Sailing alone. How? The technical issues for solo sailing across oceans

[@michkrom]

This is one of the greatest videos about sailing around here, not just alone, but sailing. Thank you!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Wow. Thank you mich!

[@EXE4098]

Best Regards from Launceston UK. As a non-seafarer, that was a fascinating insight into some of the technical challenges that you face. I look forward to learning some of the reasons as to ‘why’ you have choose to sail alone. Stay safe !!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

You must be a night owl? Greetings back to Launceston!

[@virginiai.3632]

I didn't want this video to end so quickly. Great job. I will follow for more

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

What a nice compliment. Thanks!

[@brianmiller7934]

I am a solo sailor. The content in this video is spot on. Glad you put this out for others to benefit from. Thanks!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Ah, good to hear this from a solo sailor. All the best!

[@yourtruetreasures]

I have to admit, your advice and experience is the best I've heard offered for a solo sailor.. you give such valuable information. There's much to be valued:)

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

thanks yourtruetreasures. I love to hear that things are valued by someone.

[@hogfishmaximussailing5208]

I just recently returned from A 2500 miles sailing trip. The last 300 miles I sailed alone. It’s that last 300 miles that really took my confidence to a new level. That’s reason enough to sail alone.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

well done hogfish. Hope you will enjoy more solo sailing tours!

[@marcelliedts5170]

But it is illegal.I dont know which is the flag state of your boat. But check it out

[@george11419]

@@hogfishmaximussailing5208 I admire you. But you need to be extra careful if sailing alone. Remember what happened to Eric Tabarly, the renowned French solo sailor.

[@WillN2Go1]

