I need you all to give me feedback on the following. I have a good friend that has invited me to crew on his boat from St. Thomas to Newport, Rhode Island. There will be a layover in Bermuda. He has an Oyster 485 and I would be joining him and his wife for the voyage. I have never done anything like this before. Let alone in east coast ("Burmuda Triangle) waters. My sailing experience in on a Hunter 410 in Southern California. My questions are: What can I expect to encounter when we begin the trip. Departure is on or about July 4. What will the weather be? He said most of the trip will be on a reach to nearly down wind. What type of equipment would I take (warm clothing, foul weather stuff, or will it not be cold). Any feedback from you who have sailed in these waters would be greatfully appreciated. John Richard s/v Jack's Place
- Status
An Oyster??
I'd bring a couple good books, a nice bottle of wine or two, and an appetite for the finer things in life. Seriously, you'd be nuts not to go. I can't speak for the RI portion of the voyage, but the St. Thomas days will be warm and pretty easy if the wind lets you run. How many crew, total?
I'd bring a couple good books, a nice bottle of wine or two, and an appetite for the finer things in life. Seriously, you'd be nuts not to go. I can't speak for the RI portion of the voyage, but the St. Thomas days will be warm and pretty easy if the wind lets you run. How many crew, total?
Expect Wet
Cold weather wear will not be needed, however, you had better take some good wet weather gear. Daily rain storms are not unusual and based on the length of the trip, I'm sure you can expect some. We are talking about the Atlantic here and the possibility of high seas on occasions.
Cold weather wear will not be needed, however, you had better take some good wet weather gear. Daily rain storms are not unusual and based on the length of the trip, I'm sure you can expect some. We are talking about the Atlantic here and the possibility of high seas on occasions.
I'd get going now ! Hurricane season started
expecting 12-15 named storms/tropical depressions this year. I think the trip is going to run the gammut from dead calms to rocky and rauscous. Are they plannning on stopping over in Bermuda, I think that would be a good plan. Very good chance that the southern portion will be relative calm (unless storm activity) and you might need to motor some, it can get pretty rocky when they make the Gulf Stream crossing, if they place it right you won't be in it too long, typically people sail north of Bermuda and then go west across the stream at the shortest point. The weather with be warm and sometimes wet. I wouldn't worry too much about really warm clothes, but a good foul weather gear is important. Don't just get a cheap rubber jacket, look for one that will wick the water away from your body (e.g. Goretex is just one type). Or you'll feel like a clam stewing in your own jacket...blech, Like they said....bring lots to read and lots of music..... ps I envy you !
expecting 12-15 named storms/tropical depressions this year. I think the trip is going to run the gammut from dead calms to rocky and rauscous. Are they plannning on stopping over in Bermuda, I think that would be a good plan. Very good chance that the southern portion will be relative calm (unless storm activity) and you might need to motor some, it can get pretty rocky when they make the Gulf Stream crossing, if they place it right you won't be in it too long, typically people sail north of Bermuda and then go west across the stream at the shortest point. The weather with be warm and sometimes wet. I wouldn't worry too much about really warm clothes, but a good foul weather gear is important. Don't just get a cheap rubber jacket, look for one that will wick the water away from your body (e.g. Goretex is just one type). Or you'll feel like a clam stewing in your own jacket...blech, Like they said....bring lots to read and lots of music..... ps I envy you !
A crew of only 3?
I consider 3 people extremely under-manned for this passage. You will be on watch 24 hours/day and with 3 people that is only 2 persons for 16 hours of watch per day. IMO that is being stretched way too thin. It is very close to being single-handed. Assuming that all three of you are accomplished sailors and very skilled with this boat, it is a disaster waiting to happen if any one of you gets hurt or seasick. And when (not if) bad weather hits, you could easily be in trouble. I sailed in the Marion to Bermuda race in 1991 on a 41' Sweden yacht with 5 other crew. 4 of the 6 were seasick and almost out of commission for many watches and tasks for 2 days. We got hammered in the Gulfstream for 40+ hours of 45-50 knot winds and 30-35' seas. All six of us were seasoned strong sailors, and 4 of us had been on the same passage at least once before this trip. My point is this COULD be a disaster if everything is not perfect. I believe that the chance of a perfect passage is very low. Good luck.
I consider 3 people extremely under-manned for this passage. You will be on watch 24 hours/day and with 3 people that is only 2 persons for 16 hours of watch per day. IMO that is being stretched way too thin. It is very close to being single-handed. Assuming that all three of you are accomplished sailors and very skilled with this boat, it is a disaster waiting to happen if any one of you gets hurt or seasick. And when (not if) bad weather hits, you could easily be in trouble. I sailed in the Marion to Bermuda race in 1991 on a 41' Sweden yacht with 5 other crew. 4 of the 6 were seasick and almost out of commission for many watches and tasks for 2 days. We got hammered in the Gulfstream for 40+ hours of 45-50 knot winds and 30-35' seas. All six of us were seasoned strong sailors, and 4 of us had been on the same passage at least once before this trip. My point is this COULD be a disaster if everything is not perfect. I believe that the chance of a perfect passage is very low. Good luck.
Wet & wild
Foul weather gear is a good idea. I remember having three waterspouts in view coming back from Bermuda one trip, besides rainsqualls. I also remember green water a bit less than 3' deep coming over the bow of our 40' sloop while I was changing headsails. Remember to hold on. When the wind runs counter to the current- and with the gulf stream spinning off eddies, this occurs frequently - short, steep waves can build up quickly. We sailed all one night into an 8' chop at 8 knots - pretty bouncy. Other times (but not as often) it's been an easy reach under blue skies. You never know.
Foul weather gear is a good idea. I remember having three waterspouts in view coming back from Bermuda one trip, besides rainsqualls. I also remember green water a bit less than 3' deep coming over the bow of our 40' sloop while I was changing headsails. Remember to hold on. When the wind runs counter to the current- and with the gulf stream spinning off eddies, this occurs frequently - short, steep waves can build up quickly. We sailed all one night into an 8' chop at 8 knots - pretty bouncy. Other times (but not as often) it's been an easy reach under blue skies. You never know.
Wet and Wild
I'd be sure to have a sturdy harness and tether because it's a good idea to remain aboard in rough seas. I'd also have a large 100% WOOL sweater. Even when it gets wet, wool still provides a good measure of insulation. Cotton and synthetics do not. If it turns out that you didn't need the sweater, so much the better. But nights at sea can get mighty cold. I'd also feel much better if there were another couple of bodies aboard.
I'd be sure to have a sturdy harness and tether because it's a good idea to remain aboard in rough seas. I'd also have a large 100% WOOL sweater. Even when it gets wet, wool still provides a good measure of insulation. Cotton and synthetics do not. If it turns out that you didn't need the sweater, so much the better. But nights at sea can get mighty cold. I'd also feel much better if there were another couple of bodies aboard.
- Status