I've single-handed boats from much bigger than that ...

Posted By: catsailor
Date: 11/11/09 2:39p.m.

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In Response To: P15 Modifications to single hand w/jib (Kurt)

to smaller with a jib, and it was never a big problem. Make sure the jib will not hang up during tacks. If it does, cure the problem by rigging a guard (often a bungee cord) over the offenders. Tiller extensions are good, not just a racer thing. Often the trick is to sit on the extension. You can also lay your leg over the tiller. Consider hiking straps on the seats for 2 reasons: you hike harder to make up for the lack of crew mass, and the hiking straps give a little extra security, like a seatbelt so that you an work the boat without sliding around. You need to have something good to brace your feet on, and the seat just doesn't get it. This is not just a racer thing either. The jib sheet is continuous, so there is no need to move it closer; you need to develop a habit of laying the slack on the seat where you will be able to reach it when you change sides. The cats I started on were 8' wide - no problem. Another thing that helps is not releasing the jib until you are on the new windward seat. This doesn't mean backwinding the jib - it means getting over promptly. You just need to develop a rhythm. On my first boat... * push the helm over and pass the extension to the other side. * slack the main ~3' just as the wind is on the nose. * crack the jib as I am crossing the boat and hold on to the sheet. Sheet in as soon as through the wind a bit. * pull the main back in only after you are situated and the jib is right. Yes, you are sometimes doing 2 things at once, but it is subcontinents after a few dozen reps... or maybe it was a few hundred. Practice. Just don't change the rigging until you have given it a chance. Good Luck!