Singlehanded Sailing

The reasons otherwise sane people do it
Humans are herd animals; we tend to gather together in tribes and maintain close social relationships. Why, then, would someone want to cross an ocean single-handed? What motivates them?American author and sailor Richard Henderson has closely studied the goals and achievements of single-handers. In hisbook Singlehanded Sailing, he suggests ten reasons why an otherwise sane, reasonable sailor would want to sail off into the blue alone:

• 1.For practical purposes. To test a theory, perhaps, or to gather material for a book or a study. To earn money or to win a race. Sometimes, because the boat isn’t big enough for two.

• 2.Self-significance. To find one’s place in the world’s pecking order and acquire a sense of belonging.

• 3.Curiosity and fulfillment. A desire to see and experience the thrills and moods of the sea, and exotic landfalls, for oneself.

• 4.Recognition. A desire for fame that exceeds the search for self-significance.

• 5.Independence. The need for the greatest possible freedom and control over one’s own destiny.

• 6.Escapism. This is closely allied to independence, but includes a certain rebelliousness against routine, as well as a possible flight from personal and societal problems.

• 7.Adventurousness. Adventure has always been strongly attractive to restless spirits with a desire for novelty, travel, and excitement. Solo sailing can provide all of these in large (and sometimes excessive) quantities.

• 8.Competitiveness. This may take many forms, including personal competition with the ocean and one’s inner fears, as well as the desire to win races or set records.

• 9.Solitude. Some introverts like being alone. Other people may experience the spiritual cleansing of a retreat that makes them more appreciative of subsequent human companionship.

• 10.Mother Sea. All life came from the sea, and it still runs strongly in our veins. Some deep instinct, dimly felt and poorly understood, draws many people back.

As Henderson points out, all single-handers possess at least some of these motivations in various degrees and combinations. Most are braver than they know, particularly those who do itdespite their fear of the sea and the unknown.