Terrific video. Great solutions. This is one of those videos every sailor should watch every six months. I like your high life rails. The only reasons for the low stanchions and cables is how strong the stanchions are and money. Before I became a sailor I was a sea kayaker and my rule (learned from accident reports) was just always wear a PFD. In my woodshop where I was doing epoxy I found the larger respirator mask was not only safer, it was easier to breathe through -- so I just used it all the time. No need to think about it. As I built my first kayak I read a book of kayak accident reports. All the ways I could die, and all the things I needed to do to keep that from happening. Clearly, they worked. On my 46' sailboat, center cockpit, everything operates from the cockpit.. I don't always wear my PFD, but on every other boat I've been on I will be first to put it on and last to take it off. I also always have a tether attached. I bought my boat from a fireman, so very safety conscious. He had the safety jacklines up high (1.6m) tapering down to attach at the base of the cutter stay. They didn't get in the way of anything, so I've kept them there. Really handy. If I just need a bit of balance I can just grab it. When I mention this on other boats -- no one will even consider it. And learning about sailors who go over the side with the long tethers and have a difficult time getting back aboard, I made a 1.2m lifeline out of 25mm webbing. It clips on my PFD, on the other end of course is the clip, but about 35cm back from that end is another loop and another clip. Now I can remain attached while passing the shrouds. Works really well, never gets in the way like the standard double tether. It's length of course is specific to my boat and my tasks. It has no shock absorption, so I wouldn't use it where I could fall from a height. I like sleeping in my cockpit. It's got an encloseable bimini, and I love sleeping outside in the cold. (I spent three months in the forward berth of a catamaran slamming up and down. I loved it. Slept like a baby. Are there any other sailors like me? I lived above a discotheque for almost two years. Maybe this is why.) On that boat, a catamaran, I would stand my watches outside in the cold. My thinking is, if I'm going to sail across the vast empty and cold high Pacific, I want to be there when I do it. I have a handheld VHF on a lanyard. I find it's easier and handier to use -- but only for coastal cruising. The original owner of my boat had installed many upgrades for blue water cruising, safety, durability and redundancy. For the steering he had installed a Whitlock system, no cables or quadrant. All stainless steel shafts and gear boxes, the autopilot is a Black Mamba. Not sure what it really is but it's large and durable. Because the boat has an unskegged blade rudder he had installed a Hyrdovane, but there's also an upgraded rudder shaft and connections. (My Hydrovane looks exactly like yours, except I have lanyards on every piece of it, every pin. Also the cord adjustment wheel? I figured out that if I just use a long length of paracord, and cross it after the two holes, before it goes around the grooved wheel, I can work it without an extra pulley and bungee. The cross, or figure 8, means it doesn't hop out of the groove. My friend James has a 30' Allberg with a skeg protected rudder, he still ran over something (probably a shipping container) that wrecked the rudder. He had a drogue on board that he picked up out of a junk pile (because it was colorful and cost a fortune). This got him the rest of the way to Hawaii. He said he wishes he'd had ratchet straps on board. So out of respect that's the first thing I bought for my boat. ( I intend to make a para drogue because.. you never know. When I buy things I might need on my boat, I also consider, is this something I could help out another boat with? How costly and bulky is buying two? ) The best singlehand set up I've seen for going up the mast was a pair of double blocks with a lock that a rigger had. He used a larger diameter rope that he could grasp more easily, I think about 12mm. I have the climbing gear, ascenders, etc like you have. I would also wrap a line around the mast as an emergency 'brake'. Based on my sea kayaking where the rule is: Dress for the water temperature, not the air. This way if you flip over, you don't get hypothermia. I have a lot of experience with hypothermia, in part because my hand and feet circulation is so bad. What I know from all this experience? Hypothermia sets in and starts causing serious problems much sooner than we expect. On my long voyage last year across the high north Pacific, I brought along a dry suit. (Mustang really nice) Another sailor recommended it. I would wear it when there was blowing wet weather . What I noticed was that with all my cold weather layers on underneath it wasn't uncomfortable and I didn't overheat even in the cabin. I think if I went solo I might wear it a lot more. For sailing gloves I brought along lined rubber janitor gloves. (Everyone had a good laugh, until the weather turned cold.) I've since bought a couple of pairs of rubber/ heavy nitrile janitor gloves, some long gauntlets, and merino wool liners. For my feet I have some long Sealskinz socks. These are amazing, just don't get any water down the cuff. That's why the long ones, they reach almost to my knees. I have the gloves, but it's too easy around water to get water in at the wrists. They aren't much good on a boat.) Your docking is good. My boat is easy to maneuver and has a bow thruster; I also find the midships cleat is the most important. Also in a catamaran trying to spring launch off a lee dock, the round fenders just roll and pop out of position. I always wanted a big rectangular fender for the back corner. And two lines to make a V to keep it in position. So far I haven't needed this for my boat. I always wanted to learn how to sail solo. For 15 years I sea kayaked off the coast solo. Could be very dangerous. None of the women I've been in relationships with had any mechanical skills, so I felt I had to assume future relationships would be similar. And yes you experience everything. Fair winds.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Woah! What a treasure of experiences and knowledge you have written down. Thank you so much for this!

[@ronkirk5099]

My solutions - AIS receiver, radar detector with alarm, radar with proximity alarm, windvane steering, electric autopilot, alarm clock, roller furling, electric anchor windless, mast steps, 33' STEEL (bullet proof) pilot house cutter so you can stay out of the weather standing watch, and finally, nap during the day when your boat is more visible and stay up all night. Singlehanded, 3 year, 40,000 mile circumnavigation, Eastabout, N. Atlantic, S. Atlantic, Southern Ocean, S. Pacific, N. Pacific, S. Pacific, Southern Ocean (again), S. Atlantic, and finally N. Atlantic finish. I love cruising in the high latitudes which are not so frequently visited by yachts.

[@IllidariHunter]

This is my dream, and I envy you. Could you say how much it cost you to buy and fit the boat? And how do you keep yourself financially?

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thank you ronkirk to share your experiences!

[@DirtyBird506]

This is the best informational video I've watched yet on sailing. Thanks

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thank you so much, DirtyBird.

[@josemenezes9264]

Very good channel. Love your honesty and no-nonsense approach.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thank you jose. Glad to hear this.

[@tomwende5529]

You have the instantly recognizable far-away look of someone who is comfortable on the edge: placid, confident, and self-aware. I wish you many more adventures!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thank you tom. What an interesting description.

