Sailing Yachts

The only thing I know about yachts is the quote attributed to Cornelius Vanderbilt:

"If you have to ask about the price, you can't afford it."

For every 10 feet longer the price near doubles. They are holes in the water that you throw money into. Yachter's knowledge. And there are many who own yachts that do just. Expensive status symbols at the mercy of the weather.

Actually that is a false statement, they also don't sink easier than monohulls, rare that two hulls will be damaged, so one keeps the cat afloat. Right now they are varying in price, a 50ft, 2004 year, mono hull, I can pick up for E80000. Owners versions are far higher in price by approx 15% and that is the same with cats.

Living on a yacht is not worse than living from a suitcase, on sites around the world, so no hardship there. The sailing alone, I agree, that is why I am looking for info on cats versus monohulls. Stability, space, shallower draft. redundancy. One engine on a mono, two on cats.

Navigation these days is all done on an iPad, so have two and there are two systems, and redundancy is built in. Very common these days.

https://www.yachtingworld.com/catamaran-sailing/catamaran-sailing-techniques-part-7-worst-happen-nigel-irens-78240

Thanks researched this already and the container issue. But it all helps to decide a safe passage. Mostly the intend is to stay not far off shore as lone sailing one needs a safe haven to anchor in over night. Sleep is occasionally required, hence the long voyage time or 1020 days. (2,7 yrs). And being close to shores helps when storms come up. Safer to save the yacht and myself than risk the total loss or not arriving where I want to be. All these forgot factors I hope I have included.

Also, knowing the comfortable speed to cover the distance in one day is important, with wind of course. 6 Knots average speed will cover approx 60Mn per day (110km) on a monohull, with a multihull 8-10 can be achieved in the same speed of wind, that is a gain of approx 80km. It makes a big difference over that total course. Pros and Cons.

It takes awhile to learn what you are attempting. In addition paper charts are hard to find. The learning curve for the electronics is steep. Cats are a bit easier to sail. And draw significantly less draft. 40 is about the limit for a single novice. Both Beneteau and Leopards are well thought of. New or used?

There a dozen or so of them for sail at Puerto del Rey on the east coast of PR. One fellow down here picked up a former 40' Benetau for 90K. It is was in charter service and is bare. The lines and sails are good.

Ad stated, everything is now on iPads and many yachts have sufficient electronics for collison alarms, wind speed, depth, weather, navigation, course plotters, wind direction, low batteries, internet etc. All built in. The iPads are extras. Charting is still nice to do and I think essential as a back up. Sea navigation app's still occasionally tell you the yacht has just sailed up the High Street and you need to turn left and Fred St to get to the berth.

All warnings aside. I say go for it.

Check in when you can to share the charms of life at sea.

Will you bring a 3D printer to shoot out spare parts? Kidding.

Somebody once said "if someone offers you a ride in a rocket ship.. you don't ask (which seat?).. you just get on the rocket.

53' Amel Super Maramu...

https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/category/type/Amel/Super+Maramu

Have you consulted with people who would know?

YachtForums: We Know Big Boats! | Yacht Manufacturers h.

YachtForums: We Know Big Boats!

Yachting and Boating World Forums

Yacht | Search for a forum in the directory

As I stated, this has been done, Mega yachts and super yachts, nice but not worth the hassles.

Thanks, however, I done these links in my research.

I can't actually speak to the epic voyage you're thinking of, but I did live aboard and mostly solo sail a Columbia 28 for two years back in the 70's. It was a blue water racer in its time with barely comfortable accommodations for two if you like being cozy.

That said I did most of my sailing in and around the Chesapeake Bay. The Columbia wasn't comfortable in the Bay chop but loved the ocean swells.

She was about 30' overall with a 6 foot lead keel and was about as big a boat as I would have wanted to sail unless there was a lot more automation than I had, like a roller furling jib that could be managed from the cockpit. I sailed it mostly with a 150 Genoa and the main down with a tonneau over the boom to get some relief from the sun.

My only recommendation would be to spend a year or so local before setting out on the long journey. There's no way you will be able to anticipate your needs without extensive shake down experience on any particular boat.

Best of luck. I wish I could go back about 40 years and redo my sailing days.

Hooker

PS - for the waters you're planning to sail carry plenty of armaments and be proficient in their use. There be real pirates out there. And take a tip from Joshua Slocum on his sloop Spray; put tacks on the deck at night to get warning of intruders when anchored remotely.

The intent is to have all sheets return to the cockpit, with in mast furling and jib fulrling. Nothing less.

Sailing in the Med for a few months will make one used to the character of the boat.

Interested to hear from any cat sailors who have transitioned from mono's to cats and if they found them better, beneficial, easier handling and if they found them to be better handling on the oceans as opposed to mono's.

Well, I have not direct experience with cats other than watching someone trying to recover one that had pitch-poled in the Chesapeake Bay. That must've been an expensive proposition for a 35 or 40 foot boat that it was.

