Sail Preparation for Solo Sailing!!

I was never really taught and have seen no books on what one should do as a lone sailor; all I can talk about is learning from experience, and the way I do things from trial and error and talking to other like minded sailors.

When sailing with others ‘many hands make light work’ and a lot of these things can be done after casting off. When on your own don’t leave a safe harbour without preparation.

• The shackle on the main halyard is clipped on the head of the main sail; I secure it back to a sail tie to keep it from swinging and getting tangled in the rigging. Keep it firm with a turn round the winch until ready to raise the sail. Make sure the winch handle is close by.

• Free up the main sheets and put a figure eight knot at the end. Make sure the traveler is where you want it.

• Free up the Genoa or head sail sheets and put figure of eight knots in them. That is based on a furled head sail or Genoa, if you haven’t got one make sure you have hanked on a head sail and have it ready to go. Have winch handles ready and easy to reach.

• Have in mind a clear area in the marina or bay where you have enough room to turn into the wind and raise the main sail. You will need a minute or two so make sure you are clear of rocks and other boats.

Going solo sailing but the engine must be checked too!