Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

Hi folks.

I've been slowly researching sailboats for my future. I've raced
Lasers in my past, grew up on an Alberg 30 here in Toronto, and wish to
continue my love for boats.

I've been to boat shows, and looked at boat plans online.

Regardless of price, what is the largest sailboat that one can handle
singlehandedly? I'm looking for a rear cockpit sailboat that I could
take anywhere in the world. As well, I don't need it to sleep 40
people, as I'd rather exchange staterooms for storage or other
functionality.

Thanks to a Toronto boat show I'm fond of the Dufour 40 foot range.

http://www.dufouryachts.com

I look forward to your replies.

Cheers

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

BeeRich a écrit:

Regardless of price, what is the largest sailboat that one can handle
singlehandedly?

To my knowledge, this one :

http://webpublic.ac-dijon.fr/nievre/colas/clubm.htm
http://www.virtual-winds.com/modules...php?storyid=67

:)
--
Peio

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

Hi,
I am cruising all year around singelhandedly in my 35ft Hallberg Rassy from
1976.
There is no problem to handle a significantly bigger boat completely on your
own.
I sailed singelhandedly from Finland in 2004, via Spain to Turkey in the
Mediterranean. Have not checked the distance, but it is thousends of sea
miles. Currently my boat is on Crete, Greece.
You need a bow thruster, remote control of the windlass, autopilot + wind
rudder, modern radar, fixed blade propeller, powerful engine. With thinking
ahead you can avoid most difficult situations. Never count on external help,
make sure you can handle everything on your own, including up and down from
the top of the mast.
Good luck,
Martin
--

"BeeRich" skrev i meddelandet
oups.com...
Hi folks.

I've been slowly researching sailboats for my future. I've raced
Lasers in my past, grew up on an Alberg 30 here in Toronto, and wish to
continue my love for boats.

I've been to boat shows, and looked at boat plans online.

Regardless of price, what is the largest sailboat that one can handle
singlehandedly? I'm looking for a rear cockpit sailboat that I could
take anywhere in the world. As well, I don't need it to sleep 40
people, as I'd rather exchange staterooms for storage or other
functionality.

Thanks to a Toronto boat show I'm fond of the Dufour 40 foot range.

http://www.dufouryachts.com

I look forward to your replies.

Cheers

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

"BeeRich" wrote:

Hi folks.

I've been slowly researching sailboats for my future. I've raced
Lasers in my past, grew up on an Alberg 30 here in Toronto, and wish to
continue my love for boats.

I've been to boat shows, and looked at boat plans online.

Regardless of price, what is the largest sailboat that one can handle
singlehandedly? I'm looking for a rear cockpit sailboat that I could
take anywhere in the world. As well, I don't need it to sleep 40
people, as I'd rather exchange staterooms for storage or other
functionality.

Thanks to a Toronto boat show I'm fond of the Dufour 40 foot range.

http://www.dufouryachts.com

I look forward to your replies.

You can single hand almost any reasonably sized boat if it is equipped
properly so that you can work everything from the cockpit and if you
pick where and when you go. Especially if you mostly stay away from
docking situations. People single hand the boat we have which is BTW
not an aft cockpit. You can always convert 'staterooms' for storage.
We usually use the V-berth as a 'garage'.




grandma Rosalie

S/V RosalieAnn, Leonardtown, MD
CSY 44 WO #156
http://home.mindspring.com/~gmbeasley/id1.html

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

I am not sure if it is Paul Allen or Larry Ellison but one of them has a
mega-yacht sailboat that, with all the remote controls, could potentially be
no-handed. Which ever it was claimed it could be sailed from his desk top.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

"Rosalie B." wrote in message
...
"BeeRich" wrote:

Hi folks.

I've been slowly researching sailboats for my future. I've raced
Lasers in my past, grew up on an Alberg 30 here in Toronto, and wish to
continue my love for boats.

I've been to boat shows, and looked at boat plans online.

Regardless of price, what is the largest sailboat that one can handle
singlehandedly? I'm looking for a rear cockpit sailboat that I could
take anywhere in the world. As well, I don't need it to sleep 40
people, as I'd rather exchange staterooms for storage or other
functionality.

Thanks to a Toronto boat show I'm fond of the Dufour 40 foot range.

http://www.dufouryachts.com

I look forward to your replies.

