Rule 5 presents another problem for the single-handed boater: “Every vessel must at all times keep a proper lookout by sight, hearing and all available means in order to judge if risk of collision exists.” The single-handed skippers I know seem to get away with their best attempts to manage these issues. But if there is an accident, the solo boater is exposed to significant liability. If the master of a vessel is found to have violated one or more of the COLREGS, he or she may be found liable for costs of rescue efforts, property damages, loss of income, salvage costs and environmental cleanup. In the event of a death, even criminal gross negligence charges are not out of the realm.

In 2015, a break-up of 40 years of marriage upended life as I knew it and cast me adrift on a sea of grief and confusion. Under pressure to sell or buy out, I decided to take on Aziza as sole owner and soon realised that to have the freedom to sail at whim I would need to learn how to sail single-handed.

I continued to look at the weather incessantly, until December came around – at last a double high pressure system lay over Victoria, producing a week of pleasant but windless days. It wasn't an idyllic northwesterly, but it was something. This was my chance.