| My Learnings and Tips (Others might find useful)
- Planning
- Weather
- Navigation
- Anchoring or Marinas
- Budget
- Safety
- Boat
- Route
- Wildlife
- Keeping in touch
1. Planning
I'm conscious that different people have very different preferences when planning. My preference was to have a broad (flexible) schedule for the whole trip but allow for the time to study and plan ports anchorages and passages 2 or 3 days ahead in more detail. My only certainty was that having embarked on the project I wanted to get round; safely.
I found planning options for ports more demanding during unsettled weather. During extended periods of storms I decided to catch the train home and monitor the met office web site for improvements. I found this the most frustrating time during the trip. I tried to avoid all the elements being against me - such as combined high winds on the nose, rain, poor visibility, complex passages near rocks or exceptionally strong tides, rough seas and cold temperatures.
With a clear weather window I found 50 to 70 mile trips about right for single handed sailing. I would have to take a day off every 4 days of sailing to do things like clean and maintain the boat, read up and plan next legs and just take a rest from sailing.
I allowed for longer trips when the wind allowed and shorter legs if there was a strong wind on the nose or when adverse tides couldn't be avoided.
Generally I planned for making 5 knots over the ground. Often I realised over 6 knots if conditions were favourable. When I couldn't make at least 5 knots I would motor-sail; even if the engine was just ticking over.
2. Weather
The 2007 summer weather was exceptionally poor for sailing. Recurring depressions leading to gales from the west kept me pinned in Wales for weeks. I may have progressed more if I had sailed across to Ireland from Milford Haven and then made my way up the more protected East coast of Ireland. However, the short-term nature of met office forecasts made this type of planning impossible.
Initially, because of my lack of experience I planned not to sail in more than a F5 single-handed. However, as I encountered repeated strong winds or sudden periods of bad weather my experience and confidence of sailing in such conditions grew. I therefore found sailing in F7 behind me tolerable even in moderate to rough seas. Although I'd avoid bashing into these conditions for more than 3 hours when solo. I also gained a few tips for heavy weather sailing from some books dedicated to the subject.
I took sea sickness pills whenever conditions were likely to be rough. In the latter stages when in the north sea I found my sea legs and didn't suffer even when down below deck in some rough seas.
In very rough seas I sometimes found it an advantage to motor-sail to give extra power when I needed to fight against the action of the waves (avoiding a jibe or swamping the boat). Having the engine working with the sails on occasion also got me to my destination sooner so I was less tired and likely to make mistakes.
A number of times I was advised not to sail for a few days after a storm - instead wait until the seas state improved. I did sail immediately after storms sometimes and yes, the seas state was rough and uncomfortable.
The best weather I encountered was, unsurprisingly, on the south coast. The first week I set off was very warm and sunny; as was the last day back into Chichester. There were occasional sunny days when leaving Wales for Ireland and when approaching the Caledonian Canal. There were also a few sunny days when travelling down the east coast. I found I was much happier sailing even in strong winds and rough seas if the sun was out.
3. Navigation
I chose a clockwise route because I was familiar with the route from Chichester to Plymouth, but still learning about the boat I'd purchased recently. I also felt the west coast offered greater options of routes in the event of the strong prevailing west winds. And Ifelt the east coast may best be tackled when I had more experience from travelling up the west coast. I was right about this latter point as the Thames Estuary sand banks are probably the most demanding from a navigation perspective.
I used the large scale Imray charts (C1 etc) as well as electronic navigation (C-map) covering the whole UK. I had a binnacle display which I felt invaluable for single-handed, especially when sailing in strong tides, shallow water or slightly more complex ports. I also had pilot books for all UK. Although I did not have a guide covering the north Norfolk coast where there are no marinas. I went into Blakeney (after waiting for high tide and waves at the entrance to subside).
In strong sunlight I found the Raymarine chart display difficult to read and needed glasses to see depths. I had another screen down-below which I had to use in such circumstances.
As well as electronic navigation I plotted my position and course from time-to-time on paper charts. Also, I used pilot books for navigating close in to marinas.
I tended to take a direct route - crossing through the sounds of various islands rather than lose time sailing around. I found the extra current an advantage with passage times and as long as you prepare your timing and expect a bit of rough water then no problem at all. I tried to avoid working against races or passing through of conditions were exceptionally rough such as strong winds against strong tides.
4. Anchoring or Marinas
Marinas can be preferable if the weather turns bad. However, if you can put up with the discomfort, anchoring can be easier when single handed on a larger boat. During strong winds (F5, 6 or 7) I tried to contact marinas beforehand (VHF or mobile) to get advice and someone to take lines when I entered. They were all very responsive to requests to take lines, often appearing on the pontoon even if I didn't ask for help.
Shortly after setting the boat to anchor I monitored my position for a while afterwards to ensure I wasn't dragging and drifting. I used the electronic charts on maximum resolution positioning the cross-hairs on the boat manually rather than doing 'find ship' otherwise the cross-hairs stay on the boat as it drifts.
5. Budget
The cost is lower if you have good weather and don't visit lots of marinas. I took me 3 months but the weather was particularly poor. I estimate marinas cost me £1000 mainly because of weeks stuck in Wales paying a premium daily rate at large marinas like Milford Haven and Pwllheli. And train tickets home are not cheap.
