1m yacht atlantic crossing

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Breaking news, record attempt for atlantic crossing in smallest boat ends in tears as 3-foot vessel is destroyed.

He’s gonna need a bigger boat.

A sailor’s record-setting quest to cross the Atlantic Ocean in the smallest boat ever ended in tears when the 3-foot 10-inch boat began taking on water shortly after his departure and smashed on a seawall as it was being hauled out for repairs.

Andrew Bedwell, a 49-year-old sailor and sailmaker from England spent three years outfitting his micro yacht named “Big C” and finally set out on the planned 1,900-mile voyage from Newfoundland to the southern tip of England last weekend.

In a video posted on Instagram the day before his Sunday departure, Bedwell appeared positively chuffed to be on his way.

“So, tomorrow’s the day!” he said with a twinkling eye, before telling followers how they could track his progress across the deep.

But within hours of his grand departure, Bedwell explained in a decidedly more muted video that he’d been forced to return to port. The Big C began taking on water, a problem he suspected was brought on by last-minute modifications he’d made.

Undeterred, he said he was shortly heading back out to the harbor to assess the situation.

On Monday, Bedwell posted a tearful video describing the tragedy. Through shuddering sobs, he explained how Big C had “basically sunk” by the time he’d returned to the harbor. The boat was filled with “half or three quarters of a ton or a ton of water” and had to be lifted out by her framework instead of with straps run under the hull.

“We lifted her up, got her up to the harbor wall. And the framework gave way…” Bedwell said, gasping for air between sobs and pulling at his hair in agonized despair. “And she dropped down onto the harborside, and basically it destroyed the boat.”

“Big C is no more. She can’t carry on. I can’t do it. I’m sorry, Um, I’m just. I…” Then the message cut off.

Bedwell captioned the video “Big C – the end of a dream.” His accounts have gone radio-silent since.

The decline was a startling and raw display for Bedwell, a salty Sir Edmund Hillary-looking Brit who’s previously sailed to the Arctic in a 21-foot boat and always appeared the consummately stolid seaman in his countless Instagram posts and media appearances promoting the Big C journey.

But his inconsolable state was more than understandable — for the past three years Bedwell had dedicated all his energies to preparing for the trip. He raised thousands in funding and sponsorship. He had planned to donate proceeds to cancer charities in honor of his parents.

Bedwell purchased Big C itself from the daughter of Tom McNally, according to Yachting World , a sailor who once set the record for a trans-Atlantic Crossing in the world’s smallest vessel in 1993 before being beaten out by a competitor. McNally had built Big C to reclaim the record but died of kidney cancer in 2017 before he could mount the voyage.

Once in his hands, Bedwell undertook a considerable overhaul of Big C. He modified elements of the hull design to increase stability and speed, doing his own metal and fiberglass work along the way to machine one-of-a-kind parts for his one-of-a-kind boat.

The boat’s keel was outfitted to store fresh water, and the inner wall of the hull was designed to maximize compartment space that he filled with enough vacuum-sealed packs of a bizarre raisin and beef jerky recipe of his own creation to last the more than 90 days he expected to be at sea.

Big C’s cabin was only big enough for cramped sitting and sleeping in a tight fetal position, but Bedwell managed to rig it with comfortable seating and chose efficient clothing like a long mariner’s overcoat which served as both a warm waterproof jacket and sleeping bag.

Bedwell placed a domed weather-proof hatch window over the cabin, used an outrigger system to maximize sail space, hooked up the running lights and navigational computers to solar panels, and let his 10-year-old daughter Poppy decorate the interior with drawings of their family.

In the video announcing Big C’s demise, Bedwell thanked his supporters for their support and apologized for how the adventure ended.

“I don’t know what to say to everyone who’s supported and helped me. You’ve all been incredible.”

Asked whether he planned to mount another record attempt, Bedwell told The Post “It’s still early days.”

“It has to be a new vessel though as there’s lots of damage on Big C, so it’s speaking with current sponsors and I’ve had some very kind offers from a lot of people who can assist with a new vessel.”

One of Poppy’s decorations inside Big C was a hatch filled with urgings that her dad return safely and soon, listing the “cuddles,” the “tickles,” and the “trampolining” she’d miss while he was away.

On it, she also printed a message in green marker with a reminder to her dad: “Always try your best and never give up!”

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A British Man Will Attempt to Cross the Atlantic in This Suitcase-Sized Sailboat

Andrew bedwell knows big dreams can come in tiny packages. he plans an atlantic crossing in the 3'3" "big c," spending 60 days alone at sea., howard walker, howard walker's most recent stories.

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Next spring, British sailor Andrew Bedwell will attempt to break the record for sailing across the Atlantic, in a boat that’s just 39 inches long. That’s right: 3’3″, or roughly the size of a large suitcase.

Bedwell, 48, will set off from St. Johns, Newfoundland in May and make the perilous 1,900-mile crossing to Lizard Point in Cornwall on England’s west coast, hoping to set a new record for the smallest vessel to ever sail across the Pond.

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“I’m under no illusions that it’s going to be easy. But all my life I’ve taken on unusual challenges, though this is the ultimate,” Bedwell told Robb Report . He adds: “My wife thinks I’m crazy.”

