Crew experience more important than boat size
Paul, Robin Graham sailed around the world, single-handedly, in the late 60's. It took him at least 3 years, and he crossed the Pacific, the Southern Ocean, and the Atlantic in what I recall to be a 22 foot sailboat. He was 16 years old when he began the trip. Although he originally had an outboard, it never worked very well, and he eventually gave it away. He did upgrade to a slightly larger boat before leaving the Caribbean. I don't think he had a lot of fuel, certainly no GPS or EPIRB. He did have a self-steering vane. He was dismasted twice, which isn't something that just happens to small boats. In both cases, he set a jury rig and continued to sail on. Robin is famous because he was featured in at least three articles in National Geographic. He was raised in a sailing family, and had plenty of experience. Were I to pretend today to be his father then, and post a question as you did about the advisability of my 16 year old son sailing singlehanded from California to Hawaii in a 22 foot sailboat, with no outboard, can you imagine the responses? When Robin began his voyage around the world, I was about his age. I lived vicariously through him, and at the time, had no appreciation for how small his boat really was. I know that the tales of his adventures planted the seeds of my own interest in someday sailing around the world. You asked many questions, but I think the ones about the crew must be answered first, as the others may be moot if they are unprepared for such a journey. The skipper should have previous bluewater experience. Just as in flying, I think bluewater cruising is 90% judgment and 10% skill. If the crew is experienced and not naive, then out of self-preservation, they will be concerned with the same questions that you have asked about the boat and gear. They will have at least a GPS, a 406Mhz EPIRB, a life raft, and a self-steering vane. I have no opinion about the suitability of the O’Day 25, other than to observe that it doesn’t sound like your typical ocean cruiser. But others here have already mentioned many others who have crossed in similar-sized boats, as Robin Graham did. You asked about a shakedown trip before embarking on a trans-Atlantic passage. Good idea, especially for a boat that has just undergone an extensive re-fit. I’d recommend a passage long enough to reveal any shortcomings of the crew or the boat (at least three nights at sea). While many others here have expressed a prudent caution about such an ambitious trip, I think this would be an absolutely unforgettable adventure for your son. You are absolutely right to assess the advisability of their plans, but if indeed your former wife and her boyfriend are sufficiently experienced and have adequately oufitted their boat, then I would advise that it might be you who travels to meet your son along the way. In the end, this isn’t about custody or parental prerogatives, but about what’s best for your son. Eric Lorgus ELorgus@AOL.com
