Circumnavigation in a Catalina?

[Vernon D. Baker]

Getting close to retirement and the big cruise. I have sailed both Catalina and Hunter coastal, but never bluewater. I would appreciate opinions on the possibility of a circumnavigation in a Catalina. Thank you for your time. Vernon

 

[Kevin R.]

Try this book . . .

Try the book "Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere", by John Vigor. It has a review of the C-27 as a cruising boat. I think that you could apply many elements of this review to other Catalina models as well.In general, I found this book to provide some good descriptions of qualities that are important to a blue water cruising sailboat. I also found it interesting, in that is discusses several styles of boats and how various design qualities relate to their sailing characteristics. It really illustrates the choices you will need to make regarding the type of vessel you wish to sail.

 

[John C]

Have a go

I think if you had a big one and fitted it out well, used caution and plenty of time to wait for the weather you would be fine. I have read about people going around in a Beneteau First which would be lighter than a Catalina.Best of luck

 

[John Daley]

No worries!

Vernon,Some Kiwi friends of ours bought a nearly-new Catalina 42 in England a few years back. About a 1989/ 90 model.They took it through the Canals to the Mediterannean where they had it for four years - we sailed with them in Greece - and then they did the big trip back to N.Z across the Atlantic to the Caribbean and Venezuela. Then through the canal and across the Pacific to New Zealand. The seas down here can be pretty tough. They are very practical people, but they had no problems in all that time. We were so impressed with their 42 that we stuck in an order for a Catalina 34mkll which we love - we're having a great time with 'Trader Jack'.

 

[KNoel]

do lots of research!

I have a 1999 Cat 42 and we are going to the Bahamas, our trip starting on Monday, 11/5. That being said, I'd not chose to do a circumnav on a Catalina. As much as I like the boat, there are others that are designed specifically for offshore sailing. Just my opinion, after doing a lot of sailing, and a lot of reading!