You can single hand almost any reasonably sized boat if it is equipped
properly so that you can work everything from the cockpit and if you
pick where and when you go. Especially if you mostly stay away from
docking situations. People single hand the boat we have which is BTW
not an aft cockpit. You can always convert 'staterooms' for storage.
We usually use the V-berth as a 'garage'.




grandma Rosalie

S/V RosalieAnn, Leonardtown, MD
CSY 44 WO #156
http://home.mindspring.com/~gmbeasley/id1.html

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

BeeRich wrote:
Hi folks.

I've been slowly researching sailboats for my future. I've raced
Lasers in my past, grew up on an Alberg 30 here in Toronto, and wish
to continue my love for boats.

I've been to boat shows, and looked at boat plans online.

Regardless of price, what is the largest sailboat that one can handle
singlehandedly? I'm looking for a rear cockpit sailboat that I could
take anywhere in the world. As well, I don't need it to sleep 40
people, as I'd rather exchange staterooms for storage or other
functionality.

Thanks to a Toronto boat show I'm fond of the Dufour 40 foot range.

http://www.dufouryachts.com

I look forward to your replies.

Cheers

Vendredi Treize was sailed in the Transatlantic Single-Handed Race in 1972.
She was a 3-masted aluminium-hulled monster 128ft LOA. She finished second,
although by far the fastest boat in the race, but she proved too much to
handle.

The Volvo Ocean 60's are sailed in the Vendee Globe, round-the-world
single-handed race. Extreme design with canting keel and water-ballasted
hull. 60 feet LOA.

The present Volvo Ocean Race is being contested by a further development of
the Ocean 60, the Ocean 70, and these yachts have consistently broken the
24-hour world record for distance noon-to-noon, which is reckoned will be
pushing close to 600 n.miles by the time the race ends. These are of course
fully-crewed yachts of extreme design, 70ft long. What's the betting that
some madman will re-equip one for Round-The-World sailing within the next 2
years?


Dennis.

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

Wow a bow thruster for a 35 foot boat? Or do you mean a larger boat?
Why the fixed prop? is 40 horsepower considered a powerful engine for
a 40 footer?

Cheers

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

Hi Rosalie. I would suspect that docking would be a regular event.
From my research I'm guessing 50 feet max. I would eventually like to
travel the world, and make some good time to wherever I am travelling.
A circumnavigation would be the best.

Cheers

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

I follow the Vendee Globe, and that's a bit different. They are
designed with the race in mind, knowing there's one person in the boat.
I won't have that luxury. I also don't want to circumnavigate
completely in 110 days. Extreme is quite the description, but exact.

I'm also following the VOR, but they take too long between legs. I'd
like to be in Australia right now.

So, a 45 / 50 foot sailboat could very well do the job. That's what
I'm looking for. I'll just have to ask if it's designed to be fully
controlled singlehandedly.

Cheers

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

Glenn Ashmore wrote:
I am not sure if it is Paul Allen or Larry Ellison but one of them has a
mega-yacht sailboat that, with all the remote controls, could potentially be
no-handed. Which ever it was claimed it could be sailed from his desk top.



Perfect boat for Skipper.
From his comfy armchair in Derby, Kansas, he could explore the entire
west coast..... and the Sea of Cortez.

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

"BeeRich" wrote in message
oups.com...
I follow the Vendee Globe, and that's a bit different. They are
designed with the race in mind, knowing there's one person in the boat.
I won't have that luxury. I also don't want to circumnavigate
completely in 110 days. Extreme is quite the description, but exact.

I'm also following the VOR, but they take too long between legs. I'd
like to be in Australia right now.

So, a 45 / 50 foot sailboat could very well do the job. That's what
I'm looking for. I'll just have to ask if it's designed to be fully
controlled singlehandedly.

Cheers


I don't think you are going to find a production boat that is " designed to
be fully controlled singlehandedly".

For one thing I doubt very much you will get a powerful below decks
autopilot in such a boat. If you are going to do serious ocean sailing you
need one of these. Many would say you also need a windvane steering system
and again this will not be on a production boat.
The bottom line is that you can probably sail any boat single-handed but you
will need to add various pieces of equipment.
What needs to be added will depend on how the boat is equipped initially.
In this regard a previous circumnavigator in the 40 to 50 foot range might
be the better choice.
However Mr. BeeRich, if in fact you are rich, you can just buy whatever you
like and have someone outfit it for you.

