Am I crazy if...

CambridgeKid · #1 07-11-2011

...I cross the Atlantic this week in a Gulfstar 50 with two others despite the fact that I have a mere 10 hours of sailing experience? I figure...what better way to learn? But then I also think...no, there really IS a better way to learn: like a normal person.

Give me your thoughts (and advice)!

Silvio · #2 07-11-2011

Depends on who you plan to go with. Paying passengers cross the Atlantic regularly with professional crew.
Others will surely add thoughts on short crews, watch schedules, weather, etc.

kd3pc · #3 07-11-2011

the bigger question should be, how well you know the other two...and will you trust them with your life? Other than a day of sea sick or two, it should be an experience to remember. Books are good, iPod will only last a few days at best, so plan accordingly.

Crew of Three is a bit shorthanded for a 50', IMHO.

I, with the advantage of old age and able to look back, would go in a heart beat. I would however get my affairs in order and call defender today and order up my own personal ditch bag, VHF, epirb, and MRE kit, watermaker, plus all the other safety kit they would suggest.

I did do the Marion to Bermuda, unprepared, way back and had the time of my life. SO much so, I went back and did it again and again for a few years. My family nearly croaked.

I also took off from Melbourne, FL for the bahamas one day and found out that the skipper was less experienced and less prepared for weather than I was - I was able to prevail and return to Melbourne after being in the washing machine, 28 footer, for a day.

Best of luck, but if you decide to go, do get the safety gear...I NEVER, even now, depend on others for my gear or do without the basics.

rockDAWG · #4 07-11-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by CambridgeKid

...I cross the Atlantic this week in a Gulfstar 50 with two others despite the fact that I have a mere 10 hours of sailing experience? I figure...what better way to learn? But then I also think...no, there really IS a better way to learn: like a normal person.

Give me your thoughts (and advice)!

If I was me, I go in a heart beat.

Go for it, if the SV is sound and the captain is experience for offshore passage. Good luck.

aeventyr60 · #5 07-11-2011

You'll never know if you don't go

TQA · #6 07-11-2011

You are aware I hope that;

1 It will take more than a week. 20 - 25 days more likely.

2 You are coming up to peak hurricane time. IMHO this is not the time to go. If I was confident that the boat was bullet proof I might consider it but on the whole NO.

CambridgeKid · #7 07-11-2011

I just meant that they depart this week... for the three week (or so) trip.

Honestly, I don't know them well. I get good vibes from them...the skipper's been sailing for 10 years or so... he's attempted the northern Atlantic crossing twice before and turned back.

Tell me more about hurricane season. Low pressure systems move up the east coast? So they're coming from behind?

Thanks, all.

zz4gta · #8 07-11-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by CambridgeKid

Honestly, I don't know them well. I get good vibes from them...the skipper's been sailing for 10 years or so... he's attempted the northern Atlantic crossing twice before and turned back.

Nope, see ya, no thank you, send me a post card, etc. I would not go due to this obvious red flag.

CambridgeKid · #9 07-11-2011

I think the reason he turned back before was that he was singlehanded. Part of me says, "Aha, so it was singlehanded...surely he can do it better crewed." But the other part says, "Wait, why was he trying to singlehand his Gulfstar 50 across the Atlantic?"

Thanks for helping me think this out.

Silvio · #10 07-11-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by CambridgeKid

Honestly, I don't know them well. I get good vibes from them...the skipper's been sailing for 10 years or so... he's attempted the northern Atlantic crossing twice before and turned back.

That would be enough to stop me but then again people do what they want all the time and most survive, some don't. Some have made it across in no more than a row boat, a raft, or floating debris. I personally hedge my bets by going to sea with tested and trusted crew, boat, gear, etc. All that said I have not crossed the Atlantic and so do not pretend to be an expert on it.

Good luck! Let us know what you decide. If you do go come on and post your experience, it helps others that read this board.