Solo Sailing why?
"Sailing is a fantastic challenge: whether racing or cruising, there are many elements beyond our control, which bring a unique excitement and satisfaction.”
Ellen MacArthur's reason!
Women have been solo sailing for years, many circumnavigating the world, some setting records both in racing and endurance, for others they enjoy the solitude and challenge, the adventure and freedom.
Ellen MacArthur after her record breaking solo circumnavigation of the planet, said "To me sailing is a passion: an intoxicating ride along a path that is totally unpredictable, wild and powerful.”
So have you ever considered solo sailing? Want to know more about what inspires or motivates sailors, especially women to take this course? Find out more about solo sailing!
I initially wanted to learn to sail single handed so that I would not have to rely on finding a crew whenever I wanted to sail. I guess that’s called being in control.
My decision was right for me; when I am on my own I make the decisions, overcome the challenges, fix whatever I can, and when in dicey situations (and boy there’s been some) get out of them!!
All in all this does give me confidence
and the opportunity to learn more and understand and do better when it comes to
sailing and the environment in which it belongs.
I am very independent and I have never let the fact that I am female or my age limit me in any way. I had a dream … and I would never surrender the dream!
My dream
was to go sailing and own my own yacht! Although I love the serenity of
solo sailing I do love sailing with friends and family, and I have admit it can
be very lonely at times.
I think it is very social and it’s always great to share the freedom of this wonderful escape, for a day, a weekend or longer sailing to faraway places.
I do find men like to take control on board and it’s easy to let them. Most women sailors encounter sexism and some would say are classed as second class citizens on boats.
Part of the problem here could be
stereotyping, the man could be just trying to help, but ‘taking over’ from ‘the
little women’ puts you in the back seat and can damage your confidence.
Jobs should not be divided into ‘pink’ and ‘blue’ jobs, some things on board may need the help of a second person male or female. Men tend to tighten everything so I find it hard to undo, ‘man tight’ I call it.
I guess if we act like equals we are more likely to be treated like equals. And there are other compensations!
There are some I’ve heard around marinas that aren’t so positive…..
Women who go solo sailing also have many different reasons and stories, their adventures are unique and absolutely fascinating!
From the elite solo women sailors in round the world yacht races to the record breakers, the very young to the older sailors they are inspirational.
Then there are the ones you seldom hear of; the ordinary women who sail ... Ordinary is not the word ... Extraordinary is more like it!!
This is just one I will be including on solo sailing in this site in the months to come so keep checking they will give you goose bumps!
Jeanne Socrates at 70 years old become the oldest women sailor to sail solo round the world non stop and unassisted. It was her 3rd attempt, she would not give up on her dream no matter what the sea tossed at her!
The oldest person to sail 1,700 miles across the Atlantic ocean alone in a 30ft yacht. And yes, a woman called Mary Harper a 79 years old great-grandmother; and when in her 80’s she still sailed singlehanded in her own boat to foreign ports!
Now don’t you agree...
…Absolutely extraordinary!
An inspiration!