I have decided to make a round trip passage from Maine to Bermuda in 07 and am looking for any information/resources that are available to help me plan this trip. I have an Ericson 29 in sound shape and know I will need to make some improvements for a trip like this, only coastal cruising so far. Things like replace rigging, auto steering, etc. Also plan on taking a week long keel boat course next year to improve my skills. Any information on other prep, route, schedule, books, web sites whatever people can provide to help me plan this trip. I searched the archives and found very little on this which surprised me, mostly info on joining rallys. Thanks in advance.
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Books?
Tim, I think there may some books on the subject. You should try to crew with someone that does the Newport - Bermuda race. Bold move though! I someday hope to do the same with my Catalina 30! I have often heard it's the CREW....not the vessel that makes or breaks to journey. Be safe and make sure your boat is sound! Rob
Tim, I think there may some books on the subject. You should try to crew with someone that does the Newport - Bermuda race. Bold move though! I someday hope to do the same with my Catalina 30! I have often heard it's the CREW....not the vessel that makes or breaks to journey. Be safe and make sure your boat is sound! Rob
Bermuda trip
Google search "Jennifer Clarks Gulfstream"Cost about 30 bucks.Don't go without it.Good luck!!
Google search "Jennifer Clarks Gulfstream"Cost about 30 bucks.Don't go without it.Good luck!!
Bermuda - Pilot Charts
Tim, I havn't done Bermuda, but Adam did twice a few years back. He's now skippering a 90ft private aycht up in Canada and has loads of time. I'm sure he will share his knowledge. Adam Smith: svstardust@aol.com Have you checked out the Atalntic Pilot Charts? The give data on likely percentages of: wind direction, speed, duration, calms, storms, wave heighth, vis and all is observed reports. 29ft erickson is small for the ocean, carry an EPIRB, liferaft or infatable (inflated and ready on deck) a SSB reciever, to monitor the gales and hurricanes... Here's a good one. 'do you know why Bermuda has a tropical climate at its latitude'?
Tim, I havn't done Bermuda, but Adam did twice a few years back. He's now skippering a 90ft private aycht up in Canada and has loads of time. I'm sure he will share his knowledge. Adam Smith: svstardust@aol.com Have you checked out the Atalntic Pilot Charts? The give data on likely percentages of: wind direction, speed, duration, calms, storms, wave heighth, vis and all is observed reports. 29ft erickson is small for the ocean, carry an EPIRB, liferaft or infatable (inflated and ready on deck) a SSB reciever, to monitor the gales and hurricanes... Here's a good one. 'do you know why Bermuda has a tropical climate at its latitude'?
BOR2006 checklist
The BOR is the every-other-year race from Annapolis to Bermuda. Its sponsors are the Eastport Yacht Club (next door to Annapolis) and the St.George Sports and Dinghy Club in Bermuda. The website for this race has an extensive checklist for preparations and equipment required of all participants. I can't remember if the list is under Eastport or BOR (Bermuda Offshore Race) but you should be able to find it, and I will try to post its link if you don't first. My other suggestion would be to make the trip that year in company with the Marion - Bermuda Race fleet. That way you have lots of company out there and a committee tracking the fleet. You may be too small to enter the race, but if you can, that race issues satellite transponders to each boat so you can be tracked on any home computer. If you don't have an Epirb, rent one from BoatUS. The Safety at Sea Seminar is required for each crewmember. An Ericson29 is a little small and light for the trip, so pay attention to Jenifers indications and other weather conditions. Obviously, don't go later than July to avoid hurricane season. Also, ignore all the 'advice' about how any boat is bluewater and its the skill that counts. Do the preparation. As for skill, all the stuff you learn inshore will indeed apply offshore, only in some conditions you haven't seen before. Consider investing in a good drogue with about 400' of heavy braided nylon for extreme conditions. Bermuda is very expensive, so don't do alot of reprovisioning there. Get your passport in order and call the harbormaster on approach. They are British, so the bouy system is a bit different. You will have to land at Ordinance Island in ST.George to clear customs. And buy a multi-day bus pass, the pink buses are great.
The BOR is the every-other-year race from Annapolis to Bermuda. Its sponsors are the Eastport Yacht Club (next door to Annapolis) and the St.George Sports and Dinghy Club in Bermuda. The website for this race has an extensive checklist for preparations and equipment required of all participants. I can't remember if the list is under Eastport or BOR (Bermuda Offshore Race) but you should be able to find it, and I will try to post its link if you don't first. My other suggestion would be to make the trip that year in company with the Marion - Bermuda Race fleet. That way you have lots of company out there and a committee tracking the fleet. You may be too small to enter the race, but if you can, that race issues satellite transponders to each boat so you can be tracked on any home computer. If you don't have an Epirb, rent one from BoatUS. The Safety at Sea Seminar is required for each crewmember. An Ericson29 is a little small and light for the trip, so pay attention to Jenifers indications and other weather conditions. Obviously, don't go later than July to avoid hurricane season. Also, ignore all the 'advice' about how any boat is bluewater and its the skill that counts. Do the preparation. As for skill, all the stuff you learn inshore will indeed apply offshore, only in some conditions you haven't seen before. Consider investing in a good drogue with about 400' of heavy braided nylon for extreme conditions. Bermuda is very expensive, so don't do alot of reprovisioning there. Get your passport in order and call the harbormaster on approach. They are British, so the bouy system is a bit different. You will have to land at Ordinance Island in ST.George to clear customs. And buy a multi-day bus pass, the pink buses are great.
Here's a link
Go to the bottom of the site and select "Safety Requirements and Checklist" for a quick condensed outline. In addition, the Marion race requires that all cabin sole access hatches and panels be secured. Makes sense, in a roll they are projectiles and then make moving thru the cabin dangerous when missing.
Go to the bottom of the site and select "Safety Requirements and Checklist" for a quick condensed outline. In addition, the Marion race requires that all cabin sole access hatches and panels be secured. Makes sense, in a roll they are projectiles and then make moving thru the cabin dangerous when missing.
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