I was recently able to get away for my first solo overnighter on the TI. All my previous solo trips have been with the AI, but with a view to upgrading next year and possibly downsizing my AI to an Adventure (Revo 16) I've been keen to see if soloing the TI and sleeping on board will work as well as on the AI.
I have done a few solo sailing day trips and have come to prefer the TI over the AI. The negatives with having to use the trailer and the extra bulk when carting are outweighed by the better sailing characteristics and multiple seating options. Being able to paddle from the rear seat is great when negotiating shallows. The big test was how it would perform loaded up for camping.
I'm pleased to report that it was all manageable and the TI has become my Island of choice for soloing.
I returned to the secluded little bay that I have previously used for testing.
The extra capacity, greater freeboard and more storage made sleeping on board a better option than on the AI.
Set up was quicker as the haka now remain in place and I don't need a third haka for walking around on. Set up time is now comparable to land based camping with just the 3 across hull supports extra.
The Helinox stretcher was easy to assemble on water and remained dry, like the tent, being higher above the water.
With a bit of rain and light wind initially for my return trip I decided to pedal back and leave the bimini up.
The winds picked up later but I wanted to test how manageable the TI was pedaling, loaded up, into a strong breeze. Even with the added windage of the bimini it was all good!
The only thing that proved harder to do with the TI was setting up the bimini as the ama are so long it's difficult to reach the padeyes and remain dry. I had to stand in the water to get this done though thinking about it after if I had repositioned a haka I think I could get this done staying on board.
I'll have to try that next time.