On Thu, 29 Jan 2004 11:53:00 -0600, "Wendy"
wrote:

Right then- would like to do some single-handing now and again, I am pretty
fit (rock climber), barring 60' seas I doubt I'd fall off, and I probably
have a year or so to find what I want.

Well, then, certain attributes suggest themselves: lines *already* led
back to the cockpit--maybe even a center cockpit, which is arguably
better for women due to the better visibility (I assume you aren't six
feet tall or better...), current autopilot thrown in or provision for
same...a windvane is a bonus, seeing as a single-handed ocean sailor
would want one...Having a year is great...as you will want to check
out a lot of boats. Read The Saga of Skip Gundlach in these archives,
as he is on a very similar mission except he needs a bigger boat
because he is the world's tallest freestanding sailor G



I have loads of experience on the water, just not much fooling around with
sails. I've all the documents rounded up to sit for the USCG 100-ton
license, I've just not gotten around to doing it.

I would suggest it then for purely insurance-related reasons, and
delivery skipper is a good way to "try before you buy", when you think
about it. As for sail changes, join a club race crew on a 35-40 foo
boat. Work the foredeck. Oh, the sails you'll see!

The transatlantic
delivery idea is a good one, but not terribly practical at this point in
time. I wouldn't dismiss it out of hand, though.

Even a Newport-BVIs-USVIs would do it...just enough to get a feel for
proper offshore weather and waves.



I am more interested in the former, obviously I'm not averse to a bit of
work, but I decidedly do not want a project. Boats are enough work as it
is.

Yes, that's true enough. But a lot of otder boats, if well-maintained,
are simple enough because they simply don't have a great deal on board
to go wrong. Fewer thru-hulls, fewer electronics. no elaborate
fridges, bidets, or air-conditioning...it all equals less to break.



I'll google up the saga. I've been doing a bit of flying and, as
problematic as the broken-down boat can be, I can't imagine the situation
would be as dire as an aviation-related failure. I can deal with stress

Well, I was thinking along the lines of "hitting a container while
asleep". Having the seamanship to rig a fothering sail or collision
mat (and having that made up ahead of time) is the way to avoid
stress. It's the stuff that happens on the sunny, light air days that
can get you...not necessarily the survival storm drama.

Good points, all of them- thanks for taking the time to write them.

My pleasure. I hope to be where Skip is and where you are
going...long-term cruising...and I follow these processes avidly.

R.