What's it like, single handing across the Atlantic?

[HunterWanderer]

Daydream believer

My experience is all I can go on but I find the North Sea and especially the Dover straits some of the worst seas you can get. Out in deep water of the ocean the waves are much bigger but not so steep so less violent. You still get rolled and lifted up and dropped down but nothing like approaching Imouden in a good westerly. When there is no shallow water or coastline to worry about hitting all you have to do is go with the swell.

Dont try to come back from the windies too early. Mid May onwards. Break up the trip by going to Bermuda for a few days then across to the Azores whenever you like. You probably will get some heavy weather but also lots of fine days almost becalmed and beautifully sunny. You'll meet other boats doing the same so keep in contact over the radio. I've never not been able to make a cup of tea!

 

[AndrewB]

Contributors to this post so far have spoken more about the mental aspect
However, when I saw this thread title I had hoped for more info re the sea state
I sail a lot single handed & will be doing my second single handed UK circumnavigation this year

DB, this is a thread about what long-distance single-handed sailing is like. Sea state is exactly the same whether you are on your own or in a crew of eight.

For some, the most difficult part of sailing single-handed is manoeuvring in a marina at either end of a crossing. For me though, the problem was that after a few days, what with snatched and disturbed sleeping, I reached a pitch of exhaustion that seemed dangerous. At times I imagined voices, or fancied someone else was looking after the boat so I didn't have to bother. So I've never risked anything like an ocean crossing alone.

Good luck with your UK circumnavigation.

 

[Daydream believer]

DB, this is a thread about what long-distance single-handed sailing is like. Sea state is exactly the same whether you are on your own or in a crew of eight.

For some, the most difficult part of sailing single-handed is manoeuvring in a marina at either end of a crossing. For me though, the problem was that after a few days, what with snatched and disturbed sleeping, I reached a pitch of exhaustion that seemed dangerous. At times I imagined voices, or fancied someone else was looking after the boat so I didn't have to bother. So I've never risked anything like an ocean crossing alone.

Good luck with your UK circumnavigation.

You have just raised another issue
i am not in the least fazed by going in & out of marinas & have done loads of locks single handed
But sea state is my fear- Not so much rough weather but constant difficult motion
My boat is 31 ft & I feel it is very suitable for local single handing & also capable of a crossing under fair circumstances
However, when I went from 25ft Stella to this 31 ft boat I was really surprised how more comfortable it was
Bigger is better when single handing - up to a point that is

I do not want to start the Can you cross in a Bav 32 thread again
But If I went for a 37 ft modern AWB - of similar design for comparison of course-would the motion be significantly better?
I appreciate that there are different hull shapes but assume similar - fin keel spade rudder etc
I did seriously think of going bigger but a boat from the same manufacturer was a no no as some modern AWB do not seem capable of any extended offshore work
one can get too big & it would again be hard work
But does the extra size help with the motion very much & at what point is there a law of diminishing returns - handling size to easier motion
Bear in mind that boats like Ming Ming have done fantastic trips so small is not necessarily bad
But how on earth do they handle the bouncing about

 

[jerrytug]

DB correct me if I am wrong, but you have a Halmatic 30 or something very similar? If so, it's a perfect design for ocean sailing S/H.
The bouncing you refer to is a typical and very unpleasant feature of the channel and the N Sea, I have nearly given up the will to live, in sight of the white cliffs of Dover, due to it.
However, when you are right out there with the nearest land at least a mile downwards, you don't have that issue at all. The waves are commonly the height of council houses but much longer, so more comfy and less wearing to man and kit. In fact the motion becomes delightful and comforting.
So I am happy to report from personal experience that your concerns are needless!
Plenty of other issues to take into account obviously

 

[Daydream believer]

DB correct me if I am wrong, but you have a Halmatic 30 or something very similar?

How DARE you!!!!!

 

[Neil_Y]

Contributors to this post so far have spoken more about the mental aspect
However, when I saw this thread title I had hoped for more info re the sea state
i would love to do a transatlantic crossing but could I stand the violent motion for long- or is it less violent once offshore?



Then having crossed I have to get home & that can take a while & possibly ( I assume) a bit rougher.


i am not worried about the loneliness -I will probably just go nuts & not know it

But what is the actual sailing like at sea?

My last trip had a rough patch or two, but the beauty of offshore is being able to heave to, go down stairs put the kettle on and read a book until it passes.

Definitely less violent, ocean swells tend to be rolling very long wave length, you don't realise the size until you look behind, you've been sailing in shallow water which is quite different in terms of waves.

I was a bit worried about the trip back which was originally going to be on my own, but it turned out to be the best part, loads more marine life, lots of whales and you get to visit the Azores.

Long days and nights of perfect sailing conditions in a warm climate and the chance to perfect your breadmaking skills, I couldn't get enough of it. The first three days are the worst bit as you adjust to motion sleep patterns. Oh I almost forgot fresh Tuna!

 

[jerrytug]

How DARE you!!!!!

