Hello there: I am really interested in joing a Regatta which is held in April of every year from Tampa Bay to Isla Mujeres, Mexico. The length of the regatta is approximately 450 miles and includes a portion of "open water" sailing even though the entire itinerary (depending upon course set) will never be more than 100 miles from a coastline (excluding Cuba). My boat is a 1985 Hunter 34, shallow draft, which is race rigged and will be fully equipped with life raft, EPIRB's, etc. The crew must be a minimum of 4 (that'll be our case) and only 1 person of the crew can be a "professional." There generally are from 40 - 50 boats in the race and there is constant monitoring of the vessels' locations, etc. Is my boat too small for such a race ? I welcome all opinions and thank you all in advance. Nomar
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The only thing too small is your keel.
How can you race-rig a shallow keel boat? That's an oxymoron.
How can you race-rig a shallow keel boat? That's an oxymoron.
Good point Rick
In skinny water I have a team of trained salmon that tow the boat from underwater(of course). I tried a porpoise but had to replace him because bubbles showed and he had to come to the surface for air. Now if I could just get him to stop eating my salmon.
In skinny water I have a team of trained salmon that tow the boat from underwater(of course). I tried a porpoise but had to replace him because bubbles showed and he had to come to the surface for air. Now if I could just get him to stop eating my salmon.
I would say it depends on the sailing skills
I know a couple that sailed their 34' Hunter from Houston across the Gulf to the Keys and than on to the Caribbean twice. They actually lived on their boat for 2 years. Talking to the guys in my marina that sail to Belize from Houston it sounds like the hardest part is going to be crossing the Gulf Stream off the Yucatan peninsula. According to them it can be pretty scary. I'm sure some of the contestants that have gone before can verify that. By the way if you exclude Cuba as coastline that means you may have 200 miles of open ocean sailing depending on the distance between the Dry Tortugas and Isla Mujeres. Better have a chart for Cuba, you may need it. Good Luck!!
I know a couple that sailed their 34' Hunter from Houston across the Gulf to the Keys and than on to the Caribbean twice. They actually lived on their boat for 2 years. Talking to the guys in my marina that sail to Belize from Houston it sounds like the hardest part is going to be crossing the Gulf Stream off the Yucatan peninsula. According to them it can be pretty scary. I'm sure some of the contestants that have gone before can verify that. By the way if you exclude Cuba as coastline that means you may have 200 miles of open ocean sailing depending on the distance between the Dry Tortugas and Isla Mujeres. Better have a chart for Cuba, you may need it. Good Luck!!
Minimum size is 30 feet.
Your boat is adequate for the trip. The organizers have determined the safe vessel limit is 30 feet or over. The Gulf of Mexico can be a bear on a sustained blow. I have seen boats of 60' turn around and run for cover. The biggest problems have been broken rudders and physical ailments of crew members. The Coast Guard and private two boats will go out there to fetch you if you get in trouble. As to heading into Cuban waters it should only be considered as a last ditch option.
Your boat is adequate for the trip. The organizers have determined the safe vessel limit is 30 feet or over. The Gulf of Mexico can be a bear on a sustained blow. I have seen boats of 60' turn around and run for cover. The biggest problems have been broken rudders and physical ailments of crew members. The Coast Guard and private two boats will go out there to fetch you if you get in trouble. As to heading into Cuban waters it should only be considered as a last ditch option.
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