Andrew Bedwell on Big C . The solo navigator will be locked into the tiny helm seat during the 1,900-mile crossing.  Courtesy Andrew Bedwell

Bedwell’s goal is to break the record set in 1993 by American sailor Hugo Vihlen in his 5’4” boat Father’s Day . More than two feet shorter, his pint-sized craft will be even more spatially challenged for the six-foot-tall Englishman.

“I can just about sleep if I’m curled-up tight. And if I’m sitting upright, the top of my head is just an inch below the transparent dome that I use to see out of. There’s not much room to move around.”

Restroom facilities? Don’t ask.

“Big C” has a lead keel so it will right itself after capsizing—something Bedwell expects regularly. The mini boat was also designed to handle 60-mph gale-force winds and big seas.  Courtesy Andrew Bedwell

There are also 12 watertight compartments—eight inside and four on the outside—to store supplies. Andrew hopes to complete the journey in 60 days, but will carry enough provisions for 90 days at sea. He’ll also have a manual watermaker that will fill a 1.3-gallon container in the bilge.

To power the yacht’s navigation gear, chart-plotter and radio there are solar panels on the stern, plus a tiny, hand-cranking generator as back-up.

Home sweet home: Bedwell will sit in this helm seat 24/7 for nearly two months on the crossing.  Courtesy Andrew Bedwell

“We’ve designed the boat to survive a Force 10 storm [average wind speeds of 59 mph] with the hope that it’s just a Force 6 [28 mph]. For such a small boat, a massive amount of thought and planning has gone into its design.”

In a single-minded focus on using every inch of space, Bedwell’s wife Tracy has concocted a special high-protein dried beef jerky that will line parts of the hull.

A sense of scale with Big C out of the water.  Courtesy Andrew Bedwell

“I’ll literally be eating the boat,” he says. “The stuff tastes pretty nasty, but it’s packed with all the nutrients I need. Sadly, there’ll be no room aboard for treats.”

The boat was originally designed by Bedwell’s close friend, fellow micro-yachting enthusiast and trans-Atlantic record-breaker, Tom McNally, who died in 2017 of cancer. In honor of his friend, the little boat is named Big C —also a play on big seas—and next year’s voyage will raise money for Cancer Research.

The current transatlantic record holder is Father’s Day , a 5’4″ boat sailed by Tom Vihlen in 1993.  Courtesy National Maritime Museum Cornwall

Bedwell, a sailmaker by trade, isn’t new to sailing big oceans in small boats. In 2016, he single-handedly piloted his 21-foot Mini-Transat yacht around the entire coast of Britain. Two years later, he sailed the same tiny vessel to Iceland and into the Arctic Circle.

Bedwell has also set up a GoFundMe account . His progress can be followed through the Facebook page “Big C Atlantic Challenge.”

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Andrew Bedwell is an experienced sailor and adventurer.

He will try to set a new world record for the smallest, single-manned vessel crossing of the Atlantic.

This month,  The Big C   strarted sea trials at Whitehaven, Cumbria, in preparation for her maiden  voyage, scheduled to kick off in May 2023.

Andrew Bedwell  said the small vessel performed admirably, so he’s now looking forward to raising funds.

His  GoFundMe  campaign  has raised just $1,099  of $42,800, even though the the crossing aims to raise funds for cancer research.

Andrew Bedwell  needs the money for electronics, safety equipment, transporting the  Big C  to Canada, and fuel for an accompanying support vessel.

Because Bedwell won’t sleep through the nights on his big adventure, which he estimates will take 60 to 90 days.

The boat is just 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) long, made of fiberglass and foam, weighing 600 kg , and with room enough for him to sit down but not stretch his legs. Or to lie down in fetal position, to catch a 20-minute nap.

The boat moves slowly, at just 2.9 mph , features a single-mast sailing rig and a plexiglass canopy that gives Bedwell about 40 minutes of protection against the elements before he suffocates.

The crossing will be something like being  “stuck in a wheelie bin, on a rollercoaster for 90 days,”   Bedwell  jokes. And he’ll be hungry most of the time, because food rations consist of 1,000-calorie packages (protein bars and mush) molded onto the walls of the vessel, one for each day of the crossing.  Bedwell  will only take with him one set of clothes, no soap (but maybe a toothbrush), no music, no radio, and no distractions. In one small bottle of spice, he carries the ashes of previous record holder Tom McNally, whose boat design he used for the Big C. He promised his daughter he would scatter his ashes at sea.

On the same note, the  Big C  doesn’t have a toilet; it doesn’t even have toilet paper, because space is so limited. When  Bedwell  compares it to a trash can, he’s not only referring to its size. Unlike a trash can, the  Big C  has all the equipment allowing it to undertake the journey legally: AIS tracking system, VHF radio, rolling compass, two sails and two rudders, and a hand-pumped desalinization unit.

The 1,900-mile journey will start from Newfoundland, Canada, and end in Cornwall, UK. Bedwell admits that his attempt is “crackers,” but is sure that everything will be fine. Assuming he raises the necessary funds by deadline. And doesn’t get hit by a tanker. Or a whale. Or gets caught in a big rolling storm. All these are some of the reasons for which Red Bull, famous for sponsoring all kinds of daredevil stunts, declined to back him.

