I still prefer single handing
 

Went out with my wife and 9 yr old daughter today, left my 15 yr old
son at home and 19 yr old daughter is off at college. Even with this
few people on my 28' S2, I felt crowded and wished nobody was in my
way. It didnt help when a gust caught us unexpectedly and threw us
waaaaaay over and my wife gasped and got a death grip on the
companionway. I am not so confident myself that someone elses fear
does not rattle me and I had to tell myself "Be calm and slow".
By myself, I can concentrate and work things out without worrying about
stepping on someones hands or whether or not they are tied in. Maybe
being concerned about my family makes me nervous but alone I am a far
better sailor. Unfortunately, my wife does not like me to sail alone
and openly worries about what could happen to me in such windy
conditions. My assertion that due to my personality quirks that I am
actually safer alone do not make her feel better. The past year and a
half in which I have done a considerable amount of single handing has
convinced me that I am far better alone sailing and I have more fun. I
dunno what to do but family sailing doesnt work for me.

I still prefer single handing
 

I guess it cuts both ways.. I do like sailing by myself, but there are times
when I like sailing with others more. It doesn't seem to be dependent upon
the kind of weather. I've come back through the slot with others and had a
great time, other times wished I was alone, other times wished there were
others with me. Perhaps if the weather isn't great then I slightly favor
having company.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

wrote in message
oups.com...
Went out with my wife and 9 yr old daughter today, left my 15 yr old
son at home and 19 yr old daughter is off at college. Even with this
few people on my 28' S2, I felt crowded and wished nobody was in my
way. It didnt help when a gust caught us unexpectedly and threw us
waaaaaay over and my wife gasped and got a death grip on the
companionway. I am not so confident myself that someone elses fear
does not rattle me and I had to tell myself "Be calm and slow".
By myself, I can concentrate and work things out without worrying about
stepping on someones hands or whether or not they are tied in. Maybe
being concerned about my family makes me nervous but alone I am a far
better sailor. Unfortunately, my wife does not like me to sail alone
and openly worries about what could happen to me in such windy
conditions. My assertion that due to my personality quirks that I am
actually safer alone do not make her feel better. The past year and a
half in which I have done a considerable amount of single handing has
convinced me that I am far better alone sailing and I have more fun. I
dunno what to do but family sailing doesnt work for me.

I still prefer single handing
 

wrote in message
oups.com...
Went out with my wife and 9 yr old daughter today, left my 15 yr old
son at home and 19 yr old daughter is off at college. Even with this
few people on my 28' S2, I felt crowded and wished nobody was in my
way. It didnt help when a gust caught us unexpectedly and threw us
waaaaaay over and my wife gasped and got a death grip on the
companionway. I am not so confident myself that someone elses fear
does not rattle me and I had to tell myself "Be calm and slow".
By myself, I can concentrate and work things out without worrying about
stepping on someones hands or whether or not they are tied in. Maybe
being concerned about my family makes me nervous but alone I am a far
better sailor. Unfortunately, my wife does not like me to sail alone
and openly worries about what could happen to me in such windy
conditions. My assertion that due to my personality quirks that I am
actually safer alone do not make her feel better. The past year and a
half in which I have done a considerable amount of single handing has
convinced me that I am far better alone sailing and I have more fun. I
dunno what to do but family sailing doesnt work for me.

Sort of how I feel about riding my motorcycle with my wife on her's. I worry
too much about her and then I am a less safe rider myself. I'm much better
rider when either alone or riding with non-family riders.
Scout

I still prefer single handing
 

I still prefer single handing
 

Maybe you need a bigger boat?

SV

wrote in message
oups.com..
..
Went out with my wife and 9 yr old daughter today, left
my 15 yr old
son at home and 19 yr old daughter is off at college.
Even with this
few people on my 28' S2, I felt crowded and wished nobody
was in my
way. It didnt help when a gust caught us unexpectedly and
threw us
waaaaaay over and my wife gasped and got a death grip on
the
companionway. I am not so confident myself that someone
elses fear
does not rattle me and I had to tell myself "Be calm and
slow".
By myself, I can concentrate and work things out without
worrying about
stepping on someones hands or whether or not they are tied
in. Maybe
being concerned about my family makes me nervous but alone
I am a far
better sailor. Unfortunately, my wife does not like me to
sail alone
and openly worries about what could happen to me in such
windy
conditions. My assertion that due to my personality
quirks that I am
actually safer alone do not make her feel better. The
past year and a
half in which I have done a considerable amount of single
handing has
convinced me that I am far better alone sailing and I have
more fun. I
dunno what to do but family sailing doesnt work for me.

I still prefer single handing
 

"Scout" wrote in message
...

Sort of how I feel about riding my motorcycle with my wife
on her's. I worry
too much about her and then I am a less safe rider myself.
I'm much better
rider when either alone or riding with non-family riders.
Scout


I used to cringe whan my wife asked to ride along ( on the
back). I'd have to cut my speeds in half.
Now, as an old fart, I enjoy taking her at slower speeds.