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

"BeeRich" wrote:

Hi Rosalie. I would suspect that docking would be a regular event.
From my research I'm guessing 50 feet max. I would eventually like to
travel the world, and make some good time to wherever I am travelling.
A circumnavigation would be the best.

Cheers

The people that I know that single hand a boat like ours mostly
anchor. They come into their home dock, or come in for fuel and that
is it. Docking this boat is harder if there is wind or current
because it has a modified full keel and is a very heavy boat with a
somewhat underpowered engine (37,000 lbs and 60 hp). Other types of
boats would be easier.

If you are circumnavigating, docking would be infrequent. There's
lots of space between the edges of the continents with no docks g

You will need a boat big enough to put a dinghy on though.


grandma Rosalie

S/V RosalieAnn, Leonardtown, MD
CSY 44 WO #156
http://home.mindspring.com/~gmbeasley/id1.html

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

Hi,
yes, I mean a bow thruster to help you out of a difficult situation, and a
fixed blade propeller with a powerful engine to give you the power to
reverse out of difficult situations.
I have several times seen modern boats with folding propellers, and weak
engines, end up in situations where they need external help to avoid a
complete disaster. Unexpected winds, currents in a narrow space and you can
quickly find yourself in trouble.
In my opinion 40 hp for a 40 footer is on the smaller side.
I have 75hp Volvo Penta MD21 in my 35 footer (with a max of 3000 r.p.m.
giving 55 hpin the boat), with a big 3-blade fixed prop, and I have on
occasion needed all of it, both in the North Sea and in the Mediterranean.
Cheers,
Martin
--
"BeeRich" skrev i meddelandet
oups.com...
Wow a bow thruster for a 35 foot boat? Or do you mean a larger boat?
Why the fixed prop? is 40 horsepower considered a powerful engine for
a 40 footer?

Cheers

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

We sail a 60 footer and I have no trouble sailing her by myself. The tough
part is docking her. Lot's of windage, lots of weight, and it takes a big
circle to put her in her spot even with a bow thruster.

Sailing around the world in 110 days is not a problem for many of todays
purpose built cruising boats. A big Sundeer will make those miles in that
time frame but plan on spending $2,000,000.

B


"Gordon Wedman" wrote in message
news:QMNDf.128036$m05.125286@clgrps12...

"BeeRich" wrote in message
oups.com...
I follow the Vendee Globe, and that's a bit different. They are
designed with the race in mind, knowing there's one person in the boat.
I won't have that luxury. I also don't want to circumnavigate
completely in 110 days. Extreme is quite the description, but exact.

I'm also following the VOR, but they take too long between legs. I'd
like to be in Australia right now.

So, a 45 / 50 foot sailboat could very well do the job. That's what
I'm looking for. I'll just have to ask if it's designed to be fully
controlled singlehandedly.

Cheers


I don't think you are going to find a production boat that is " designed
to be fully controlled singlehandedly".

For one thing I doubt very much you will get a powerful below decks
autopilot in such a boat. If you are going to do serious ocean sailing
you need one of these. Many would say you also need a windvane steering
system and again this will not be on a production boat.
The bottom line is that you can probably sail any boat single-handed but
you will need to add various pieces of equipment.
What needs to be added will depend on how the boat is equipped initially.
In this regard a previous circumnavigator in the 40 to 50 foot range might
be the better choice.
However Mr. BeeRich, if in fact you are rich, you can just buy whatever
you like and have someone outfit it for you.

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

On 31 Jan 2006 09:21:10 -0800, "BeeRich" wrote:

I'll just have to ask if it's designed to be fully
controlled singlehandedly.

That's a good start but on a 45 to 50 foot boat you also need a plan
in place to repair, replace or do without any of the specialized gear
for single handing. That is way too much boat for one person to
handle if things start going wrong, and they will from time to time.

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

Joshua Slocum ,,, He went around the world in a 38 foot boat .. The Spray.


"BeeRich" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi folks.

I've been slowly researching sailboats for my future. I've raced
Lasers in my past, grew up on an Alberg 30 here in Toronto, and wish to
continue my love for boats.

I've been to boat shows, and looked at boat plans online.

Regardless of price, what is the largest sailboat that one can handle
singlehandedly? I'm looking for a rear cockpit sailboat that I could
take anywhere in the world. As well, I don't need it to sleep 40
people, as I'd rather exchange staterooms for storage or other
functionality.

