Christmas cruising in Tasmania.

Luckily for us, Heather’s Parents, Peter and Ruth had taken their Catamaran “Even Keels” down to Tasmania for the summer and had invited us down to join them for the week between Christmas and New Year. Given the short time we where there, our cruising was limited to the area around Hobart, but this turned... Continue Reading →

January 8, 2017 2

Atlantic Crossing – Issues and Gear Failure

As you would expect, every boat suffers issues on a 3000NM ocean crossing. The name of the game is redundancy and self sufficiency. You need to be able to repair and carry on. But, every year there are the doomsday scenarios. This year a German BM 39 called Noah, with two kids on board started... Continue Reading →

January 7, 2017 2

The Atlantic Crossing

Setting off Crossing the Atlantic from east to west between November and March (outside hurricane season) is often referred to as the milk run. If you believe the old salts this run consists of picture perfect downwind sailing. You leave the Canary Islands, head south till the butter melts then throw in some west until... Continue Reading →

January 6, 2017 1

Atlantic Crossing, Route Planning.

Route planning a trip across the Atlantic Ocean east to west involves a few decisions. The big one is whether to cross during or outside the Hurricane Season, which runs from May to October each year. For me it’s a no brainer, I wouldn’t cross in the hurricane season. But plenty do – Simon, one... Continue Reading →

January 4, 2017 1

The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers

A friend of mine was taking part in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers this year on his family's boat and was looking for crew. The ride was a big, sleek Hanse 575 named Fourth Dimension IV. Crossing an ocean had been on my bucket list for a while and besides, it would be good practice... Continue Reading →