[@Sailingandscuba]

I sail alone most of the time. I love the quiet, the freedom and just being out there with nature. Me and my thoughts. There’s a lot of things you have to do differently and you only have yourself to rely upon, but at least things are always where you last out them :-). Fair winds and following seas my friend.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks, sailingandscuba, I very much relate to your thoughts,

[@flyerplanet]

I think it's the most beautiful video made by a real navigator and not by a bar sailor. Good winds on your sails.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks flyerplanet. Not so many bars around on the ocean ;)

[@flyerplanet]

Thanks for your reply. I have crossed the Atlantic twice to transport sailboats and it was fantastic. impossible to compare with when you do a regatta and at the end you have a beer, a shower and then everyone in a pizzeria telling each other the little adventures of the day. ,

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

That sounds fine. All the best!

[@danielswords3969]

I live and sail alone on an Alberg 30 without a wind vane or autopilot. The most important thing is to not overpower my boat with too much sail area. With a balanced sail plan (often a working jib and a reefed main) I can get my boat to self steer under most conditions and tacks with a lashed tiller or sheet-to-tiller steering. For me a most important skill is heaving-to and I am always hove-to when sleeping.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

I agree that a balanced sail plan is the base for every self steering, also with a windvane. Interesting that you can self steer your boat under most conditions. I fail on downwind courses. Probably the boat layout is the decisive factor here. Heave to is always an option. It makes your progress slower.

[@captainjimolchs]

Lying to is somewhat wasteful. They will still run over you.

[@CyberSystemOverload]

I'm so glad this appeared on my feed. Wonderful presentation. "It would not be an adventure if there was no danger" , so true! You are braver than I could ever be. I'm very afraid of the ocean but at the same time I envy the freedom you have, out there alone. Just you and nature. I totally agree on the downsides of a crew - specially bad blood and disagreements - theres no escape! You are stuck with them! Keep safe bro and I subbed you!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks cybersystemoverload that you enjoyed what I tried to present.

[@Seacracker1]

Thank for sharing. I love the pure and unfiltered style of your vid,

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

That's good to hear seacracker. Thank you.

[@karmatik9626]

May the force be with you, Master Luke!

[@TomOwen-w1j]

lol come on man

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks karmatik

[@ReviewByGeorge]

Love this video as much as the ones that try to be dramatic or exciting. This had a good pace, good sound, good info, just good content all around!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks george. Good to hear!

[@rolfsvensson5777]

Thank you my friend~ A long keel is your best friend~ Maybe not so fast but steady~

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

This traditional layout, longer keel and skeg rudder, is fine for me too. Thanks rolf.

[@matthiasrain3759]

Great video with the relevant information that every sailor needs, whether solo or with a crew. Super likeable and authentic.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thank you so much, matthias!

[@AfricanFlightStar]

Excellent!!! I agree 100% with all your suggestions. The high stainless steel railing is a must, and SV Delos, who have sailed around the world, also swear by it. Plus the mast steps (fixed), why doesn't every sailboat have them?? They make so much sense to me. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us, for me as I start preparing to go sailing next year, this all makes perfect sense. Subscribed, will be looking for more great videos on your channel, fair winds, und prost!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Prost to you AfricanFlightStar and all the best for your preparations.

[@jeremyoftitirangi7770]

Thank you I'm a beginner solo sailor and really appreciate your advice!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Good to hear this, jeremy.

[@jasonmcintosh2632]

I just watched all of your videos. Thank you for making them. I love how you present the trip. Some technical, some personal, some challenges, etc. Nice balance.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Oh. Thank you so much jason!

[@mischahabermehl7824]

Thank you for your beautiful video The experience is priceless and coming from a beautiful authentic person, thank you I cant wait for the why video

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thank you so much mischa. It may take its time for video 2 though...

[@davidstorer5551]

I love being alone. Isolation. The challengers are a gift for Knowledge. Most people are so moody. And not content. Great blog. 👍

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

thanks david. I can relate to what you write.

