Small one man sailboat

[Boatwriter23]

Hi everyone,

I'm working on a short story where the narrator operates a small sailboat by herself and travels over long distances in it. I'm trying to find out what sailboat model to research. It needs to have a cabin because she often sleeps on open water.

Also, what are some basic day to day things that you do to maintain a sailboat?

I really appreciate your help.

[Cheechako]

There are a few good non fiction books that would help you out. Google: Tania Aebi

[Cheechako]

"In May 1985, when Tania Aebi was 18 years old, she cast off from the docks of South Street Seaport in lower Manhattan and sailed 27,000 miles around the ..."

[Teknishn]

Boatwriter23, it may help to know where your heroine started out from on her adventures (i.e. what type of boats were available to her before she set on this epic adventure). One could live on a rowboat with a tent in the right climate, so anything can be possible.

As Cheechako has suggested, go read some books on young sailors that took on the oceans single handling. Lots of good, and inspirational, stuff out there.

I too write, albeit in an entirely different genre...Roman occupation of Egypt's Eastern Deserts. Non-fiction and fiction with historically accurate locations and pre-history (I used to work archaeological digs there). Yeah, I know....a mainstream best seller there! LOL Good Luck with your writing!

[Joel E Felt]

Try. Albin Vega. (Spelling) Google it

[Steadman Uhlich]

I see this is your first post and you are new to CF. Welcome Aboard!

Read the books by:

Tania Aebi

Robin Graham ("Dove")

Google Jeanne Socrates. There is a thread about her here on CF too. She is famous. Though her boat is larger (as are most who sail around the world. Here is that thread: http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...pt-174550.html

Go to the CF discussion thread about "Female Heroes" and find other famous and not so famous women sailors who have sailed far, many alone.
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...rs-176284.html

And watch some videos on youtube (there are many video bloggers). Someone like "Untie the Lines" may interest you, as she is a young German woman who bought a boat and sails mostly alone.

Good luck and good writing!

[Don C L]

Well, welcome here. I immediately thought of a Bristol Channel Cutter when I read your post.
The Bristol Channel Cutter 28 Sailboat : Bluewaterboats.org
A safe, sturdy and heavy old design
I see her with a pot of coffee or tea on a gimbaled single burner while she is mending a sail and a QME windvane is sailing the boat for her. She is trailing a Walker log and...
...Well, you asked! I think it's a pretty good start!
Ok, well I guess you could also look at the Flicka or the Dana 24, but I like the BCC better for this story...
smaller? look at a Signet 20

[Don C L]

After some thought I realize you may be thinking of something smaller and traditional so here are 3 more good choices:
Drascombe Lugger
Catboat
Sharpie
Drascombe Lugger
No Greater Passion for the Craft: Horses for Courses: Catboats
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharpie_(boat)

Someone could easily sail these alone, in fairly protected waters, with a little cuddy cabin.

[knockabout]

Maidentrip: Laura Dekker Sails Around World in Documentary

Jessica Watson | Youngest to sail solo and unassisted around the world

[treefarmer]

Check out a book entitled 'Tinkerbell'. It's a story about a fellow who built a 13' boat in the 50's, I think, and sailed across the Atlantic.

[fatherchronica]

I would use a folkboat, or some variation if you want traditional, and a J-24 for modern.

[Ms J-37]

Some enjoyable research can be done on YouTube, maybe searching "solo sailing" or "Christian Williams" who has some beautiful videos. He's usually alone, so his narration is lots of stream of consciousness. Also look at some videos on OffCenterHarbor.com , short and superb!

[treefarmer]

Boatwriter23, least we not forget Dudley Dix MINI.
It's a 6.5 m (21') ocean racer with cabin.

[msrcal36]

Young Norwegiean Couple crossing oceans on a Contessa 26 (Folkboat variation). Met her at a boat show, very nice. They're site has many descriptions of life aboard a small boat. Also on the site are videos including an interesting one Discovery Channel did on them. She does all of the talking, he is quite shy:
http://www.freewebs.com/sybika-eng/boatandcrew.htm

Cheers
Mike

[Boatwriter23]

Thank you all so much! This has been really helpful