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Single Handed Launching Recovery
I'm pretty new to all this and am looking for tips for launching and recovering single handed.
What's the best way of getting the trolley up the baech (and back again) without the boat sailing away?
Any help or suggestions for dealing with this in different types of wind would be welcome 
Re: Single Handed Launching Recovery
Hi Tom
Ideally you always need someone on hand to help you bring the boat in and take it out. Preferably in a wetsuit. If it is an off shore breeze and you try to do it on your own the boat may get pushed out to sea.
The alternative is to take the trolley off in the water, rest it upside down on the bows while you drag it up the shore, then take the trolley off. The problem is that you risk damaging your boat (skeggs).
One key thing is to make sure your downhaul is completely off too, otherwise the boat would be a nightmare to handle on your own when launching/bringing in.
Whenever I go out I always make sure there is someone there who can give me a hand, a helpful windsurfer or someone else at the club. I often time it so that when I see another crew go in I'll wait a few minutes until they have their boat out the water then come in and shout for help.
Just for your info, when sailing single handed make sure you:
1. Use the main sheet as a way of keeping both feet on the hull (by pulling with your FORE hand) when trapezing because there is a tendency for your rear foot to pull away from the hull - keeping the main tight will avoid this
2. Be very active with the main sheet in strong winds - you should be able to sail in anything upto 18/20kts when competent
3. Try not to use the foot straps
4. Bring the mast rake forwards to to adjust for the balance problems caused by the missing jib
5. You should be able to get the knack getting in off the trapeze and tacking at the same time
6. When righting after a capsize hook the halyard onto your trapeze to give extra leverage - walk towards to bow a bit beforehand to bring the mast perpendicular to the wind - this will help give the mast a little lift (make sure you have unhooked the mailsheet too)
I really love sailing single handed, its a great thrill, especially in strong winds!
James
Re: Single Handed Launching Recovery
And more importantly eat a few more pies!!!!