singlehander

Singlehander is a term used in sailing to describe either a person who sails a vessel alone or a boat designed to be operated by a single sailor. When referring to the boat, the term typically denotes one‑person classes intended for solo use, as well as the broader practice of sailing without a crew. Solo sailing requires handling steering, sail trim, navigation, and safety without assistance from others.

One‑person boats, including dinghies such as the Laser (ILCA) and RS Aero, as well as certain keelboats and small trimarans, are designed to be managed by a single skipper. Features that aid solo operation include simple or partially automated rigging, self‑steering devices (wind vanes or electronic autopilots), and sail plans that can be managed from the helm. Many solo boats emphasize easy reefing, single‑handed control of sheets and halyards, and reliable safety gear.

Classes and practice: Solo sailing is prominent in one‑handed racing and offshore passagemaking. Notable singlehanded classes include the Laser/ILCA, RS Aero, and historically the Europe dinghy, all designed for one skipper though some can be sailed with a reduced crew. Beyond dinghies, solo offshore expeditions and circumnavigations are major disciplines, drawing attention to endurance, skill, and seafaring ingenuity.

History and safety: The tradition of solo sailing dates to early explorers and gained a famous milestone with Joshua Slocum’s solo voyage in the Spray in the 1890s. In modern times, sailors such as Robin Knox‑Johnson, Ellen MacArthur, and Jessica Watson highlighted the appeal and challenges of singlehanded voyaging. Safety, preparation, and seamanship are central, with equipment like GPS, VHF, AIS, emergency beacons, and life‑saving gear routinely employed on longer passages.