Singlehanded round the UK - which boat?

[NormanS]

I've circumnavigated the top half a few times.

 

[EdWingfield]

Mr Daydream, We were the only two yachts on the entire ocean, yet we managed to have a near collision. Earlier, he'd vhf'd me to ask about the army Range activity. I assume skipper and crew were busy with repairs and not keeping proper watch.

Later, in port he apologised. It was accepted.

I suspect there is much barroom speed figures bragging here. It is all about best ever. What about those times of being becalmed, or when the forecast good wind does not materialise? What about leaving port and returning 3hrs later tail-between-legs? That was me 2017. But yes, there were rare times I was going fast with a quartering wind. But those times were rare.

5+kn for a 17 footer. 6.5kn to windward etc. I'm afraid I cannot relate to this stuff. This summer I will plod on in the same old way I guess.

My VMG windward figure 3.1kn was obtained in Ijsselmeer. I have confidence in it. I am surprised that no other yotties bother with this plotter facility.

 

[Neeves]

I've circumnavigated the top half a few times.

I still admire the feat, not having gone round the bottom part is no reason I would ignore anyone willing to challenge the top half, even once - doing it more than once means you were not phased.

Another example to us all.

Jonathan

 

[Neeves]

EdWingField,

I have to agree, our 10knots average over 110nm was the exception (a champagne sail) not the rule, the fastest we have been, or saw on the log, was 16.5 knots (which is pretty pedestrian for some cats). But the norm is as I indicated, typically 6 knots. But is shows the disparity between reality 6 knots and the exception 16.5 max and 10 knots average.

We would never use that 10 knots average to plan.

Jonathan

 

[Daydream believer]

EdWingField,

I have to agree, our 10knots average over 110nm was the exception (a champagne sail) not the rule, the fastest we have been, or saw on the log, was 16.5 knots (which is pretty pedestrian for some cats). But the norm is as I indicated, typically 6 knots. But is shows the disparity between reality 6 knots and the exception 16.5 max and 10 knots average.

We would never use that 10 knots average to plan.

Jonathan

But i bet it will be the one that you will remember the most
It is the " bucket list" one you just always want to sail for

 

[Neeves]

But i bet it will be the one that you will remember the most
It is the " bucket list" one you just always want to sail for

Quite right, proven as its what I quoted.

The bucket list target is now higher - but like someone posted earlier, it needs a new sail (not the one we have worn out trying to get there) and Scot's presbyterian prudence may deny the higher target - though fear might also come into it.

But, I'm not sure of the connection nor relevance, those of you who have been round, or up there, I'll try to remember to treat you with the respect you rightly deserve.

Jonathan

 

[ninova]

Did this trip in 2016/17 single handed in a twin keel Leisure 27. Went the wrong way anti clockwise departing from the South Coast but its all a learning curve....

Thought I had lost skeg and rudder in St Ives but otherwise go cautiously and take your time.
Full story on www.sailingroundbritain.com

 

[lw395]

It is a contradiction:

That we enjoy sailing but that boat builders build yachts they claim are faster (than the previous model, and certainly that of the competitors) reducing the time we spend actually sailing,

Having a faster boat enables sailing further.
Having a boat with good lightweather performance enables sailing instead of motoring.

 

[lw395]

....
5+kn for a 17 footer. 6.5kn to windward etc. I'm afraid I cannot relate to this stuff. This summer I will plod on in the same old way I guess.

My VMG windward figure 3.1kn was obtained in Ijsselmeer. I have confidence in it. I am surprised that no other yotties bother with this plotter facility.

Cruiser sailors will always tell you about the wind being 'bang on the nose' 'steady for the whole trip'.
Race officers tear their hair out trying to set a course with a decent beat, praying that the wind won't shift too much in the next hour.

Wind strategy can make a huge difference to converting your 4.5 knots of boat speed into a timely arrival.

 

[Deltaromeopapa]

For the sake of anyone reading this thread, you don’t need a big expensive boat to achieve this. I just completed an anti-clockwise single handed circumnavigation in a Halmatic 30. Recommendations autopilot and windvane, solar or wind charging to keep the batteries topped up, refrigerator to keep perishables and AIS although many ships and FVs don’t transmit, finally LEDs as you will be sailing at night. Tides will dictate passage timing. Took me 57 days through the canal, east coast of Ireland, Alderney and north coast of France including longer periods on west coast of Scotland, south coast of Ireland and Milford Haven.
Most important, get your boat sorted and go with what you’ve got.