[@billfromgermany]

This is the best sailing video I‘ve seen. Your advice applies to all sailors, not just solo sailors. It helps that I agree with your advice, and have implemented most of your ideas on my boat.😉 I used to sail alone, but now sail with my wife. Your point about sailing under windvane when near the coast - isn‘t that a time when the electronic autopilot wouldn‘t be a better choice? Although I‘m 80, I can still manage all physical tasks on board, and that will be the decider on when to give up, or buy a smaller boat. One area where we differ is in reefing. I reef my main at the mast, and split my two forestays (not a cutter) between furling (forward) and hanked on (aft). I have granny bars at the mast, and 😂two jacklines cockpit/mast, and a single jackline mast/bow. All the jacklines, including the two in the cockpit, have strops permanently mounted. The strops are from climbing rope designed to cushion a fall. The jacklines and strops combined should not allow me to go overboard. The jacklines are relatively slack, as the tighter they are, the greater the load on the attachments in the event of a fall.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

I think you are right that the autopilot is better near a coastline. Great to hear that you are sailing with 80. Incredibly! Thanks for your experience about safety lines. All the best! Reinhard

[@paulcrocker2837]

Fantastic videos,, I sailed and raced for 50 years,, solo and mainly double handed, for people who wish for an adventure your videos would be a great help.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thank you, paul. Looks like you have tons of experience.

[@omnisail2334]

A very thoughtful, informative and on point post. Cheers

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thank you omnisail. Good to hear this.

[@waynesteeds6894]

i just found your site. i have subscribed and will follow you with interest. I am on my third boat now. a 37 foot center cockpit ketch. all hank on. the only electronics i have is a radio and a course charter. I love single handed sailing. i have had other people on board but prefer to sail alone. Im 72 years old and have been sailing since i was 24. love it. thank you.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Great wayne. Many more happy years on your ketch!

[@Nicknamed13]

People sail alone for different reasons. However, there is something about you being in charge of everything and knowing that it is up to YOU to make it work. There is nobody to blame but yourself. And when you get it done you do feel proud of what you achieved. Your video covers a lot of things but I think there is another aspect which needs to be mentioned. You are "solo" and with no help for a long distance but as part of "safety", having someone onshore keep tabs of you and communicate regularly is important too. Bouncing weather forecast, support when something breaks and you have no idea how to fix it or simply just to exchange a few messages to keep you sane is just as valuable.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

You are absolutely right. I should have mentioned my wife who wants to know where I am. Even though she is no weather forecast. I get that via Iridium.

[@ProShop-q7u]

No matter how many passages, short or long, that I completed as a solo sailor - I always felt a sense of accomplishment when the voyage/delivery was completed.

[@richguest]

Fantastic vid , I sail alone and can relate to so much of what you said - redundancy, preparation and a plan B is key!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

This is it, thanks richguest.

[@sedataybar871]

Thanks for this posting. I myself sail alone on a Bavaria 34. I tried having people on board but I always had to face the risks they have created, despite my instructions. And most of the time these were so called experienced sailors. Now, I am alone, I know exactly what I am doing, I handle all of the risky situations by myself. I know my own risks, I don't have to cook, clean, row for others and take on other people's risks' too. Solo is the best, yes it has its own risks but this is a little price to pay for a lot more returns you obtain. All of the precautions taken first, of course.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks sedataybar for sharing your experiences!

[@Onelesstraveledby]

Beautiful footage, and great info! Thumbs up from Canada!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thumbs up back from Queensland. Thanks.

[@laurencevanhelsuwe3052]

Excellent advice on so many facets. Thx !

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks back to you!

[@marktracey387]

That was great advice ,good sailing and best regards from Tin Can Bay .

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thank you mark. Greetings back from Airlie Beach.

[@tonysmario817]

i agree with everything you said. and i think she's the perfect cruiser, your boat.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Good to hear, tony!

[@Frank-E]

Thank you. Very informative and honest. Would be great with a follow up, a version where you take us through an actual trip with the practical steps you do to succeed. Or maybe you already have one of these videos. New viewer…

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Let me think about it. Thanks for your feedback.

[@grahammann3596]

Very well explained. I agree that sailing alone is dangerous and you have to make make careful provision and contingency arrangements but it is on the whole better to sail alone than with someone you dont care to have on board.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

It definitely is. Thanks graham!

[@genglandoh]

I solo sail all the time but only locally. My longest trip was 70 miles down wind it to me 21 hours with on sleep. The first 55 miles as using sheet to tiller self steering at about 3 MPH. This allowed me to go below, relax but no sleeping. The last 15 Miles the wind died so I motored at 5 MPH. At 68 it was hard on my body.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

21 hours with no sleep is hard stuff. Great you have made it!

