[darich]

This is exactly why you shouldn't go for a sailboat that exceeds 46 feet if you're planning to sail single-handedly. You should refrain from going for a larger sailboat as it can be far trickier to dock in a crowded marina if you're sailing single-handedly. If anything, a boat measuring 35-45 feet will allow you to see around. It's also maneuverable, especially when anchoring and docking. You should also keep in mind that boats measuring 35-45 feet are generally designed with engine props, keels, and electric bow thrusters that can make a huge difference in the handling and maneuverability of such boats. more

[sahars]

As we noted earlier, a sailboat measuring between 35 and 45 feet is the sailing sweet spot if you want to sail single-handedly. This is because such sailboats do offer almost everything that you need to sail without any assistance. However, you may decide to go smaller but this would mean that the storage capabilities go against you. [links]

[jumolock1976]

Configuration of the Sailboat - This pretty much revolves around the maneuverability of the boat. Simply put, the sailboat should be designed in a way that you can single-handedly maneuver it to a dock even when strong winds are blowing. You should also be able to get a line from the sailboat to the dock without losing control of the boat. more

[BCuser]

The anchor - Any sailor will tell you that it's always advisable to go out there on the water with an anchor that's large and strong enough to hold the sailboat safely in case there's a storm. But because you want a sailboat that you can handle on your own, you should ask yourself; can you raise the boat's anchor back to the deck with the help of a winch or another person? This should help you determine the size of a sailboat that you can handle alone. more

[SergGT]

Speed and smooth sailing tend to be very important characteristics for single-handing sailors. You’ll find it more difficult to get on a plane and stay on a plane with a shorter boat. If you have your heart set on a smaller boat, choose one that is longer. [links]

[obinine]

Furthermore, larger sailboats often come with some navigation equipment integrated, which will reduce the number of improvements that you’ll need to make. more

[oneluv04]

Using tactics like multiple anchors and bridles to keep from being hung up, you can position yourself with your stern safely anchored away in some mangroves on a stormy night or position to get the best of the breeze while avoiding the chop in an inlet achorage. This size of boat offers excellent versatility to make you feel like a pro at docking or anchoring single-handed. here

[Psychoactive]

Be careful to make a practical decision and not let your whims sway you as you make this difficult decision. Single-handling a sailboat successfully isn’t easy, and the boat you choose will make a big difference in deciding whether it goes well.

[Alex]

Wake surfing has been increasing in popularity dramatically for the past several years. Whereas at one time, it was relatively unusual to see a wakesurfer in action, now you're likely to see them on.

[ProPuke]

First, the size of your sails. Doesn't matter how big, strong, and fit you are, sooner or later you just can't handle the amount of cloth of your sail. That tends to be around the 300-400 sqft mark. Which brings you into the 50-60 foot size sailboat. Yawls & Ketches have the advantage here, with more but smaller sails. [links]

[Randallromans8]

The sailing part is straight forward. It's handling her in rough weather and at the marina where things are difficult. more

[nenolod]

So what are the limits for a person? If you go old school, no electricity. here

[flemingo]

You also have anchor size. Without a good windlass (again, usually electric), hauling an anchor, even with a winch, becomes a very a big chore. Again, this tends to limit you to about 9 tons or so of boat.

[Babylon]

The size of of boat: Being able to see around and manoeuvre your boat, especially coming into anchor and dock; docking being far trickier, especially in a crowded marina. Keel type, engine prop (power and location), and bow thrusters (usually electric), can all make an enormous difference in the handling and manoeuvrability of a boat at slow speeds. The rule of thumb for single handing is around 35-45 feet max, with the displacement of the boat actually probably being the better measure. Once you are over 9 tons (18,000 lbs) conservation of momentum means things get very tricky to control.

[leoragraves666]

We will keep you posted on new articles on this subject.

[mcmoneysack]

Sailing alone is more rewarding than difficult. It is also the best way of getting to know your boat well. It is not a question here of describing the methods used by the big ocean racers, who have to keep one eye open at 30 knots on one hull, pulled by a 300m² gennaker. What interests us is cruising sailing, close to the coasts, or on the high seas. Sailing alone can be a choice, a challenge to be taken up, but also an obligation. A delivery trip when no crew is available, or much more often, when cruising as a family. At sea, with young children and mum looking after them, or with a group of friends who know nothing about sailing, you have to handle your multihull alone. A statement of the obvious, to begin with. Don't overestimate yourself. If your experience of sailing is limited to a few courses and three weeks' charter, you are not ready. Sailing alone is not however reserved for old sailors who have sailed round the three capes. It's just a question of mastering the boat, and yourself.

[AT-LOW]

There is nothing better than testing yourself ‘in situ', with an inactive crew, or really singlehanded. Don't look for difficulty. The aim is just to go out for a few hours' sail in good weather on your multihull (which is good condition, obviously), to take stock of your aptitude, the difficulties encountered and the pleasure felt. Certain sailors appreciate sailing singlehanded, others get bored, as they cannot share their emotions. Again, be humble. You can't be dishonest with the sea. especially when you are on it alone! The person who hopes to do a real two to three week ocean crossing will train over a three or four-day route. Remember that a little 28-foot catamaran is obviously easier to manage singlehanded than a Lagoon 500. But the bigger of the two is also the safer. [links]

[jarlethaanthonyt]

The RS Aero is small, sleek, and fast. And, it represents a great value in a day boat. Tom Gruitt/Creating Waves photo.

[praxeologist]

If you’re searching for a great dinghy, check out the RS Aero. It’s been on the market for a couple years and is selling well in the U.S. with a growing number of fleets and events. Below is a short video we made on its introduction; it's been called the 21st century Laser, with characteristics that make it a likely winner in the next generation of single-handers. It’s light enough to carry, easy to rig, and offers blistering performance on the water—especially downwind. For around $7,500 this boat is great value.

[farmer_boy]

The 97E may be the smallest J/boat in the E series, but it offers an excellent value. [links]