Transatlatic delivery to UK

[Guest]

Hi, I recently delivered a Benateau Oceanis 320 from St Martin in the Caribbean
to England, I found her to be an excellent sea boat. I have since heard of a report/article in one of the magazines about a Biscay crossing in which they were described as a poor sea boat. Has anyone out there heard about or read this article
as I am very curious as to the problems encountered. Any information would be welcome. If you would like to know more about the 'DELIVERY' E-Mail me at
phayjahans81@hotmail.com

 

[Boatman]

I think you are probably referring to an incident with a 39 beneteau which had a problem in a force 11 in Biscay last year, they set off in a F9 and the weather got worse, the skipper just kept going with too much sail and did a 360 plus a couple of 180's the subsequent investigation said that there were certain areas of the design that could be improved upon. Washboard placement etc (apparently they weren't even inplace, I think skippers fault not a design issue) The stability curve was also critizised I got the overall impression that it wasn't really the boats fault but rather a large amount of lack of planning and forethought as well as a lack of respect for mother nature.

There is no doubt in my mind that the JenBenBav production boats have their limitations but there are built to a budget and if you are kind to them they will look after you. (I own one and sail in Biscay most weekends all year round)

 

[AndrewB]

For info see the following MAIB report ...

The 'Ocean Madam'. http://www.maib.dtlr.gov.uk/sd/9902/31.htm

 

[Boatman]

Re: For info see the following MAIB report ...

Sorry got some stuff wrong, but I am sure that I read a slightly different report relating to same incident (yes I know paper doesn't refuse ink) but am amazed that the problems described occured in a F9 (maybe this was based only on wind speed) 7-9m waves were almost certainly the bigger problem. Having been caught out twice in the last couple of years in F9 with similar wave heights I know that Biscay is not pleasant at these times, and for some reason I still keep going back.