Skipper wrote:
On Tue, 01 Mar 2005 05:33:02 GMT, otnmbrd
wrote:


Don White wrote:

Not sure if it's practical to set your autopilot and then set your radar to
issue an audio alarm when something comes within 10 miles or so.



Audio alarms for radar have a tendency to sound, based on "sea -
return", so many people all too often turn them off.
If you plan to singlehand, add an AIS with CPA alarms. No guarantees,
but coupled with radar, it might help increase your safety factor.....
course, this doesn't address the surfacing sub issue.......

nothing will be foolproof


The question was asked by an inexperienced sailor. There are many
expensive devices available, but there is nothing like a real "24 hour
watch". This skipper needs crew.

Remember a few years ago when "Coyote" ran into a fishing boat off
New England? That was Mike Plant, one of the most experienced
single-hand racers on the seas. His boat was commissioned with the
latest (and expensive) gear to make it as safe as possible.

"Around the world alone" is dangerous. Even if they don't care
about their own safety, they should not be endangering others.
Maritime regulations are specific about a constant, 24 / 7 watch.

This skipper needs crew.

My response was mainly directed at the post regarding radar alarms.
Although I strongly disagree with "single handing", especially on long
trips, obviously, experienced or inexperienced, people are going to do
it and they need to be made aware of the plusses and minuses of any
equipment they may incorporate to assist.
In the case of radar alarms, they are by no means perfect and neither is
AIS, but they both can be useful.

otn