Yachting Monthly – March 2018

Professional delivery skipper Pete Green’s top priorities for taking a boat offshore

Seaworthiness
‘I once delivered an Oysterman 22 and
thought I’d be happy to cross the Atlantic
in it. The characteristics of the yacht are
more important to me than size. Some
of the larger new yachts are being designed
in such a way that they would be very
uncomfortable in large seas. Yacht design
has changed and the heavy long keelers of
years gone by are now few and far between.
‘A few years ago we delivered a Vancouver
3 4 from the Caribbean to the UK. Seaworthy
and seakindly, she was in her element in open
water. The winds were typically changeable
and as the anti-cyclones tracked across,
the sea state also became very confused.
The maximum experienced wind on this
trip was gusting 3 5 knots with a sea state
of approximately 4-5m. At no point did she
feel over-burdened by the conditions and
there was no damage or even noticeable
wear and tear. The crew were comfortable,
the yacht was dry and stable throughout.
She felt like she had been built for it.
‘In comparison, we recently delivered a
Beneteau 3 1 from the UK to the Med. Though
perfectly capable of the journey, we had
to be much more careful with the conditions
we sailed in.’

Storage

‘Storage can be a real issue with smaller

yachts. They are designed to maximise living

space and to that end, stowage space can

be compromised. It’s not a problem if you’re

day sailing, but when planning an offshore or

ocean passage, you need to think about any

additional equipment including storm sails,

a sea anchor, additional engine spares and

tools, an EPIRB, an offshore liferaft and flares,

a satellite phone or SSB radio, extra drinking

water, food and extra fuel. The list goes on,

but the cockpit lockers do not so you will

have to be very selective over what you take

and how much spare water or fuel you need.’

Power

‘Consider your energy needs and look into

wind generators and solar panels to keep

things topped up. Installing a wind vane rather

than relying on an autohelm can also help.

‘Plan in advance your storm tactics and

make sure everyone on board is as well

trained as possible. Most of us are able to sail

huge distances without experiencing terrible

weather – but you need to be ready and

capable of handling it if it catches you out.

In general, a well-maintained small yacht

will be able to cope with more than we can

so plan well and stay safe.’

KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER

Rustler is renowned for building

yachts, both old and new, that can cope

with offshore sailing

The interior of a Contessa 32.

Better storage than on many

small yachts, but still limited

The Hydrovane system

is purely mechanical. Seen

here mounted with a Watt

& Sea hydrogenerator

Jeremy Rogers