Just an FYI. The Class A rating for the Oceanis 331 applies to those models with the bulb keel and “new” lifting keel. The model with the original lifting keel rates Class B, according to the STIX list of ratings.Hello,
The B331 is a CE A class boat. She is built to ocean crossing standards. Have a look at security measures to take for ocean crossing such as securing hatch-boards to the boat, sole openings, the ice-box door, make sure the oven-stove can't get loose etc. Make and test a spare rudder, test the safety direction system. Take enough separately bottled water to make the trip (the main tanks can get fouled). Your standing rigging should be inspected before leaving.
It's a lot cheaper but less fun to take a plane. Been to Bermuda & back 3 times; all good experiences. Did BDA to NS once, loved it. Re-check your reefing lines you might get a little wind... Don't tie down the foot of the sail when reefed: you could rip your sail if a reefing line breaks.
It's usually the people, not the boat that have difficulties...
Preparing is a two part task. First and easiest is preparing the boat. A "Rating / Certification" is just a number in time. It is up to the skipper to prepare the boat.It's usually the people, not the boat that have difficulties...
Dave,ou can inquire about coastal Ocean cruising from @Stu Jackson who sailed his 34ft Catalina from San Francisco to Vancouver Island a couple of years ago.
Then you know the distances and time between the Columbia River Bar, Grays Harbor, Lapush and Neah Bay. Long days each if, as we did, only daylight.I have gone from Astoria to Neah Bay and back
ANYTHING will slow the boat. The question is, is it enough to slow it enough?I know about commercial drogues and it is unlikely I’ll go far enough off shore to need one. That said would an anchor attached to the stern serve something of the same purpose? Let’s assume you have 25’ of chain and 100’ of rope with a 13 lb fluke( this is not my primary anchor). If deployed would it slow the boat?
It is a five day trip and if you pick a good weather window, it should not be a problem. You can test run it at fastseas.com. If you were to leave now, you will be reaching South, 85% of the time below 25 knots, 15% of the time 25-30 knots. The first part of the trip will be more challenging but the forecast will be better. Go over the basics of the boat (rigging, fuel, engine, thru hulls, etc.), carry a communications device (Inreach is pretty good and can give you routing and weather alerts) and go for it. Check the weather frequently in the first 36 hours to be sure that something unexpected does not develop. What are you going to do once you get there?Hi, I am thinking of sailing my B331 to Bermuda from Nova Scotia. What are your thoughts? How can I find out if in the event it flips over, will it self-right?
We did each direction in about 33 hours.Dave,
Our trip was predicated on harbor hopping on days with little to no wind.
Then you know the distances and time between the Columbia River Bar, Grays Harbor, Lapush and Neah Bay. Long days each if, as we did, only daylight.
I've posted our log (with charts & photos) here:
http://aquavite224.blogspot.ca/2016/09/san-francsico-bay-to-british-columbia.html
I enjoyed the blog. It sounds like a fun trip. the two times I’ve done it, i did it non stop.Dave,
Our trip was predicated on harbor hopping on days with little to no wind.
Then you know the distances and time between the Columbia River Bar, Grays Harbor, Lapush and Neah Bay. Long days each if, as we did, only daylight.
I've posted our log (with charts & photos) here:
San Francsico Bay to British Columbia 2016
Ive done two trips. One in 2017 where we got the crap beaten out of us going into 20knot winds and 5-6’ waves on the way up. On the way back, it was pretty painless. In 2019, we had a gentle tail wind that trailed off to nothing. I’ve never see the water so flat. It was bumpier coming back to Portland.Welcome back Dave. How is the Pacific Ocean cruising?