Don W wrote in news:BBGoh.15091
:

For my taste, even two people on the boat is not
enough for a long voyage, because a few weeks of
3on 3off will still lead to sleep deprivation and
poor decision making--at least it will for me. A
better arrangement is four people which leads to
12 on / 12 off with two people to divide each 12
hour watch. It also lets a couple explore a new
place together while leaving someone on the boat
for anchor watch, etc.



I've sailed quite a bit with just two of us, able men. I worry a lot
when I see a man and his totally-unprepared, beautiful but dainty wife
sailing out on their dream. He might as well be alone with autopilot and
is better off. The autopilot will handle the helm when she panics and
starts screaming as he's thrashing around fallen overboard or his left
leg is dangling broken.

I don't like sailing more than 2 days with two. I just get too tired,
too soon after the fitful sleep of being thrown around, all your guts
churning in your sleep.

Four people or even 3 is a lot less pressure. The boat I sail on, as
crew, is loaded. I loaded it. But, no autopilot, including our B&G
Pilot with the big hydraulic battery hog, works very well when it's rough
out there. It has the power, but not the brains to anticipate that next
roller. I've cursed that big Amel helm wheel many times after fighting
with it for hours on end. I'm a great advocate for TWO on watch at all
times, even if one of them is attached to the lifeline in his harness
asleep in the cockpit, but ready for trouble. That's our normal mode on
a voyage, especially at night. We try to never have to go forward in the
dark, but sometimes you can't help it.

A good flying fish slamming into you sitting there half asleep seems to
make your watch go faster....(c;

I'll be 61 on the 18th. Cap'n is crowding 70 but in much better shape.
He used to play Rugby bach home in England. I'll sail with him anywhere,
REASONABLE.

We all keep an eye on our captain, especially if the CO2 in the
Sospenders is near the expiry date. He just disappears, having jumped
overboard to see what we'll do to come back after him. I've had him do
that with 6 non-sailor guests and me aboard, before. Try that on your
boats. It borders on pandemonium until the unprepared get used to the
idea he isn't going to drown laying back there in his Sospenders.

Step 1 - CRANK ENGINE! Furl Sails. I'm not much of a purist, I'm
afraid....(c;

Sometimes I just wish he wouldn't play dead when we get back to him, just
to see if we can get 225# of dead weight aboard. "Just leave him
dangling from the mizzen boom. I think he's dead.", I mused to their
horror. "THANKS, MATE!", I hear from the end of the boom...(c;

We don't want him stinkin' up the whole cabin, do we?