[@geneallen5758]

You have so much good information to tell about your travels. I wish you would publish videos more often.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thank you gene. I would love to publish more often, but the max is probably one video per month. For one minute video I work about one working day I've found out. And I love to do some sailing in between...

[@geneallen5758]

@@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean I have a little experience in video editing and solo sailing, so I completely understand.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks 👍

[@dreamtimesv]

I majorly sail solo. I agree with your comments and strategies, most which I have in place. I always have backup plans if at all possible. Still nothing is perfect and we make the best of situations to get through. I love the solo experience. Btw i saw in your vid you sailing past Batemans bay, NSW, my home port. Best.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Definitely nothing is perfect. I've noticed Batemans Bay as a possible shelter. Maybe I will come along on my way back towards summer.

[@dreamtimesv]

@@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean yes good spot for a stop. Good little marina, and chain bay and snapper island offer public moorings free. Chain bay ok except for southerly winds and good hold for anchoring. Let me know if you plan on being here.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

I will. Thanks for your explanation.

[@SeeMeeBee]

Lovely commentary. Very watchable and music to set the mood. All the very best to you.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks seemeebee. Glad you liked it!

[@TomásGarcíaKloos]

Love the video, love your personality and perspective. Thinking on leaving everything behind and sail the world alone, not having to worry about anything or anyone except me. Hopefully one day see you somewhere in the world and enjoy a beer. Keep strong.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Who knows. At least beer is almost everywhere.

[@ThomasShaw-p6m]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. As you said, there are no classes to learn these skills. I am new but determined to learn. The classes do not cover this skills. Your video gives invaluable insights to what can happen and how to counter these challenges.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Great you liked it thomas. There seems to be experiences around but not in classes.

[@tostaky111]

Thank you. Really appreciate your advices for solo sailing.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks tostaky! Good to know.

[@johnshaw8327]

I prefer sailing alone. I'm 80 in 1 more week. I sailed from Tasmania last winter in an Adams 10 to Yamba without stopping. At this stage of my life I seem not to care about safety. I realised in Bass Strait when I got injured that I forgot to get a medical kit. Also no liferaft etc. I also don't check in and out with the coast watch people. I have a commercial ticket and have been the skipper of a brigantine and understand about responsibilities and take them seriously when other people are involved. When sailing alone I don't want to involve anyone with my problems when I have them. At times when things have gone wrong and I really need someone to help with a situation I've been driven to tears. Life gets real at times like that. I'm also happily married and scare my wife. She thinks I'm crazy....... knows.

[@johnshaw8327]

Forgot to mention I never wear a harness on deck and obviously no jack lines. If I go over the side I'm dead, it makes me really hang on.

[@Magnus-qr7lj]

@@johnshaw8327 I hear you bro! Nothing makes you hang on, better or harder than the knowledge you are dead if you don't!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Hi john. This sounds brave and clear. I admire your energy and devotion. Maybe we meet in Tasmania this summer?

[@johnshaw8327]

@@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean Hi Reinhard, that was a great video you made. It would be great to see you in Tassie but I live in Ulmarra on the Clarence River. The boat is anchored out in the river. No plans to go back there. I'm thinking of putting it on the market and buying a boat in Germany or the Netherlands and sailing it back. That would be next April or May if things have settled down a bit by then. I had a Contessa over there in Eindhoven for awhile and would like to go back. You have a sensible vessel.... not like me. I was doing a sustained 16kts at one time, luckily the rig stayed up.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

My god. That sounds like surfing. All the best for your plans in the Netherlands and safe return!

[@tracycambron2548]

Nice video thank you. I single hand my 34’ sailboat. One item I picked up for personal safety is the Fast Find Epirb, the water is very cold here and I was afraid of hypothermia if I went over. I just wear it around my neck when I’m out, just in case. That and a handheld vhf, which also has an emergency setting.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

This makes sense to me. I myself carry PLB in a pocket of my life vest.