Thanks to a Toronto boat show I'm fond of the Dufour 40 foot range.

http://www.dufouryachts.com

I look forward to your replies.

Cheers

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

Hi Gordon.

I wasn't suspecting such autopilots to be installed. I just wanted to
know the ramifications of increasing size. I know most install things
like weather vane autopilots and other long-haul equipment. I just
don't want to be running around the deck all day long cause I simply
want to tack.

I will deal with funds later. :)

Cheers

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

Right now I'm looking at 40 to 55 feet. Even above 50 feet, space
becomes somewhat redundant.

I still have my original dinghy, an Avon with a Seagull 0.5 hp engine.
Don't know if she floats though.

Cheers

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

I like the layout of the Sundeer 60. However I need to earn a couple
more bucks. Some day. Thanks for the lead.

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

On 31 Jan 2006 04:23:04 -0800, "BeeRich" wrote:


Thanks to a Toronto boat show I'm fond of the Dufour 40 foot range.

http://www.dufouryachts.com

I look forward to your replies.


DId you look at the backing plates on that Dufour 40? Hmmm....

I'm in Toronto, too, and at best intermediate in skills, but I
regularly take out my Viking 33 in 25 knots or better, solo.

I think you have to look at a level of physical fitness, skill,
assistive devices and sailplan. Francis Chichester took Gypsy Moth, a
55-odd foot ketch, a lot of miles in the '60s and he was an old man
with cancer. But that's the exception. Hal Roth took a Santa Cruz 50
(a very hot circa 1990 race boat) out on many races/rallies, also
alone. I don't know what age he is now, but I would imagine he was 55
or so then.

If you are solo sailing, may I ask where and why you need "the biggest
boat"? Because I can give you a LOT of answers based on that.

R.

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

On 31 Jan 2006 09:15:38 -0800, "BeeRich" wrote:

Wow a bow thruster for a 35 foot boat? Or do you mean a larger boat?
Why the fixed prop? is 40 horsepower considered a powerful engine for
a 40 footer?

Too many variables. For a racer-cruiser, it's big. For a steel full
keel ketch, it's small. But my buddy at Port Credit sails a 15 tonne
steel ketch with a 35 hp Volvo in it at 8 knots. But then he went to a
lot of trouble to get a special thrust bearing and an AutoProp, which
allowed him after a lot of experimentation to get close to the maximum
out of his relatively small but reliable engine.

A bit of advice: I know a lot of current boats have sail drives, but I
think a lot of moorings/marinas/clubs are very careless with stray
current, and sticking a big strut of aluminum into salty electrified
water makes these units fail. For cruising, I would choose a fully
inboard engine.

R.

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

I wasn't saying I wanted the biggest boat, I just saw some things on
larger boats (45 to 55 feet) that suggested that there always might be
a crew on board, if long hauls were in order. I also see the
international races sporting 60 foot boats, yet I realize this is a
very unique application. However, I don't want to overlook the need
for a definite size to either gain a certain speed or safety while at
sea. Even the Vendee Globe boats are huge.

The stories I've seen are from 17 feet to about 35 feet. I've been on
boats in my day, and 40 to 50 would probably be best. I also suffer
heavily from boat envy, and larger boats, with blue hulls and teak
decks just win me over. Fetish? Perhaps.

I also would like to entertain people, as my parents had a blast with
people at Ontario Place, where we had our mooring on a yearly basis.
Best days of my life so far.

And lastly, I see the quality/environment of larger boats to be much
more appealing. Plywood interiors with cans of tuna rolling around
doesn't appeal to me. Makes it more like a job, or something I feel I
have to accomplish. I have worked hard enough so far, and I'd like
some relaxing fun in my life, not a perilous wet chore.

Cheers

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

Why would stray currents manipulate a sail drive more than a fixed prop
on drive shaft?

Install Mercruisers. That should do it.

Cheers

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

Why would stray currents manipulate a sail drive more than a fixed prop
on drive shaft?

Install Mercruisers. That should do it.

Cheers

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

I just had a thought ... if you buy too big a boat you will be posting here
as:

BeePoor

=====================
"BeeRich" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi folks.

I've been slowly researching sailboats for my future. I've raced
Lasers in my past, grew up on an Alberg 30 here in Toronto, and wish to
continue my love for boats.

I've been to boat shows, and looked at boat plans online.

