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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[mike_bryon]

try the admiralty sailing directions 'Ocean passages for the world' first published in 1887! fourth edition 1987. it is intended to be used for planning deap-sea passages. Ch 8-10 give the routes which were used by sailing vessels.

Enjoy the planning.

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[Talbot]

There is supposed to be a new edition of NP167 either out now, or by Xmas, so check that you get the new one. Alternatively, USA provides a somewhat similar facility for free (but not all areas available yet) - available <A target="_blank" HREF=http://pollux.nss.nima.mil/pubs/pubs_j_apc_list.html>here</A>

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[snowleopard]

do you find Ocean Passages for the World useful? i've had a copy for many years and have to say i find it pretty unhelpful for that sort of route planning.

i bought it when planning my route for the OSTAR, all it had to say on that subject was 'seldom possible'!

i'll go with jimmy cornell from now on.

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[mike_bryon]

We have and use both but find Ocean Passages more useful that Cruising Routes when planning/ dreaming up something a bit off the beaten track. We plan/dream of a two year trip around the north and south Atlantic and the extra detail in Ocean Passages helped convince us that it was a reasonable plan.

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[Rob_Webb]

Thanks

THanks guys. I've ordered the Cornell book for now and see how I get along with that. And I'll let you know what ideas emerge from this and probably ask you some more questions later about timing etc. I have heard that some people feel that the rate of passage making suggested as possible by Cornell is a bit too rapid to really enjoy things and I know some people who are really struggling to do a full circumnavigation in 18 months, as they had originally hoped. Hence I reckon I would need 12 months to 'comfortably' do half the distance (NZ to UK) to really see enough of the world to make it worthwhile?

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[snowleopard]

Re: Thanks

a 2-year circumnavigation is very quick, you'd be forever wishing you could spend more time in the best bits. 3 years i reckon is a reasonable minimum, i.e. 18 months for 1/2 way.

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