What brought me to want to sail solo?

[Marlene A. Sassaman]

This question was posed by a new e-friend. It seemed generic enough to post on the blog. Being new to Sea Knots I thought I could set up my own personal blog. If I can would someone be kind enough to explain how to do so. In the meantime, I clicked Blogs on the toolbar and it led me to this site. Anyway, here is the answer to the question, 'what brought me to want to sail solo?'

Answer: Reading Robin Graham's book, the Dove.

I often sail and race with others; on my boat or theirs. My husband and I sail a lot together. When I want to go, I want to go; I'm just spoiled that way. I like to do what I want, when I want, how I want. I like the idea of having a buddy boat nearby. I've done a lot of traveling solo and with others. For my big dream, which perhaps will be my last hoorah, I want to sail around the world in my own little boat, , , Ideally, my husband would be my chief crew and home contact.

When all is going well - which most times they are--alone on my boat I feel content. I feel special.

[sailorgirlca]

Always pleased to read of experiences of other solo sailors. I have been single-handing my 27' boat for over 20 yrs and so enjoy the satisfaction and extra confidence I gain every time out. The Great Lakes have often been compared to inland seas with many challenges and weather changes. Lake Ontario where I sail is about 40m across at the widest point and about 170m long providing lots of interesting harbours and the 1'000 Islands area at the eastern end are a sailors paradise. My boat is now for sale and am searching for a more liveaboard boat/home in the 32-35' range. I no longer have dreams of sailing around the world but will be happy if I can float around the Caribbean for a few years. All the best with your plans....look forward to reading more

[zeehag]

suky---while i was in carib there were no rogue waves to be seen---rarities....here on hte west coast, some friends had my ericson out for the day and got pooped by a rogue swell, but they werent paying attention to their business...had they been, there would have been no problem. is important to always have an eye on weather and sea and another on the boat---there are many sayings--keep a weather eye, being one, and one hand for you one for the ship is another...both most important. i will be sailing solo because i happen to not have mate. i might allow someone to sail with me if i find the right personalities.....but is a while away as yet....i figger if i find someone to help fix this boat i will have that person be on a leg of my trip.--.

[Wyndell]

That sounds great and I hope that it goes well. I would LOVE to sail the world but I have to (1) get more sailing experience and (2) need the financial/physical resources to get there, as well as a boat. Right now, it is kinda hard with those limitations and a developing relationship to think about; she is not as adventureous as I am.

I hope that you complete your planning & commence your sailing as as soon as you can. I would also like to hear about these 'solo' trips as I would love to do it myself.

[Suky]

Well said Marlene ! I'm with you. It's a wonderful thrill to single hand. I love it ! I wasn't so sure I wanted to sail around the world but now as a Fifty Forever Female, I'm open to it but not single hand. I'd like at least 2, maybe 3 of us. If I want my own boat, I will have to wait to sell my home which is going to be awhile (I now have it rented) But meanwhile, I'll sail my daysailer, Hobies & OPB. I'm looking for a boat leaving from Puerto RIco or anywhere in the Caribean since I'm free from Feb 22 to March 30th and perhaps beyond. I want more bluewater experience and I need it as I'm going to go for my USCG Captain License. It's just those rogue waves that frighten me. Those I've only read and heard stories about. Anyone ever experience a rogue wave ?
Thanks for the post Marlene and the book, which I have not read. And Marlene, I think this is your blog.

[Stuart Bell]

Nice thoughts - thank you.

[LOLA]

Kindda my dream too only you are years ahead of me