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Voyager1 · 26-04-2014, 09:41

No argument here. No weather info, me no go.

Cuttyhunk · 26-04-2014, 09:52

Who is setting this schedule and has the owner got coverage for this trip in this timeframe? It just seems so likely that the insurer will veto this plan. And I can't see anyone self insuring an $800,000 boat just to meet a schedule that is uninsurable.

Voyager1 · 26-04-2014, 10:02

To be honest I am not sure but when we first spoke, we discussed my credentials and whatnot for the insurance company.

The owner has a deal with the SA govt to foot half the bill for the boat if it gets to four international boat shows. Now, before we all go nuts, the skipper is no fool. I him was referred to him by others who have sailed with him with great reports of professionalism and expertise. The owner, who is friends with some people I have sailed with, will not likely send the boat without insurance but I din't know this for certain so will ask.

This issue is a good one and worth brining up with the skipper.

**boatman61** · 26-04-2014, 10:03

I'd jump up to Trinidad and await a good window then run due N as fast as possible.. 7 days should get you N of the Gulf Steam and on the way to Bermuda... next dodgy bit is when you curve NNW back into Hurricane alley as you make Bermuda..

Voyager1 · 26-04-2014, 10:46

I'll look at that option boatman. I take it your a delivery skipper, judging from your other posts. You reckon it's feasible, given weather info, plan, a ready team?

Voyager1 · 26-04-2014, 11:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by skipmac

Yes. Kind of like all the fun Irishmike had on the last leg of his trip from VI to Newport.

Pray tell what fun was that?

**boatman61** · 26-04-2014, 11:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Voyager1

I'll look at that option boatman. I take it your a delivery skipper, judging from your other posts. You reckon it's feasible, given weather info, plan, a ready team?

Everything's feasible if you can read the weather.. I'd start checking the systems over the route from now until you leave.. and daily checks whenever you can.. also get a book or something on cloud formations and what they mean..
Here's another good site to use.. its Norse... but arrows etc are the same in any language..

www.yr.no

sailorboy1 · 26-04-2014, 11:50

this is a good one

Sailing Weather - Marine Weather Forecasts for Sailors and Adventurers - PassageWeather

DoubleWhisky · 26-04-2014, 11:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Voyager1

Pray tell what fun was that?

This, may be?

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...re-122863.html

Voyager1 · 26-04-2014, 11:56

Ive got my RYA and IYT yachtmaster coastal anD have been studying clouds and weather for a couple years. By no means an expert but i practice everyday as I have a great view of False Bay from my balcony. Will look at synoptics daily/weekly.

Voyager1 · 26-04-2014, 12:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoubleWhisky

This, may be?

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...re-122863.html

I think others worked it up a lot, and in the end, he faced a challenge, and came out stronger and smarter. Knowing what I know about hypothermia (it actually takes a lot of time before you will succumb to clinical hypothermia) the effects of cold on the body are incredible and I have no doubt his skipper couldn't do jack. As far as I can tell, any other year would have been better than this one to do that passage. The weather in NA has been ludicrous. I normally live in Montreal, and escaped to the Southern Hemisphere.

V.

Voyager1 · 26-04-2014, 12:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

this is a good one

Sailing Weather - Marine Weather Forecasts for Sailors and Adventurers - PassageWeather

That is a good site. I have it on my weather links list. For interest sake, what do you think about

earth :: an animated map of global wind and weather ?

**skipmac** · 26-04-2014, 18:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Voyager1

I think others worked it up a lot, and in the end, he faced a challenge, and came out stronger and smarter. Knowing what I know about hypothermia (it actually takes a lot of time before you will succumb to clinical hypothermia) the effects of cold on the body are incredible and I have no doubt his skipper couldn't do jack. As far as I can tell, any other year would have been better than this one to do that passage. The weather in NA has been ludicrous. I normally live in Montreal, and escaped to the Southern Hemisphere.

V.

Reason I brought it up, his trip had a similar concern to the one you're planning. Odds on it would be a great experience but the time and place did include a certain amount of risk of hitting survival level storms. Did you see the weather report for New England a week or so before Irishmike arrived?

Voyager1 · 27-04-2014, 00:09

No I didn't see, but the time of year in the Atlantic would have guaranteed a high degree of discomfort at least due to the cold. And given the dramatic weather that North America was subjected to since December... brrrrrrr. For the record, I didn't plan this route. I need miles for my Yachtmaster Ocean, and a way to get home from South Africa. I'm still on the fence about it, but if the skipper can provide me with satisfactory answers to my concerns and questions, I will go. And if at any time, I no longer feel safe or satisfied, I will part company.

The three themes I am seeing from this thread is:
1. Most importantly, if we've got access to weather information, it will enable us to make smarter decisions.
2. We must have clear options for exits and holes, and then
3. We must have some expertise/preparation for putting these plans into place. eg. what to do in a hurricane hole. (I'm researching this now, what people are doing to protect their boats and themselves.)

V.