[W13]

Hi,
I'm very new to yachts - have never been one one let alone owned one. (planning to purchase one in a couple years though).

I had some questions in my mind, and I'm sure they will be common-sense to you all but I haven't been able to get them answered by researching on the internet- so I thought I'd ask here:

- Is it possible to cross the atlantic ocean in a private yacht? Is it common?
- I know that when flying in airplanes, the FAA needs to be told about the flightplan- is there something similar for boats? What about when travelling internationally? (lets say from Canada to the Carribbean?)
- What about travelling in the Pacific; is it considered normal for somebody to take their private yacht from lets say LA to Hawaii? - or even from LA to Tahiti?

Thanks,
W.

[tantetruus]

though not from own experience; it's been done all the time and quite some yachts from 15 mtr and upwards are quite capable in doing so, let alone the megayachts who constantly show up in about every known spot around the world.
If you look at threads of ships like rising sun or Octopus you'll see reports from all over the world.

i dont know about flightplans, but captains make reservations in harbours in advance.
If you go to sites that some harbours have you can see which ships are expected there.

[AMG]

Hi W,

This time of the year is when yachts are sailing between Europe and the Caribbean and since they go the same route there has been a rally organized which is very popular; http://www.worldcruising.com/arc/english.htm

It is not a need to have your sailing route reported, but if you are without communication like satcom or SSB, it is a good idea to have somebody knowing your planned route and time of arrival. Even if the boat normally can take more than the crew, you might have a problem leaving you drifting and when your supply of food and water is running out, it is good to have somebody missing you...

For emergency there is a transmitter called EPIRB you should have on long crossings, sending to satellites and giving your position.

All of this you will learn as soon as you start looking more serious into purchasing your boat and it is also good talking to experienced sailors in the ports.

[less]

actually I am going to cross Atlantic between Canaries and Antilles with my own my less 83.It's a single engine 25m trawler.My crew is three ,and i am supposed to go on next monday after refueling.
We expect a 11 days trip,the season is favorable despite bad weather two weeks ago which apparently provocated big troubles.

[AMG]

Originally Posted by less

actually I am going to cross Atlantic between Canaries and Antilles with my own my less 83.It's a single engine 25m trawler.My crew is three ,and i am supposed to go on next monday after refueling.
We expect a 11 days trip,the season is favorable despite bad weather two weeks ago which apparently provocated big troubles.

I had a look into your website and the brochure. Interesting boat and a very beautiful interior! I wish you luck and please give us an update when you arrive!

[bvimatelot]

Its done all the time. Just finished this month is the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers which was over 200 sailing yachts, some as small as 32 feet, from the Canaries to St Lucia. I yself have delivered 2 catamarans transatlantic this year (1 each way) and am doing one from Marseilles to BVI in January then another from Gibraltar to BVI in Feb/March. Although I havent sailed the Pacific (yet), long distance passages are quite normal.

have fun, Tony

[andymullen]

Don't worry. The Arc is a piece of cake. At least get a Ham radio. Everybody is in touch & helpful. You'll have a blast!
I did it 15 years ago & the comaradarie is unbelevable. When you're 1,000 nm from land & short of basics, there is always someone within 20nm from you.
Also, take a fishing lure. We caught so many Dorade on the trip that we had to throw them back. Bon Voyage.