A great read for newbies like myself Bluewater trouble!

[Peters Wet]

My exuberant desire to cast off the lines and sail into the wild blue yonder was tempered a bit by this read, So glad this fellow detailed his experiences as the possible problems one can encounter and the importance of bluewater preparedness become very self evident.
EQUIPPED TO SURVIVE (tm) - Lessons Learned: Sailing to Hawaii...The First Attempt by Arnold Rowe

[gjordan]

This should be read by all people who think they are going to do off-shore passages. The critique is very good. This certainly doesnt say much for Catalina construction, but there are many boats that would have had similar problems. This also shows up a common design flaw that many modern boats have, in that there is no bilge sump. Water enters the boat, and it only takes a few gallons before it can slosh up behind lockers and get everything in the lockers wet. Having nothing but cold wet clothes saps your strength, your moral, and your decision making ability. The poor emergency tiller is very common, but something not mentioned is that with a windvane, you should be able to connect it to the emergency tiller (if you have prepared for doing it) and not be locked to steering 24/7. A VERY GOOD READ. _____Grant.

[Steadman Uhlich]

I read that detailed article a year ago and agree that it is well worth reading for the lessons contained. I also like the details given and the after-the event assessment by the expert and the skipper of the abandoned boat.

[s/v Beth]

This read should be required, esp of all owners of boats with awkward motion and a need to passage make. I think Fastnet Force 10 should be required also of all that say that they will never get in a storm because forecasting today is so good.

[Cheechako]

Surprising troubles for a bluewater boat. Now where's that "Can I sail the world in a free Cat 30 thread..."

[s/v Beth]

I think that article brings up an important point many do not consider- what is the motion of the boat on the ocean? And it is more important than just comfort...this guy being a prime example.

[Steadman Uhlich]

That article has a number of "lessons" for anyone considering a long voyage.

One of the most striking aspects of this story is the seriously debilitating effects of prolonged seasickness on a member of the crew. One lesson from this, was the inability of the sick person to hold down any typical orally taken sea sickness medicine. The suggestion to have suitable suppository seasickness medicine in the medicine kit is worth noting. The ill crew member could not keep anything down. But, beyond that, the constant retching caused the crewman to have chest pains too (and exhaustion).

Another point worth noting was the loss of steering.

Another point was the difficulty of entering the Givens life raft from the water.

[Dulcesuenos]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

Surprising troubles for a bluewater boat. Now where's that "Can I sail the world in a free Cat 30 thread..."

A catalina 36 is a bluewater boat?

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[s/v Beth]

Originally Posted by Dulcesuenos

A catalina 36 is a bluewater boat?

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According to many on this forum....

[CS Cruiser]

Thanks for posting this, enjoyed it.

[BlueBuddha]

I am curious if anyone knows what is the organization that the author refers to at the end- the one that was trying to get the boat?


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[Time2Go]

Interesting read for me,
I have only done two extended cruises
But it seems to me that the boat was not well inspected
prior to this trip. Granted I own a 19' Oday Mariner and sail on other
peoples big boats, But I know every nut, bolt, screw,fitting,grommet
on her. Is it correct to to assume that with so many failures so soon
that this boat should never have left the dock?
As a former hang glider pilot, I'm fanatical about pre-flight inspection
Here I think a pre-passage inspection was lacking.
At the very least, would you have taken the boat out in bad weather
A few times (close to base) and tried to break it?
I'm curious as to what is a proper pre-passage inspection?
This is especially important to me as I crew on boats not my own

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Dulcesuenos

A catalina 36 is a bluewater boat?

Sent from my LG-LS980 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

It was a bit of sarcasm... to me anyway!
Somehow stuff goes wrong once you leave... best you can do is know everything on the boat is good... but things like shallow bilges etc cant be changed.

[Sardean]

We are newbies too, Peters Wet. Great article. Just makes us more determined to take the right precautions but also, accept that things will go wrong. Excellent learnings, all documented in my pre checklist.


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[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by BlueBuddha

I am curious if anyone knows what is the organization that the author refers to at the end- the one that was trying to get the boat?
Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

Dunno, but you guys have a SUHWEET avatar!
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I remember reading about this a long wile ago...

I think it shows that through great enthusiasm and what the owner "thinks" as duly prepared.... Can be WOEFULLY deficient when viewed through his rose tinted sunglasses...

Not the least of which... is of course believing his particular boat was adequate...