My dream world Cruising Boat

[@gregoryroach2811]

You've lived an amazing life. This is great information, thank you. I dream of doing the same thing; taking off and cruising the world.

[@SailingGently]

Gregory all you have to do is dream and then go!

[@brownnoise357]

@@gregoryroach2811 Not to put you off doing a Circumnavigation, as I think it is going to return to being much easier and Safer as an objective to do in the not too distant future but right now the level of Bureacracy and enforcing tight Schedules of days before Visas must be complied with under pain of very heavy Fines and even Boat Confiscations, are actively working against Safety, for example Sailing Thomas Channel has had forced Departures which have resulted in setting Sail with poor Weather Windows and ended up with him having his Sails Shredded in a pretty bad Storm. So I have abandoned any idea of doing the Circumnavigation that was a joint aim with my Father, and have replaced it with specific Destinationn Targets with the objective of having enjoyable voyages to them while attempting to eliminate tight Schedules and risky Weather Windows, so may end up doing an actual but very leisurely Circumnavvigation in the process ? I will likely email Customs and immigration at intended Destinations, to explain my approach of being unwilling to Outstay my welcome as a Guest in their Country, and see if Visa extensions may be available if Weather Conditions might demand a Delayed Departure, so things should be clear to them, before my arrival that my intentions are in line with the Universal Laws of Hospitality such that you never insult the Host Country as a Cooperative Guest ? This should Work Well with a specific Destinations approach, but will be a right pain with long voyage plans with multiple stops along the Route, as you can imagine. When Michael did his Circumnavigation things were still far more relaxed, and even Cruising the Meditteranean was a much more e joyable experience, but today, the Closest I will go to the Meditteranean Bureau ratio and expensive Nightmare, is calling into Gibraltar to Refuel and Provision, before heading Directly to Cape Verde prior to an Atlantic Crossing, and avoiding the Canary Islands- though may pop into Madeira, which still appears ok. Hopefully that is useful food for thought. Best Wishes for Safe Travels. Bob in Wales. 🤔🌟🌟🌟👍⛵️

[@mule6689]

brilliant , experienced advice.

[@SailingGently]

So pleased you found it useful

[@lc1167]

This is such a beautiful video. Love his last words. We must believe is possible.

[@SailingGently]

So pleased you liked the video...Thanks for watching...

[@sailinghaldis]

Everything you’ve said is good and accurate advice. I happily was able to spend 3 days in Hamble on my passage around Europe to wait out some contrary weather. The pints were wonderful as were the pubs: the victory, the king and queen and of course the bugle. I ate proper fish and chips every day! Sailing in and out of the Solent was absolutely wonderful for an American, who can ordinarily only read about such experiences. The boat is a new HR 44. I found the ability to get on and off the dinghy easily with the retractable stern platform to be a huge benefit.

[@SailingGently]

So pleased you enjoyed your time in the Solent - It's a wonderful place to explore! My first three boats were based on trot moorings on the Hamble and it is indeed probably the one of the finest places to sail from in the UK... An HR 44 sounds like a perfect dream boat! Lucky you......

[@FLH3official]

Excellent video, sir. Full of good common sense. And I've to say the Westerlies, after years on two of them (a Centaur then a Conway) were excellent boats, rugged, reliable and extremely well built.

[@SailingGently]

Well said! I totally agree!

[@johnsmall9729]

Practical advice for ocean dreamers. Thank you again Michael.

[@SailingGently]

My pleasure John - glad you enjoyed it

[@SuperDirk1965]

I have my windvane not just for saving electricity but also for redundance. I once had to handsteer for hours on end because the electric motor of my autopilot packed up. Since that day I had been dreaming about a windvane. The CapeHorn is beautiful as well.

[@SailingGently]

I agree Dirk - windvanes are delightful and tend never to break down... I just wonder as boats have got bigger and easier to handle if they are still essential - not sure....

[@sv_wavedancer]

I bought a Westerly Sealord a couple of years ago & spent a year gutting her and refitting. Absolutely love her and I know is far more capable than her skipper most likely !

[@SailingGently]

Yes a lovely boat - and good boats do help to make 'skippers' more capable - I agree

[@farmerjimbob67]

Couldn’t agree more- I have one too! Off across the Atlantic and beyond next year.

