I sail a 5.2 regularly solo but I always make sure there is someone around that I can blow my wistle to for help... even if it is just a fisherman. I now carry a bag when solo but I haven't tried it out yet, so I sail very conservatively. I weigh around 155 pounds and there is absolutely no way I can soloright my 5.2 without a bag. My top end wind speed is 15 knots without crew. I will try the bag someday when the water gets warmer, hopefully on purpose. I'm a real wuss when it comes to cold water (below 70 degree is cold for me).