Re: Singlehanding

Singlehanding

From: Bill Henderson
Date: 08 Jun 1997
Time: 10:49:10
Remote Name: 206.175.110.121

Comments

As a regular singlehander, I (Bill Henderson) was interested in Will Nesling's suggestion for a "tiller stop" fitting. (see "Just Cruisin" on the Web Page). I always use a light line which is fed through light blocks at deck level, runs right around the boat, and is attached to the Tiller via the tiller extension fitting. The line is set with enough tension to "hold" the tiller in up to about 12 kts and enables me to "steer" from anywhere on the boat (If anyone is interested, I will try to diagram this later).

I received the (next atricle) via email and thought we might generate some discussion here!

Re: Singlehanding

From: Charles P. Cohen
Date: 08 Jun 1997
Time: 10:53:14
Remote Name: 206.175.110.121

Comments

Date: Sat, 07 Jun 1997 23:51:43 -0700 From: "Charles P. Cohen" <cpcohen@inforamp.net>
Bill- I read about this in Richard Henderson's "Singlehanded Sailing", and I intend to install it on my boat (a Challenger 24).

You're the first person I know (even virtually) who's actually done it! I'm also experimenting with sheet-to-tiller self-steering, and the friction of that round-the-deck line will be unacceptable. So it looks like I'd better attach some cleats to my tiller, and run in three modes:
"normal";
"sheet-to-tiller";
"remote-steering enabled".

Some shock-cord loops would make the change-overs easy, but what a mess in the cockpit... I thought sailing was supposed to be simple! -- Charles P. Cohen <cpcohen@inforamp.net> Cyborg Consultants Toronto, ON, Canada

Re: Singlehanding

From: Bill Henderson
Date: 08 Jun 1997
Time: 11:11:02
Remote Name: 206.175.110.121

Comments

Well, the "friction" is no problem, on a Shark at least. My line is slack enough that I sometimes forget I have it on! Anyway I attach it to the tiller extension post with a ring and a snap shackle so it is easily engaged/disengaged.

The only problem is that the line must be kept "soft" and I have to wash mine every year and replace it every 2/3.