[@markholt1558]

A great video (once again!) thanks for producing & sharing. So many useful tips, it’s difficult to comment on one in particular. My first yacht was a 1984 moody 31, after 40yrs of sailing, & a couple of boats, biggest being a Bavaria 36 I’m now back to a 1987 moody 31 mk2 (totally refurbished by a previous owner). My main focus (after safety of course) is, “keep it simple” we’re all being herded to new modern expensive kit. The MFD (multi function display) screens, one touch screen shows all, sorry is not for me “all your eggs in one basket”. I much prefer each instrument powered & data fed individually, if one goes down, then it’s only one to investigate. I looked at buying a 37’ Westerly Ocean???, one thing that put me off was the 2 centre cockpit drains ran through the engine bay, so when unattended you had to leave the 2 through hull/underwaterline seacocks open or get a flooded cockpit on return☹️. Also the Westerly cabin head linings are terrible, for such a well respected yacht builder they left two problems that are very simply solved. You have produced a Superb video catalogue and I really enjoy them, thank you, hope you’re well & best wishes.

[@SailingGently]

I agree with everything you write!!!!" I too was concerned about the cockpit drains going via tubes to valves you couldn't / shouldn't close in the engine compartment and I too had to have the head lining redone - but got a similar problem in my Bénéteau 323... Solved with motor car spray glue for interior linings! But overall I prefer the boats from earlier days in all except accommodation.

[@brownh66]

What an engaging informative post. Thank you.

[@SailingGently]

So pleased you found it interesting - thanks' for watching

[@kvadratbitter]

Your videos, and you, are brilliant. Thanks a lot for sharing your insights and experiences.

[@SailingGently]

Glad you like them! Thank you for watching

[@MoggAndrew]

I love your videos. No frills just plain sensible information that we all can understand. Thank you for making these. I bought a beautiful 1986 Norseman 400 (40 foot monohull) been getting her ready to cruise next season. I've turned her electric. Happy to share what I did. I think she is just about the perfect cruising boat. San Francisco to Mexico first I think, then on into the Caribbean. Hope to find a partner to share my journeys with.

[@SailingGently]

Having an Admiral on board is a real bonus.. Sounds like your all set Andrew for a great voyage - well done

[@stephenconway4976]

Wonderfully considered adviced, as always. Thank you Michael.

[@SailingGently]

So pleased you liked it Stephen. Thank you for watching

[@thekid4895]

Just did my first ocean race from Melbourne to Devonport (multiple crew) and it reinforced the fire I've had in me since I was a kid reading about Slocum's journey to one day solo an ocean myself. Great video and you've got yourself a new subscriber.

[@SailingGently]

Thank you for that - delighted you enjoyed your race and that my videos maybe help to inspire you - fair winds

[@philmcmaster2770]

“ dream on “ everyday . It’s always great to hear your experiences. I watch your videos multiple times and always look forward to the next. “ just when it’s time for afternoon tea , or rum and coke “ me thinks you sway towards the latter 🤔🤔🤔. Have a great day

[@SailingGently]

Thank you Phil - without a dream life is pretty dull methinks! And shooting the breeze over a 'drink' is always a great way to spend an evening!

[@philmcmaster2770]

@ happy days. 🥃⛵️

[@maxt1617]

Really enjoyed listening to you; to hear the years of experience and practical wisdom. It felt like I was briefly sailing the oceans. Thank you!

[@SailingGently]

So pleased you enjoyed it Max.. Thank you for watching

[@goodq]

Thanks for all the videos. I much appreciate them.

[@SailingGently]

So pleased you're finding them interesting... Thank you for the super thanks

[@somyrab]

Utube offered me the choice of your Channel and I thought it the most interesting Sailing Blog I’ve viewed. I look forward to catching up with them all.

[@SailingGently]

Thank you so much for viewing and for taking the time to comment. Hope you like the others in the library

[@nigelwallace4408]

Thiss popped up in my feed today and I enjoyed the advice. It is interesting as im in Australia at sea atm on a 38 ft catamaran and heading for the Bass Straight and on to Tasmania. I was up at 4am this morning and need to do 2 overnighters back to back. It will be tough but that is what the wind predictions are telling me I need to do or we could be waiting for weeks. Ive passed on the li k to this video to another friend of mine who has recently purchased a 46 ft centre cockpit boat. Im sure he will find the information useful.

[@SailingGently]

Thank you for passing this on and I'm glad you liked the video.. Hope the wind holds for you - I went from Port Jackson to Darwin via Cairns and loved sailing in your country - hope the passage goes well and you continue to have fair winds

[@svsalserenity4375]

I Like your thinking and share your views on boats , weight is not your enemy in moderation. Hefty build and longer keels but not full keels , again , moderation . I have a Bristol 45.5. she's 18 ton , I single hand her but I do have a powerful bow thruster and massive propwalk to port almost like a stern thruster . So docking is never an issue even when solo.

