Quote:
Originally Posted by tdw
StAnna....did you know that some fella actually sailed an 18' skiff from Sydney to LA ?
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I realise that this comment will bring all sorts of condemnation but;
Only a few years ago,people fixed up old clappers, bult their own and went off cruising. The boats all had some dry rot in the deck or in the mast etc. The crew - often a guy and his girl or a young family knew the risks, but they were more interested in going sailing, fixing what needing to be done, putting up with what was unfixable - but they went and had wonderful adventures. ALmost iron men and wooden yachts. They knew no-one could or would be around to resuce them. The going attitude was that a liferaft would kill you slowly so dont bother.
Its the Alby Mangels and David Lewis view - and it is lost with technology and regulations.
So prepare yourself and your cat22 and do it. You wont have sailnet in a cat 8 breeeze; or any other assistance but your ability and guts to keep the boat upright. Go for it, but be prepared to lose and risk what you can lose.
I was soloing a 12' cherub dinghy in Moreton bay at 14, delivering 36' ketches solo at 18 - back when I was invincible. I understand your desire to try this adventure. In my Dads era, it would not be considered and adventure. People did this thing regularly. SOme won, some lost.