Regardless of price, what is the largest sailboat that one can handle
singlehandedly? I'm looking for a rear cockpit sailboat that I could
take anywhere in the world. As well, I don't need it to sleep 40
people, as I'd rather exchange staterooms for storage or other
functionality.

Thanks to a Toronto boat show I'm fond of the Dufour 40 foot range.

http://www.dufouryachts.com

I look forward to your replies.

Cheers

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

BeeRich... I'm certain the following is an *extreme* example of
what you might be looking for:

At this very moment there is a loung lady... Dee Caffari... the
*sole* occupant aboard the S/V Aviva... a 72' Challenge Class
yacht... making her way down in the Southern Ocean attempting
a circumnavigation the "hard way" meaning Westbound from England.

The aformentioned vessel is state of the art... the skipper very well
qualified...and owners/sponsors with "deep pockets"!

Though not necessarily an appropriate consideration for you... the
above illustrates what can be done along the lines of what you have
been talking about.

Best regards

Bill

Refer: http://www.avivachallenge.com

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

BeeRich wrote:
I wasn't saying I wanted the biggest boat, I just saw some things on
larger boats (45 to 55 feet) that suggested that there always might be
a crew on board, if long hauls were in order. I also see the
international races sporting 60 foot boats, yet I realize this is a
very unique application. However, I don't want to overlook the need
for a definite size to either gain a certain speed or safety while at
sea. Even the Vendee Globe boats are huge.

The stories I've seen are from 17 feet to about 35 feet. I've been on
boats in my day, and 40 to 50 would probably be best. I also suffer
heavily from boat envy, and larger boats, with blue hulls and teak
decks just win me over. Fetish? Perhaps.

I also would like to entertain people, as my parents had a blast with
people at Ontario Place, where we had our mooring on a yearly basis.
Best days of my life so far.

And lastly, I see the quality/environment of larger boats to be much
more appealing. Plywood interiors with cans of tuna rolling around
doesn't appeal to me. Makes it more like a job, or something I feel I
have to accomplish. I have worked hard enough so far, and I'd like
some relaxing fun in my life, not a perilous wet chore.

Cheers



Nothing wrong with the larger boats...as long as you have the resources
to pay for, maintain and use them without undue financial hardship.
Do you have a few *reliable* crew available?
You will need a hand or two for enjoyable, safe sailing.

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

On 2 Feb 2006 07:29:21 -0800, "BeeRich" wrote:

Why would stray currents manipulate a sail drive more than a fixed prop
on drive shaft?

Install Mercruisers. That should do it.

Cheers

http://www.practical-sailor.com/issues/last/psadvisory/

I thought you wanted a sailboat.

R.

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

On 2 Feb 2006 07:22:57 -0800, "BeeRich" wrote:



And lastly, I see the quality/environment of larger boats to be much
more appealing. Plywood interiors with cans of tuna rolling around
doesn't appeal to me. Makes it more like a job, or something I feel I
have to accomplish. I have worked hard enough so far, and I'd like
some relaxing fun in my life, not a perilous wet chore.

Well, if you want fast and efficient, you should be prepared to spend
around half-a-million. The Tartan 4100, the Saga 43 and 48 and the
J-160 come to mind as nicely appointed, but speed-oriented sailing
machines that one could conceivably handle solo.

I like the Shearwater 45, but it's tipped a tad toward comfort over
speed. Lovely boats, though.

Don't rule out aluminum boats, particularly the French ones.

R.

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

If I had a big boat, I wouldn't be online. I'd be on my big boat.

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

If I had a big boat, I wouldn't be online. I'd be on my big boat.
BeeDownSouth.

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

Hi Bill. I read about her. Why she's going that direction, I have no
clue. The type of boat I would probably ultimately have is a normal
long haul sailboat, with modifications such as autopilot and other
safety/nav gear. I'm guessing all lines have to go the cockpit.

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

Well the whole goal of this was to be able to pick up and go anywhere.
Not reliant upon anybody. Of course, having some people on board from
time to time will help, but I doubt they will know what to do, and I
certainly can't rely on my friends.

Largest Singlehanded Sailboat Is What?
 

Hopefully modern boats can afford me some kind of reasonable speed with
comfort. I see myself bobbing around the Caribbean a lot, going
nowhere. But if I want to go check out the Pacific via Panama, I don't
want to be too slow.

A fine balance between moving and living.