Ben Mewes

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

My name is Ben Mewes. I am originally from Germany but now call Pt. Richmond, CA home. My sailing locale is the San Francisco Bay.

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 1969 Black Soo 30 foot hard chine sailboat that I have owned for 20 years. No major modifications, a few things here and there with lines and cam cleats.

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

I have been sailing for 40 years. I started solo sailing in the 1990′s.

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?

Autopilot, GPS, Beanbag chair, Barometer

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

2000 Singlehanded Transpac + Return Trip

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

Submerged containers

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

Solitude

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

SSS Members

Future sailing plans or aspirations?

Why do you think people are drawn to solo sailing?

Self Reliance

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

Hank on or Roller Furling? Roller
Wheel or Tiller? Tiller
Fin or Full keel? Either, or… Fin 
Dacron or Kevlar? Dacron
LED Tricolor or Deck mounted Kerosene Running Lights? LED
Mast Steps or Ratlines? Mast steps
Depth sounder or lead line? Yes
Bucket or a well plumbed head? Bucket 
Water or Whiskey? Yes
Whiskey or Rum? Yes
Rum or Kool Aid? Yes
SSB or Sat Phone? Yes
Large meals or Steady Snacking? Yes
Coffee or Tea? Yes
Dodger or No Dodger? Dodger
Autopilot or Windvane? Both
Traditional Boom Vang or Rigid BoomVang? Rigid
Fresh water or saltwater showers? Yes
Solar Panels or Wind generators? Solar
Three Strand or Spectra? Neither