Shorthanded and Doublehanded

When a crew is significantly smaller than usual, regatta sailing changes fundamentally. Shorthanded and doublehanded regattas require two to four people to take on all the tasks that a full crew would spread across eight, twelve or more sailors: steering, trimming, navigating, tacking, reefing, maintenance and – on long offshore passages – sleep management. The format is growing worldwide because it combines competition, adventure and practical crew planning: less organizational effort than large teams, more pace and responsibility than cruising.

This guide explains terminology, formats, equipment and tactics for shorthanded and doublehanded regattas.

What Do Shorthanded and Doublehanded Mean?

Shorthanded refers to regattas and training sessions with significantly fewer sailors on board than in a typical crew race of the same boat class. World Sailing and organizers usually define the exact crew size in the Notice of Race; two to four people is common. Doublehanded is the specialized form with exactly two sailors – the most popular entry point because roles are clearly divisible and many events run dedicated two-handed classes.

Core Elements of the Discipline

1. Multitasking instead of specialization: Each person takes on several roles simultaneously or in rapid rotation.
2. Automation and reachability: Autopilot, electric winches and lines led into the cockpit reduce deck work.
3. Advance maneuver planning: Tacks, gybes and spinnaker sets are discussed for minutes, not improvised.
4. Endurance and sleep: In offshore races with two to three people, a functioning watch system decides safety and performance.

Shorthanded Crew Roles

In doublehanded sailing, two roles overlap per person – each sailor takes on both helm and navigation and sail tasks.

Distinction from Other Disciplines

Shorthanded and doublehanded regattas sit between fleet racing with a full crew and single-handed regattas, where only one person sails the boat.

For more context in offshore settings, see Offshore and Long-Distance Regattas and Single-Handed and Shorthanded.

Formats: Inshore, Coastal and Offshore

Shorthanded and doublehanded regattas are not a separate boat class, but a crew format that takes place across various disciplines.

Inshore and Course Racing

On short windward-leeward courses or coastal day races, two-handed crews often sail sport boats such as J/70, J/80 or Melges 24. The challenge lies in fast maneuvers without a bowman and pit crew: setting and dousing spinnakers, tacking under pressure, start positioning – all with two people. Details on course formats: Inshore and Course Racing.

Coastal and Offshore

Coastal regattas with two to four people combine coastal navigation with multiple legs or one long passage. Offshore doublehanded races – such as transatlantic two-handed classes – require autopilot, weather routing, safety equipment to offshore specification and a robust watch system. For coastal formats, see Coastal and Inshore Racing.

Doublehanded Tack Maneuver

Crew Organization and Role Distribution

In doublehanded sailing, two sailors typically share the following tasks:

• Skipper / Helm: Boat handling, tactical decisions, communication with race management
• Co-Skipper / Navigator: Charts, routing, AIS, sail changes, autopilot operation
• Together: Watches offshore, reefing, repairs, provisions

With shorthanded crews of three to four people, a classic watch system can be established:

1. Two-watch system: One person steers and navigates, one trims; the others rest or take over in rotation.
2. Three-person watch: One person on watch, one half-awake (as needed), one sleeping – ideal for longer offshore passages.
3. Role rotation: Everyone can steer, trim and navigate; fixed specialization only where strengths are clear.

Boat Equipment for Small Crews

Boats for shorthanded and doublehanded regattas are often equipped to be shorthanded-capable – regardless of boat class:

• Autopilot with reliable course and wind steering
• Lines and winches led into the cockpit (crossover layout)
• Simple reef and furl systems
• Redundant navigation (chartplotter, paper charts, handheld GPS)
• EPIRB, AIS transponder, satellite communication offshore
• Reduced sail inventory with clear set and douse procedures

Sport boats such as Figaro 3 and Class 40 are frequently sailed shorthanded or single-handed and offer many shorthanded features from the factory.

Tactics and Maneuver Planning

With fewer crew members, victory goes not to the fastest boat alone, but to the crew that sails consistently and avoids costly mistakes.