I'm quite bold like that. Sorry if it's an AWB. Another source of information might be the thread you started on exactly the same subject, on the 23rd of November

 

[Georgio]

You have just raised another issue
i am not in the least fazed by going in & out of marinas & have done loads of locks single handed
But sea state is my fear- Not so much rough weather but constant difficult motion
My boat is 31 ft & I feel it is very suitable for local single handing & also capable of a crossing under fair circumstances
However, when I went from 25ft Stella to this 31 ft boat I was really surprised how more comfortable it was
Bigger is better when single handing - up to a point that is

I do not want to start the Can you cross in a Bav 32 thread again
But If I went for a 37 ft modern AWB - of similar design for comparison of course-would the motion be significantly better?
I appreciate that there are different hull shapes but assume similar - fin keel spade rudder etc
I did seriously think of going bigger but a boat from the same manufacturer was a no no as some modern AWB do not seem capable of any extended offshore work
one can get too big & it would again be hard work
But does the extra size help with the motion very much & at what point is there a law of diminishing returns - handling size to easier motion
Bear in mind that boats like Ming Ming have done fantastic trips so small is not necessarily bad
But how on earth do they handle the bouncing about

Generally speaking, once you are off the continental shelf the waves are bigger but the length is also a lot longer so it is more comfortable than coastal sailing in a blow, the English channel can kick up a short and nasty sea at times. The worst sea I have experienced offshore was where the seabed was uneven, see Kings Trough at approx 43N 20W.

 

[Daydream believer]

I'm quite bold like that. Sorry if it's an AWB. Another source of information might be the thread you started on exactly the same subject, on the 23rd of November

That is odd !! I do not recall starting such a thread & i cannot find it using the search facility. But just because I cannot recall does not mean i did not start one
Which section of the forum was it on please?

You have clearly checked up on me --You have me worried -i feel like I have a stalker
Does that make me a celeb?????

 

[jerrytug]

No, not stalking! I was checking to see if you had a Halmatic, because for some reason I thought so. But I get mixed up,it was probably someone else.
It's just that I intend to upgrade to Halmatic30, Barbican30, Nic31, Rustler, Possibly Tradewind, or similar, when I change yachts, and for some reason your 'avatar' stuck in my mind, apologies if you sail something completely different!

It's true about the thread though, 'What is it like offshore proper?", a good thread which you started, very interesting! It was on scuttlebutt.

Best of British with the celebrity status, sometimes it does happen quite late in life I'm still waiting.

 

[AndrewB]

That is odd !! I do not recall starting such a thread & i cannot find it using the search facility. But just because I cannot recall does not mean i did not start one
Which section of the forum was it on please?

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?379328-What-is-it-like-offshore-proper

You need to be careful DB, people here have long memories.

 

[Daydream believer]

No, not stalking! I was checking to see if you had a Halmatic, because for some reason I thought so. But I get mixed up,it was probably someone else.
It's just that I intend to upgrade to Halmatic30, Barbican30, Nic31, Rustler, Possibly Tradewind, or similar, when I change yachts, and for some reason your 'avatar' stuck in my mind, apologies if you sail something completely different!

It's true about the thread though, 'What is it like offshore proper?", a good thread which you started, very interesting! It was on scuttlebutt.

Best of British with the celebrity status, sometimes it does happen quite late in life I'm still waiting.

So Ok I will come clean. I have a Hanse 312.
So now you will slap me into the Bav ,Bene, Jene, camp
However, I have total confidence in the boat having endured a number of N sea gales - albeit for a max 18 hours- & a F9 lasting about 20 hours
It was built in 2003 when i believe Hanse was about to expand rapidly but still had a bit more care about what they produced with enough staff who could build boats

(i would not feel the same about the latest Hanse's though)
My biggest gripe is its inability to heave to due to the short fin & spade rudder.
Being not too large also leaves less room to get thrown from side to side
& it is quick!!!!

Oh & for the "safe keel" camp I did hit the rocks inside Ramsgate harbour at 6.2 Knts- Biggest damage was my pride & my hip where i was thrown forwrd due to the sudden stop. But nothing to the keel apart from a chip out of the antifoul, So I would expect the keel to still be there when i got to the other side

 

[haydude]

Top post GHA!

+1 excellent

 

[Roberto]

I remember the day of departure from the Marin-Martinique, I walked back and forth the waterfront a number of times mumbling "ok, now it's time to go, ok, now it's time to go", then all of a sudden I went back into the boat and set sail to the Azores.

In human terms, it was next to perfect sailing. I love solitude and I seek company if it makes me feel better, otherwise I am very well on my own and not going looking for others for the sake of it. Sailing without the family (especially the two young kids) took away the sense of responsibility of having people onboard that did not ask to be there.
I felt I could enjoy sailing the way I like it, without imposing anything to others.
Most selfish, most un-metaphysical I guess.

 

[ClaireDuet]

Top post GHA!

+1

#shivers

 

[LadyInBed]

But sea state is my fear- Not so much rough weather but constant difficult motion

For me, the secret is to have a very comfortable place to sit, that holds you in place so you don't have to brace yourself.
I converted a small upright bench seat into a lay back armchair with a headrest. I am thinking of adding a lapstrap just in case!

 

[Daydream believer]

For me, the secret is to have a very comfortable place to sit, that holds you in place so you don't have to brace yourself.
I converted a small upright bench seat into a lay back armchair with a headrest. I am thinking of adding a lapstrap just in case!

I have a canvas that fits in the hatchway rather like a deck chair. it enables me to doze & yet keep an eye out for anything without having to move much

 

[GHA]

One thing I forgot to add...

Eat, is the boat happy, sleep, is the boat happy, read, is the boat happy, ............