www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-16/missing-sailor-cape-bedford/105777430

Hope he is found.

That article actually had some real information.
Another solo sailor!

An update. Not looking good though.

www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-18/missing-us-sailor-hartwell-champagne-crossing-pacific-solo/105785328

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garymalmgren said..
That article actually had some real information.
Another solo sailor!

Sssshhhhh.... don't want to draw attention to single-handed sailing.

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Woohoo said..

garymalmgren said..
That article actually had some real information.
Another solo sailor!

Sssshhhhh.... don't want to draw attention to single-handed sailing.

Is it because of the solo sailors that are older or solo sailing in general being dangerous?

RE;Is it because of the solo sailors that are older or solo sailing in general being dangerous?

Not older or dangerous, just tired. No relief watch.
These groundings show that you can't get away with a lack of sleep on coastal passages.

gary

In Whitsundays with reef and 5m tides its entertaining

When I fell asleep and hence ran aground, I had just finished a coffee that was so strong I could almost stand a spoon in it. I literally finished it and lay down 'just for a minute' to ease sore muscles. To add to the stupid, I didn't set the very loud alarm as I wasn't intending to sleep. But sleep I did, mere minutes after my head hit the pilllow.
Would you like a cherry on top of that double serving of stupid good sir?

I honestly thought I wouldn't fall asleep as I had just skulled a very strong coffee. I got that wrong.
Turns out that coffee makes you feel more alert by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain (adenosine is what makes you feel tired). If you drink lots of coffee, the level of adenosine being monitored by your brain drops, so the brain goes righto,...and churns out a truckload more of these adenosine receptors. To get the same effect, you now have to nearly start eating spoonfuls of instant coffee to block the bazillion more receptors your body just created! Doh!
I always thought coffee was a reliable crutch to 'get me through' those last few hours. It may, but with rapidly diminishing returns (if not negative) the more of it you drink. Chocolate is the same.
'Everything in moderation' might be an old adage, but it's a good one.

A sad case and warning for us all. Ive only run aground while awake. The few times I was alone and wanted a nap I always got a bit paranoid and set the boat up to go slow and head for away from risk factors.

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Trek said..
A sad case and warning for us all. Ive only run aground while awake. The few times I was alone and wanted a nap I always got a bit paranoid and set the boat up to go slow and head for away from risk factors.

Yes it's a real issue and a necessary skill to master if you sail solo. I used to roll a small kitchen timer up in my beanie so it was just a cm or so from my ear and would startle the *&^% out of me when it rang. I'd also have a second timer just out of reach.

Be careful out there, Graeme

Also, if over 70 should have full medical checkup,within reason,to ensure one's safety,so as to be aware of your limitations .

Having just been through a medical drama,which would have been fatal ,if afloat alone = now professional patient !

Is it selfish to transfer the risk to others ??

I think staying onboard is pretty important, particularly if your a solo sailor.

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wongaga said..

Trek said..
A sad case and warning for us all. Ive only run aground while awake. The few times I was alone and wanted a nap I always got a bit paranoid and set the boat up to go slow and head for away from risk factors.

Yes it's a real issue and a necessary skill to master if you sail solo. I used to roll a small kitchen timer up in my beanie so it was just a cm or so from my ear and would startle the *&^% out of me when it rang. I'd also have a second timer just out of reach.

Be careful out there, Graeme

I'm also a fan of having a very loud mechanical kitchen timer very close to my head. It works!

Personally, I enjoy single-handed sailing, but only for coastal sailing.

BTW, did you see that no search was launched for the missing sailor as it was deemed "impractical due to the size of the area involved"? No one should assume anyone is coming after you if you fall overboard.

Of course, if you activate a PLB, that's another matter.

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shaggybaxter said..
When I fell asleep and hence ran aground, I had just finished a coffee that was so strong I could almost stand a spoon in it. I literally finished it and lay down 'just for a minute' to ease sore muscles. To add to the stupid, I didn't set the very loud alarm as I wasn't intending to sleep. But sleep I did, mere minutes after my head hit the pilllow.
Would you like a cherry on top of that double serving of stupid good sir?

I honestly thought I wouldn't fall asleep as I had just skulled a very strong coffee. I got that wrong.
Turns out that coffee makes you feel more alert by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain (adenosine is what makes you feel tired). If you drink lots of coffee, the level of adenosine being monitored by your brain drops, so the brain goes righto,...and churns out a truckload more of these adenosine receptors. To get the same effect, you now have to nearly start eating spoonfuls of instant coffee to block the bazillion more receptors your body just created! Doh!
I always thought coffee was a reliable crutch to 'get me through' those last few hours. It may, but with rapidly diminishing returns (if not negative) the more of it you drink. Chocolate is the same.
'Everything in moderation' might be an old adage, but it's a good one.

I've always found it is the act of moving around and making the coffee that wakes me up - not the coffee itself. for years when living in a land house i had a coffee imediately before going to bed each night. the coffee certainly didn't keep me awake

chocolate on the otherhand is incredibly effective for me. keeping feeding me chocolate and i will go forever !

cheers,