Could this be the beginning of the end?

[w00dy]

http://yachtpals.com/singlehanded-sailing-9630

[Norman]

Hopefully, the date of publication is significant, APRIL 1! 

In the open ocean, single handing is more reasonable, but as the story says, too much traffic in near coastal waters to be reasonable.

I am surprised that there have not been restrictions enforced in coastal waters long ago, but not in International waters.  Apparently, the rule enforcing bodies of maritime nations are biased in support of serious sailors.  Otherwise the watch keeping regulation would have been enforced long ago.

[ralay]

Yeah, if you follow the link to voice your opinion it's a photo of Mickey Mouse.

[ralay]

It's still worth discussing.  The Wikipedia page on singlehanding makes the good point that electronics have reached a point where drones are being sent out sailing without any human watch at all.  I suppose folks have AIS and radar alarms.  And unless you're participating in a race, your probably unlikely to meet any vessels besides ships that would crush you like a bug. 

Woody, of course, already knows how much I hate sleep deprivation and how little sleep we often get even on a boat with two people.  Sleep deprivation is like alcohol - some people handle it better than others, but everyone is impaired by it.  Having to take all the watches sounds like heck to me, but, obviously, YMMV.  Some folks are really into the human vs nature/extreme personal challenge part of sailing.  I am not one of them.

[CharlieJ]

When I'm singlehand, offshore, I set a timer for 20 minutes. When it goes off I sit up, look around the horizon, check the sails, check the course, reset the timer and go back to sleep.

20 minutes seems to be the time most voyagers use. Less is not enough. More lets you get into deep sleep and you get groggy.

Anyway, works for me and after a few times going back to sleep is almost instantaneous. 

With crew, we usually do 2 or 3 on- depends on crew and weather

Of course, I much prefer having someone aboard with me. :)

[w00dy]

Sigh. Either I'm way too gullible or we live in times where legislation like this would actually pass. Probably both.... : /

[SeaHusky]

Hopefully, the date of publication is significant, APRIL 1! 

Thanks for pointing that out! I was seriously worried while I read it.
The problem today is that there is nothing you can say as an April fools joke that isn?t completely possible and probable with today?s  legislators.

On single handed sailing, what damage can you do to others with a sailfar type boat if you have a poor lookout?

[Oldrig]

Might be anti-EU propaganda from the anti-EU folks in Britain? Who knows. It's scary.

Joe

[SailorTom]

It's a pretty pitiful "joke" since it involves an area where singing "Kung Fu Fighting" in a bar can get you a visit from the police and arrested for "racism".
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/8475965/Pub-singers-racism-arrest-over-Kung-Fu-Fighting-performance.html