Is it possible to sail rudderless in a single handed boat (aka no jib like a laser)?

Question

i can do this sailing with a crew - to luff up: heel boat to leeward and sheet in main, sheet out jib

- to bear away: heel boat to windward and sheet out main, sheet in jib.

can you sail rudderless by just tilting the boat or is the sheet in out jib or main essential for this exercise.

Answer 1

im sure there is a way...have you ever tried to luff up/bear away in your laser?maybe when you sheet out the main though for beaing away, dont let it out too much.

edit: i thought of this question today when i was teaching rudderless sailing=)

Answer 2

I've frequently steered with the rudder locked in place by creating weather or lee helm.  As you have indicated, this is a matter of sheet trim, and has nothing to do with crew.  I actually find it easier to do on my own.    However, there is a big difference between having a rudder locked in the center position and loosing a rudder all together as a total loss will greatly affect the balance of the boat.