Grand sailing plans

[Rob_Webb]

OK, so I haven't even got my next boat yet (fingers crossed, couple of weeks, subject to survey) but I'm already seriously thinking about a 'grand plan' of sailing back from NZ to the UK at some point in 12-18 months from now, probably taking 9-12 months to do it.

A recent short excursion on the pacific has whetted my appetite for some BWC but I must admit I don't know where to start to plan such a trip. Even things like which way to go (East or West) and what time of year to get best weather?

Can anyone suggest some good reading material to get me started? Or any other form of advice (or counselling) welcome!

Thanks
Rob

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[ChrisE]

Go West, young man

Well, I'm glad to see someone with a grand plan.

As a first point of call I'd read Jimmy Cornell's book, titled something like World Cruising Routes. This is a mine of information and covers most of the conceivable sailing routes you could ever want to do. It also cover issues like prevailing winds and best times of year to do the passage. From NZ, I'd say go west, unless you enjoy going to windward for half the globe!

Best of luck with the plan, I'm hoping to do the UK -> NZ trip in the future.

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[snowleopard]

i'll endorse the jimmy cornell book. it's heavy going but incredibly comprehensive.

from NZ to UK i would say there are basically 4 routes possible-

Heading East:

1. southern ocean - cape horn - length of the atlantics. for this you'll need a very robust boat. the route will get you there quickly but you won't see much en route

2. nead north towards japan then follow the westerlies towards canada, sail down the W coast of US & mexico to panama, a long beat across the caribbean to florida then over to bermuda & azores

going West

3. round cape york , indonesia optional, south of sri lanka to red sea, suez, med, azores UK. approach to red sea is notorious for pirates, red sea passage is a long beat.

4. c. york, tradewind crossing of indian ocean via mauritius etc, durban, cape town, st helena, direct to UK or via brazil, caribbean & azores. passage durban - cape town notorious for storms in the agulhas current but can be done in short hops watching for weather windows.

there are lots of variations on these routes. the one option you shouldn't consider is a direct route to panama!

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[BrianJ]

Rob
With the help of Jimmy Cornell, I have planned the route ..with several options.
There are definate " windows " in which you must sail.. so send me a PM and we can talk about it
BianJ

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[snowleopard]

what\'s this brian???

coming to the UK? but i thought oz was so wonderful you'd never want to leave!

however much you may be depressed by melbourne winter weather, i can tell you that a british summer is no joke. august has been a complete washout.

plans for our sail to oz are coming together very slowly so our next visit will be by 747 again - what's it like there in feb?

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[BrianJ]

Re: what\'s this brian???

Chris,
Day dreaming again .. thats me.. I have been to UK 4 times already.. , but all by air. .....
True , there is no place like home .. as you know OZ is God's own country.><><<
Feb is warm, ( its summer of course) where do you expect to visit. ? Have you set plans for a holiday ? Let me have more details ...
BrianJ

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[DavidofMersea]

Change of plans

Scuttlebutt was going to Cherbourg, in view of this weather we are all coming to OZ

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[snowleopard]

Re: what\'s this brian???

annual visit to family who live in Wheeler's Hill. over for around a month. last time was our first visit so we spent most of it seeing Vic, hope to spread the net a bit wider this time.

must meet up for a couple of VBs.

chris

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[Rob_Webb]

Thanks chaps

Thanks for all the info, chaps. I have ordered the Cornell book and look forward to it's arrival.

As for the suggested options:

1. Agree this is definitely ruled out - too hard core and not scenic enough.
2. Thought about this one but worried about (a) how far north you have to go and how cold it could be - would prefer to stay in tropics as much as poss. and (b) shame about missing out on so many of the lovely pacific islands that are accessible on the 'direct' route when coming from E to W.
3. Sounds appealing apart from potential piracey risks
4. Probably most appealing option overall esp. with visit over to Brazil and Caribbean

Will look at them all in more detail when I pics of winds & tides (and temps) in the Cornell book.

Will keep you posted on thoughts and probably ask some more questions later!

Thanks
Rob

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[BrianJ]

Re: what\'s this brian???

Chris,
That wil be great... I am at St Kilda,hence we can go down to my Club for dinner one friday night ... keep me aware of dates etc .
Brian
oops , sorry to advise . you will have to drink COLD beer !!!!

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[snowleopard]

Re: what\'s this brian???

no probs with the beer- son in law keeps two barrels of homebrew at a time the go si i'll be well in training.

liked st kilda- went there for the dog beach & the penguins.

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