The money Andrew Bedwell raises with his Big C Atlantic Challenge will go to cancer research – another tribute to McNally, who passed away from kidney cancer.

• Andrew Bedwell

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Small boat Atlantic crossing: record attempt in a 21ft yacht

• Katy Stickland
• August 18, 2022

American solo sailor Jay Thompson is preparing to cross from New York to Lizard Point in his Mini 6.50 to establish a new small boat Atlantic crossing record

Jay Thompson will be attempting the record in his foiling Mini 6.50. Credit: Alexis Courtcoux/Mini Transat Euro Chef 2021 Credit: Alexis Courtcoux/Mini Transat Euro Chef 2021

Small boat Atlantic crossing records are always fascinating. What motivates a skipper to test the limits by sailing offshore in a 21ft yacht?

For American sailor Jay Thompson it is his desire to highlight that the Mini 6.50 is a seaworthy boat, and that this popular French class has potential beyond the Mini Transat.

‘The whole point of the Mini 6.50 class is to innovate and prove that it is something of value. Some people question the boats because of their size, but there are strict rules around construction and these boat are really very seaworthy. There are hundreds of these boats here in France and people are interested in sailing them further. Hopefully by completing the record, it will open doors to others,’ explained Thompson.

The launch of Speedy Gonzalez , which was designed by Guillaume Verdier, far right. Credit: Coconut Sails Team

Although the Mini 6.50 has been sailed across the Atlantic, from Cape Verdes to the Caribbean , no-one has ever sailed one from Ambrose Light, New York to Lizard Point. The World Sailing Speed Record Council will be monitoring Thompson’s attempt, which will take place at the end of August.

The 37-year-old will be attempting the record in his foiling Mini 6.50, Speedy Gonzalez , which was designed by Guillaume Verdier, who he met during the 2016-17 Vendée Globe .

Jay Thompson raced Speedy Gonzalez to 9th place in the 2021 Mini Transat. Credit: Coconut Sail Team

Thompson built the boat himself in a hanger in France, and worked with Verdier on a new T-rudder system, which allows the rudder to flip up if it hits something in the water.

He raced the boat in the 2021 Mini Transat, finishing 9th overall out of 90 competitors, with a time of 27d 03h 03m 49s.

‘The boat is an ever evolving process; you are always making small optimisations to make it better, but there are some changes I’ve made for the record attempt. For the Mini Transat, I used 100% solar energy but I will now have different trackers on board, a computer to download weather, and an Iridium GO ! These things all consume more energy than what we were allowed in the Transat so I have installed a Efoy methanol fuel cell onboard to keep them powered,’ he explained.

Jay Thompson learned to sail at the age of 16 while at high school in California. Credit: Coconuts Sail Team

Thompson, who has lived in France with his family for the last five years, said physically he is ready for the challenge of a small boat Atlantic crossing, and he has been studying the weather ahead of the record attempt.

‘The most important thing for me is to understand the weather and be able to have good routing. I have been studying a lot of historical data and looking for patterns in the current models to work out the best time to leave from New York. There is always the potential of a big storm, but it is just a question of choosing the right time to avoid the depressions. I am hoping to leave around the 20 August or 22 August if the weather is right,’ he said.

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From 2006, Thompson spent 10 years cruising the world with his wife, Natasha and children on their Germán Frers one tonne 12m prototype, Messenger .

The boat was built in 1982 for the classic one tonne circuit before it was abandoned. They renovated the boat while living onboard it.

‘We were basically camping onboard as we didn’t have much money at the time,’ recalled Thompson, who first learnt to sail at the age of 16 while living in Newport, California.

Jay Thompson and his family spent 10 years cruising around the world before settling in France, where Jay has set up the Coconuts Sail Team. Credit: Coconut Sails Team

After being bitten by the sailing bug as a teenager, racing in 420s and Lasers soon followed before the Marstrom 32 circuit, TP52s and F16 World Championship.

But in 2008, Thompson discovered what he really wanted to aim for.

‘I really fell in love with the Vendée Globe. It was Sam Davies I was following as really, she was the only one communicating in English at that time. I was always really interested in doing this type of racing, so I came to France and ran into Conrad Coleman, who was way behind schedule for the 2016 Vendée.

‘Initially he couldn’t even pay me but then he signed a small sponsor and I was able to continue working for him. It is such a small world so you get to know other people really easily, so I have gone on to work for other teams like Boris Herrmann and then this January, Sam Davies asked if I would work for her on the new Initiatives-Cœur, so I am now there as a préparateur,’ he added.

Thompson’s ultimate ambition now is to skipper his own Vendée Globe IMOCA 60.

His record attempt can be followed at Coconut Sails Team: http://coconuts.is/

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Why I’m crossing the Atlantic in the world’s smallest yacht

• Alison Wood
• September 23, 2022

Andrew Bedwell can't even sit straight in his 1m boat, let alone stand, yet he plans to spend 60+ days at sea in his microyacht, sailing solo and eating cold squares of dehydrated beef 

What’s inspired this world record microyacht attempt?  

I’ve always dreamed of breaking the world record for the smallest vessel to cross the Atlantic . Big C is just over a metre long, and the current record is held by US sailor Hugo Vihlen, whose boat Father’s Day was 5ft 4in. The plan is to do exactly the same route as he did. Leaving in May 2023, I’ll be sailing the northern route from St John’s Newfoundland back to the UK. 