Scotty

I still prefer single handing
 

Sounds like yall just need a bit more time sailing together in various
conditions. Like Katy said they need to get into sail trimming or
something else, that keeps them out of the companion way and out on
deck. had they been assigned to a sil the perhpas you would not have
been blown over so much.

We had a great weekend sailing. Had rain or a drizzle and sailed to
the Trinity river on the other side of the bay Saturday. The rain
stopped around 1500 and it warmed up just in time to come into the
Kemah cut and toss beads in our Yachtygra parade. Then back out to
Redfish island in the bay for a night on the hook. We spent yeaterday
sailing down to Galveston and back in perfect weather. My wife loves
taking the wheel and can hold her at any point I request. I like to
singlehand myself , and do often with the help of the CPT auto pilot.
Anytime we are underway over 16 hours it's almost the same for me as
single handling, as my wife just does not have the strength needed to
trim and douse some sails, but I can sleep sound with her on the wheel.
When its just us I always reef, at night or just go to Jig & Jigger
before I hit the bunk.

But the 13ft La Brisa is mine anytime i have the need to getaway, but
then Skipper (our dog) has to go or gets really ****ed off.

Joe

I still prefer single handing
 

Maybe you should try to get your family involved in the sailing.
Let the 9 yr old take the wheel when you have the room, etc
everyone will enjoy it more...

I still prefer single handing
 

Db,

My solution; Teach all your family to sail the boat. You go along for
the ride. You offer your advice; GENTLY! Teach all and every crew to
sail the boat and if you make them happy learning, with your advice,
they will soon be looking to try a get to the situations that use to
frighten them.




http://community.webtv.net/tassail/ThomPage

http://community.webtv.net/tassail/Pneuma

I still prefer single handing
 

Dave wrote:
On 27 Feb 2006 07:44:38 -0800, "tom" said:

Maybe you should try to get your family involved in the sailing.
Let the 9 yr old take the wheel when you have the room, etc
everyone will enjoy it more...

It take it that's what he was doing. What he's saying is that it didn't work
for anyone. I congratulate David on being realistic enough to recognize
reality and enjoy it.

We have done family sailing for many years and I have lost count of the
number of times I have taught my wife how to tie a bowline or even to
put a line on a cleat. It isnt important to her so she forgets
quickly. She did take sailing lessons many years ago. My 9 year old
may "connect" with sailing but my older kids did not. However, my wife
objects to me taking the 9 year old sailing without her. In spite of
what Katy says, divorce isnt likely after being married over 25 yrs.
The realization that I am a safer and better sailor when I am alone
really surprised me but it fits in with how I operate at work. I have
never been a team player (yes, its a personality flaw but it works for
me) and do my best work alone. In fact, I find my brain nearly shuts
down around co-workers so I must be alone to do real work. My wife is
very sociable and is easily distracted by people and ignores the boat.
I admit, I fiind guests aboard to be a distraction I dislike. Being
the ultimate geek physics/engineer, my love for sailing is with problem
solving and this is hard to do with distractions.
A larger boat is a poor solution because I think my 28' is the ideal
size for single handing.
We will continue to do family sailing, but I really want to do single
handing too. I've tried various strategies like always wearing my
auto-inflate harness/lifejacket, wearing a personal EPIRB and strobe,
having the cell phone with me, etc. to alleviate her fears for me. Any
suggestions?

I still prefer single handing
 

Jon,

I've always like the old say; " A sailor learns to avoid sailing in
condition he can't sail in AND learns to sail in conditions he can't
Avoid!"

There are many,many times when it's better to stay home.



http://community.webtv.net/tassail/ThomPage

http://community.webtv.net/tassail/Pneuma

I still prefer single handing
 

Maybe you should try to get your family involved in the sailing.
Let the 9 yr old take the wheel when you have the room, etc
everyone will enjoy it more...

It take it that's what he was doing. What he's saying is that it didn't work
for anyone. I congratulate David on being realistic enough to recognize
reality and enjoy it.


I agree but I also don't think he should give up... unless
he really just plain prefers sailing alone. I know a number
of men who get on their boats (many of them don't
necessarily go sailing) specifically to get away from their
wives.

wrote:
We have done family sailing for many years and I have lost count of the
number of times I have taught my wife how to tie a bowline or even to
put a line on a cleat. It isnt important to her so she forgets
quickly.

That's OK too. Why should it be important to her? Let her
relax & read a book or something.

... She did take sailing lessons many years ago. My 9 year old
may "connect" with sailing but my older kids did not. However, my wife
objects to me taking the 9 year old sailing without her.

So you have some good reason to go all together. Especially
if the 9yo likes it.

... In fact, I find my brain nearly shuts
down around co-workers so I must be alone to do real work.

I have to turn off the phone.

... My wife is
very sociable and is easily distracted by people and ignores the boat.
I admit, I fiind guests aboard to be a distraction I dislike. Being
the ultimate geek physics/engineer, my love for sailing is with problem
solving and this is hard to do with distractions.

Sounds like a limiting factor in your sailing development, too.

Anyway there *is* a way of getting it all to work out, you
just to be patient & creative enough to find it & put it
into effect.

