Choosing the boat
SIZE Waterline length is a poor indictor
of suitability for bluewater sailing in terms
of how well the boat will sail, but spending
weeks, perhaps months, on board means
it’s important to determine how much space
you and your crew actually need.
COMFORT VS SPEED Fast and light designs
can capitalise much better on light airs and
run away from approaching foul weather
more easily, but if you do get caught, a
heavier-built yacht is likely to have a much
more comfortable motion in a heavy seastate.
DO YOU NEED A DIFFERENT BOAT? While
sailors may aspire to a new bluewater cruiser,
most modern yachts are capable of sailing
offshore. Learning how your yacht performs
in different conditions over time will help
you plan a long passage that builds in
consideration of what she is capable of.
Equipping the boat
POWER If you’re under sail, you are reliant
on your batteries, so calculate the equation
of battery capacity, power consumption
and generation. How much power do you
realistically draw with all your usual systems
running? Add up what everything draws.
Then factor in what your solar panels, wind
generator or alternator can provide in 24
hours. Look for ways to reduce consumption
before adding capacity or over-complication.
SELF STEERING Being able to leave the
helm is essential on any long passage unless
you have at least three crew. Mechanical
systems have proven themselves to be the
go-to solution for boats with less battery
capacity and, in fact, cope in conditions many
electronic autopilots cannot handle. A day
spent tuning self-steering gear and getting
used to it before setting off on a bluewater
passage will be time very well spent.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT All the usual safety
equipment needs to be carried on a small
yacht, but stowage is often more of a
challenge; ensure you are not tempted
to stash more bulky safety equipment where
it would be hard to reach in an emergency.
WEIGHT Extra weight means more to stow,
a slower boat and heavier loads on the rig.
Small boat sailors can quickly find their yachts
laden with too much and performance will
rapidly diminish if overloaded. Be ruthless
on weight and keep heavier kit at the bottom
of the boat and along the centerline.
Sailing the boat
CREW Small boat sailors tend to be restricted
in how many crew they can comfortably take
with them. Consider carefully how you will
manage watch systems and living together
aboard. Even on a small yacht, a team of three
can usually rotate through a watch system
quite comfortably; more can be a challenge.
HEAVY WEATHER STRATEGY Small boat
sailors, particularly those in slower yachts,
must consider carefully their heavy weather
strategy. How quickly can you put distance
between you and foul weather? What is your
setup for riding it out if you do get caught?FUEL What is your policy on motoring and how
much fuel will you carry? Are you dependent on
the engine for battery charging? Does motoring
form part of your heavy weather strategy? If so,
what will you keep in reserve as an absolute
minimum to get ahead of a dangerous front?
FOOD Fridge and freezer meals, or tins and
pasta? Even the most efficient fridge or freezer
will have a significant drain on your battery
bank on a small yacht. Can you do without it
completely? Some fresh goods last a long time,
and fish can provide variety, but you may not
want to forgo a halfway steak.Are you ready to
sail offshore?
If you are thoroughly
prepared, your offshore cruise
will be much more enjoyable