What was the last sailing challenge you did? 

I took a 21ft Mini Transat up into the Arctic – it was a prototype with a canting keel – around Iceland towards Greenland, through Denmark Strait and back home to the UK. I raised money for my daughter’s school. Now I’ve gone for a bigger project but in a smaller boat .

Andrew Bedwell with Big C , his transatlantic microyacht

What’s the appeal of microyachting? 

I love the simplicity of microyachting. I like the unusual side of life; sleeping in my van or on the mountainside in bivvy bags with my 9-year-old daughter. I don’t need luxuries, and this boat here obviously hasn’t got any of those. 

Inside Big C . Andrew’s daughter has illustrated the hatch

What does your daughter think of your voyage? 

She thinks it’s just a brave thing to do. She’s drawn pictures on my boat. I want this challenge to show her that she should be able to get out and do things. If you don’t go for it, you’ll never know what could have been. It might not work but we’re going to go as far as we can.

Is it typical for a microyacht to just have twin headsails?

No, it’s not typical, but there’s no room for a mainsail on here, and the boat is designed to sail dead downwind . It’s tried and tested. We’ve got spare sail if we need it, but it’s a simple system and not a lot can go wrong. 

Who designed the boat?

Tom McNally. Unfortunately he died of cancer. That’s why he named the boat Big C . He was a microyachter. In 1993 he broke the record in a 5ft 4½inch boat [which was trumped the very same year by Hugo Vihlen in a boat half an inch shorter!]. Tom designed and started building this boat so we’ve got great confidence in the boat’s design. All we’ve done is brought it up to date. 

How far have you gone on Big C to date?

Not so far, initially, because it’s really difficult to get a downwind boat in and out of the harbour. We’ve only done about 10 miles in it, but you know what? That’s probably more than a lot of the other people have done before attempting to break the record. When Tom McNally and other microyachters have had a go they’ve literally gone to the quayside, put the boat in, maybe done some last-minute modifications, then shot off! You often find it’s the more quirky people who do this kind of challenge. 

With twin headsails but no mainsail, Big C can only sail downwind

Just how seaworthy is Big C ?

We’ve made the boat so it’s actually quite lightly ballasted so it reacts to the waves really well. Big, big rolling seas are no issue at all. With breaking waves, the boat can still contain itself. The whole hull is about 12mm thick everywhere so it is absolutely solid and designed for the job. It’s a complete safety cell.

Small is actually sometimes better in a big sea state. We see big container ships breaking up in the middle because they’re on the peak and the trough and basically on the peak of the next wave. With Big C , we can actually fold the boat away – by which, I mean, we take the outriggers up against the mast – so if we know that we’ve got a big weather system coming through, we can get the hatch down, buckle up and sit it out.

It’s going to be like the best fairground ride! A lot of people pay for that kind of thing at Alton Towers. It’s not going to be pleasant but then no real record attempt will be too pleasant! 

Will the boat invert then right itself?

If we get storms, that’s what the boat is designed to do. Tom didn’t want Big C to be too deep drafted because that gives it a very odd motion when it’s sitting in the waves. Yes, this will roll, but because it’s actually quite light, as soon as the wave passes it will pop to the top. It won’t stay inverted or anything like that. 

How much air do you have inside?

We can actually manage the way that the air is getting in and out of the boat. We’ve got about 40 minutes of air in there so we’ve got two dorade vents on the front that can rotate. We’ll have one into the wind and one away from the wind, and then there’ll be butterfly flaps (they’re not on there yet) so the wind can pass through but if a wave hits them they’ll just snap shut . 

What will you eat?

Pemmican – it’s what Amundsen ate on his Antarctic expeditions. My version is beef drippings, beef and raisins – all dehydrated. My wife and I made it. I’ll have two slabs a day. 

Will you have satellite communications?

We’ve got an Iridium Edge Solar, which has been used up into the Arctic and down in the Antarctic, and that’s a very small self-contained solar beacon that will be mounted on the deck. Internally we’ve got a class B AIS transponder, then we’re going to have an AIS receiver – two separate units so that if one fails I have backup. There’ll be a fixed VHF, handheld VHF and then obviously EPIRBs . There’ll be as much in there as we can carry. There are so many different companies creating amazing products but we’re limited by space . 

How long will the Atlantic crossing take?

With perfect conditions it would take 60 days, but we’ve modelled the voyage over the last 20 years and worked out that I’ll probably be sitting through around 20 days of storms with the sea anchor out.

Where will you sit and sleep?

I’ve got a little hammock that sits on deck so I can actually put my legs up. I can stand up for a lot of the time. I’ve got exercises I’ve been given by a physiotherapist, and I can stretch myself up against the rig. When I’m asleep I’ll need to curl up into the foetal position at the bottom of the boat, but in inclement conditions I’ll just be harnessing myself in and sleeping upright. I’ve got a beanie hat that’s got this special foam in so my head won’t rattle around in the cage… did I say ‘cage’? I mean cockpit!