A larger boat is a poor solution because I think my 28' is the ideal
size for single handing.

And a 28 footer should certainly be large enough for three
people, especially when one is a child.

One thing that will get your child interested in sailing is
if you let her bring a friend. Boats are inherently cool,
and other factor is that she will love showing off her
sailing ability.

We will continue to do family sailing, but I really want to do single
handing too. I've tried various strategies like always wearing my
auto-inflate harness/lifejacket, wearing a personal EPIRB and strobe,
having the cell phone with me, etc. to alleviate her fears for me. Any
suggestions?


Don't worry about whether she is worried. Just do what you
can (within reason) to allay her fears and move on. And let
her find her own enjoyment... maybe being tolerant enough to
bring other company once in a while.

When my wife and I started sailing together, our focus was
racing small one-designs. She knew very little about
cruising. When we spent some time on bigger boats, I made
sure that it was a vacation for her. Then (being an
intelligent and capable woman) she got interested in some of
the challenges of cruising, like navigating.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King

I still prefer single handing
 

"Scotty" wrote in message
...

"Scout" wrote in message
...

Sort of how I feel about riding my motorcycle with my wife
on her's. I worry
too much about her and then I am a less safe rider myself.
I'm much better
rider when either alone or riding with non-family riders.
Scout


I used to cringe whan my wife asked to ride along ( on the
back). I'd have to cut my speeds in half.
Now, as an old fart, I enjoy taking her at slower speeds.

On the bike?
Scout

I still prefer single handing
 

"Scout" wrote


I used to cringe whan my wife asked to ride along ( on
the
back). I'd have to cut my speeds in half.
Now, as an old fart, I enjoy taking her at slower
speeds.

On the bike?

On everything.
;)

I still prefer single handing
 

Scotty wrote:
I used to cringe whan my wife asked to ride along ( on the
back). I'd have to cut my speeds in half.
Now, as an old fart, I enjoy taking her at slower speeds.


Next thing you know, you'll be getting a tugboat

DSK

I still prefer single handing
 

"DSK" wrote in message
. ..
Scotty wrote:
I used to cringe whan my wife asked to ride along ( on the
back). I'd have to cut my speeds in half.
Now, as an old fart, I enjoy taking her at slower speeds.


Next thing you know, you'll be getting a tugboat

It's worse than you think...right now I'm drooling over a Cyclone Rake Pro
http://www.cyclonerake.com/sem/?refe...lecyclonegroup
Scout

I still prefer single handing
 

"DSK" wrote in message
. ..
Scotty wrote:
I used to cringe whan my wife asked to ride along ( on
the
back). I'd have to cut my speeds in half.
Now, as an old fart, I enjoy taking her at slower
speeds.


Next thing you know, you'll be getting a tugboat


Awwk!
My wife has orders to shoot me if I ever start looking at
stinkpots,or Harleys.


Scotty

I still prefer single handing
 

Next thing you know, you'll be getting a tugboat


Scout wrote:
It's worse than you think...right now I'm drooling over a Cyclone Rake Pro
http://www.cyclonerake.com/sem/?refe...lecyclonegroup

Now that's pretty cool. I wouldn't have much use for one
myself, since I have let most of our yard go back to nature.
But our neighbors should get these and get rid of their
leaf blowers.

DSK

I still prefer single handing
 

wrote:

Unfortunately, my wife does not like me to sail alone
and openly worries about what could happen to me in such windy
conditions.

The past year and a
half in which I have done a considerable amount of single handing has
convinced me that I am far better alone sailing and I have more fun. I
dunno what to do but family sailing doesnt work for me.

This is what I did with same situation. I searched around and found an
atletic 26 year old woman. Ya know the type, fit... young.... hot.
Started sailing with her. Wife went nuts when she finally got around to
meeting my new "sailing partner." Now she prefers that I sail single.

I still prefer single handing
 

wrote in message
oups.com...
Went out with my wife and 9 yr old daughter today, left my 15 yr old
son at home and 19 yr old daughter is off at college. Even with this
few people on my 28' S2, I felt crowded and wished nobody was in my
way. It didnt help when a gust caught us unexpectedly and threw us
waaaaaay over and my wife gasped and got a death grip on the
companionway. I am not so confident myself that someone elses fear
does not rattle me and I had to tell myself "Be calm and slow".
By myself, I can concentrate and work things out without worrying about
stepping on someones hands or whether or not they are tied in. Maybe
being concerned about my family makes me nervous but alone I am a far
better sailor. Unfortunately, my wife does not like me to sail alone
and openly worries about what could happen to me in such windy
conditions. My assertion that due to my personality quirks that I am
actually safer alone do not make her feel better. The past year and a
half in which I have done a considerable amount of single handing has
convinced me that I am far better alone sailing and I have more fun. I
dunno what to do but family sailing doesnt work for me.


Depends. If you're just "going out for a sail", it oftentimes can be more
relaxing to go alone. I know everyone else is going to say it, but if your
wife worries about you sailing in "windy" conditions then she needs to take
some lessons.

John Cairns