Westerly Merlin suitable for offshore cruise?

[Jimfish]

I recently bought a Merlin following 3 years ownership of a Hunter Horizon 23. The choice was made on a ix of criteria incl cost, cost of mooring, sailability (on my own) and more space below for my wife and I to spend more time aboard.

I was considering sailing the boat to the med or canaries later this year.

Any members thoughts on the Merlin suitability for those types of voyage or other comments on voyage restrictions would be most welcome.

many thanks

rgds

 

[alant]

I recently bought a Merlin following 3 years ownership of a Hunter Horizon 23. The choice was made on a ix of criteria incl cost, cost of mooring, sailability (on my own) and more space below for my wife and I to spend more time aboard.

I was considering sailing the boat to the med or canaries later this year.

Any members thoughts on the Merlin suitability for those types of voyage or other comments on voyage restrictions would be most welcome.

many thanks

rgds

take you anywhere if the weather is ok, just choose when to go carefully.

 

[Tranona]

In terms of ability to cope with adverse conditions it will be capable if properly equipped and handled. Many people have done the Med and back trip in similar boats.

However, most such trips are about livng on a boat rather than sailing and (depending on your expectations), size, or rather capacity to carry stores equipment etc and have space for two people to live comfortably, is important and a Merlin is at the bottom end of practicality. Med living is mostly out in the open - only a small minority of time is actually sailing - and then more often motor not sail, so you will see the attraction of larger boats with large cockpits, big engines and tall rigs.

There is masses written on the subject - books, guides, magazine articles (one running at the moment in Classic Boat with a 26ft SCOD!) and blogs. So do lots of research of other peoples' experiences in all kinds of boats and you will get an idea of whether it is for you.

Oh, and do a couple of bareboat charters to get a handle on what it is like sailing and living in hot climates.

 

[Seajet]

I reckon properly equipped and handled she'll take you anywhere; you do have the option of the French canals too.

As I once worked on the canals I've always wanted to return with my boat, they're just wonderful in my opinion - I was deckhand / engineer on a Hotel Barge on the Burgundy canal, River Saone and Canal du Centre, spectacularly pleasant places to be !

I'd go down through the canals, play around in the Med', then return via Biscay - just a thought...

 

[Jimfish]

Thanks to you all for the very fast and helpful replies

rgds

jim

 

[webcraft]

.
A friend sailed one from Scotland to the Caribbean. He prefers it to his Moody 45.

- W

 

[BigART]

Any members thoughts on the Merlin suitability for those types of voyage or other comments on voyage restrictions would be most welcome.

Hello Jimfish

Our last boat was a lovely Merlin called Emerillon which we purchased as a 'practice boat' prior to a circumnavigation to get some sea time in.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time on her in the Channel area and did briefly consider going long distance but the factors that put us off were:
- Limited water storage. Yes, one could have a watermaker but...
- Limited fuel storage
- Limited food storage
- She went to windward in strong weather like a tank, loosening all our fillings in the process

None of these factors are insurmountable but we opted for an easier, more comfortable life on a bigger boat.

If one was to do a long passage to a desireable area and stay there for a while (the Med?) I think she would be fine, if lacking in ventilation in the aft cabin in warmer climes. Any discomforts on the passge would soon be forgotten. The accomodation is excellent for the size of boat and she was sadly missed when we sold her.

The canals sound like a very nice idea for reaching the Med. She would also be fine for inter-island hops in the Caribbean, you have just got to get there - perfectly manageable with a bit of thought and care. I am still sure I would not be comfortable on her during a circumnavigation though.

HTH

Angus