I single hand a lot and would concur it is an excelent boat for that.I use a 5 horse mercury because I cruise and motor a lot. It is better if you want to go long distances. I do use reef points and find them very easy, but I don't have a number 4 jib. I would like an auto pilot as the boat doesn't track particulary well. That is really my only problem and may only be a problemn when you are going long distances. Ralph- what model did you have? Does anyone else have experience with autopilots?

::
:: Another thought on singlehanding: I haven't used it
:: much, but an Autohelm seems to steer my boat pretty
:: well. And it wasn't hard to install. However, I sail on
:: the Great Lakes, mostly in moderate conditions, so I'm
:: not sure how it would work in the ocean off San
:: Francisco. I've never tried it in rough conditions.