With my Columbia, I was once too slow to furl my sails when a thunderstorm approached and got knocked on my side. But the boat quickly righted itself. My personal preference is for mono-hulls with full keels and their ability to right themselves. But I do understand the appeal of the multi-hulls.

And, yeah, that boat taught me to be neat and tidy and stow everything properly before I left my berth.

Good luck,

Hooker

Yes, one does need to think ahead and err on the side of caution. A lot more work and vigilance when singe handed sailing. But, you have answered one of my thoughts. Thanks. It all helps.

Well, if there's anything I've learned from all my years of flying as pilot or crewmember, riding motorcycles and solo sailing is that staying alive means knowing your vehicle and preparing and training for every conceivable contingency. The ability to react quickly without having to waste time thinking or analyzing is what will likely save your life.

And I sure wish I could do what you're planning but this old body just couldn't handle the physical requirements. Think of us stuck at home while on your adventure, please.

Hooker

Well the route is charted already. Nothing more so far to loose, so I may as well have another adventure before life finishes in a dull manner. This is why I want some time in the Med (Croatia) to get used to what I may have forgotten. As one gets older one does things safer, the risk is higher, so smarts are required. The 20-30 year old smarts are not the same as older smarts and reaction is slower. But, I am fed up with life and its silliness, so why not do something exciting. You can only die once. And life is no dressrehersal.

I prefer a cat but mono's have some advantage in handling. Cats are not in my experience as yet, hence asking advice from others. It all helps before I waste my money and then wish to upgrade later.

Al the usual such as solar panels, hydrogenerator, watermaker and a spare set of sails is important, including storm sails, spare emergency rudder(s). If the yacht is set up properly for the sailing person, life should be easier. Nothing to loose. Just choosing the yacht on sensible information is vital. I like the Leopard 40 or 38. A 40 ft mono is better to have a bow thruster installed for berthing times. Its all important t have the right gear for the moment. If you have it, you don't use it, if you don't have it you need it. So all info is beneficial right now before I buy this mono hull and find I have unwisely choosen and not fully researched my thoughts.

I will like to her from anyone who sails a cat. I know there was a lad who did some sailing info on this site. A search of the site shows up diddly squat so far.

Well, it certainly sounds like you've got the planning process well in hand. But, you're right, it would be interesting to get a multi-hull viewpoint. There's a lot of stuff on youtube but I find the multi-hull crowd seems to have more money than brains. That's hardly a scientific viewpoint, BTW.

Croatia? Wow. One of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. I'm trying to make plans to visit Slovenia, my grandparents' homeland and would like to visit more of the Adriatic shoreline while in the area. Maybe if I get there before you depart on your adventure you'll invite me for a sail?? Hint, hint.

Hooker

More than welcome. Lovey coast line as you stated. It has become very expensive and the cost of living is sky rocketing.

The US yachts are not too badly priced, but sailing the Atlantic on the wrong season is a no thank you. Going to the BVI, Bahamas is a hassle with visas and high costs to sail there. And then getting the VAT sorted out is a nightmare currently with Brexit/Eu nonsense. VAT, import duties, a total nightmare and eventually cheaper to buy a new yacht. They all want your retirement money, every penny.

From what I have researched the multihull sails better closer to the wind, have better speeds and a smoother sail, less heeling and throwing stuff all over the cabin. With more space there is room to fit solar panels, More redundancy with an extra motor is required. It has its points and advantages.

Just more if it is berthed as it takes up more rental space. I also like the shallow draft cats have. But, as I said, anyone who has a cat or sails with one, I am open to hear from them. Thank.

-I know there was a lad who did some sailing info on this site. A search of the site shows up diddly squat so far.-

Wasn't it R&Ddoc doing the sailing and asking questions as he improved the freshwater (filtration) system aboard his vessel last year? I was anticipating to see a response from him in this feed. He seemed to be taking on a few longer voyages. He must be lost at sea, temporarily, of course.

Not sure on that, the lad I found was Old Salt but so far, he has not responded either.

But, I am fed up with life and its silliness, so why not do something exciting. You can only die once. And life is no dressrehersal. ......... Sounds like a Viking burial for you.

Not at all, had the pudding and the cream, now it's time for the cherry on top before someone else swaps it for gummy bear. As Nike says; "Do It!"

I learned this rhyme in the boy scouts, it might help you when you are at sea.

Red sky at morning, sailor take warning

Red sky at night, sailors delight

It is said that the two best days for owning a boat are the day one buys it and the day one sells it.

This is because the days inbetween, they never sailed the boat, but found more mundane 'important' life stuff had to be done, like surfing the web, mowing the lawn, watching TV or needing to go to their dull jobs to pay for the yacht sitting in a berth.

Quite.

