Sailing your Mirror Single-handed

Wet and windy at 2003 Mirror Single Handed Nationals, Abersoch

Despite designed as a doublehander, the Mirror with full rig makes an ideal singlehander, a sector the class is keen to encourage. Around the country there are many adults who sail their Mirrors purely as a singlehander, and for most events up to Open Meeting level racing against the fully crewed teams. The stable design and small sail area inspire confidence, but with three sails there is much to challenge the serious racers. For adults sailing with small children, the ability to safely control the boat single-handed is an important factor.

With a bit of thought and preparation, sailing your Mirror single-handed is straightforward, I have raced in up to thirty knots on coastal waters, including flying the spinnaker, which is certainly very exciting and gives much faster boats a run for their money.

Preparation
With no crew it is essential to organize the main controls to make sailing as easy as possible :

• Tie the jib sheets together - this allows you to control the jib from both sides of the boat and avoids the problem of having to go down to the leeward side to release the sheet, essential in a blow. I find it best to hold both jib sheets together and tie a figure of eight knot, reef knots always seem to come apart.
• Long tiller extension - this should allow you to reach the foredeck without letting go
• Flyaway spinnaker pole - this allows you to easily attach the guy with one hand with out letting go of the tiller extension. If available a fork system on the outboard end of the pole is best, it is easier to clip the guy in and it normally releases itself when the pole comes back.
• Controls lead back

Sailing
As you have to do everything yourself, maneuvers tend to take longer, particularity when the spinnaker is used. When racing in close quarters you may need to adjust your sailing style and plan ahead.

• Face forward when tacking - this allows you to control the jib and keep it filling throughout the tack
• Pull the spinnaker round when gybing using the old guy - this stops in filling inside the jib and tangling
• Get used to sailing the boat without holding the tiller - there will be times when you need to get on the foredeck to sort out the inevitable tangles, a Mirror is very well balanced and can be steered using body weight.
• Use the controls to de-power in heavy winds
• Practice using your feet to trap sheets and sailing with the tiller and mainsheet in the same hand.