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Curious Sailor · 05-02-2016, 19:17

I've always been curious as to how far cruisers will go in a certain size vessel. I for one, have a 21' sailboat and often wonder how far it will take me...

So here is my question:what is the the longest distance you've sailed in the smallest boat you owned!?

The Curious Sailor

Seymore · 05-02-2016, 19:31

I've gone 40 miles across Lake Ontario in a 19' sailboat. John Guzzwell sailed around the world in Trekka, his 21' Laurent Giles designed sailboat. He wrote a book about it. Then he sold the boat and the new owner sailed it around the world.

Size is not a criterion for ocean going boats. That is, ocean going boats can be any size. The criterion is, it has to be designed to go on the ocean and the designer has to say so.

**estarzinger** · 05-02-2016, 19:34

I believe the round the world record stands at 12'.Serge Testa.

A fun listing here rtw

Amazing accomplishments and people there.. . Puts the "need" for 50' "blue water" designs and equipment into perspective.

CharlzO · 05-02-2016, 19:46

Short version is probably that whatever size you have, will take you as far as you're willing to, given ample attitude, proper precautions, and appropriately equipped. I've only owned a 26' so far, and I have yet to sail on anything bigger than Ontario. I hope to pick up a 16' scow this spring to have for smaller lakes, and sure I might go for a ride on it but I don't anticipate any Cape Horn roundings on one

**Don C L** · 05-02-2016, 22:03

Signet 20, San Francisco to Santa Barbara non stop. But check the book by John Lechter, for a neat little boat that went a long way...

seasalt2012 · 05-02-2016, 23:54

I personally took a sunfish 25 miles when I was 13 and it was a blast. "Mom I'm going sailing." I never said I was staying in the bay! I left out of Bay St. Louis and made it as far as the beginning of the Chandeleur island chain in Louisiana. I was a lot more courageous and a lot less catious in my younger days!
Your 21 footer could be great for long distance depending on hull design, and GM (initial measurement of stability of a vessel).

Curious Sailor · 06-02-2016, 04:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seymore

I've gone 40 miles across Lake Ontario in a 19' sailboat.

Size is not a criterion for ocean going boats. That is, ocean going boats can be any size. The criterion is, it has to be designed to go on the ocean and the designer has to say so.

Very true!

How long did it take to go across?

Curious Sailor · 06-02-2016, 04:33

Lol sea salt. Glad you made it back safe!

Curious Sailor · 06-02-2016, 04:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don C L

Signet 20, San Francisco to Santa Barbara non stop. But check the book by John Lechter, for a neat little boat that went a long way...

Awesome ! Thanks Don...

Curious Sailor · 06-02-2016, 04:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlzO

sure I might go for a ride on it but I don't anticipate any Cape Horn roundings on one

Lol.. Don't blame ya...

Curious Sailor · 06-02-2016, 04:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by estarzinger

I believe the round the world record stands at 12'.Serge Testa.

A fun listing here rtw

Amazing accomplishments and people there.. . Puts the "need" for 50' "blue water" designs and equipment into perspective.

Thanks! Cool reference!

**HappyMdRSailor** · 06-02-2016, 04:52

My smallest boat is a smidge under 1 meter... Never been out of landsight...

Curious Sailor · 06-02-2016, 05:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by HappyMdRSailor

My smallest boat is a smidge under 1 meter... Never been out of landsight...

Lol lol.... C'mon Happy... Where's your sense of adventure!

**HappyMdRSailor** · 06-02-2016, 05:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curious Sailor

Lol lol.... C'mon Happy... Where's your sense of adventure!

First time I took her out.... I had a lightweight spinning rod tied to the stern... I didn't know how well the thing was going to sail/react to the rudder and sail servos.... I didn't wanna lose my new $300 toy!