• Follow’s Andrew’s preparations and adventures on Facebook at Big C Atlantic Challenge  

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Daredevil to sail Atlantic in one-metre long boat with 'food moulded to the walls'

Andrew Bedwell, 48, will attempt the feat next year which he likens to 'being stuck in a wheelie bin on a rollercoaster' with tiny vessel having a 2.5mph top speed

• 18:18, 12 Jun 2022
• Updated 20:15, 15 Jun 2022

A daredevil dad hopes to break a world record by sailing 1,900 miles across the Atlantic Ocean - in his self-built boat that’s just ONE METRE long.

Andrew Bedwell, 48, who will set off from Newfoundland, Canada, in May next year, compared the journey to being “stuck in a wheelie bin, on a rollercoaster for 90 days”.

The mariner came up with the idea after reading a book by current record holder Hugo Vihlen, who made the perilous passage in a 1.6m (5ft 4inch) boat 30 years ago.

His fibreglass boat - which is half a metre shorter and has a top speed of 2.5mph - is a modified version of a ship that another ex-record holder, Tom McNally, designed.

Is he brave or barmy? Have your say in comments below

During Andrew’s expected three-month crossing, he’ll survive off a protein-rich substance that’s moulded around the internal walls of the cockpit to save space.

The thrill-seeking father-of-one admitted his wife thinks he’s “crackers” but said he wanted to achieve something “amazing” before he turned 50.

He said: “I always like to have a real challenge on the go - although my wife quite often feels I’m crackers - but I said before I’m 50 I want to have done something amazing.

“All my life, I’ve done unusual challenges, and it’s slowly got more and more important to myself to get smaller and smaller and smaller.”

And speaking about his purpose built tiny boat, “Big C”, he said: “I think a space rocket would have more room.

“This is like being stuck in a wheelie bin, on a rollercoaster for 90 days - and that’s what it could be in the worst-case scenario.”

Andrew, of Scarisbrick, Lancs., delivers yachts around the world and works as a sail maker. He has spent most of his life embarking on nautical adventures.

He previously sailed non-stop around Britain and has taken his small 6.5 carbon racing yacht across the Atlantic and up to the artic circle.

But as he got older, Andrew says he became fascinated by seafarers who’ve attempted to cross oceans in incredibly small, recording-breaking vessels.

He said: “I bought Hugo Vihlen’s book, ‘A Stormy Voyage of Father’s Day’ - that’s about the current world record holder, who has held it since 1993.

“That kind of started it all off and since then, it has been a slow but very definite kind of route to try and break his record.”

Andrew took over three years to complete the fabrication work with his team on his boat, which measures just 3.5m (11.4ft) tall and has sail area of just 8m (26 ft).

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But despite its miniature size, the mariner says he’s confident the vessel will cope with some of the roughest waters that any human can face on the planet.

He said: “The vessel itself is incredibly strong. It’s literally built to survive oceans. It has a fibreglass exterior, then it’s got a foam core, then it’s fibreglass on the inside.

“Everyone who sees it - and a lot of naval architects have seen it - say, “She’s solid, she’s built to do it,” and I know she is as well.”

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Big C – 1m yacht crossing the Atlantic

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What Size Yacht To Cross The Atlantic? (Here’s What You Need to Know)

Crossing the Atlantic in a yacht is an ambitious but rewarding endeavor.

Whether youre a recreational sailor or a seasoned professional, the size of the yacht you choose will make a world of difference on the journey.

Before you set sail, you need to consider a number of factors, such as the number of people on board, the size and type of crew, the length of the voyage, fuel and crew requirements, route of crossing, weather conditions, and emergency services available.

In this article, well cover all these topics and more to help you find the right size yacht for your Atlantic crossing.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

The size of yacht needed to safely and comfortably cross the Atlantic Ocean will depend on factors such as the number of people on board, the type of voyage, and the experience of the captain and crew.

Generally, the vessel should be a minimum of 36 feet in length and have enough stowage capacity to carry enough supplies and provisions for the voyage.

The yacht should also be outfitted with the necessary navigation, communication, and safety equipment to make the voyage.

Lastly, it should be well-maintained to ensure reliable performance throughout the voyage.

What To Consider When Choosing A Yacht Size

When deciding what size yacht to choose for an Atlantic crossing, there are several key factors to consider.

The number of people on board, the size and type of the crew, and the length of the voyage will all factor into the size of yacht you need.

A larger yacht will provide more space and comfort, but will also require more fuel and crew to manage.

It’s also important to consider the route of the crossing, the type of weather that is expected, and the type of emergency services available along the way.

The size of yacht should also be determined by the purpose of the crossing and the preferences of the crew.

For instance, if the purpose of the voyage is primarily recreational and the crew is smaller, then a smaller yacht may be more suitable.

On the other hand, if the purpose is more commercial and the crew is larger, then a larger yacht may be the better choice.

The type of vessel is also important.

Sailboats, motorboats, and catamarans all have different requirements for size, fuel efficiency, and crew.

For instance, sailboats require larger masts and rigging, which can limit the size of the vessel.

Motorboats, on the other hand, can be larger and can travel faster, although they also require more fuel.

Catamarans are typically the largest vessels, but they also require the most crew and are the most difficult to maneuver in rough seas.

Finally, the length of the voyage is an important factor.

A longer voyage requires more fuel, supplies, and crew, so a larger yacht may be necessary.

