Brian Boschma

First off…Who are you? Where are you from? What would you consider your Home Port and sailing locale?

My name is Brian Boschma and I am from Southern California but have lived in Northern California for the last several decades. My homeport is the San Francisco Bay area.

Please describe your sailboat. What type of boat is it? Year? Make? Model? How long have you had it? Any major modifications made to your boat for solo sailing or offshore sailing?

I have a 1987 Olson 34 that I have owned for 9 years. I have added some Autopilot mods, self tailing winches, radar, AIS, and a means of tripping sheet stoppers from the foredeck.

How long have you been sailing? When did you decide that the solo experience was for you?

I have been sailing for 50 years. I decided Solo was for me at age 8 when I sailed my Sabot across the Bay at Punta Banda, Mexico; leaving parents and siblings in my wake.

A piece or pieces of gear you would not do without? Self-Tailing winches? AIS? Egg Timer? Gimbaled cup holder? What do you value and consider vital for safe, comfortable Singlehanded Sailing?

GPS’s, AIS, Radar (I consider these Vital) The AIS + Radar need very loud Alarms. Egg timers are important but I have slept through too many.

Most memorable trip/passage/ adventure you have had so far sailing solo?

Long Pac 2005, stunning whale presentation all around me as the sun set. 1986 terrifying return trip from the Farallones in total fog with a watch and a compass. Passed under the Golden Gate Bridge center span by dead reckoning.

Worries and or concerns when you are out solo? Pirates? Tankers? Whales? Flying fish? What is on your mind?

Other vessels. Not so much ships since AIS was mandated.

What is your favorite thing or things about being out in the middle of the ocean by yourself?

Can’t describe it well, seems magical out there. Probably due to some brain abnormality.

Solo sailors who have inspired you to do what you do?

Jim Farr and the entire country of France

Future sailing plans or aspirations?

Single Handed Guadalupe Island & Single Handed Hawaii

Why do you think people are drawn to solo sailing?

Sense of accomplishment. A quiet backwater where small efforts can make a difference. Plus, the skipper and the crew get along pretty well on long passages.

And now for the rapid fire, stream of consciousness, quick response section of the questionnaire…

Hank on or Roller Furling? Hank on
Wheel or Tiller? Tiller
Fin or Full keel? Either, or… Fin (but Full has distinct advantages for singlehanding.)
Dacron or Kevlar? Kevlar when I can afford it.
LED Tricolor or Deck mounted Kerosene Running Lights? HID bulbs
Mast Steps or Ratlines? What is a Mast Step?
Depth sounder or lead line? Forward looking sonar
Bucket or a well plumbed head? Both have their applications.
Water or Whiskey? Water
Whiskey or Rum? Rum.
Rum or Kool Aid? Rum.
SSB or Sat Phone? Don’t care. Good sense Sat Phone
Large meals or Steady Snacking? Snacks
Coffee or Tea? Tea
Dodger or No Dodger? Wish I had one
Autopilot or Windvane? Both if I had the dollars.
Traditional Boom Vang or Rigid BoomVang? Rigid
Fresh water or saltwater showers? I have a water heater…you guess!
Solar Panels or Wind generators? Solar + Water Generator using waste wake energy
Three Strand or Spectra? Lots of each…they each have their application