Long Voyages in a H26 or H260

[BungalowBill]

I would like to get some input from anyone on their experiences with longer voyages on their smaller boat. I have a Hunter 26 (Willie Tippit) and I have sailed it on inland lakes and on Lake Superior. The longest voyage so far was 88 miles on Lake Superior and we hit 20-25 mph winds with 4-6 swells. The boat handled very well. I am especially curious about how this boat will handle larger seas, say up to 10' or more? I have a notion/dream to one day circumnavigate Lake Superior and I am trying to do some research. Any input will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[LKYusnret]

I've taken my 260

the length of Lake Erie, Chesapeke Bay, up and down (inside and outside) the coast of NC, Jaksonville FL on the ST Johns River, Miami to the island of Bimini, longest time with out touching land 21 days. In all typs of weather, she has handled it well for the most part. My only suggestion is to reef early and often. I'm doing the Great Loop soon, thats 6,700nm and should take 10-12 months John USNret

 

[Don s/v Tellico]

"Willie Tippit" great boat name!!!

nm

 

[Hayden]

Did the Chesapeake Bay on Hunter 235

Two years ago I single handed my Hunter 235 (water ballast) in a circumnavigation of the Chesapeake Bay (350 miles totla) over 21 days. There were times when I wished for a bigger boat but we(the boat and I) survived. I typically sailed 20 to 25 miles per day and anchored or slipped inot a marina by 3:30PM most days to avoid the late afternoon thunderstorms that arrived almost daily at 4-5PM.I cross the Bay 4 times during the sail in 10 to 20 knot winds and had some hairy situations (like reefing in 4 to 6 ft seas with a 20 knot wind with a auto tiller that hated me). There's nothing like deck dancing in high seas.Go for it. Watch the weather and mark every gunk hole on charts so you always know where you can duck in should the weather get hairy.Hayden

 

[BungalowBill]

Great Loop?

I am sorry but I do know what the 'Great Loop' is. I suspect it has something to do with the Inner Coastal and the Great Lakes, but I would love to hear an exact description. Thanks.