[@SailingGently]

Thanks for sharing your Bristol 45.5 experience. I totally agree with all that you write.. I think it also depends where and how far you are sailing..

[@svsalserenity4375]

@ Yes it’s a lot of boat and a waste if you just day sail her or weekend her . She needs blue water .

[@andrewbartholomew5876]

Amazing video, what a powerful send off! Thank you

[@SailingGently]

So pleased you found it encouraging Andrew... ~Sailing is really fun...

[@seacrusader]

I am sorry you met that yachtsman, you should have bought the Westerley. We sail a Discovery 55 two up without difficulty. We have found that if one of us steps off with the stern line, the helmsman can hold the bow with the bow thruster. Once you have mastered this technique docking it easy with just two. We find it far easier to sail the Discovery 55 than our old Starlight 39 with its huge overlapping Genoa with electric furling either of us can shorten sails when necessary. There is a saying that boats shrink at sea and it is true.

[@SailingGently]

You only regret the things you don't do! However we brought a Westerly Ocean 43 and loved her! Best boat I ever owned but difficult for me to park single handed in a cross wind so I downsized. I agree about offshore boat shrinkage!

[@nigelwallace4408]

A bow thruster makes a big difference. Did the 46 have one?

[@SailingGently]

@@nigelwallace4408 Yes it did - but actually not powerful enough...

[@RichardLewissails]

I would love to have any of your passage paperwork. It would be a pleasure to own plus a souvenir from a sailing legend.

[@SailingGently]

I had the log books from when I started to the last couple of boats bound into two leather volumes and they are great souvenirs and every so often I refer to them for these videos... Not sure about the legend bit but I certainly enjoy messing about in boats

[@RichardLewissails]

@SailingGently I am just starting my sailing journey. I find your content extremely interesting. I feel that you were a part of the Golden Age of modern-day sailing which was before sat nav and chart plotters.

[@SailingGently]

@@RichardLewissails Well I started before GPS existed and did everything by DR and sometimes sextant... I quit prided myself on my navigational abilities but these days it's a pretty useless skill... Like everyone I use GPS and plotters and almost never get out a paper chart - but it's still fun and sometimes challanging

[@kencoutts2051]

A bounty of practical information , what works and what doesn't Which would save well needed money.

[@SailingGently]

Thank you Ken - pleased you found it useful

[@notsonominal]

I've pilot boats come up to me just off the coast to see if I was okay .. in my kayak! Interesting to try to have a conversation in big swells as the other boat is out of sight half of the time:) Anyways, thanks for another inspiring upload!

[@SailingGently]

So pleased you liked it.. Nice to know other sailors look out for you!

[@Jolie_sailor]

As always very informative. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[@SailingGently]

Thank you for that - glad you liked it

[@philclough]

very good info, thank you for sharing

[@SailingGently]

Glad you enjoyed it Phil...

[@gr3398]

Appreciate the insights. Thanks for sharing.

[@SailingGently]

Glad you found it useful.

[@milanmarinkovic3016]

If I could afford it, I would go for custom built, long, lean, smaller and simpler version of Dashew's Beowulf aluminium schooner. Or aluminium Herreshoff's Marco Polo.

[@SailingGently]

That's interesting. I have never owned an aluminium boat but have friends blue water sailing with them and having a good experience

[@milanmarinkovic3016]

@SailingGently "....good experience with aluminium....." I also didn't own aluminium boat but I know few people who do own them. I would leave it un- painted. A lot of attention have to be given to prevention of electrolyse, (avoiding contact with disimilair metals and checking and replacing anodes regularly). And interior needs insulation. That's about it. Rest are only advantages. I always liked long, lean boats. I think they have important advantages, especially for ocean voyaging with small crew. But back to reality, where unfortunately my budget is nowhere near Beowulf 🙄, but much closer to classic plastic 30 - 35 ft. Maybe old Contessa 32, Rival 32, or something similar. Thank you for excellent advices.

