Those who consciously travel alone have a clear advantage in the port. He or she can adapt to the particular challenges that arise when maneuvering. Missing hands on board can be replaced by assistance systems such as bow or stern thrusters. The berth, especially if it is equipped with stakes, can be provided with stretch ropes. All of this can be planned and prepared in advance. But even experienced single-handed sailors can get into trouble if the wind in the port suddenly blows stronger than forecast or if the assistance systems fail - which nobody should rely on one hundred percent anyway.
What if a planned fellow sailor injures himself and can no longer help? Age can also make the usual processes on board impossible. If the agility and power are no longer available as in previous years, it can be worthwhile to think about new ways of putting down and putting on the vehicle that no longer require the use of crew members.
The good news: none of the cases has to mean the immediate end of a trip or even the hobby. There are many ways to move a yacht safely in port without exerting force or acting quickly on deck. In almost all cases it comes down to maneuvers with lines, often very long lines. Because if no other crew member can loosen a leash at the bow and no one is available on land to do it, the skipper has to do it himself.