I've never heard a convincing argument in the sailing community or press to support the very often held belief that a Beneteau, a Hunter, or a Catalina are not up to an Atlantic crossing, but a Hylas, or a Hallberg, or a Cabo Rico are. Can you offer any insight?
Wayne Wilson
Don Casey responds:
Wayne,
There are some design issues that make some boats poor candidates for offshore work. Specifically wide, shallow boats lose their self-righting tendency at shallower angles of heel, making them prone to capsizing and perhaps staying upside down.
See the letter to the editor from naval architect Ted Brewer in the latest issue of Bluewater Sailing for some info on this matter. There are also quality of construction issues that make stronger boats more reassuring when a gale is blowing and land is 1,000 miles away.
Don
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