Keep it smaller, 30 to 35 max. Take Solar Eagles' advice and buy a used , good monohull with a bridge deck and damaged rigging. Re-rig the boat with the modern style Chinese Junk rig (i.e. Jester). Mono's are self righting, Junk rigs are very easy and safe to single hand. I built my own 28' hull (stretched Roberts 26) and put the Junk rig on it. Sailed it for 25 years until the deck started to rot away. It was wonderful. Whatever you decide DO IT !!!

https://asa.com/news/2015/06/26/whats-in-a-rig-the-junk-rig/

The photo shown is most likely a Colvin design which are poor upwind with any rig. My boat had a modern fin keel design, would tack easily through 90 deg. in any more than 5 knots of wind and had a modern junk rig with about half the lines of the one pictured above.

I am a hands on old fart (hoof). A pilot and sailor in long ago days. Single handed sailing comes with much training. To get this training I think you should find a nice 40 foot schooner and spend time as a crewmember in some blue water sailing. There is so much to learn about sailing and maintenance. If you are not into the bright work and hands on maintance, you will soon be behind the 8 ball. I think that you will find that sharing the sailing experience can be life-changing, also As a sidenote, learning the cooking experience aboard a sailboat has big plusses. For my money the Bahama racing schooners can't be beat. They're comfortable, the full keel and beam make them powerful boats. John Alden had a saying about most of his designs, " I rather like sailing on my butt instead of my rails". A possible drawback would be the 7' draw, but you'll get over it with good planning. Also, you never sail alone, the 'buddy boat system' keeps you in touch, and sometimes communication is more important than 'sailing'. Good luck with your adventure.

Paul Lutus describes his solo circumnavigation at this link:https://arachnoid.com/sailbook/

His website may provide you with additional useful information with regard to tides and navigation.

Good sailing.

It is a handy book. I have read some of it, but tides vary world wide, as you know, so each place one checks tides. Admitedly, a smaller yacht is easier to handle single handed, however a cat 38, 40 is the max for single handed and slightly faster than a mono hull at most times. So covering set daily distance is a requirement. (When there is wind).

Cats and especially Tris are faster and if well made can be unsinkable.

Many people inflate the risk of inverting a multi-hull but overlook the monos which just disappear. I know which I prefer.

Most multis which roll are racing, however some are rolled in storms and they are generally still liveable in that state (evidence the Rose-Noelle off the coast of New Zealand, here). The wave that took them out was about 60ft and breaking. I'm not sure how a monohull would have taken that.

The other aspect of multis, being faster, can more easily avoid bad weather, and if you can avoid it you better have a boat which can take it.

Tom Cunliffe on keel design - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGI11UUiBQ0

Another similar video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34s6RnPDnsk

It is worth looking at the boats liveaboards choose, some of the "cheaper" modern boats seem to get quite squeaky and leaky offshore.

Thanks. The trimarans I am not keen on at all, however, the very same requirement of a cat being slightly faster is the advantage I am looking at. The stability is better and heaving too is not on my list as no racing will be done Heaving too just gives one a lot of securing and cleaning up afterwards.

Also the shallow draft of cats is handy for being close to shore at times where a long keel limits one to the draft, plus keel, plus any low tides. The cat will sit in a low tide, the mono topples and becomes a hassle to re-float. Water depth is a constant monitoring on a mono shallow waters.

Thanks to all for the comments, the next trip is Croatia to view some yachts and hopefully get in some sailing in before Brexit kills my savings or the Comores becomes a No Go island.

A suggestion for you. Sail a cat in open water during some weather, and then sail a mono hull in weather. choose open water to learn in, I think it will become clear to you which to choose. In any case you will have to become a good weatherman and if you dont, the type of boat that you 'captain' will not matter. If you don't learn to sail in nasty conditions from time to time, (which you WILL incounter) all your fair weather training will not get you very far. So much to learn, good luck.

Yes,

I've heard the under-hull slamming on some low slung cats is a real problem.

A good sailor reduces this risk by avoiding as much bad weather as possible, by sailing at the right times. However, squalls do arise that cannot be averted. Most cats are slightly faster than monohulls and this can be advantageous. Most monos sail at approx 6-8kn, where cats tend to sail around 10-15kn in the same wind. That additional speed adds to better distance covered in one day, under the right conditions so avoiding the risk of danger to one's yacht, one would tend to avoid, as much as possible, nasty conditions. It is not cheap to repair yachts, nor is it easy to do repairs while out there. So common sense will always prevail when sailing and planning the next leg of the voyage.

Just like aircraft, one avoids bad weather where possible by good planning and taking heed of weather forecasts and changing one's route. Cat or mono, there is no sense in being a hero in bad weather. There is no one out there to see one's heroics.

The biggest hassle I see from the sea charts is the amount of shipping in shipping lanes. I fear I have more chance of being mowed down by a freighter than dealing with bad weather. So an anti collision system is an essential on board.

Although schooner captains love to be blown offshore.

Although, schooner captains love to be blown offshore.