Would you have?

[ashanta]

Been happy for your 14 year old to sail a class B boat across the pond. I know there is the element to say "well it worked" but it does seem to me that the weather was kind and no foul sea was encountered. If there had been very bad weather, both of these boats would have been in severe difficulty and neither would have been able to help each other.
What do think?

 

[Searush]

Do you have any evidence to suggest that they were badly prepared?

I would expect a well found yacht will survive most conditions in that part of the ocean at this time of year. Check the ARC records and any number of past transatlantic logs/ books for examples.

Shane Acton crossed 4 times in an old 18' plywood bilge keeler (a Caprice I think). Ann Davison did it alone as a first passage in a 23' double ender in the mid 50's. What examples of bad weather were you thinking of?

 

[markpoint]

Yep, he may have been lucky with the weather but I trust he was prepared for big wind/waves. I must say I admire the boys "is he a man now" bravery in such a feat, and some may question his parents mentality but, these acts make us what we are. He who dares wins but admitedly, he who dares can die, it's a fine line - Did anyone question the 2 guys who rowed across the Atlantic ??? If you want to go - then go ....
If people can save you they will, if they cant, they won't .....
Are you feeling lucky ! Some people feel lucky all the time, we must let them ride the wave - Good luck to the man - he should return to school a better person.

 

[ashanta]

I think your missing my point. Thats why I placed this on the PBO rather than cruising.
I am very aware of challenges, I am ex soldier and i like the challenge. I am asking the question of rating. The previous youngest person did it in a Contessa not a B rated boat Therefore,had there been (and I accept there wasn't but they could not have have planned there would not be) bad weather these boats were not built to ocean conditions and had something gone wrong i am sure questions would have raised regarding the integrity of the vessel(s)
Personally, if it was my son I would have done as the previous record holders father had done and used a more suitable vessel (should conditions deteriorate) for him. Just my point of view and I do not for one minute find this young mans acheivements anything more than fantastic.

 

[Woodlouse]

The biggest problem I have with the boat for offshore work is the open transom. Fine for a dinghy, but an ocean going boat? Really?

 

[tom652]

I think the basic idea of the father was of promoting the boats he builds. so I assume they were properly prepared.

 

[Poignard]

Happy and proud

 

[chrisc]

It will propbaly be a six year old next year.

 

[samwise]

My understanding is that the boats were not bog standard. Both were modified for the trip. However, I don't think I would be prepared to send any of my sons into possible danger for the sake of flogging a few more boats

 

[andy_wilson]

I think....

that if some members of the human race didn't do this kind of thing, we would still be sat in a cave marvelling at 'fire'.... if indeed we had got that far!

 

[ashanta]

Re: I think....

I decided to ask the question on the PBO for design and physical aspects to the boats used but I am afraid most replies are about the feat rather than answering the question.
The comments about the father promoting his own boat he builds actually angers me. The boat may have been "beefed up" but a boat designed for an Ocean passage is already "beefed up"
With regards to the need to have people doing these feats? I agree but the question was to debate the practical not the ego or emotion.
The boats used could have been serious problems had the not been lucky with the weather.