Additionally, a longer voyage may require more sophisticated navigational and safety equipment, so it’s important to consider the type of emergency services available along the route.

In conclusion, choosing the right size yacht for an Atlantic crossing requires careful consideration of several factors.

The number of people on board, the size and type of the crew, the length of the voyage, the route, the type of weather, and the type of emergency services available all need to be taken into account.

Ultimately, the decision should be based on the purpose of the voyage and the preferences of the crew.

Number Of People On Board

When deciding on the size of yacht to choose for an Atlantic crossing, the number of people who will be on board should be the first factor taken into consideration.

The size of the yacht should be able to comfortably accommodate the number of passengers and crew members, with enough space for sleeping, eating, and lounging.

Any extra space that may be needed for storage should also be taken into account.

It is important to note that larger yachts will require more fuel and crew to manage, and may be more expensive to maintain.

Therefore, it is important to make sure that the size of the yacht matches the needs of the voyage and the crew.

Size And Type Of Crew

When selecting the size of your yacht for an Atlantic crossing, it’s important to consider the size and type of the crew.

If there will be a large number of people on board, a larger yacht is likely required to provide enough room and comfort.

On the other hand, a smaller yacht may be more suitable for a smaller crew.

Additionally, the size and type of crew will determine the type of personnel needed to manage the yacht.

For example, it may be necessary to hire a captain and crew if youre crossing a large body of water.

If the crew consists of experienced sailors, a smaller yacht may be sufficient as they will be able to handle all of the boats operations.

Its important to consider the number of people on board, experience level, and the amount of space available when selecting the size of yacht for an Atlantic crossing.

Length Of Voyage

When deciding what size yacht to choose for an Atlantic crossing, one of the most important factors to consider is the length of the voyage.

A longer voyage will require a larger yacht to provide more space and comfort for the crew and passengers.

On a longer voyage, there may be more people on board, providing a need for additional sleeping and eating areas, as well as more room for recreational activities.

Additionally, a larger yacht will be able to carry more supplies, such as food, fuel, and spare parts, making it more self-sufficient and able to handle any unforeseen events.

It is important to consider the route of the crossing, as some areas may be more prone to rough weather or dangerous conditions, and a larger yacht may be better equipped to handle these conditions.

A larger yacht may also require more fuel, as well as a larger crew, to manage the vessel.

Ultimately, the size of yacht will depend on the purpose of the crossing and the preferences of the crew.

Fuel And Crew Requirements

When deciding on the size of yacht to take for an Atlantic crossing, it’s important to factor in the fuel and crew requirements.

A larger yacht will require more fuel and crew to manage, especially if the voyage is longer.

The crew size and type should also be taken into account when deciding on the size of yacht.

A larger yacht will require more crew to manage the vessel, and the crew should be experienced and knowledgeable in seafaring and navigation.

It may also be necessary to hire extra crew members for certain tasks such as cooking, engineering, and maintenance.

Additionally, the yacht should be equipped with the necessary safety equipment such as life rafts and flares, as well as navigational equipment such as depth sounders and GPS.

All of these factors should be considered when deciding on the size of yacht for an Atlantic crossing.

Route Of Crossing

When deciding on the size of yacht for an Atlantic crossing, it is important to consider the route of the crossing.

For example, a longer voyage from the United States to Europe will require a larger yacht than a shorter one from the Caribbean to the United States.

A larger yacht will provide more space and comfort, as well as more fuel and crew to manage.

Additionally, the route of the crossing should be considered for emergency services that may be available along the way.

For example, if the voyage will be close to land, there may be medical facilities and emergency services that could be reached in the event of an emergency.

However, if the voyage will be far away from land, it is important to consider the type of emergency services that would be available if needed.

Weather Conditions

When deciding what size yacht to choose for an Atlantic crossing, it is essential to consider the weather conditions that may be encountered during the voyage.

A larger yacht is more likely to be able to handle a variety of weather conditions, such as high winds, heavy rain and strong waves.

The size of the yacht should also be considered when it comes to the type of weather expected.

A larger yacht is more suitable for long-distance voyages, as it is more capable of handling the prolonged and potentially extreme weather conditions.

It is important to note, however, that larger yachts may require additional fuel and crew to manage in order to safely navigate the seas.

When preparing for an Atlantic crossing, it is important to research the expected weather conditions for the route.

Knowing the weather conditions that may be expected on the route can help to determine the size of the yacht that is suitable for the voyage.

For example, if the route is expected to experience strong winds, it is best to choose a larger yacht that is capable of handling the windy conditions.

Additionally, if the route passes through areas with higher than average waves, a larger yacht is much more suitable for the voyage.

It is also important to consider the type of emergency services available along the route.

In the event of an emergency, such as a medical emergency or a vessel in distress, a larger yacht is more likely to be able to access the necessary help.

Additionally, a larger yacht will be able to carry more supplies, such as food, water, and other equipment, which can be essential in an emergency situation.

Overall, the size of the yacht for an Atlantic crossing should be based on the number of people on board, the size and type of the crew, the length of the voyage, the route of the crossing, the type of weather that is expected, and the type of emergency services available along the way.

With the right amount of research and planning, the perfect size yacht can be chosen for a successful and safe Atlantic crossing.

