Visit our Popular Forums

CptnLBS · 14-01-2008, 11:11

I'm fairly new to this forum , so this misght be a very stupid question.
I was wondering , do people here sail across the atlantic ? Pacific ?
I still pretty early in life and I have much more years of sailing in front of me.
I would like to try it someday.
What length of a boat would be safe to cross an ocean like that ?

Again , sorry if this is a stupid question .

LS

SkiprJohn · 14-01-2008, 11:22

Aloha LS,
Welcome aboard! The answer to your question is yes. There are many here on the forum who have sailed across. I did just one Hawaii to Washington crossing in 1984. I intend to help a friend do another California to Hawaii crossing again this summer.
You are welcome to ask questions anytime.
Kind Regards,
JohnL

**David M** · 14-01-2008, 11:26

Welcome Aboard!

There is no such thing as a stupid question. We are all born knowing nothing about anything....and sometimes die not remembering anything.

Stick around and read the new posts as well as the old ones. Ask more questions. People here are very friendly and helpful.

Kanani · 14-01-2008, 11:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by CptnLBS

I'm fairly new to this forum , so this misght be a very stupid question.
I was wondering , do people here sail across the atlantic ? Pacific ?
I still pretty early in life and I have much more years of sailing in front of me.
I would like to try it someday.
What length of a boat would be safe to cross an ocean like that ?

Again , sorry if this is a stupid question .

LS

Hi, Welcome aboard...

You will find many sailors here. There are a few circumnavigators and several cruisers that hang out in the Caribbean and other areas.

To answer your question about a safe size sailboat......

Many people have circumnavigated in vessls of 25' and up. Was it safe???? HMMMM.. a lot depends on the person. The average long distance ocean cruiser is probably in the 35' range. A lot has to do with budget and comfort zone more than experience. Experience will come (over time), budget is a different story.

Wayne

SkiprJohn · 14-01-2008, 11:31

Hi again LS,
I didn't answer one of your questions but Kanani did so there you go. If one of us forum members misses another one of us will pick up.
JohnL

**Pblais** · 14-01-2008, 11:32

Quote:

I was wondering , do people here sail across the atlantic ? Pacific ?
I still pretty early in life and I have much more years of sailing in front of me.
I would like to try it someday.
What length of a boat would be safe to cross an ocean like that ?

The record is 8 Fee 9 inches. It's more about the sailor than the boat. For a trip you might enjoy the length would be much longer. Part of it has a lot to do with carrying all the gear, fuel and water you need for the trip. Loading a small boat with too much gear would not be safe.

**David M** · 14-01-2008, 11:33

Size helps...but it is sort of like asking what size makes a safe airplane? I'm sure you got the point now.

Length is only one of hundreds of factors in what makes a boat safer.

That was a smart question!...see?!

**GordMay** · 14-01-2008, 13:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pblais

The record is 8 Fee 9 inches. It's more about the sailor than the boat. For a trip you might enjoy the length would be much longer. Part of it has a lot to do with carrying all the gear, fuel and water you need for the trip. Loading a small boat with too much gear would not be safe.

Actually, there's 2 records.
The other one is currently held by the oil tanker "Jahre Viking" , which logs in at 1,503 feet long, 226 feet wide, with a gross tonnage of 565,000 tons!

Topazken · 14-01-2008, 13:48

Jimmy Cornell's World Crusing Survey is an interesting look at this question. Over time the average size of cruising yachts has gotton bigger. It used to be 35' was average, now it is somewhere over 38'.

Size does not equal safety but can be a factor. If your plans are long term, buy the biggest, well made boat you can easily handle, afford and equip. Almost all experienced crusiers contemplate buying a bigger boat, almost none consider smaller.

Size is really more a benefit to comfort and speed.

CptnLBS · 14-01-2008, 21:43

Thanks a lot guys , you really helped

There are a lot of nice people here unlike in other forums.
I think i'll stick around and lear more before I acctually start taking lessons

Again , thanks !

LS

**Alan Wheeler** · 14-01-2008, 21:53

Quote:

1,503 feet long, 226 feet wide, with a gross tonnage of 565,000 tons!

__________________

Must be hell to park.

**David M** · 16-01-2008, 21:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Wheeler

Must be hell to park.

Tankers that size usually load and discharge at offshore terminals. Basically a giant mooring buoy with oil pipes leading out to it.

stuartcnz · 17-01-2008, 03:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by GordMay

Actually, there's 2 records.
The other one is currently held by the oil tanker "Jahre Viking" , which logs in at 1,503 feet long, 226 feet wide, with a gross tonnage of 565,000 tons!

Has that one held that record for a few years now? If it is the one I am thinking of, then it is also a steam ship.

**Hud3** · 17-01-2008, 04:05

Hi, an welcome!

I've seen a number of small sailboats with European flags here in the Caribbean. I'm talking 28'-30', with scant freeboard. For some reason a disproportionate number of the small ones sport Danish flags, and have 20-something crews (couples). Viking adventurers!