[@2sailSIM]

Love it, calm, measured and thoughtful, I implemented many similar things when sailing alone, a 47 foot cruising cat coastal cruising. A note to those not familiar with keeping watch, I adopted the 15min cycle, with multiple alarms, BUT also kept it up during the day. Many people think "only sleep at night" ... wrong! sleep (or rest) whenever you can to keep the "sleep tank" as full as possible, then when things need to be done you have energy to do them. My pet hate is people who say, "I am not tired" "will keep pushing on" etc, then when they really need to be awake, they are physically exhausted, unable to keep awake and / or making poor decisions. eg near other traffic, making weather calls, changing sails or fixing stuff. Sailing alone can be brilliant, insightful and empowering. I like sailing with people as well. :)

[@michkrom]

This!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

A lot of experience. Thank you for sharing it!

[@markthomasson5077]

Thanks. Big heavy boat for one person? Looks like you have her well sorted though. Glad to see you harnessed up. One item that never seems to be on cruisers list is a crash helmet, yet you hear many stories of folk coming to grief by being hit by the boom. I do like watching videos of folk sailing monohulls, rolling wildly…glad I have a catamaran.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

😂. Yes that's what catamarans are good for. No roll and lots of space. Reykja is heavy. That makes her stable but slower then gfk. But she is fine for one person.

[@javacup912]

Very good answers to somewhat difficult questins. Well done. Mighty rough seas where you go. North Atlanticc, perhaps? Your safety management thinking, makess you having lots of common sense. Fair winds.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks javacup. The seas are mostly Southern Pacific. Glad to hear you liked it.

[@mndad2201]

What a great video. I would love to watch your "Why Solo Sail" video if you get one made. Super interesting for me and i am sure for others as well.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Well, yes. I think about it. But it will need time until it is born.

[@ianmac86]

Thank you for the insight to this great skill and adventure. Definitely not for the inexperienced sailor but what a wonderful and rewarding experience. Fair winds Skipper.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks for your wishes ianmac! All the best back to you

[@jamesgraham6122]

A lot of the risk can be avoided by doing everything a little bit earlier than might be necessary, a little bit slower than we might normally allow.. and remember.. it's far easier to take out a reef in calmer weather than to take in a reef after it begins blowing, if in doubt, reef..keep in mind that unless racing, if you were in a hurry to get there you wouldn't be sailing, 'heaving to' can be a great energy saver both mentally and physically.. the weather will move on leaving you better rested. :>)

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Absolutely. I agree with everything.

[@billfromgermany]

Good point about heaving to. Although many modern boats find it difficult/impossible. It‘s amazing how an uncomfortable situation suddenly becomes relaxed, even if it‘s just to enjoy lunch. As you point out, we don‘t go sailing to get from a to b quickly. We aren‘t regatta sailors, unless of course another boat looks to be catching us up.😂

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

🤣

[@mikenagy938]

You can't sail alone without some good self-steering gear, whether you use a wind vane or some type of autopilot. The gps takes a lot of the worry out of navigation. I've had 35,000 nm solo. It isn't that hard but you have to be very good with self sufficiency.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Yes. Probably it depends which area you sail. A am getting more and more respect of scary part of the ocean. But self steering is the key for everything.

[@bradmuse]

Great video, very entertaining and informative. Love the music

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thank you bradmuse. Good to hear this.

[@avisseclaude6823]

Thank you so much for your video ❤ Really great. I appreciate.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks claude. I love to hear this.

[@Kampup]

Great info, this channel is just what i need. keep up the great work. thank you.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Good Kampup. Good to hear this.

[@MikeSantis]

Very good video for solo sailors. Is it possible you could make a short video about your self climping system? Explaining the way you do it and the equipments you use? Thanks for the video.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

For climbing the mast?

[@MikeSantis]

@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean yes

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

The gear is a Petzl ASAP (Mobile fall arrestor for rope), a lanyard with energy absorber, on a climbing harness. Thanks for your idea to video it some time.

[@MikeSantis]

@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean thanks. Will be looking forward hopefully you make a video about it.

[@steinrich56]

Much valuable info....has given me some ideas....many thanks....!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Good to hear this steinrich.

[@dailyrider2975]

Awesome video! 2:00 Radar reflection, I saw a video of someone crossing a great lake on a inner tube and Mylar kite/sail. Was told by a ship that the Mylar really showed up on the radar.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Funny stuff, isn't it? My radar echo was a ordinary catamaran, 1.5 miles away and most of the time not showing.

