While relatively few cruise single-handed, many sail short-handed. It may be a couple sailing together or indeed a skipper with a novice crew - he may have lots of people onboard but, in terms of the sailing, he is probably short-handed. They soon discover that there is so much more to short-handed sailing than a lack of crew. It demands a different approach, a new mindset. The skipper has a much greater workload but there are also fewer people, sometimes no-one at all, to consult during the decision-making process. Under these circumstances fatigue can be as dangerous as heavy weather: it creeps up on you, often unnoticed, destroying your morale and ability to make rational decisions. And when short-handed, the crew's limited physical resources must be watched over and zealously guarded. In this heavily illustrated book Alastair Buchan passes on the lessons of his hard-won experience gained short- and single-handed sailing in coastal, offshore and ocean waters. It will show you everything you need to know about handling a boat alone or short-handed, from choosing a suitable craft to passage planning, manoeuvring, sleep management and watch keeping.
About the AuthorAlastair Buchan began sailing on the Clyde. In a Hurley 20 he sailed single-handed round Britain, and made his first single-handed Atlantic circuit. He made his second in a Dockrell 27 (27 ft this time) sailing from Britain to the Caribbean and on to the USA via Venezuela and Cuba before sailing home.
Reviews"covers the basics from coming alongside... casting off, to sail handling routines and... tricky situations - like going aloft - with diagrams." (Yachts and Yachting) "this is the book for everyone who puts to sea in a small boat." (Boat Mart)
Book InformationISBN 9781912177226
Author Alastair BuchanFormat Paperback
Page Count 168
Imprint Fernhurst Books LimitedPublisher Fernhurst Books Limited
Weight(grams) 446g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 170mm * 11mm