[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

Conference unifix::sailing

Title:	SAILING
Notice:	Please read Note 2.* before participating in this conference
Moderator:	UNIFIX::BERENS

Created:	Wed Jul 01 1992
Last Modified:	Mon Jun 02 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	2299
Total number of notes:	20724

501.0. "Offshore cruising info wanted" by INABOX::MCBRIDE () Fri Mar 13 1987 15:06

I have been intrigued with the idea of extended off shore cruising sparked by 
such stories as Dodge Morgan's trip around the world and by following the BOC 
through the different magazines as well as individual accounts of the cruising 
lifestyle. Having had the interest sparked, I was wondering what sort of 
preparations does one have to make in order to undertake an extended life at 
sea? I would like to hear any and all opinions/advice on the subject of extended
blue water cruising starting with what constitutes the "right" boat and what 
equipment is necessary to maintain a handle on location, weather, communication 
etc... I realize that there is a tremendous amount of personal preparation 
involved in setting ones affairs straight as well as the administrative tasks of
getting passports and preclearance for certain ports. But what are the details 
that need to be attended to? Are there any books out there that act as how to 
guides for would be off shore cruisers or circumnavigators or just offer 
practical advice? I am not in the position to undertake this adventure at the 
moment but the lure of exotic south pacific islands is quite strong and would 
like to seriously onsider this in my not too too distant future. I guess we 
could always charter in Tahiti or Bora-Bora but it wouldn't be the same. 

Any opinions on the following would be great, and any personal experiences would
be wonderful.  

1. Boat type, ideal size for two peope, sail inventory...
2. Electronics
3. Safety gear
4. Other equipment both desired but optioinal as well as absolutely necessary 
   (Dinghy type, liferaft, generator, tools, desalinator,.......?) 
5. First-aid equipment, drugs, shots, off the shelf remedies? 
6. Are weapons of any sort recommended, I have read of personal accounts where 
   it was but I am not personally keen on guns. 
7. Anything else? clothing? food?  
8. Amount needed to finance this for say a year without extravagance?

Regards,

Brian

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
501.1	begin reading	PULSAR::BERENS	Alan Berens	`Fri Mar 13 1987 15:53`	19
	May I suggest that your next sailing investment be a substantial library, for the questions you ask have no simple answers and the answers fill many, many books. Our sailing library now occupies some 10 linear feet of shelf space. Opinions conflict and you will have to sort them out for yourself. Also talk to everyone you can. May I suggest some reading: "After 50000 Miles" by Hal Roth "Modern Ocean Cruising" by Jimmy Cornell "Seaworthiness" by C. A. Marchaj The last five years of "Cruising World" magazine Good luck, Alan
501.2	very expensive	PULSAR::BERENS	Alan Berens	`Fri Mar 13 1987 15:57`	3
	Oh yes ..... cost. My guess is a minimum of $75000 for a well-equipped boat capable of bluewater sailing. $6000 to $12000 for annual expenses.
501.3	2 years before the mast	IMBACQ::SIEGMANN		`Fri Mar 13 1987 16:01`	5
	Although I have seen and know of several proven off-shore craft that were available for $50k. It's take you a couple of years to find what you want/need and to gather the necessary experience to choose the right craft etc. Good hunting! \R/, Ed
501.4	More Reading	CSSE::GARDINER		`Mon Mar 16 1987 10:18`	27
	I agree with Alan (.1) that a good amount of reading will help give you the best advice. I would recommend a couple of other books for your library; Sailing Alone Around the World - Joshua Slocum Bluewater Handbook - Cruising and Sailing Alone - John Mulville On hand for you, One for the Ship - Tristen Jones Most of the above books are about single handed sailing, but offer the best advice about what type of boats handle best in any conditions. They also provide a guide as to equipment, basic survival techniques, and outfitting your boat for extended cruising. Some other books I have bought and read are just commercial and are collecting dust on my bookshelf. It is difficult to tell the difference until you've done some offshore sailing. My own preference is "keep it simple". The more equipment that you have means more can go wrong. Get the best quality, tried an true equipment. Don't get anything that's "State of the Art", you just can't get it repaired or replaced outside the U.S.. Good Luck, Jeff
501.5	Another book	NECVAX::RODENHISER		`Mon Mar 16 1987 12:13`	5
	"A Circumnavigator's Handbook" by Steve and Linda Dashew This, and a follow-on book which I can't remember the title to, deal with the choice of equipment and technique for offshore sailing.
501.6	Dolphins: the club and the mammals	TILLER::SEARS	Paul Sears, SHR1-4/D27, 237-3783	`Thu Mar 19 1987 12:56`	18
	A good way to build a library is to join the Dolphin Book club. They are a book-a-month club specializing in marine publications. I know the once-a-month thing can be a pain, but you get to read/browse titles you might not ordinarily consider. Their cards can be found in the sailing mags. Also the Eric and Susan Hiscock books are a must for any offshore voyager. Dolphin carries most of the titles. Some names are: "Voyaging Under Sail", "Cruising Under Sail", ... Perhaps the best teacher, however, is your fellow sailor. Get out there and experience voyaging under sail. Beg a berth for an offshore passage. The experience may not be what you expect, or you caould fall in love with it... good luck paul
501.7	another good book	SSGVAX::SAVIERS		`Sat Mar 21 1987 18:36`	5
	I second the vote to do a lot of reading and would add to your list a new book titled "Cruising in Comfort" by Jim Skoog. It has lots practical advice on how to outfit for a world cruise.