Robert Crawford

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

My name is Robert Crawford– I have been a 30-year resident of the S. F. Bay area, but now have retired to the mountains just north of Yosemite.  My boat is berthed in S.F.

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 sail Black Feathers, a 1961 Cal 20, hull #14, built during the first year of production for Cal 20s.  I purchased the boat in 2000 for $1000, the going price for Cal 20s at the time.  Her hull is basically unchanged, and her mast is original.  The rigging is, of course, relatively new although it remains the standard size for a Cal 20.  I have added many things to her for our 2008 Singlehanded TransPac.  It seems you can spend a lot of money on any size of boat! Previously, I sailed an Ericson 32 for about ten years – competing in the 1994 SHTP, and making two additional crossings.

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

I have been sailing about 25 years and have always felt that most of my sailing would be done alone.

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?

For lengthy offshore sailing I would not do without reliable and durable self steering.  For my boats that would be a Monitor Windvane.  For safety I would want some form of collision avoidance device. Black Feathers has an AIS and a CARD (Collision Avoidance Radar Detector).

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

My first Singlehanded Farallones race in 1992 created the most anxiety (fear) as it was the first time I took my boat into the open ocean. The 2008 SHTP in the Cal 20, however,  was my most meaningful adventure to date.

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

Greatest concerns:
a)  collision at sea
b)  dismasting
c)  loss of effective steering

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

The sense of accomplishment and self reliance in effectively carrying out the voyage for which you had carefully planned and prepared.

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

a)  Multihull singlehander Peter Hogg for his aggressive sailing
b)  Stan Honey for his technical knowledge
c)  John Guzzwell of Trekka for his pioneering spirit and craftsmanship

Future sailing plans or aspirations?

a)  Local open ocean sailing with possibly another run for Hanalei Bay in a couple of years.
b)  I would like to meet small boat sailors to help them hold fast their dreams of going to sea in a small but seaworthy craft of their choosing.

Why do you think people are drawn to solo sailing?

I believe most sailors are drawn to singlehanding to feel that sense of accomplishment and adventure that comes when performing well their task at hand.

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

Hank on or Roller Furling? Hanks for small boats; furling for large boats.
Wheel or Tiller? Tiller for small;  wheel for large.
Fin or Full keel? Either, or… Full if it could also be fast. 
Dacron or Kevlar? Dacron
LED Tricolor or Deck mounted Kerosene Running Lights? Tricolor with strobe.
Mast Steps or Ratlines? Mast steps for the large boats
Depth sounder or lead line? Depthsounder with no thru-hull
Bucket or a well plumbed head? Bucket for the small boat.
Water or Whiskey? Water when in the life raft; whiskey for on the boat
Whiskey or Rum? Tequilla
Rum or Kool Aid? Rum
SSB or Sat Phone? Sat phone for in the life raft;  Sat phone for on the boat.
Large meals or Steady Snacking? Eat or drink anytime, and straight out of the can or pouch.
Coffee or Tea? Coffee candy for the small boat;  Real coffee for big boats.
Dodger or No Dodger? Observation dome for the small boat;  dodger for the big boats.
Autopilot or Windvane? Either, if it is reliable and durable, but my experience is mostly with a Monitor Windvane which is both reliable and durable.
Traditional Boom Vang or Rigid BoomVang? I’ve only had a traditional vang.
Fresh water or saltwater showers? Saltwater shower with a freshwater rinse.
Solar Panels or Wind generators? Solar 
Three Strand or Spectra? 3-strand for rode;  Polyester Yacht braid for most everything else.