[@pierrefuga9862]

😊Bravo Kap!😅🎉 May God protect you!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks pierre for your wishes!

[@sauter1]

Lots of really useful concepts here. Thanks for sharing! I have the same 1kW Honda generator. They're great. :)

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks sauter. Yes, so far the generator is very reliable. Which can't be said about every tool.

[@japc4326]

Very informative video, well done sir! John

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thank you John

[@denyswoodroffe490]

Thank for an informative run down on life on the sea and all that goes with it. I enjoy sailing, but very much a learner. Kiwi

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

thanks denys for your reaction!

[@jomfruensrejser5474]

I like that you speak from experience and as a solosailor myself, I really do like you redundancies how many it may be, thanks

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Yes, it seems to be the key to prevent scary situations.

[@VonBluesman]

You need a buffer pulling that chain across any surface will scratch it up & can possibly break things. Try using an old rubber water hose or at least an old towel, fender, etc. Good luck.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Absolutely! Thats what I found out the hard way. I've installed a block for the line which gets the chain up in a better angle. Thanks for your idea with the water hose.

[@alfredocat]

I can't wait for the next blog....stay safe and fair winds..⛵⛵⛵

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thank you alfredo. Nice to hear this.

[@icarumba5]

I needed this perspective and value your advice.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Good to hear this icarumba!

[@Sailit143]

Fantastic. Thank you for posting.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks sailit. Thanks back to you.

[@user-xp3jb6ve9w]

Well Done a great presentation .

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thank you user-xp3!

[@OgamiItto70]

When you sail with other people you learn about them. When you sail alone you learn about yourself.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Nice thought. Thanks!

[@Sailing-Maja]

Thanks for the great video!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks back to you sailing-maja.

[@Andre-yu3qs]

Fantastic, thanks for sharing.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks Andre. Thanks for commenting.

[@marc.wrutgers6704]

Fair skies and tailwinds, Live Life to the Max brother.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks marc. I'll give my best.

[@nowayingodbelive2919]

You have all my admiration... Thank you for showing a little piece of everything in a clear and simple way... My greatest wish is to be able to do the same, sail... I am 55 years old and when I grow up I want to be like you... 😅😅😅 God Bless you

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

thank you nowayingodbelieve. So when do you plan to grow up if not now?

[@nowayingodbelive2919]

@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean Hahaha... I am a Cuban man... According to what we are experiencing today in Cuba with this tyrannical and dictatorial government and the way things are going here. I think I will only be able to sail the day my children throw my ashes into the sea....😅😅😅

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

It is sad to hear. Sorry for your situation!

[@Sam-qr9wu]

Great gouge brother, thanks for sharing your video and philosophy!!!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks to you Sam to reply!

[@donavonlarney]

good vid... do you have any other protections for hitting things? .. you know submerged containers & so forth... do they even work when you want them to? i love the high guard rail....to me ocean yachts look way better than anything else on the water.

[@virginiai.3632]

He's in a steel hulled boat - likely the highest degree of protection against a container.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Probably the best protection is the steel hull. I have some sort of paste to tighten an tarps to wrap around the hull. But wrappings would be hard work for a solo sailor. Probably I would step into the life raft first ....

[@donavonlarney]

@@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean this is my issue.. steel or a thick old school fiberglass... so those radar/sonar type gear is not so good? then its also another power drain.. i look forward to your follow up on the psychology of a solo..

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks dona. It will take some time for part 2 ...

[@dcmsr5141]

Very enlightening, great content, I subbed and liked!!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks dcmsr. Well done ;)

[@stargatetarot]

i loved !!!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Good to hear stargate!

[@johnsmall9729]

Thank you very much for posting. The combination of common sense and romance I find very appealing. As a sailor who has recently made my first trip in open water (8 hours across Skagerrak in wind average 30 kt, gusting 40), I suffered sea sickness which disabled me as a crew member. I notice you mention some medications here, are there any specific recommendations you would make please. Thanks.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Hi john. The pills I found best go under the name Arlevert 20mg. The suppositories are Itinerol B6. Give yourself more time then only one day. You may be fine after three days with medication.

