Hunter 33 sailing around Cape Horn

[rambleon38]

I have seen a Hunter 33 not able to move to windward in much less weather than you would encounter on that trip. That boat has too small of a keel or rudder and as someone else mentioned, you will see winds greater than 20 knots and greater than 20 seas. That boat is designed to be tied to a dock in less weather than that.


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[gcaptain]

This is what's called a win-win situation: either you'll return with a great story or a Darwin award!

[Bpw]

I'm curious, of those who say not possible, how many have actually been there?

It is possible to round the horn with almost no exposure to open water.

I know a couple that did it in a Bavaria, and another single gander who went around the cape in a lightweight 26 footer, both sailed from Europe.




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[Blue Crab]

Originally Posted by Bpw

I'm curious, of those who say not possible, how many have actually been there?

I've never ridden a rodeo bull but it looks dangerous to my primitive brain stem. Isn't that enough?

What's unsaid here previously (I think, I haven't read this in awhile) is that there's a difference between a stunt trick and an actual voyage. The typical issue is you're sailing around the world and you take all the Great Capes as they come, not sit in Puerto Toro waiting for an easy day for the Horn. So there's the skipper's question: World Class Yachtsman or stunt pilot?

As an aside, modern electronics/materials have made what were epic voyages then, routine now, as we all know. I know quite a few circumnavigators these days. I don't see any of them the equal of the the old timers that rounded the capes and wrote about it. YMMV.

[Sailor g]

Isn't it smart to go on a good weather day? I wouldn't purposely head out on a voyage in a big storm. You do deal with whatever comes your way-but I don't go out looking for trouble.

[robert sailor]

Many sailors have coastal cruised around the horn. Anchored waited for good weather and around they go. That is not the same as sailing offshore and rounding the horn as part of a long passage where you take whatever weather comes up. Your choice of boats may be different as well.

[Dulls]

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

Unfortunately, there are people who think that calling something insane is just an invitation to try it out. I happen to be one. What would be some suggested modifications to hull and rigging that might improve chances of success (I have a 376)?

If it were me i would do it in a steel yacht. But if it is GRP and is true of any boat all hatches and port lights will need storm boards. Gangway will need beefing up so boards cant fall out, Increase capacity of cot pit drains. New rigging oversize maybe but not sure if that will help. Chain plates and mounting will need a look at. New sails and spares as well as storm sails. Decent weather harvesting. Secure anchors etc. No dinghy on deck as it wont be there when you finish. Your canopy's will most probably not last(We lost ours in the tasman.). A hard dodger might be better. A hard dodger can still be ripped off.
At least 2 different types of self steering. A woolly hat of some sort. There is more but this is off the top of my head.

[Adelie]

Dulls:
Do you realize you are posting in a thread that started 7yr ago that has been moribund for 5yr?

The OP hasn't logged in in just over 3yr and the member you responded to in 2yr.

Adelie

[Drinky Crow]

Serendipity. I were wooly hat daydreaming of doing said same trip in my C&C.

[Dulls]

Yes but it is the accumulation of the different posts and useful information that matters far more than the start of the thread. The information does not date and is useful for future adventures.

[Adelie]

Fair enough.