How far would you go without a engine?

[oldharry]

For me the answer is - straight into the nearest mudbank, being moored quite a long way up a narrow creek.

And that is going to be the problem - not only dodging the big stuff on the way across, but getting in and out of modern crowded harbours/marinas where you are expected to have auxiliary power as a matter of course.

And if anyone says 'Nelson managed it' - you can be quite certain if he had had power - he would have used it. Otherwise the modern Navy would still be sailing!

 

[jezjez]

As it happens, we decided to leave belgium but with only a F2 Variable for the first few hours to start our journey we felt we neeeded engine power even to get along. Engine was fixed by mechanic who said it will get you home but it's had it, don't spend any more money on it.
We set off, got as far as the marina entrance with diesel and smoke coming out the back and then the engine died and we slunk back into the nearest mooring. We decided that with so little wind (after hvaing too much last week) we would have the engine replaced (!) in Belgium and start again.
This now means a holiday on the coast first for the owner - poor them - I'm afraid I was just the willing crew.

 

[Rum_Pirate]

I have sailed St.Kitts to St. Maarten and back, St.Kitts to the BVI and back and St.Kitts to St. Maarten and back on Kate http://www.1906-twelvemetre.com/

all without an engine.

We did have an inflatable with an 8.5 hp Mercury outboard on board in the forward hatch.

It is not how far but how well you and the boat are prepared.