My Bermuda Lunacy

[FlySwat]

Hi Everyone - I need some feedback.

I''m considering singlehanding my 35'' Sloop from New York to Bermuda in June, staying a week or so, and then singlehanding back. I need input as to the sensibility/safety of this undertaking.

My boat is in very good shape - the hull and all equipment are in fine shape; I have radar, an EPIRB w/imbedded GPS, liferaft, harnesses, SSB Receiver, Simrad Wheelpilot WP 30. The standing rigging and running rigging were extensively gone over this past winter by the rigger and any suspect/worn parts were replaced. The sails and canvas were all gone over by the sailmaker and restictched and reiforced as necessary (and a third set of reefpoints put in the main).

I have 30 years of sailing experience but have never gone offshore (I have singlehanded the boat for a 24 hour period 25 to 50 mi off the coast).

I have read extensively on the subject of singlehanding.

I am confident that with an appropriate weather window I could make it out and back with no problem. However:

1. I can''t get insurance to cover a solo voyage to Bermuda; and,

2. I''m concerned with the (however unlikely) possibility of striking a submerged container, having the boat sink, and being out the $$$$$$$.

Do any of you bluewater cruisers out there have advice on this? I''d really like to go - but I''m concerned with the small probability of a big loss. Also, thoughts on soloing for 5 days?

Thanks.

FlySwat

[tsenator]

Try asking the same question on the Cruising World Bulletin Board. I think you''ll get a more lively discussion going there.

http://old.cruisingworld.com/forums/genlmesg/index.pl

You don''t say what type of boat....(not that you can''t get there in a raft with the right conditions and/or seamanship skill)

[Viceroy]

To solo in a very high (commercial) traffic area is "lunacy"...shipping lanes, not withstanding. Five days can easily become much more in this part of the Atlantic (or anywhere else, for that matter). You sound like a prudent sailor and should know the value (and COLREGs) of keeping a proper watch while at sea. Take at least one other capable soul with you is my advice. Cheers, Richard.