Inshore Tactics with Two People

1. Start: Position early, clear task distribution – one steers, one watches the line and competitors.
2. Windward leg: Prioritize VMG; avoid unnecessary sail changes when both are working at the limit.
3. Mark roundings: Verbally rehearse maneuvers in advance; inside sails first, spinnaker only on a stable course.
4. Downwind: Asymmetric handling with snuffer saves crew effort compared to a classic spinnaker.
5. Protests and rules: Brief agreements before the start – who observes, who communicates.

Offshore Tactics

• Routing over speed: In two-handed transatlantic racing, the better weather window often decides, not the highest boat speed in one night.
• Conservative sailing: A torn sail or an overwhelmed crew costs more than a safe reefing decision.
• Autopilot discipline: Check course and trim regularly – the autopilot does not automatically sail optimally for VMG.

Full Crew vs. Doublehanded Tactics

Scoring and Boat Classes

Shorthanded and doublehanded events use either one-design scoring (identical boats, e.g. J/70 two-handed) or handicap systems such as ORC and IRC, where corrected times make different boat types comparable. ORC offshore scoring is particularly common at European offshore regattas with shorthanded classes.

Typical boat categories:

• Sport boats and one-design: J/70, J/80, Melges 24 – inshore doublehanded
• Performance cruisers and racers: 30–45 feet, ORC/IRC scoring
• Class 40 and Figaro: Offshore doublehanded and shorthanded at a high level
• IMOCA and open classes: Professional two-handed transatlantic (e.g. Transat Jacques Vabre)

Well-Known Regattas and Series

Shorthanded and doublehanded formats are found worldwide – from club events to media highlights:

• Transat Jacques Vabre: Two-handed race Le Havre – Martinique (Class 40, IMOCA)
• Rolex Fastnet Race: Dedicated shorthanded and doublehanded scoring classes
• Rolex Middle Sea Race: Popular for Mediterranean two-handed crews
• Club regattas: National associations and regional federations run doublehanded inshore series

Milestones in Shorthanded Racing

Preparation and Getting Started

Shorthanded and doublehanded regattas suit couples, friends or fixed two-person teams who want more responsibility than in a large crew but do not want to sail alone.

Checklist: First Doublehanded Regatta

• Check Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions for crew limits and autopilot rules
• Document roles and communication rules in writing
• Rehearse maneuver procedures (tack, gybe, spinnaker) on land
• Pack safety equipment and life jackets per SI
• Calibrate autopilot and test backup steering
• Offshore: define watch plan, weather routing and emergency contacts
• Keep sailing medical fitness and regatta license current

Training Recommendations

1. Training passages as a pair: Complete several day sails before your first offshore regatta.
2. Night training: Practice maneuvers in darkness – offshore racing is mostly at night.
3. Regatta experience as crew: First gain offshore experience in a larger crew, then gradually reduce crew size.

Shorthanded in the Regatta Landscape

Shorthanded and doublehanded regattas make offshore racing accessible to manageable teams and form a bridge between fleet racing and single-handed regattas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much experience is required?

Several years of regatta practice are recommended. Those who have gained offshore experience in a larger crew can gradually transition to two-handed formats.

Autopilot in inshore racing?

Only if the Sailing Instructions permit it. Many inshore doublehanded events prohibit autopilots to emphasize crew maneuvering ability.

Shorthanded vs. doublehanded?

Doublehanded means exactly two people on board. Shorthanded covers crews of two to four people – doublehanded is the smallest form.

Which boat?

For getting started, J/70 or comparable sport boats are suitable. For offshore formats, ORC racers between 30 and 40 feet are typical.

Costs?

Lower than full-crew regattas, since fewer crew members are on board. Autopilot and shorthanded-specific equipment should still be budgeted for.

Related Topics

• Single-Handed and Shorthanded
• Offshore and Long-Distance Regattas
• ORC Offshore Scoring
• Figaro 3 and Class 40
• Coastal and Inshore Racing

Last updated: July 4, 2026