Sailing double-handed is sometimes complicated, you have to be prepared for it... It's like life as a couple, it's sometimes difficult. Double-handed at sea is also "the other" who every two hours will drum on the deck while you are trying to sleep.
But it's also the one who'll make you feel better when you can't take it anymore. He or she is the one who will make you a frichti like Christmas dinner, when the time comes.
So to enjoy all these moments, we propose a small memo of advice and useful materials to approach serenely these beautiful moments of navigation.
Tip #1: Prepare
To ensure that the cruise goes smoothly, you must prepare your equipment and adapt the deck plan to sailing with two people. Objective n°1 : make sure that there is as little movement as possible towards the foredeck or the mast step. All maneuvers (halyards, reefing line, topping lift, downhaul, etc.) must be brought back to the cockpit.
It is also necessary to prepare the safety of the boat and the crew. Knowing the location of safety equipment, briefing yourself on what to do in the event of a problem, knowing how to use the means of communication on board, are all essential. Whether you are sailing solo or with two people, wearing a life jacket is not an option and it is even better if you tie up to a life line
Tip #2: Anticipate
Where are we going? The passage to the chart table to prepare together the next anchorages and the next stopovers is a good start. Choosing your route by mutual agreement to get where you want to go in safety and comfort allows you to anticipate maneuvers, adjustments and all possible situations, including a change in weather.
Because sailing with two people requires anticipating maneuvers and if it goes wrong, don't worry, you have a plan B!
Tip #3: Take your time
You are not in a regatta! Whatever the maneuver, both crew members must be coordinated. No rushing. A maneuver is successful when everything goes well and the sequence is fluid. The recipe? Look at the other and perform the maneuvers in the same tempo.
Tip #4: Two can see better
Two pairs of eyes and two pairs of arms are also better than one! In coastal navigation where many obstacles, such as other boaters, fishermen, commercial vessels, beacons, traps and nets seem to want to storm your boat. Sailing in pairs is a real plus that allows you to navigate with more serenity.
Tip #5: Talk and share
Sailing together means sailing, sometimes, solo but being able to count on the other and it is especially sharing moments and unique emotions: when the boat glides alone and when the sun sets the sky and the sea on fire for example...
Tip #6: Take on a third team member, the pilot
If you often sail double-handed, the acquisition of a pilot can be useful. As a third (discreet) crew member on board, he can relieve the crew and even facilitate maneuvers.
