Captain Richard's Musings and Other Things

My backyard. Sent by RiBurton's IPhone Posted via email from Captain Richard Burton

John Ellsworth gives advice on enjoyable singlehandling and setting up your boat for going it alone. Are you dependent upon another person in order to sail? How many times have you wanted to go out and enjoy your boat but couldn't get crew? You probably ended up not doing what you enjoy most. Although you can learn much from having skillful hands on board, being dependent on them curtails your experience and development as a sailor. If you learn to sail alone, you'll come a long way in your knowledge of boathandling and the sea. Here are some tips on getting started. They include ways of making it easier to pick up a mooring, set and weigh anchor, tie up at a dock, and cast off. In addition, we'll discuss heaving-to, so you can prepare your lines and fenders before entering a harbor. And if you don't have headsail roller-furling, you'll find out how to install an alternative—a jib downhaul that can be handled from the cockpit. Much of your success in getting under