cross an ocean in a Hurley 18

So would your advice to the OP be that he can set off across the Atlantic with no navigational skills whatsoever as long as he takes "a few battery powered GPS devices" - that he needs no idea of pilotage, understanding of tides, the ability to read a chart or indeed even to have a chart?

And I thought you were a man of faith!
 
I think there's a certain amount of BS here about wave heights; the shape of the wave is the important bit.

One can have really big waves mid-ocean, but as long as they are gently sloping, long frequency jobs ( think of an oscilloscope display ) the boat will be fine; in heavy weather the trick is to trail warps or drogue on long enough lines to go back well beyond the wave approaching.

Of course this only works if the gale or storm is being reasonable about it; anyone who hasn't read ' Once Is Enough ' by Miles & Beryl Smeeton should rush out and buy a copy.

In tidal shallower waters however one can get really vicious waves, maybe only 10-15' high but vertical walls of breaking water which will first stop a boat then the next one clobbers her and anyone in the cockpit - watch out if at places like Chichester entrance, St Catherine's off the IOW - let alone Portland or Alderney when it's a stiff wind against a spring tide !
 
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best not - you will frighten yourself and never leave the harbour. I have a copy of heavy weather sailing on my shelves.... not going to read that again. Took me a decade to regain my sense of perspective.

Same with me. I also never fish at sea while on passage in case I hook a small squid or baby whale which can escape then go and fetch it's dad.
 
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