I just want to share this because I’m buzzing and I need to tell people who understand!
I went out solo for the first time yesterday. Just a day sail from Palma to an anchorage at Portals Vells and back — about 15nm total. And I did it ALL BY MYSELF.
Was I nervous? Absolutely terrified. The berthing on departure was messy (sorry to the boat next to me). I forgot to unfurl the genoa before trying to sail away from the mooring. My hands were shaking for the first 20 minutes.
But then… it just clicked. The wind filled in, I trimmed the sails, and suddenly I was SAILING. On my own. Making decisions. Reading the wind. Anchoring (which actually went well — first try!). Swimming off the back of the boat in crystal clear water.
The sail back was even better. I was relaxed, confident, and actually enjoying it rather than just surviving it.
To anyone who’s hesitating about going solo for the first time — just do it. Start small, pick a calm day, tell someone your plan, and go. You’ll surprise yourself.
Thank you to everyone in this community who’s given me advice and encouragement. You helped get me here!
THIS is what sailing is all about! Well done Sophie! That feeling of doing it yourself for the first time never goes away — it’s pure freedom. Portals Vells is a perfect first solo destination too. I’m really proud of you (even though I barely know you — that’s what this community is for).
Next step: an overnight anchor. You’ll be amazed how peaceful it is sleeping on a boat under the stars.
Congratulations Sophie! Solo sailing is one of the most rewarding experiences in the world. The fact that you were scared and did it anyway is the most important part — that’s the definition of courage.
And don’t worry about the messy berthing. I’ve been sailing for 30 years and I still have messy berthings. Anyone who says they don’t is lying!
This makes me so happy to read! Well done. That progression from terrified to confident in a single sail is exactly how it happens. Your skills were there from the training — you just needed to trust them.
One safety note for solo sailing: always let someone know your plan and expected return time. A simple text message is fine. And carry your phone in a waterproof case attached to you, not left below.
This is so inspiring! We can’t wait to be at this stage. Go Sophie! The bit about forgetting to unfurl the genoa made us laugh — we can totally see ourselves doing that.
Bravissima Sophie! Solo sailing is a milestone. I remember my first solo passage — from Portofino to Cinque Terre — and I had exactly the same experience. Terror, then calm, then pure joy. Welcome to the solo sailing club!
You guys are the best! Thank you all. I genuinely teared up reading these responses. @carlos_mendez an overnight anchor is definitely next on the list. @katrin_lindberg good point about the phone — I did have it in a waterproof case but it was below. Will wear it next time.
This community is amazing. Thank you for making a nervous new sailor feel welcome.