Long distance cruising and bottom paint

[inarathree]

I was watching some of the Volvo Ocean race this past weekend, and while I understand that the VOR70's are taken out of the water at each port, I was wondering if anyone knew if they use a bottom paint? Which then got me thinking, if I was to do some long distance cruising, say from FL to S. Africa, do I need a bottom paint then? If I am not stopped over anywhere too long, is it necessary?

 

[NYSail]

In a 22 foot boat, bottom paint would be the least of your worries.......

 

[Rick D]

Yes, you need bottom paint. you will still get growth underway, and the warm water tropics just supercharges the process.

 

[tommays]

I was pretty surprised looking at the growth shown in the photos of albin vega 27 that circumnavigated