Hi Jack -
Thanks for your reply.
I''d be leaving from Boston. My first thought was try to make it to Bermuda - but I''ve heard that could be a difficult trip this time of year due to weather.
That taken into consideration, I figured I could work my way down the East Coast to Florida then "out to the islands" - it gets a little vague there since I''m not sure of my geography.
If I can get everything together I would leave in early January (again - weather permitting). I''m not really fond of sailing in the cold in the middle of winter - but I''m not opposed to it either and feel very comfortable as long as I''m along the coast where I have access to assistance, good weather info, etc.
The part that concerns me is generally further south. I''m not sure what to expect in the Carribean - and I don''t know passage distances/times etc between islands. Also - as I mentioned - the boat, while sturdy and seaworthy, is not fitted out for long distance passage making across open water (no vane, no
SSB...I can find a
life raft and an EBIRB but from some of the materials I have read (again READ - not experienced) it seems one can get away without a vane.
Also wondering about storm sails and sea
anchors. Much material I have read discusses lying ahull (with no sails) or heaving to (which can be done with a reefed main. Again, it all looks great when you read it but I''m sure some folks out there have had to practice it.
I''m adventurous - but not reckless. I don''t mind setting out and "roughing" it a bit because I don''t have all the optimal equipment - but again, I don''t want to do anything stupid or be unprepared in a way that would put me and my boat at risk.
Looking forward to your reply.
Regards.