some solo sailing questions

I had a couple questions come to mind while out sailing this last weekend.

1. When solo sailing out on the trapeze, what happens if you capsize/pitchpole. I can see a regular capsize being slow enough to allow me to unhook the harness, but a pitchpole would happen a lot quicker and it seems like the harness would stay clipped to the dogbone...and that doesn't sound like fun.

2. Are there comfortable harnesses out there? What about a life jacket that has the clip for the dogbone attached to it? My harness had me pretty sure I'd never be able to have kids by the end of the weekend.

3. Without dropping my sails, is there a proper way to set my sails so my hobie doesn't sail off if I abandon it for a few minutes? I occasionally need to help a friend right their boat and get nervous about leaving mine unmanned.

4. I have a small tear in one of my batten pockets at the end near the mast. Any suggestions for an easy repair?


Thanks, and happy sailing!

I'll answer what I can:


I ponied up for the Skipper's harness in the Hobie catalog and have been very happy with it.


I've never left my boat without either it secured or with someone who knows how to sail it. I don't think it's a good idea to leave your boat since the wind still has an effect on it, even if the wind only pushes it downwind. And unlike monohulls, a cat doesn't pivot easily and instead will move until pointed into the wind, which means you'll be swimming to get back to the boat, and you better hope you can swim faster than the boat can drift.

Stay funky.

Sailormantan,
As per the sail pocket...easy fix dacron sail tape, wait for a couple of more tears and then take it to a sail loft for full clew head and patch sewn in repairs. Thats what Im doing right know, replacing alum plates and all. Make sure u have all batten end protectors in there.


Skipshot, I was thinking of buying myself a skipper's harness. Less bulky and more movement.
The guy that sold me my H16 gave me his L (large) full back harness and its too big for me. He oly used it once, brand new!
I will keep it for any crew that may join me.

I weight 160pounds. Was thinking of the medium size skipper harness.
Will I be able to sail 6-8 hours straight from wire to wire and be comfortable with the skipper's harness?

thanks!

Alexsails - I sail strictly recreationally, and the skipper's harness is fine for being on the wire for short periods of time, but if you're going to be on the wire for as long as you say, then maybe someone who has that experience is better qualified to answer your question.