Emergency Services Available

When planning a transatlantic crossing, it is important to consider the type of emergency services available along the route.

On a smaller vessel, you may not be able to access all of the necessary services, so it is important to choose a vessel with enough room to accommodate the necessary crew and equipment, as well as enough fuel to reach the destination in the event of an emergency.

When considering the size of the yacht, the type of emergency services available should be carefully assessed.

For example, if you are crossing during hurricane season, it is important to choose a vessel that can withstand the high winds and potentially heavy waves.

If you are crossing in an area where search and rescue services are available, it is important to have a vessel large enough to be spotted quickly.

It is also important to consider the type of emergency services available at ports of call along the route.

If you are traveling to a remote area, it is important to have a vessel with enough room to accommodate the necessary crew and equipment to make port in the event of an emergency.

If you are traveling to a port with a significant presence of medical and emergency personnel, it is important to have a vessel large enough to accommodate the necessary personnel.

Overall, the size of the yacht for a transatlantic crossing should be based on the purpose of the voyage, the number of people on board, the size and type of crew, the length of the voyage, the route of the crossing, the type of weather that is expected, and the type of emergency services available along the way.

By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can ensure that you have the best possible vessel for your crossing.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the size of yacht for an Atlantic crossing is an important decision that requires careful planning.

The size of the yacht should be determined by the number of people on board, the size and type of the crew, the length of the voyage, the route of the crossing, the weather conditions, and the availability of emergency services.

Ultimately, the size of the yacht should be based on the purpose of the crossing and the preferences of the crew.

With the right information and careful consideration, you can make an informed decision on the right size yacht to choose for your Atlantic crossing.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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What’s the right yacht for an Atlantic crossing? The one you’ve got now

• Elaine Bunting
• May 20, 2015

What sort of yacht do you need to sail across the Atlantic? There’s no black art, says Elaine Bunting, you just need a bit of preparation

Numerically, the most common yachts for sailing across the Atlantic are ordinary production cruisers with standard kit, usually with upgrades of safety and power generation equipment. The happy truth is there’s no black art to sailing 3,000 miles downwind; the toughest part can be getting across the Bay of Biscay.

So whatever boat you have right now, the chances are that she’ll be fine for an Atlantic crossing with a bit of extra preparation. You don’t have to let waiting for the ‘right’ boat put you off going.

However, this doesn’t apply so much if you intend to complete an Atlantic circuit and sail from the Caribbean to Europe . The return route can be very tough, with a real chance of rough windward work, and a yacht that is wonderfully comfortable and spacious at anchor can slam and be very uncomfortable on the way back. Shipping back or delivery are both alternative options.

I’ve found that skippers tend to focus on equipment that adds comfort, but also complication: watermakers, generators, comms equipment. All are undoubtedly useful, but remember that every additional item adds complication, spares and service cost/time.

Apart from a sound boat, all you really need is water, food, fuel and a (paper) chart of ‘North Atlantic, Southern Part’.

Whatever else you do, don’t let those extras distract you from ensuring the integrity of the rig (including the boom and gooseneck fittings), rudder and hull. These are paramount. Rudders, in particular, are subjected to very high side loads in big following seas. I’ve seen people about to set off across the Atlantic on boats that were sporting the latest luxury kit, from ice cream makers to air conditioning, but with split pins not bent back or a clevis pin working out.

What sails are best?

The simple answer is reasonably recent, quality sails that aren’t liable to break. However expensive, good sails are worth every penny. As to what combination is best on a long downwind passage, that’s a complicated and potentially long-winded debate. Let’s just say that, for the average family crew, a smart crossing is all about consistent speed, 24 hours a day. The key is not to have downtime.

There is absolutely no need to sail hot angles downwind unless you are sailing to polars on a high-performance design. A spinnaker or code sail is great in lighter winds, but in stronger winds you will need several crew on watch at a time and if you blow the sail in a squall or a sudden reload it will be a costly choice.

There is nothing wrong with the old ‘barn doors’ arrangement of mainsail and poled-out genoa. Sure, it’s unflashy and unheroic, but it’s also easy, trouble-free and you’ll trot along in any conditions with minimal drop in speed for the occasional gybe. Just keep an eye out for chafe and be sure to set up a preventer on the boom and a foreguy topping lift and downhaul when poling out the headsail, so you can furl in quickly when that night-time squall hits (which it will).

Power planning

However much power you expect to use on an ocean crossing, you will need more. Nav lights, radar, radio scheds, autopilot, watermaker, fridge, freezer, computer, fans – you name it, they all add up. Last year, when we carried out our annual survey of ARC skippers , we found that yachts of between 46ft and 55ft had a battery capacity, on average, of 700ah, rising to 1,000ah for yachts over 56ft.

Since the design life for marine batteries is five years, it makes sense to set off with new batteries – it’s easier and may be cheaper than replacing them later. A majority of people in our survey had an extra house or domestic battery bank and one or two had boosted the battery used for their windlass.

Interestingly, when we asked about the power equation again in our follow-up survey a few months later , numerous skippers said that they had increased battery capacity yet again or planned to do so in future.

A water generator could be a useful addition

Rather than adding to machinery with a diesel generator, it’s worth looking at wind generators, solar panels and the Watt & Sea or Sea-Gen water turbines . These alternative power generation sources have advanced a lot in recent years. A larger alternator may be worth fitting too, and if only one is fitted to the engine, carry a spare.

