Youngest Person to Circumnaviagte britain in a Powerboat?

[Nathan K]

Also i actually like the sound of being on my own for days on end.

How much do you reckon the fuel cost would be?

 

[jfm]

Say 1800 miles @ 4mpg x £5/gallon = £2250. But that's a guess. When the waves are big your fuel consumption can be say 2x what it is on flat water, per mile. Or even worse, when tide comes into play

Google image "wind against tide" and see what the sea looks like. no-one can tell you how much fuel you will burn fighting that in a 23er.

What engine do you have Nathan?

 

[Nathan K]

The engine was stolen a while ago so we are in the process of looking for a new one, a 225 optimax is currently on the table. The boat is rated for 250 and it is commonly fitted with 150-225

 

[MapisM]

Nathan, I'm not sure if you'll consider this as a "constructive criticism", which is what as I understand you're looking for, but if I were 15 again, there's plenty of things I can think of, which I would consider doing. And I mean it, plenty. Not this one, though.
Anyway, if you really feel the urge to go ahead with such project, all the very best.

 

[Nathan K]

Say 1800 miles @ 4mpg x £5/gallon = £2250. But that's a guess. When the waves are big your fuel consumption can be say 2x what it is on flat water, per mile. Or even worse, when tide comes into play

Google image "wind against tide" and see what the sea looks like. no-one can tell you how much fuel you will burn fighting that in a 23er.

What engine do you have Nathan?

I found this on youtube http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=/&gl=GB#/watch?v=yFIFhdjKBdM

should i be expecting worse? I think i could handle that but any more and i'd start to get out my comfort zone. I would be looking to only set off in weather like that or better so how often does it get worse?

 

[jfm]

That happens. You'd be v lucky to do your trip without seeing that a few times. On many legs, you cannot just turn into a safe port - you might be 40 miles say from a safe port. And those guys were in a rib, probably knew they were seasick resistant and probably had no fuel worries. Change that to doing it alone in a hard boat, no-one to encourage you or cheer you up, a bit of fear, brings on seasickness. Pretty grim scenario...

Don't underestimate any of this. I love the sea and spend all the time I can on it, in it or under it, and have done for 30 years. But I have zero enthusiasm for the trip you're contemplating. I admire your non-couch-potato enthusiasm for a challenge but really there are plenty of other challenges you can find in life (some of which will pay for a new boat if you get it right) as MapisM was suggesting above

 

[Nathan K]

Thanks jfm

 

[Bojangles]

Nathan, are your parents pretty cool about your plans? and be honest are you going to let them see that you tube clip?

All the best with your plans, I commend you on having the bottle to even consider it.

 

[Divemaster1]

........ I would be looking to only set off in weather like that or better so how often does it get worse?

North Sea is tempremental ....and can catch the best out ... (as it did with us in our 45 ft MOBO) ..... and it can get pretty bad....fast .... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvh2hCxUvJA&feature=related

also not many hiding places to nip into on the east coast as many harbours are difficult (and dangerous) to enter in Easterly winds...

 

[Nathan K]

Nathan, are your parents pretty cool about your plans? and be honest are you going to let them see that you tube clip?

QUOTE]

Hand on Heart... Just showed parents "I'd be ****ing myself but if that's what you want to do"

infact i think that's almost exactly what they said when i started motocross haha

Back on subject is that typical weather? my only rough weather experience so far was a bit like that and it was way when i did my RYA lvevl 2. i have to say, like the guys in the video, i loved every second of it.

 

[Kawasaki]

Nathan, are your parents pretty cool about your plans? and be honest are you going to let them see that you tube clip?

QUOTE]



infact i think that's almost exactly what they said when i started motocross haha

Hi Nathan
I did motocross for a while. Rode in some British Championship rounds at one stage
Did Trials at International level too
So I can relate to your style of adventure etc
You mention you have done PB2
Good stuff!
Now imagine this
Maybe you started motocross at quite an early age?
On a bike like a KX 80 or similar then graduated to a 125 etc
As you mentioned at first 'I want to do the Advanced course'
The Advanced in relation to motocross (if you've only done PB2) is like jumping off a 125 on a familiar track to trying to control a 500 on a place you have never been to.
A RIB has been mentioned
Which was a good call
Because you have off road motorcycle experience I will relate the difference of the vessel you are thinking of to a RIB
Try a motocross course with an average trail bike, against a purpose built motocrosser on a difficult track.
You know
The trail bike will be all over the place and the rider will become knackered all too soon and look rather foolish
Really admire your sense of adventure etc
Flip, at 15 I used to ****e me self practicing on me mates 500 Norton trials bike on the local tip, cos yer could in those days!!
Again, in motorcycle terms
You are trying to achieve the equivalent to a Gold Medal in the ISDT
At 15 that is a big ask, if not dangerous
'Yer Man' who did the relatively recent 'Round Britain' trip in the 625 Merry Fisher or whatever it was.
Planned everything to the 'enth degree' and was a lot more expierenced than you.
I met Him
I helped in a small way with sponsorship
Oh yes, I nearly forgot
You say you are going to re engine with maybe an Optimax
You should look at Evinrude E Techs at that size
'Lecture' over
Goodbye

 

[NormanS]

Do what you like, but please don't call it a "CIRCUMNAVIGATION" unless you go all the way round. In the coming Olympics, the guy that wins the marathon will have to go all the way. he can't say, after 20 miles, "Oh well, I've done the easy bit, that'll do".

There's a big difference between sailing around, and sailing round.

 

[Nathan K]

i see, I guess it's back to contacting rib manufacturers and asking if they would lend me a boat ( i guess it's worth a shot )
my only glimpse of hope is that it could help a less well known manufacturer needs to get their brand noticed.

 

[MY littlebirchwoo]

Nathan, the man you need to talk to is someone called Tom Montgommery-Swan, who, although the owner (at the age of 23) of an off-shore racing team, currently holds the record for the Youngest Circumnavigation of the British Isles I believe, which he achieved at the age of 12. However, he had been around boats, and fast boats at that from the day he was born.

I'm sure you will be able to contact him through his team website (Linley Swan GP) and he would be able to give you appropriate advice, although I would advise you to go and get a whole heap of experience before attempting this 'solo'

http://www.linleyswangp.com/

 

[thomshap]

They're never going to lend him one of those, worth I try though I guess.

... and ok, the ribbers don't appear to have even much help.

 

[WF36]

Don't you have to be 16 to buy petrol anyway or should I say use a petrol pump!?

 

[Ripster]

Interesting Post and I admire the adventurous spirit of the young, but.... take in carefully what Kwakers (and others of course) has said. Sums it up nicely IMO. Perhaps you should consider doing some "lesser" events first to try and build both your reputation and experience. Sponsors may then take you a bit more seriously. Remember sponsors don't want to be a part of any disaster, especially involving inexperienced youngsters should something befall you. That said, if you prepare well (6 x Ps as someone has already said) and have full training and support, then you may be able to achieve your goal or a version of it.

Very good luck.

 

[gjgm]

One thing about the video is that they maybe laughing right now, but it is bound to be a very different commentary 1-2-3 hours later...