If using both the Caledonian and Crinan canals allow £250 to £300 for these depending on whether you engage a pilot to help with locks at Crinan. Buy a combined ticket to gain a discount. I would recommend engaging a pilot on the Crinan. This is essential if single handed. Contact the Crinan office a day or two in advance to book the pilot.
The fuel and food bill is dependant on your own circumstances. I used about £250 of fuel.
I had unexpected costs of £350 for lifting out and some maintenance work. I should have changed the anodes before setting off.
Summary of approximate costs:
- Boat preparations £1500
- Paper charts, pilot books £300 (C-map sponsored me with £1200 of charts supplied FOC)
- Marinas £1500
- Fuel £250
- Food £1000
- Trains £250
- Canals £220
- Canal Pilot/tips £50
- Lifting/maintenance £350
- Lost wallet/courier £230
6. Safety
When deciding when and where to sail I found it helpful to listen to advice of others - especially the local knowledge. However, I felt it important to draw my own conclusions about safe conditions, routes etc. As some folks talk up some obstacles and dangers whilst others can talk them down.
Probably the most dangerous situation I encountered was picking up a swinging mooring in an estuary. The boat was still in-gear rather than neutral as I had thought. I tried to hold the boat using a boat hook and could easily have lost my footing and slipped in the fast moving water and so always clipped myself on doing this type of thing afterwards.
It is worth thinking about your actions for supporting other vessels in distress. I experienced one mayday from a fishing vessel that was close in to shore when I was 12 miles out. I was at least 2 hours off and decided to keep to my course. I concluded that I may endanger myself given the rough seas and that lots of help would be closer at hand. In the event it was proved the right decision as after an hour the coastguard asked all other boats other than rescue boats already in place to keep away from the area as a structured search was underway.
Other things to watch when single handed are being too tired and not carrying out routine checks properly. For example, I almost set off without any fuel from one marina.
As well as having a life-raft at hand I also always wore life jacket and an EPIRB (emergency signal device if you fall in the water).
I had an RNLI boat safety check before setting off. I found this very useful. It reminded me of what to do in the event of certain emergencies and identified certain safety equipment I needed to buy. It is also free of charge (I arranged mine through Sailing Days).
7. Boat
Quite a number of people commented that the Legend 356 is a large boat for single handed sailing. It's true that initially I found it tricky, particularly entering marinas when in high winds. But my handling improved with experience and a larger boat is an advantage in rougher seas. I admit I'm pleased I had no collisions or major mishaps at all on the trip.
Through the canals it is wise to have plenty of fenders on both port and starboard; including the large round fisherman type to keep the hull well away from the walls. These are also useful when tied up to harbour walls where long lines are essential given the large tidal ranges around the UK.
I spent a few weeks preparing the boat before the trip. I had the engine fully serviced beforehand and watched to learn how to do it myself. I also learned the location of all filters and stop-cocks.
During the trip I monitored engine oil almost daily and topped-up when necessary. I also frequently cleaned the engine water inlet filter and checked the engine pipes etc.
It is possible to obtain fuel from most places round the UK. If you have a small tank and motor a lot then this may be a factor in your planning.
It's worth practicing handling the furling roller reefing on the foresail in high winds beforehand. I once let it out too quickly and everything became jammed and tangled very quickly. I had to dismantle the lines whilst underway in strong winds.
I had one avoidable accident that created a bit of mess. I think the motion of the boat in heavy seas knocked over a container of engine oil on the cockpit locker. The cap came off and oil spilled out over everything in the locker. I had quite a long job cleaning up. So do secure every little thing.
8. Route
I set off from Chichester clockwise via the Crinan and Caledonian Canals. I also sailed via Wales, IoM and Bangor in Northern Island. I avoided the top of Scotland in my original plan. In any event this would not have been possible at the time due to severe weather in the far north west of Scotland.
Having more experience now I would probably chose my route at the last moment according to my expectations for wind directions. For example, if southerly winds are dominating for a while and setting off from south coast then the clockwise route may be better choice.
9. Wildlife
I encountered most interesting wildlife in the south west. Here I saw many pods of dolphins in the outer reaches of the Bristol Channel and basking sharks off Cornwall. In Wales, Scotland and East Anglia there were more seals. The larges colony of seals I came across was off Blakeney point. Although there were occasional harbour seals throughout the trip.
Puffins were abundant in the Bristol channel and on the North East coast of England. Gannets and cormorants were found throughout. I didn't see any wildlife on Lochness!
10.Keeping in Touch
I found it important to talk to people every day. Especially my family. I also kept in contact with friends and received messages of support that made all the difference to me at times.
My family visited me twice through the trip and my wife was stayed supportive throughout despite some awful trips in the car. She often send weather reports to me and advised me on differing forecasts.
I used e-mail to send blogs to a friend to update the internet and took photos when I could. Both act as a good reminder of places and people and help keep the kind folks that supported the charities updated.
One thing I should have done but didn't was record the names and contact details of all the really wonderful people I met during the trip. Some details of people I lost because of an upgrade to my Blackberry. So if you're reading this folks please get back in touch. |
