Great Lakes Singlehanded Society

Wow!! Here we go with Step #8 in the 20-step countdown to the Mac-Solo. Step #8 means that we're only 8 weeks away. That's 2-Months!! I think it will take me a few more days in the 80's so that it feels like spring again... If you're missing the other steps of the top-20 countdown, you can find them on our website: http://webhost.sailnet.com/glss

Step #8 - Play Some "What-If" Games
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Every once in a while, someone will ask me: "How do I rig my boat for singlehanded sailing?"
For the most part, my answer to this question is: "You're probably rigged okay - the most important thing that you can do is to anticipate the unexpected."
That response often frustrates the person who asks me the opening question! I think they're usually looking for the special gizmo line that is connected to the mainsheet, rudder and spinnaker pole. It's used to launch the chute in perfect unison with a mark rounding. There ain't no such thing!!

The most effective (and safe) way to sail shorthanded is to prepare for the unexpected. Therefore, let's pick a couple of situations. And we may as well assume that it is night-time, blowing from the northeast at about 20 knots - and we're beating to weather. (Sound familiar?) "WHAT IF the clew blows out on the main sail?"
The good news is that you won't need an alarm to tell you that this has happened. The bad news is that you won't have a quick way to stop the noise! Therefore, this would be a good time to quickly convince yourself that noise does not necessarily mean that your personal safety is at risk. Your first task should be to give your autopilot some attention. Since your sail trim has changed, you'll want to make sure that you are still on a controlled course into the wind. You'll want to be as tight to the wind as possible to keep the flogging mainsail close to the centerline of your cockpit.

Now you can select from among several options. Can you put in a reef? That would enable you to stop the noise & flogging and you would be getting some power out of your main. If you can't reef, can you let the sail down part of the way in order to identify and/or fix the problem. If none of the above works, your next alternative might be to drop the main into the cabin where you could consider additional options without the complicating factors of the noise, flogging and darkness.

Let's try a similar situation: "WHAT IF the clew blows out on the headsail?"
This situation sure does look familiar to the one above! Therefore, some of the same steps still apply. First and foremost, assess your personal safety. Give your autopilot some attention and bring your boat tight on the wind.

At first glance, you may think: "Just like the main! But reefing the headsail will be easy - I'll just roll that sucker in!! I'll get rid of the noise then plan my next steps!"
But don't go there mates! Your roller furling SYSTEM is shot. Don't forget that your sheets and clew are a part of your roller furling system! If you roll your headsail without sheets, you'll be committing yourself to no more options. You'll finally end up with a partially rolled headsail that continues to un-roll with every pitch and yaw. You'll wonder why you rolled the sail so quickly since your next problem is now, "How do I un-roll and drop the sail?" Bottom line: If you loose the clew on your headsail, drop the sail to the deck - THEN consider your options.

The "What-If Games" can be a productive thought process to get ready for the Mackinac Solo. But let's not go overboard (err.. no pun intended!) with this. Too much of the "What-If's": will send you to the loony bin!! If you make the first step of your "What-If" scenario to check-out your personal safety, you'll be surprised how the other steps fall in place - just don't box yourself into a point where you have given yourself no more options. That's a fast ticket to the loony bin!

So. Consider the above... Neither one of the two situations had the quick & easy rigging solution for singlehanded sailing. Nevertheless, I am always pressed to give an answer: "How do I rig my boat for singlehanded sailing?"
I finally found the answer... Make sure your SYNAPSE is fully rigged and in perfect working order. Both ends attached. No rust or corrosion. Ready at a moment's notice. Don't leave shore without it. Synapse. Look that one up in your Funk & Wagnel's.

Respectfully,
Patrick Nugent

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