The Admiral thinks we should be looking for another sailboat that is set up for single handing, specifically a furling main. That way I could do everything while she was a boat rider. Unfortunately furling mainsails are a pretty recent development so the boats equipped with that option are newer and pricey.

Prior to that there were various and assorted ways to launch and retrieve a main, I have only installed and used lazy jacks which were OK, but not perfect. I have read about stack packs, furling booms, Dutchman flaking systems, store bought not homemade lazy jacks, there is another system sold by Sailcare and I think one sold by Sailrite.

Does anyone have experience with any of these besides the furling boom option?

FYI, after this past weekend a powerboat is officially off the table. The Admiral also tried to convince her back guy last Thursday that she should be OK pulling ropes on a sailboat, that received a big NO!