Long Term Plans

[Dennis]

My wife and my retirement plans include moving to Florida and buying a bigger boat, something like an Island Packet 35. I have toyed with the idea of an Atlantic crossing but convincing my wife it would be a safe adventure is not easy. We are looking at about ten years before we do this.We are inland sailors. We have and will continue to charter boats on the coasts. But, what self training can I do to prepare for ocean sailing and crossings? Are there any particular books that do a good job of reviewing storm management?Thanks for your help.

 

[Will]

How about actual training?

Sign up for an actual Altantic voyage (just you) to get a taste of it. Something like Sir Chay Blyth's Challenge business. He has some other web sites, but the one I am familiar with is shown below. For a fee, you can cross with a professional skipper and other fee-paying crew on 60 foot steel hulled boats. (BTW, I suggested that I try it, but was shot down by the boss.)

 

[dave abt]

offshore prep

Hi Dennis,I think your plans are wonderful... There are several books regarding storm managmenent including Lynn & Larry Pardey's book "Storm Tactics". Unfortunately, although the basics can be described in a book, the actual practice on any boat is unique to that boat. The advvantage of cruising vs. scheduled deliveries or courses is that unless making transatlantic or pacific passages it is often possible to avoid most bad weather. (much desirable). The best way to gain experience on passage making is to do it as crew on another vessel. There are several organizations that offer this experience, but most do it on boats in excess of 60' range.. This tends to be a much different ride than most of us get to live on our own boats. You might check with local yacht clubs and delivery skippers to see if you can sign on as crew to gain valuable experience.The best thing to do is to get your own boat and take little trips at a time learning your own boat while developing the needed skills and confidence to make longer passages. One of the best pieces of advice we ever received was to go out on the days when every one else was staying at the dock. This will teach you heavy weather tactics. Good luck & let me know if we can offer any other advice.dave