10 top tips for shorthanded sailing
We sailed with UK solo sailor Alan Roberts at Cowes Week 2015, where we were able to glean some valuable advice for the growing fleet of sailors that are taking to shorthanded sailing.
1. Use processes.
Think through every manoeuvre you will do, what the process is and practice it.
2 Have checklists.
When you are tired, your thought process doesn’t work well. So I have checklists printed out.
I’m going slowly, what should I do?; Check stack is up; stack more? Is trim correct etc
It is useful to be able to revert to basic trim settings, where you know you should be at a certain speed and trim. Basic ones like this I print off, the rest are on my computer.
3. Get to know your autopilot.
Getting the trim of the autopilot right so the boat can sail quickly, and having confidence in it, is key. This year [during the Solitaire], I probably hand-steered 10 per cent of the race – the top guys maybe five per cent.
4. Consider emergency procedures.
I spend a lot of time thinking about worst-case scenarios. What happens if I lose the rig or keel? How will I stay safe? How will I keep the boat afloat? If so, can I finish the race and achieve a good position. I don’t want to find myself in a scenario where I am …read more