[@alexeybobrov1267]

Hello! Thank you very much for the video, there was a lot of useful tips for me! I'm a novice sailor, and therefore have one, maybe silly, question. When sailing alone, is it possible to stop at night, using the heaving-to tactics? If i'm not wrong, with heaving-to it is possible to stop the boat completely, staying with its bow to waves, or make it move to the wind very slowly, less than one knot. Then I would turn on AIS, active radar reflector (if there is one), and put some light on a sail to make my boat more visible and go down for a long sleep. Maybe it is worthwhile to set an electronic anchor alarm too. Then I would set an alarm for waking up once in 90 or 120 minutes. Obviously stopping at nights would make passage tremendously slower, but maybe good mood is more important? Or is it a stupid idea to begin with? I would be grateful for your opinion.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Hi alexey. To me it seems well thought what your write. Heaving to is always an option, but you may drift with the tides and the wind, can be much more than 1 mile an hour. Anchor watch would need to extend some miles here. You would only need it to warn if there is land around. On the open ocean you don't see vessels for days or weeks. I consider the chance to hit a vessel with AIS on and occasional visual outlook as very slim.

[@Glenn.Cooper]

Great advise - thank you!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

thanks Glen!

[@johnblue1313]

Thank you for all the great information.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

It's been a pleasure, john.

[@Rottingboards]

I love the stainless steel railing.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thank you!

[@kennethmiller7012]

Stay away from shipping lanes, pay attention when you are near shipping lanes, pay attention to the weather, make sure your lee cloths are tight enough to enable you to sleep well, use a tiller tender instead of a power sucking autopilot, etc. I only sail solo and went through a 40 knot gale for 3 and 1/2 days and never touched the title.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Well done kenneth!

[@hiddebekaan2396]

Great analysis! Can only endorse it all. Yet - being out there in the blue is great. But keep in mind at all times - the ocean is not your friend 😊

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Agreed. But the ocean is not my enemy as well. It's more something to be respected.

[@robertgold2643]

Wonderful and practical insight into solo sailing 🙏

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks robert. Glad you have liked it.

[@mukymuk3]

I never realized how clumsy I am until I went out on deck without shoes!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Isn't it so? Thanks for your reply.

[@maxgrey435]

Excellent video. I will never sail alone however. The danger factor weighs too heavy on me.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

I do respect this absolutely. You need to feel comfortable with this.

[@ericshayer]

Best advice ever.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Whoa. More of this praise please. No sorry, just joking.

[@johnallen470]

Outstanding presentation.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Oh. Thank you, John.

[@davidlewis8371]

You are at Lord Howe Island!! I was just there. Very beautiful!!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

It is, isn't it?

[@alpgurpinar7285]

Thank you so much, fair seas, and best wishes...

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thank you alpgur.

[@Ryef1]

Very deep. I like it.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thank yo so much, Ryef!

[@mcrumph]

I look forward to the philosophical answer soon, I hope.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Thanks for your trust. Let's see if I can get it together in a reasonable time.

[@mcrumph]

@@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean I am a patient man, & hey, you've got to have something to think about while you're out there.

[@raymondmendez8092]

Really a great video ... really good !!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Great raymond to hear this.

[@jasonmcintosh2632]

I'm interested to hear how you like your ketch rig and interior helm station. Are they great? Not that helpful? Would you rather have a sloop?

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Yes, I would prefer a sloop. The ketch advatage is that the mast is lower and therefore the sails smaller and better to carry for one person. The advantage of the inner helm is to have the systems redundant. At the moment I have a problem with the steering wheel outside but I can steer from the inside.

[@jasonmcintosh2632]

@ thanks for the reply. I have a Nauticat 44 ketch and I believe that overall a sloop is a superior rig. But i just have to focus on the pros of a motorsailer ketch and not lament not buying a sloop. It’s a fine boat, it’s mine and I’m going to keep it.

[@singlehandsailor]

Freedom! Thanks for sharing. Well done!

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Ah, an other singlehandsailor. Thanks for your compliment.

[@tartansailor]

I sail alone as well and I agree with you.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Good to hear tartan!

[@RGL01]

Very informative video.

[@SailingAloneAcrossTheOcean]

Good to hear this, RLG!