Kapitel: Who mental training helps

You say we can radio in underway. What does that mean for me?

For you it means the most. Anyone holding a package with us reaches us by messenger, without an appointment. For a single-handed sailor that is the difference between a thought that goes round for three days and one that has been said out loud. Two things about that, plainly and with no small print. We […]

How do I measure success in single-handed offshore sailing?

We agree the measures together when taking a fix; see A22. Sailing single-handed, you often end up with things like: how long it takes you after a mistake before you are working again, whether you reef when you think of it rather than when it becomes necessary, how you are holding up on the fifth […]

How do you prepare your head for a long solo passage?

The same way you prepare the boat: early, in stages, and with trial runs. We build the routines up in everyday life, test them on short legs, and then scale them to the duration of the passage you have planned. Anyone setting out for six weeks does not practise the six weeks, but the one […]

And afterwards? Back among people after weeks alone?

An underestimated subject, and one we plan for. Anyone who has been alone for a long time does not come back with the handbrake on, but with their perception turned down low. The reception in harbour, the questions, having to tell the story: that belongs in the preparation, not in the surprise.

Are you a replacement for a crew?

No, and that would be a poor promise to make. What we provide is a voice on the channel when there is none on board. That is exactly what Captain Sifr is for.

What helps in the moment when it tips over?

A fixed sequence that works without a decision. Breathing, one action with your hands, one sentence, and then the next thing that needs doing. Not solving the situation, but the next half hour. We practise that ashore until it holds, and then we test it under conditions in which it does not want to hold.

Lack of sleep is my main problem. Can you change anything about that?

Not about the quantity. About what you do with what is left, yes. Exhaustion attacks your judgement first, and it does so before you notice it has gone. That is why we work with decisions taken in advance: fixed if-then rules for reefing, changing course, turning back, and calling for help. At three in the […]

When do single-handed sailors radio in to Channel Zero?

Five typical doors: The first long passage alone. The first night without a watch change is a different kind of night. The solo race or the record attempt. Weeks of load, in which no one day can rescue another. The incident that stayed with you. Damage, a capsize, a night you would rather not think […]

I talk to myself. Is that a bad sign?

It is a tool, and we make it a better one. What you say to yourself when a manoeuvre goes wrong decides how quickly you are able to act again. Alone, nobody is listening and nobody contradicts you, so your own tone stands unchallenged. That is precisely why we work on it.