In the first part of this story, Doug Macleod introduced readers to John Dixon, Jamie McPherson, Martin Suo and Robert Sinkus. Below, Macleod uses their experience to offer tips on anchoring and docking completely alone.
Read the whole story, uncut, in the July issue of Pacific Yachting.
ANCHORING CAN BE a challenge for singlehanded sailors. It’s more important than ever to be aware of potential hazards. McPherson asks, “If the wind comes up during the night, am I able to let out more rode without running ashore? In the morning, will there be enough drift room to bring the anchor up and secure it before I return to the helm?”
Sailing singlehanded to Desolation Sound.In a wind, get the anchor down as quickly as possible. Don’t worry about laying the rode neatly on the bottom at this point. It’s better to get back to the helm and keep the boat head to wind. Return to the bow and let more rode out after the anchor grabs. Remember, there’s no one to share an anchor watch with you so if you want a good night’s sleep, make sure you are well hooked with more line out than usual.
Singlehanded sailors are sometimes intimidated by stern tying. But it’s a shame to miss the lovely anchorages on our coast where this procedure is necessary. Before you enter the anchorage, take time to snug your dinghy up close. When the anchor is set, dash to shore as quickly as possible. It may be best to just tie off the stern line and go back later to correctly loop it through the bolt on shore after you are secure.
DOCKING ALSO REQUIRES several careful steps. Get your lines and fenders ready before you enter the marina. Rig a short line amidships so you can tie it first when you step on the dock, ensuring that the boat stays put while you secure the bow, stern and spring lines. It’s a good idea to set up on both sides of the boat so you can quickly change plans if needed. As you approach the dock work out a manoeuvring plan, especially if there is wind and current. Radio the marina and request help. If there are no marina staff available, other boaters are always ready to receive a tossed line and help you moor safely. In all my years of cruising, I’ve never seen a request for help denied. Remember that there is no disgrace in aborting an approach and making a second attempt if you anticipate a problem, especially if the alternative is smashing into the dock and damaging your boat or someone else’s.
Rig a short line amidships so you can tie it first when you step on the dock, ensuring that the boat stays put while you secure the other lines.AT THE END of the day Dixon, McPherson, Suo and Sinkus are proud of their singlehanded accomplishments, but when they are safely tied to a dock or snug in a protected anchorage, they enjoy the company of other cruisers. Dixon likes “being with people to share some wine or a meal and swap stories.” McPherson says, “When I get to an anchorage I always look to see if I recognize other boats and then I row over and say hello.” Sinkus points out that singlehanded sailing is still a social experience. “I’ve been invited on lots of boats and met many interesting people.” Suo enjoys the connection he feels when he meets other singlehanded sailors. A group he describes as “weird and wonderful.”
There is something about experiencing those special cruising moments alone that makes them deeply satisfying. Dixon describes a time when he was sailing silently west in Fife Sound, near Duff Point. A high-pitched trumpeting noise startled him. I don’t need a problem right now, he thought. Then, he realized that off his bow, a large humpback whale had emerged, blew a spout and was now sounding. Though a little embarrassed to have unintentionally sailed so close, the encounter with this magnificent mammal was profound and made more memorable because he experienced it alone.
Suo recalls spending a night in Larson Harbour, north of Banks Island. He had a few tense moments navigating through the rock and seaweed strewn entrance, but it led to a quiet, empty anchorage. Later that night the moon rose above the mountains and a pack of wolves began a serenade. Their haunting song drifted across the water and reached him alone in his cockpit.