I know I'll regret this

[danielgoldberg]

But, I'm stuck in Seattle getting ready for an argument tomorrow, so what the heck.

I've had an inquiry from someone wanting to do our rally in a Catalina 30. He put the question to me of whether I think the boat's up to it. Assuming the boat is properly equipped (huge bbq, etc.), thoughts on taking a Catalina 30 from NY to Bermuda in a rally?

I have my own view, which I'll wait to express until the jury is in.

[sailboy21]

He was Captain of the Nightingale
Twenty-one days from Clyde in coal
He could smell the flowers of Bermuda in the gale....




(sorry)

[artbyjody]

Plan the right weather window(s) its possible - is it a standard C-30 or a C-320?

It will just take you longer to get there.. IMHO - Sorry about your stay in Rainy Seattle - when you leave it will be nice and clear again!

[bubb2]

Dan, I would not do it in C30. It's a coastal boat and New York to Bermuda is not a Coastal cruise. Here a link for the list of boats the did 2008 Newport to Bermuda. NO C30 there. In fact I don't think it would meet the rules.
Who's Competing in 2008?

[camaraderie]

I agree with Bubb.
Would also either not be in touch with the fleet or would be holding the fleet up. What's the point? I wouldn't take a Westsail32 on the rally either even though it is much more likely to make a safe passage.

[sailingdog]

The smallest boat listed at bubb's link is a J109 AFAICT. Cam's point about its ability to keep up is a very valid one.

[christyleigh]

Originally Posted by artbyjody

is it a standard C-30 or a C-320?

.... Just an FYI.... the C-30 and C-320 are quite different boats released more than 10 years apart. The C-30 would rattle around inside a C-320 like a dried bean

[Cruisingdad]

Not sure if any of the question was directed at me, Dan, but if so I have no first hand experience with a C30. However, my thoughts are less about the boat and more the captain. I guess it all comes down to the offshore experience of the captain. If he is a novice and the boat is not tested and not really built for that purpose, than he needs more "luck" than someone else who has the background/boat.

My opinions.

- CD

[chucklesR]

the C30 doesn't qualify by any other organized rally that I can find, too short, not robust enough. I could see a couple of newbie's wanting to try it, I can also pretty well dictate the news story about the failed rescue attempt.

Sure it's been done by smaller, badly equipped vessels- but not as a part of a rally where there is some liability on the organizer.

I've sailed a C30 on the Ches. Bay and would not think of taking one blue water for much more than a trip to the Bahama's, in a good weather window and even then it would have to pass a serious inspection first. People own economy boats for a reason; and that reason is usually not because they want to upgrade them to blue water capable.

[night0wl]

Looking at that list, it seems every other boat is a Swan...