singlehand. I love the solitude, and being captain of my own boat! I am looking to get a bigger boat, like around that size, so this video was encouraging.

[@kilenik]

My boat is also called Laminar Flow (not the one at your marina).

[@user-lq3ss9xf8c]

Really good how you emphasized preparation prior to throwing lines. Couple of other items would be to gauge the tension on the lines to determine the order of throwing off. Also make sure all lines can be quickly removed when needed, ie a single cleat hitch. You may also want to preposition the boat to account for the wind and current, prior to throwing those last couple of lines. I have a larger vessel that has a bow thruster, which usually means the stern line gets thrown last. Also you may want to mention looping the line around the dock cleat and tying it off on the boat in cases where the lines are going with the boat.

[@ctndiaye1]

Thank you. I'm going out tomorrow.

[@sirkyoj1]

more of these videos please!

[@mnhoz]

That was great. Especially the docking. I have a CD 27 and just figuring out how to single hand. Thanks

[@youngkevin89]

Right on 👍

[@enkore8984]

Nicely done video! I have had my O'day 28 for 1.5 years. This season I have sworn to single hand! For all the reasons you stated....

[@youngkevin89]

Oday 28 is a nice boat. Good luck to you!!

[@allbushnocraft3031]

nice explanation mate 👍

[@sailingsibongile]

Excellent video !!!

[@scottireland5414]

Solid video. Did not see if your boat has a midship cleat. My boat has one, so I have a single line with a loop in the middle on my midship cleat with the ends tied to each end of the finger pier. Coming in, I boat hook the finger pier V line first and throw the loop over my midships cleat that makes me fast to the finger pier and also serves as a for and aft springer line. I have heard that setup called a V line or a cheater line. I have a similar V line on the main dock to center the bow. I have a separate set of dock lines that go with the boat.

[@youngkevin89]

Unfortunately I do not, but sometimes I think about putting one in for this exact reason. If this were a CD 30 or 33 I think it would be mandatory

[@Sincity6996]

It seems like this video was more for your own personal " can I do this" than for us viewers. But great content nevertheless. I'm a new captain, also single-handing a columbia 27, and I go through this same thing every time before I raise the sails in my head.

[@erwinmoes1893]

Why is your roller line from the gib drum going around the stainless instead of going out of it without any contact?

[@liamstone3437]

Where do you find those storage hammocks?

[@youngkevin89]

www.amazon.com/dp/B00EUWIBZK?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details I used a rando shackle and carabiner to secure them. Amazing product for the price - highly recommend

[@MikeSnedaker]

I can tell you watch Sam Holmes

[@robertwilliams6405]

What kind of shoes ya wearing?

[@youngkevin89]

www.Floafers.com I have like 5 pairs - greatest warm weather sailing shoe ever made

[@db9086]

Excellent video , very well explained. I hope to see more content from you.Thank you for sharing.