What's the largest class of sail boat that can be safely sailed single-handed?

Question

and is there a non-GRP alternative for us traditionalists?

Answer 1

The Vendee Globe challenge is the ultimate single handed sailing event : http://www.vendeeglobe.org/en/   -  60ft sailing rockets...

As for a traditional boat - the size would be limited by the ability of the skipper to handle the rig. Without power assist equipment you would be limited by the weight of sails and your ability to handle them ... probably in the range of 50 ft for a boat with Dacron or composite sails and smaller for heavier more traditional fabrics. But why would you want to use them ??

Safely ??? Probably a low aspect rig on a 25 to 40' boat with a full keel.

Answer 2

When I thought of getting one years ago I looked at a 35 ft. ketch.

In rough weather it could be handled from the cockpit.

Answer 3

a sloop upto about 35ft with a auto-pilot

Answer 4

The Opi is the largest sailboat class

Answer 5

It depends as much on the skill of the sailor as the size of the boat.  A good sailor can handle a boat of 40 feet or so, especially if it has autopilot and roller furling.  My husband and I found that a 35 foot boat was easy for one person.  However, any boat can be a challenge for one person in rough weather.

I can't address the second part of your question.  Best of luck.

Answer 6

I would recommend a yawl rig, just like Joshua Slocomb ( the first guy to sail around the world single handed) I like the yawl because the mizzen is behind the c**k pit and out of the way a bit.  But in terms of size, it depends on your plans for it and skill.  I've seen guys single handle a 57 foot monstorosity and not have a hitch.  I've also seen guys who can't sail a dingy without help.  But I would say, if you're relatively new to sailing, don't go much bigger than a 27 footer.  Their perfectly good day sailers.  If your plan is sail around the world and your a relatively seasoned veteren, then 45-48 footer should be your max.  You'll want the space and stowage of that size boat, and there really isn't that much of a difference between a 35 and a 45 for the single handler.  I recommend the Yawl rig, because should your engine die on you, the mizzen is particularly handy for navigating busy ports.  

But forget about length, you need to decide if you want a heavy, medium, or light boat (floating bleech bottle), before decide on length.  Personally, if your plans are to sail around the world, get your self a nice heavy displacement boat.  A Rafiki 37 is a wonderful boat, (I almost bought one) makes you feel like you bought a hans christian, but much more affordable.  Spacious and sturdy and stable, everything a sailor needs to know about his craft.  Remember, your boat is the only thing keeping you from living at the bottom of the ocean.

Answer 7

having lived aboard a series of boats in the Caribbean the last 33 years I would say:

30-40 foot, especially with roller furling;

Good self steering is critical!!!! a good wind vane      ( Aries, Monitor or the like) ........if there's enough wind to sail the wind vane will work and not drain power; or a autopilot if you've got a big engine to recharge a big battery bank.....

and secondly;

you can fix a wood boat anywhere with simple tools

if you can learn to weld and like to paint steel is virtually indestructible, but hot in the tropics...

who wants to live on and sail around in a plastic boat that looks like the inside of a refrigerator?

Answer 8

depends on how much there is to get it up and going