Why going to sea alone is a unique experience
Sailing alone attracts many enthusiasts in search of freedom, silence and total connection with the sea. It's an adventure in itself, a personal challenge that confronts the sailor with himself, his choices and his boat. Solo sailing develops invaluable skills such as stress management, concentration, autonomy and unfailing rigor. It can also offer moments of pure magic: a starry night off the coast, a silent sunrise, a perfectly executed maneuver in silence.
But this dream of freedom should not blind us to practical realities. Sailing solo requires far more preparation than cruising with a crew.
Preparing mentally to set off alone
Sailing solo means accepting to manage everything yourself, without anyone to relay, reassure or confirm a decision. This mental burden requires real training. It's advisable to start with short coastal cruises, to test your resistance to fatigue, doubt and the unexpected.
You learn to anticipate maneuvers, spot errors of judgment and maintain a routine while remaining flexible. Sleeping on board, even when docked, is a good way of getting your body used to a different rhythm. Once these initial experiences have been acquired, you can gradually extend distances and make sailing more complex.
A well-organized yacht for serene life on board
The key to good single-handed sailing is a well-equipped, well-tuned yacht. It's imperative that all maneuvers can be performed from the cockpit: reefing, lowering a sail, adjusting a sheet. The autopilot then becomes an indispensable crew member. It must be reliable, precise and, if possible, remotely controllable, so you can act quickly without leaving your cockpit.
On board, everything must be designed to reduce the need to move around and avoid unnecessary handling. Deck organization is crucial: winches must be easily accessible, ropes neatly stowed and instruments visible at a glance. Inside, it's essential to be able to cook, sleep or access the first-aid kit without clutter. A bench that can be used even in a gîte, simple meals already prepared, a headlamp always at hand... every detail counts and can make all the difference.
Safety, a priority at all times
When sailing solo, the main danger is falling overboard. Without a crew member to sound the alarm, it is often impossible to get back on board. That's why wearing a lifejacket with harness and lanyard is not an option, but a basic rule. You need to be strapped in at all times as soon as you leave the cockpit, and even inside if conditions deteriorate.
Safety systems must be fully operational: personal AIS beacon, VHF DSC, alarm repeater near berth, rollover light, navigation lights visible and in good condition. Movements on deck must be rare, planned and secured by a lifeline. The slightest oversight can have serious consequences, hence the importance of checking every safety point before departure and every time the weather changes.
Managing sleep and body energy
Sleep is the Achilles' heel of the solo sailor. There's no question of sleeping for hours on end, leaving the boat unattended. You have to learn to sleep in 15-30 minute increments, using a timer or programmed alarms. Some connected watches or apps also allow you to monitor course, potential collisions or weather alerts.
Nutrition also plays an essential role. We recommend preparing meals in advance, and choosing simple, nourishing dishes that can be eaten even in rough seas. Drinking regularly and avoiding excessively fatty or sugary foods helps maintain a constant energy level. It's these little routines that make long sailings bearable and even enjoyable.
Anticipate before you act
At sea, anticipation is the best weapon. Before nightfall, you need to check everything: the condition of the sails, the maneuvers to come, the weather forecast. You also need to have thought through several plans for a stopover or shelter if conditions change. Sailing solo doesn't mean rushing ahead headlong, but constantly asking yourself the right questions.
Keeping a logbook, even a brief one, enables you to keep track of the decisions you've made, the weather observations you've made and the settings you've tested. It quickly becomes an invaluable aid for adjusting your navigation and learning from your own experiences. And if all goes well, it can even serve as a story to share on the way home!
Tips from experience
Experience comes with time, but a few tricks can help you progress more quickly. For example, it's a good idea to visually differentiate ropes by using colored sheaths, to choose a watch bunk from which you can see your sails, or to provide playlists or audio books for long periods of watchkeeping. Organizing your belongings by zone (navigation, galley, rest) also helps you to be more efficient.
Finally, never forget that, even on your own, you're not completely isolated. Keeping friends and family informed of your progress, giving regular updates, or using an online tracking application can make all the difference in the event of a problem. Autonomy does not mean isolation; it's a subtle balance between freedom, vigilance and humility in the face of the sea.
