Singlehandling the 7.9

[JeffD]

I'm in the process of looking at a 7.9 up in Chicago (listed with Sailboat Sales at Crowley's Yacht Yard). It seems to be a very good fit with the kind of sailing I do on the Potomac- mostly day sails, the occasional overnight, and some ambitions to join a few Tuesday night races.

I'd appreciate any feedback on the following-

* I currently singlehand my Tanzer 22 with relative ease (day sailing, not racing) -- should I have any concerns around singlehandling the 7.9?

* Is anyone familiar with the boat in Chicago? It's a 1982 inboard that looks to be in good shape. I'm waiting on the dealer to get back with me on the #, but here is the link to the boat-

http://www.sailboatsalesco.com/

Thanks for any input. The site has been a great help.

[Jim Kloss]

I doubt if you'd have any trouble single-handing. I've been out alone in 30+mph winds and the boat handles it fine. (It is a little like exercise, however). You'll like having the inboard -- just turn the key and go (usually). My boat is also an '82 inboard.

Jim Kloss
s/v Ambivalence
S2 7.9 #8

[JeffD]

Thanks Jim-- I'm trying to cover all of my bases, and your input is very helpful.

All-

The hull is #128 if anyone is familiar with her.

Thanks,
Jeff

[Guest]

I single hand every other weekend or so,year round in southeastern NC. About half the day sails end up partially in the ocean. I have an outboard which is easier to manuver in my narrow canal where I live. You will need an autopilot. The 7.9 does not like a lashed helm. Occasionally on a pretty day the chute goes up. The stock boat is well laid out to single hand.

Spencer Rogers
Avatar #288

[BarryE]

I've had the opportunity to sail mine singlehanded on several occasions. If I was going to make a habit of it I would go with a roller furler, and a good high performance sail made for it. Also, my main would be on mast slides, and a stopper on the mast to keep everything stacked up. Lazy jacks on the boom help keep things off the deck, and keep your sight lines clear. I've got one old main with two reef points, and it comes in handy when short handed.
Remember, the S2 7.9 was originally designed to the MORC rule. This rule encourages boats that are sailed flat with lots or weight on the rail. As a result, when single handing, be prepared to reef down earlier than you might think. You'll go faster sailing flat with a reef in, than sailing on your ear without without.
I have an old autohelm, works OK, but the newer ones have a faster and more accurate response.

[Guest]

Thanks for the insights-- particularly on the reefing early (forewarned is forearmed). Any suggestions on the choice of autohelms?

[Robert Kirsten]

I use a tiller pilot which works pretty well, plus harken 00 furling on the genny. I also have an inboard, but it is the Yanmar, which is a great little engine. When I bought my boat 5 years ago in Michigan, I talked to at least 4 inboard owners who had the "BMW" engine, and all reported difficulty with parts and service on it. I am not sure if that is still the case, but Yanmar is easy. I also added a Garhaur solid vang and ran the line back to a line stopper in the cockpit, which helps.