Max Crittenden

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

My name is Max Crittenden. I am a Bay Area native (Menlo Park mostly).  Home port San Francisco (South Beach), sail mostly on SF 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?

My boat is a Martin 32, built 1980 in Vancouver BC area.  Fin keel, spade rudder.  Owned it (with a partner) since 2002.  Added a basic tillerpilot, no other shorthanding mods.

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

Sailing since 1964 (age 11).  I started occasionally sailing solo shortly after I bought my first boat (Merit 25) in 1996, and found I liked it.

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?

AIS, nap timer clipped to my collar, jacklines and tethers.

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

Attempted a SHTP qualifier in 2008.  Rough weather the whole way – did about 300 miles.

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

Ships without AIS transmitters – I saw one on the LongPac and my receiver never beeped.  Whales and lost shipping containers are minor concerns, only if I think too much.  I worry a little about doing something careless or stupid due to lack of sleep.

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

The challenge of managing all the different tasks – sailing the boat, housekeeping, food/drink/warmth/sleep.  Making decisions without having to defend or sell them.  Finding a groove where the boat is sailing nicely and I feel tuned in with it.  The scenery is impressive too.

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

My dad.  He cruised in Europe for several years after he retired.  He preferred having crew but was frequently solo.

Future sailing plans or aspirations?

2010 SHTP.  Retracing the voyage of Hanno of Carthage down the West African coast, trying to work out where he went with a sailor’s perspective.

Why do you think people are drawn to solo sailing?

The challenge and responsibility.  Lack of friction with other people.  Discovering how the mind works differently when alone.

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

Hank on or Roller Furling? Neither, I have a Tuff Luff.  Ideally hanks.

Wheel or Tiller? Tiller
Fin or Full keel? Either, or… Fin is what I have.  No strong preference, and I wouldn’t change boats just because I’d rather have the other.

Dacron or Kevlar? Whatever I have:  some Dacron, some mylar, some carbon tape over taffeta.

LED Tricolor or Deck mounted Kerosene Running Lights? LED tricolor
Mast Steps or Ratlines? Don’t have them, don’t like the idea of either.  If budget and time permit I’ll look at a Topclimber or similar.

Depth sounder or lead line? Sounder.  I’ll improvise a lead line if the electrics fail.
Bucket or a well plumbed head? The latter.
Water or Whiskey? Water
Whiskey or Rum? Whiskey
Rum or Kool Aid? Rum.
SSB or Sat Phone? SSB, hope I can put it together by June.

Large meals or Steady Snacking? Small hot meals plus lots of snacks.

Coffee or Tea? Tea, and rarely at that.
Dodger or No Dodger? ?  Would love to have one, but budget and time and my boat partner stand in the way.
Autopilot or Windvane? Looks like AP only.  I’d love to get my hands on a vane.

Traditional Boom Vang or Rigid BoomVang? Rigid
Fresh water or saltwater showers? Salt water sponge baths.

Solar Panels or Wind generators? Solar 
Three Strand or Spectra? The anchor rodes are 3-strand, that’s about it.  Some spectra, some Vectran, lots of polyester double braid.