Bob Johnston

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

My name is Bob Johnston. I am from Oakland, CA but currently residing in Benicia. 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 1993 J-92 named Ragtime. I have owned and sailed the boat for 7 years. No major modifications other than extra sails, equipment and an upgraded electrical system.

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

40 years. I always liked sailing/racing dinghies solo. I started soloing a keelboat in 2002 after joining the Singlehanded Sailing Society.

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. Harness/Tether

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

2006 Singlehanded Transpac

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

No worries or concerns–I love it out there. My mind is mostly consumed with sailing the boat as well as possible, weather and navigation.

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

Just sailing the boat-changing sails when necessary and tweaking the trim.

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

Maj. H.W. Tilman, Chas. Borden, Manry, Guzzwell, Horie, Slocum

Future sailing plans or aspirations?

When I was 12, I marked my planned round-the-world route in purple pen in a Rand-McNally World Atlas. That was 40 years ago and it’s still on my mind.

Why do you think people are drawn to solo sailing?

They’re wacko!

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

Hank on or Roller Furling? Both. RF for the big jibs. Hanks for the solent.
Wheel or Tiller? Tiller. Wheels are for Trucks.
Fin or Full keel? Either, or… Fin for now. Full with a cut-away forefoot for later. T
Dacron or Kevlar? Dacron Main is OK. Kevlar headsails.
LED Tricolor or Deck mounted Kerosene Running Lights? LED’s baby! Our first boat had kerosene lighting…I’m old!
Mast Steps or Ratlines? Top Climber
Depth sounder or lead line? I’m not that old!
Bucket or a well plumbed head? Head. Bucket for back up.
Water or Whiskey? Water
Whiskey or Rum? Rum.
Rum or Kool Aid? Rum..I didn’t drink the “Kool-Aid”
SSB or Sat Phone? Both
Large meals or Steady Snacking? Snack til you hack!
Coffee or Tea? Both
Dodger or No Dodger? Dodger
Autopilot or Windvane? A/P for now…both later.
Traditional Boom Vang or Rigid BoomVang? Rigid
Fresh water or saltwater showers? Fresh water rinse.
Solar Panels or Wind generators? Solar Panels
Three Strand or Spectra? Three strand anchor lines, spectra running rigging, except Vectran upwind Halyards.