Pip Hare, a first-time entrant in this year’s Vendee Globe, highlights that “as human beings we have an incredible capacity to keep improving, learning and adapting regardless of our age or stage in life”. A step on the route to adapting is acceptance of change. Dee Caffari, Vendee Globe racer and round-the-world record holder highlights that we must “accept that we must adapt to the new environment we are living in” which includes focussing “only on what you can control and don’t waste energy worrying about things that are outside your control”.
Our energy is far better spent on the controllables than being consumed with worry.
Pretty much all the sailors recommend developing a new daily routine, a structure to your time in isolation. Pip Hare believes that “it is important to create your own structure and try to follow it. Build each day around your short term objectives blending what you must do with downtime and fun.” This advice is echoed by Enda O’Coineen, the first Irish entrant into the Vendee Globe … “I suppose the first lesson is just to develop a routine. In other words, separate out your tasks. Set mini goals each day for what you want to do and what you want to achieve”.
It's clearly still of value to set time aside to structure your days, focus on small goals and achievements and take joy in such tasks. Making time for 'downtime' and leisure and something you find enjoyable is just as important.
Dee Caffari points out the downside to 24/7 connectivity “We are bombarded with information via the media and we do need to take news onboard. However, if you find that listening or reading the news is increasing your anxiety or stress levels then limit your exposure to it”. Obviously, the HPYC blog doesn’t count!
Keeping updated and educated on current affairs is important but don't let it consume you!
Sir Robin admits to being worried about keeping himself together mentally and “took to learning poetry … I committed all these wonderful poems to memory. I’d sit there steering while reciting to myself”. Dee Caffari suggests “Is there a project that you have wanted to take on but never had the time”. Maybe now is the time to revisit some of those things you never got round to. Perhaps there is an online navigation course that you have been putting off or it could quite simply be getting out the charts and doing a practice passage plan?
Taking on a new project will give you a sense of satisfaction and help with a positive use of spare time.
Samantha Smillie, who is currently in isolation on her yacht in Greece points out that “if I can manage some stretching positions in the 2x1 metres of flat space I have, anyone can. It occurred to me yesterday that I could use a mooring line to do some skipping on the harbour wall.” Pip Hare concurs “include movement and exercise in your daily routine … there are plenty of exercises that can be done in confined spaces, for ten minutes at a time, working arms and legs, using bodyweight resistance to keep mobile and strong.”
Don't be afraid to access new workouts online, if you have access to youtube there are an abundance of workouts to try. Likewise some simple stretches on your balcony or in the back garden can be brilliant for the mind and soul.
All the sailors had something to say on the importance of communication when in isolation. Both Pip and Enda recommend that we “pre-arrange times to make calls” and to “set up that routine and that regularity where at a certain time you talk”. Dee points out that even “a five-minute chat once a day could really lift someone’s spirits and be something they look forward to”. Samantha admits that she “learned a lesson in setting pride aside to admit you’re lonely … if you reach out, there will always be someone to pick you up when your inevitable meltdown comes”.
Being isolated doesn't have to mean being alone, with the wonders of email, skype, whatsapp people can be connected at a touch of their fingertips. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone, chat with a neighbour across the fence or to write someone a letter or card.
Read the full articles below:
Dee Caffari (The Guardian) Tips for Self Isolation Coronavirus Sailor
Pip Hare (Daily Telegraph) Survive Self Isolation Solo Round the World Sailor Pip Hare
Susan Smillie (The Guardian) I live alone on a boat at sea- How to be happy in isolation
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston (The Guardian) The isolation experts guide to lockdown living
Enda O’Cioneen (Irish Times) Isolation tips solo sailor Edna O Coineeen gives his advice
This is truly a 5 * service. The team really looked after us both ashore on arrival and also while at sea. We were a relatively inexperienced crew but always felt the team ashore had our backs. Thoroughly recommended.
I just wanted to say Thank-you very much for the weekend charter. It was exactly what we were after (albeit cold!) plus Andy was an awesome teacher and great company. We’ll definitely be keen to book again soon!
We had a fabulous four days. Marina is ideally placed for the Solent, boat was in great condition, well equipped and a joy to sail. We were well briefed and the shore side team including the dog very friendly.
We charted one of the sailing yachts for a fantastic weekend cruise in the Solent. The boat was in superb condition and well equipped, the staff was very helpful explaining how things work on the yacht and there was also a video available with all the important information. 10/10 would recommend!
Had a fantastic week chartering Blue Otter, Alex was incredibly helpful and sent loads of information and date checking prior to booking. There was a handover video and both the handover and return were really smooth. The boat was lovely and well maintained and Lee was really helpful in recommending places to visit (and helping identify the steering issue as an autopilot takeover - doh!). Definitely will be back and would fully recommend!
Just back from a lovely week in the Solent. Great service from HPYC from first inquiry through to return handover. Very straightforward to deal with, and the yacht was in excellent condition. We've chartered from many companies in the UK and abroad and the attention to detail (and flawless inventory!) was second to none. Everything about the yacht and equipment had clearly been well looked after and was in immaculate condition. Great service, will use again.
Always very friendly service, and well-maintained yachts. Easy check-in and checkout. Will be back...
We had a great time and were very happy with everything. Your team were genuinely friendly and were very helpful when we needed it. Is a big contrast to many charter companies I have dealt with in the past.
Watching the sun go down with a glass of bubbly on the deck of a sparkling yacht was unbelievable. What a treat, and a much needed change of scenery in these troubled times. We will be back for sure
Fab service, nothing too much trouble, including my daft questions. I'll be a repeat customer for sure!
We had a great time sailing with Lee for a few days at the beginning of September. Hamble Point Yacht Charters supplied us an impeccable 45 ft Hanse yacht, which was handled with complete mastery by Captain Lee. It was a privilege to sail with Lee, who is clearly a highly skilled professional taking great pride in his work ... but who is also a fantastic character with a great sense of humour and plenty of fun stories to keep the whole family entertained. He balances the serious side of safety and learning about sailing with a whopping dose of amusement and good cheer. We sailed the Solent in some decent seas, visited Bucklers Hard on the banks of the Beaulieu River and learned lots about British nautical history. Our boys started somewhat of a fishing trend catching bass off the back of the boat in Portsmouth and we would love to sail with Lee again in the future. The man truly knows his stuff, maintained the boat impeccably and went to every effort to ensure that we had a great time. Many thanks to “Shippers” and Hamble Point Charters. We’ll be back.
Chartered bareboats with HPYC on numerous occasions most recently in Sept 2020. Always helpful and accommodating. Highly recommend.
We had a fantastic weekend sailing on Loxley B. Boat in super condition and spotlessly clean, Alex. and the team very thorough and always on hand to answer any questions. A great experience. We will be back. Thank you!
Lots of information from office with a friendly service. We selected a one of the cheaper yachts and was please with find everything work and was cleaned and tidy. We will definitely be back
This was the first time we had tried chartering and as experienced racing sailors we didn't know what to expect. Covid has closed down all our events this year so this was a chance to get afloat at least once in 2020. What a great experience and Alex and all the Hamble staff could not have been more friendly or helpful. We had a great three days and we will be back !! We would have no hesitation is recommending Hamble Point Yacht Charters.