On Mon, 28 Feb 2005 23:39:41 GMT, New Conservative
wrote:

Hi all,

I haven't actually sailed a boat yet but plan to later this year. I am
therefore still a bit green when it comes to the intricacies of the
subject.
Say I'm keen to visit the West Indies and I'm leaving from say
Southampton, England. I'm on my own and will need to sleep every day,
even if only for a few hours. Is it safe to let a boat 'sail herself'
while I catch some shut-eye, or is this a no-no? Can it be done safely
or would I have to drop all sail and just bob around in the dark for a
while until I've awoken? Obviously it'd make for a shorter passage if
I could somehow keep going 24/7. And ideas? Thanks.

Consider taking at least one other person as crew. It is far too
dangerous to have no one on watch. Do it safely or stay in coastal
waters and day sail.
The last thing anyone needs is an unmanned vessel at sea. I think
the "alone" racers should be banned.
And don't "drop all sail and just bob around ...". Learn how to
heave-to. But even a boat that is hove-to needs a watch.