Be prepared for gear failure

Be prepared for key equipment to fail because sooner or later it probably will. If it’s gear you normally rely on, like an autopilot or watermaker, have a contingency or a workable plan to do without. Of all the gear problems that give most stress and trouble, the most pressing is autopilot failure. That will start to put a small crew under strain by robbing everyone of rest time.

For the same reason, it’s a good idea to make sure most or all of your crew are decent helmsmen downwind in following seas. If not, spend some time on passage tutoring them.

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1st Transatlantic Pax Flight

The very first passenger flight over the atlantic.

Photo by Betty Trippe: Crowd at Dixie Clipper departure from Port Washington, June 1939

The dixie clipper.

June 28th, 1939 was a big day, not just for Pan American, but for commercial aviation. After years of on-again, off-again negotiations, public prognostication, and the long-promised prospect of a new epoch for global travel, the first flight with paying passengers took off to cross the Atlantic.

The big new Boeing B-314, NC 18605 Dixie Clipper left Port Washington on Long Island, bound for Lisbon and Marseilles by way of Horta, the Azores – via the so-called transatlantic “southern route.” Onboard were 22 paying passengers. Some had paid for the privilege years earlier.

The trip was the culmination of a burst of activity over the previous five weeks, which had seen the dispatch of five airmail-only proving flights. The Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA – forerunner of today’s FAA) had required these proving flights as part of the process inherent with their “Certificate of Convenience and Necessity” to Pan Am allowing the start of transatlantic service on May 12th 1939.

These first runs were followed by an “inspection” trip for twelve members of the print and broadcast press on June 17th on the Atlantic Clipper.

Pan American was also starting a “northern route” transatlantic air service – again as airmail-only flights at first – to the British Isles, via Newfoundland and Ireland, on June 24th. Plans called for operating twice-weekly services to Europe, with one flight each on both the “northern” and “southern” routes.

View of Manhasset Bay from the Dixie Clipper & two Pan Am Stewards onboard the first passenger flight to cross the Atlantic, June 1939. Composite of images from Passenger Betty Trippe's personal photos.

It was an exciting time for Pan Am, and for Americans. When the Yankee Clipper flew over the New York World’s Fair with the first load of airmail bound for Europe on May 20th, there was a radio hook-up between plane and ground. With a crowd of thousands listening in, Capt. Arthur LaPorte exchanged words with the dignitaries below, while the big Boeing circled above. When the brief exchange ended, the crowd cheered wildly as the plane flew off towards Europe.

The flight of the Dixie Clipper carrying the first paid passengers on June 28th marked the beginning of what was expected to be the start of a new era. Now anyone – if they had the fare – could fly across the Atlantic. The concept had great power to fire the imaginations of ordinary people, as well as marketeers who could see the value of being identified with this new dimension of modern life.

Detail of Edison Company ad using the occasion to promote its Ediphone recorder: “The log of the Dixie Clipper passengers will be Voice-written by Ediphone. Their impressions during this historic flight will be recorded as they are having them, on the new desk Ediphone which Pan American Airways has installed for passengers’ convenience.  In other words, “ a secretarial service as modern as the Dixie Clipper.”The Ediphone’s use aboard the Clipper dramatically demonstrates its place in modern business and professional life.  It is literally quick as though in recording thought. One simply picks up the Ediphone receiver and talks. No button-pushing. No waiting for a second person. No limitations of time or place. Busy, important people are adopting this modern method for streamlining their work.”

We are fortunate to have these pictures taken by Betty Trippe, who flew as a passenger on that flight. She also captured her impressions in her diary. It was an image of luxury aloft that survives to this day when travel by Clipper is recalled:

“At dinner . . . everyone was in high spirits and we enjoyed gay and interesting conversation. The tables were set with white tablecloths. The dinner was delicious and beautifully served. Some contrasted this trip with the days of sailing ships which took two or three months to cross the ocean . . . yet we were crossing in twenty-four hours . . . Captain (R.O.D.) Sullivan came down from the control room to smoke a cigarette and visit with the passengers. He was a grand person and inspired real confidence by his cool cheerful manner. Everything seemed so routine and matter-of-fact that we almost lost sight of the fact this this was first airplane flight to carry passengers to Europe.”  (From  Pan Am First Lady by Betty Stettinius Trippe;  1996, Paladwr Press, MacLean VA).

Fine Dining aboard the first transatlantic passenger flight, photo by Betty Trippe

Despite the wonder and seeming normalcy of the new transatlantic passenger service there were clouds looming over the horizon that would soon impact everything about it. One can understand why Betty Trippe was so taken by the novelty and excitement of her flight on the Dixie Clipper. But perhaps in her private thoughts she might have also understood the purpose of at least one of her fellow passengers. He was “Wild Bill” Donovan – soon to head America’s secret intelligence service, the OSS. Donovan was making use of the fastest means available to get to Europe. It would be only 63 days later that Poland was invaded by Nazi Germany, and two days after that, the war in Europe was on, and would last for six more years. By its end, nothing about those brief first days of transatlantic passenger flight would be the same

But while they lasted, they inspired an indelible image of romantic air travel that persists to this day.

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