Gear up: It doesn't need to be hard - Smart ideas to overcome limitations….
In occupational therapy we learn to adjust our tasks, use adaptive equipment and adjust the physical environment to make it easier for us. I incorporated this learnings into my boat to enable me to sail Belle more easily and safely, even when sailing single-handed. Here I share some of those smart sailing gear that are not only good for disabled people like myself, but also for older sailors that are not as fit as they usually be. Hope you can find them useful. I’m not sponsored by these products. This is my humble honest opinion, based on my own experiences and intensive research to find a solution to keep sailing comfortable and safe, even with my limited agility. Hope you can find them useful.
A First Mate called Hydrovane
I met Daniel in Sines, a solo sailor navigating a stunning RM1380 from Canada. He had a memorable encounter with an orca while crossing down from Biscay, and he was genuinely grateful for his Hydrovane. I owe my presence here to this self steering System and this compact emergency rudder.
Downwind sailing
To use the trade winds in longe passages I need to avoidwalks outside the cockpit with my fragile balance to deal with complex sail changes. |I need a simple lighter, safer sail configuration I can handle from the safety of the cockpit for mos of the time. After intense research and advices from my knowledgeable sailing friends I found the answer: The One sails IFS Multi Tradewind Sail
Sunbeam
Being self-sufficient offshore is necessary, not optional. Having reliable and efficient energy solutions is essential to achieve this. Itook advantage of the Mini Globe Race start in Lagos to see what solar-powered solution this daring sailor selected for their amazing sailing journey.
The perfect outboard engine
I’m not overstating things; for me, this is the finest outboard on the market today. It's lightweight, manageable with just a single hand, and sufficient for those essential journeys by dinghy to the shore. Naturally, you could opt for greater power, enhanced speed, and increased autonomy, but that entails added weight, a higher price, and more complex operation.
No stress downwind
Sailing eficiently downwind always require a bit of stress the accidebntal gybes, handling a pole for the dawnting spinaker fly… I found a geneaker in Belle locker and with it a Facnor fx-4500.
hanse boatoon - inland crew
After acquiring Belle and being unable to connect with her former owner and thoroughly learn her specifications, I delved deeply into online research regarding her systems and discovered Hanse boatoon. It is not just an online shop for components for Moody and Hanse Yachts, but an exceptional reservoir of information, expertise, and support from a dedicated professional team. With their assistance, I gained a comprehensive understanding of Belle's history, where she was constructed, received her system manuals, and fully grasped her systems.