"New Conservative" wrote in message
...
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,

No.

or is this a no-no?

Yes.

Can it be done safely

No.


or would I have to drop all sail and just bob around in the dark for a
while until I've awoken?

No difference. Might as well keep moving while awaiting to be run
down while sleeping.

Obviously it'd make for a shorter passage if
I could somehow keep going 24/7. And ideas? Thanks.

Singlehanders do it all the time. Yes, it is dangerous but is just a risk
you
accept when singlehanding on long passages.

Good Luck!
Doug


Martin Smith, the New Conservative Party.

http://www.newconservativeparty.org