Oro Rosa – Damon Paling

Lockdown served up a much-welcomed silver-lining as I kicked back on the couch and read Running Free by Robin Knox-Johnston; an inspiring, entertaining, and somewhat terrifying insight into the world of single-handed sailing by a remarkable individual.

With Spring around the corner it is about time to dispense with the comfort of the living room couch and get back in the cockpit with one hand on the helm.  My general sailing experience could be described as “knowing the basics” which places me squarely in the realm of “newbie” when it comes to solo-sailing.

Oro Rosa is a J112e and something of a cross-over cruising/racing 37-footer. Whilst not ideal in set up for single-handed sailing, I will nonetheless aim to give it a good crack.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on the water!

Damon’s Stats:
Racing Singlehanded since: 2020
Boat length: 37ft
Longest Race sailed alone: None
Number of Broaches with Spinnaker: Several wipe outs with an asymmetrical
Max wind speed sailed alone: 24 knots
Races finished first on line: None
Races finished first on handicap: None
Races not finished: None
Races finished last: None
Longest DNF time: None