Rounding Cape Horn in CD 33 vs ASW II (merged)

[Novice69]

Ahoy,. Would please appreciate feedback on the seaworthiness of A Cape Dory 33 and Allied Seawind II. If one had no choice but to choose between the two for sailing the southern ocean and rounding Cape Horn in it's most challenging state, which of the two would you choose and why. Many thanks in advance.

[double u]

"Novice" & Cape Horn - now this goes together well...

[Novice69]

Touche...That's why I seek out feedback. Can you share thoughts?

[Rumrace]

White sharks when the boat departs was my first thought.
Personally I’d go straight up the east coast to visit the two giant manta Ray species. Living in shark territory they are a tough lot.

[thejoerusso]

Either boat could do it. I have sailed my CD33 in near gales plenty, but for relatively short periods. It does just fine with the right amount of sail and on the right course. Would I sail either boat on the southern ocean with the amount of experience I currently have? No, probably not.

[Novice69]

Hi I've made 2 postings with little to no substantial response on my question. I thought I would post here in the hope of some experienced and salty advice hence my user name. To be concise, I am looking into two boats one being a Cape Dory 33, the other a Allied Seawind MkII. My question would be if one had to choose between the 2 to sail the Southern Ocean and round Cape Horn, which one would you choose and why. I have no intentions of making this venture, so why do I ask? It appears to be one of if not the most challenging voyage to undertake. Having peace of mind know you have a boat that is capable of such, would increase my confidence to venture further and add to consider which one to chose Lastly, forgive if this question appear hypothetically gullible or naive and not realistic.

[Jackg]

I have an Allied Seawind II ketch and have sailed her about 30,000 offshore miles.


The Seawind is a great offshore boat. We can heave to in a gale with just a reefed mizzen - in one case in a force 9 from the north in the Gulf Stream. With two masts the boat is easy to balance. If it's windy we'll often sail with just the jib and mizzen, both of which are easy to handle and safe as well - you can manage them from the cockpit.


The masts are short so the loads on the rigging are low.



Many people complain that a ketch isn't ideal for going upwind. Who wants to go upwind at sea? I find the rig is great for long-distance sailing. And as I age I appreciate the small sails.


Lots more info here: Allied Seawind Owner's Association.


Jack

[Novice69]

Thank you for responding. My sailing experience is minor, coastal, bay. I don't feel I will be anywhere near getting close for such a quest. Then why do I ask?. I'm considering both boats, and researched. They were built at the time as you know when fiberglass was not an exact science hence being overbuilt. CD' s are known to have circumnavigated, the ASW I being the first fiberglass boat to have done so. There is a void, however the Southern Ocean is infamous for it's treacherous & unforgiving seas, rounding Cape Horn is the ultimate test of sailor skill and seaworthiness of any vessel.I have not seen anywhere in forums or recent literature, that mention or suggest any of vessels mentioned, capable or been successfully sailing in these waters. It would be peace of mind knowing I have such a sailboat capable of withstanding such a quest if need be. It would give me more confidence to sail out further in my future sailing plans. Forgive in the questions presented as gullible, naive or unrealistic.

[Cheechako]

Either. For strength alone I suspect the Seawind is heavier built. The CD are not overly laid up, not a bad thing though. But.... Cape Horn!
OTOH, maybe a CD will stay higher in the water and wallow less in "the washing machine"

[boatman61]

Either with an experienced skipper.. or a very lucky skipper with much less experience..

[boatman61]

Either boat could do it.. the more important question is can you do it..

[Kelkara]

If you are interested in these two boats ... why not ask about their suitability for the voyages you do intend to make, and not their suitability for a voyage that you don't intend to make? The better boat may be a different answer.

[El Pinguino]

Originally Posted by Novice69

Ahoy,. Would please appreciate feedback on the seaworthiness of A Cape Dory 33 and Allied Seawind II. If one had no choice but to choose between the two for sailing the southern ocean and rounding Cape Horn in it's most challenging state, which of the two would you choose and why. Many thanks in advance.

'rounding Cape Horn in it's most challenging state'??

Simple answer to that ..... neither.... I'd stay home.

[Novice69]

Jack, thank you for your input on this, it is very much appreciated. Your shared experience on the ASW II is invaluable to me.

[thomm225]

Neither of those boats will be able to point well especially in heavy air.

Which direction did you plan to round Cape Horn?

Maybe you should read John Kretschmer's book Cape Horn to Starboard.

He and his crew did it on a Contessa 32.

https://www.cruisingworld.com/destin...orn-starboard/

https://www.amazon.com/Cape-Horn-Sta.../dp/1580801625