[@kencoutts2051]

Superb , dreams come true. I'm still dreaming but thanks for the rxperience

[@SailingGently]

I used to dream but gradually most of them came true Ken - I'm sure you will find your boat one day

[@brownnoise357]

Hi Michael Great Points and Food for Thought, and Recently I have u dergone a complete Rethink on my personal Needs in a Sailboat due to Disabilities, if I Wish to keep with Sailboats - which I do - rather than switching to a Comfortable Trawler like Motor Cruiser. Frankly, I have never got on with Centre Cockpit boats, as I have found them ramped, awkward to get into and out of, and actually dangerous in some cases for Disabled People like myself and I am a Convert to Aft Cockpit Sailboats with a Lifting aching Platform, whi h when lifted into position and is Locked there, in effect functions like a sealed Canoe Stern. Of course the other Great advantages include the essential function of serving as a Dinghy Dock for easy access into and out of the Dinghy, plus easy access into the large Aft Cockpit, and through it to the Companionway. I had given a lot of thought to easy Main Sail Handling Looked at Furling and Unfurling reliability and soon discovered that for in Mast Furling issues looked to boil down to Sail Fabric Stretching and serious Chafing Wear and Tear Caused by the Battens ? so giving it some thought, how to Cure Both Problems ? hange the Construction of the Sail to reduce the Sail Stretching as much as possible, and make the Sail Battenless . Yes, there would be a Performance Hit, but this would be a Sail For Cruising and Not Racing, so I started approaching Sail Makers, to see if they ould Make me a Reinforced Triradial Battenless Sail with three Reinforced Reefing Points, which would have a dramatic effect on retaining Sail Shape. For a few years all I got was - Sorry, we only do Battens, then eventually approached Precision Sails who said Yes we do them, have Built Sevsral, and when you are Ready to Order, we can work on the detailed specification and the best Recommended Cloths for the Construction Wow ! This was followed by a very interesting PS -We have Found the Triradial Cinstruction Recovers most of the Power Lost by NOT Having Any Battens ! In the Time since, Today almost All Sailmakers now make Battenless Triradial Furling Main Sails, for in Mast Furling. The message, appears to have got through. Obviously they are more expensive than simple Cross Cut Dacron Sails, ut with regular Valsting TLC, they should have an over 20 year Service Life, sothe Cost per Year looks to be an absolute Bargain imho. Best Wishes and Fair Winds. Bob, heading back to the real Treat of your Video. 🤔🌟🌟🌟👍⛵️

[@SailingGently]

Well done keeping going with sailing as opposed to motoring despite having a disability... I can see why for you centre cockpit boats don't work although if there were a way of getting in safely you would be pretty secure - I think... Once I renewed the main for the in-mast furling the problems went away although I was always a bit concerned about it jamming in a blow... So I suppose that's why I prefer the in-boom system.... You certainly seem to have done your homework on mainsail construction.. Interesting comments - thank you

[@WavedancerWesterlyfulmar]

If we upgrade from our westerly fulmar to a bigger boat as a couple looking for more comfortable liveable accommodation it would be a westerly/ moody. Classic beauty, strength of build, well designed for comfort underway. We adore our fulmar bought in 2007. She is currently in Arzal, France for the winter ( we’re Irish) getting prepared for coastal France, Spain and Portugal before heading to Madeira, Azores Canaries and Cape Verde over the next year or two. Joys of husband retiring early we are no longer tied to sailing only during annual holidays ❤

[@SailingGently]

I believe the ageing process has nothing good about it at all except it allows time and funds for sailing in lovely places. I totally agree that Westerly Fulmars are really good boats and I confess if I had realised I was going to do my current sailing in the 'sun' rather than the English channel I would have probably brought similar... Sounds like you have a wonderful plan - fair winds

[@factanonverba6169]

Thank you, good information.

[@SailingGently]

my pleasure - thank you for watching

[@LeonardoCossio]

Thank you for this video. I am rethinking a lot of stuff now.

[@SailingGently]

So pleased it was interesting Leonardo.. there are no real right or wrongs with boats... simply choices

[@svhulda6157]

With your experience, it is very difficult to not agree. As I built my own steel sailing boat, I had long dicussion with myself, and of course with my wife, wether or not center cockpit. I (we) landed on aft cockpit. So far, the cockpit has been filled just once. But two times 50 mm drains right out of the stern evacuates two hundred liters of water in seconds. And the upside is a rather big saloon. And we have a MASE Mariner gen.set that comfortably puts out 5 kW, also filling up our LiFePO4 batteries via 220 V charger. If I was 50 years younger, I would liked to take my boat for a long distance crusing. But it seems like the time is not on our side :-) I really enjoy your presentations. Eventhough we disagree on steel :-)

[@SailingGently]

I bet your steel boat was properly prepared and painted and you know how to look after it... mine wasn't and I leaned the hard way never to use a grinder!!! And of course there are dozens of aft cockpit designs and some drain better than others and like you I have only ever been pooped once so.... Good to hear you have the generator - I'm sure that's the way to go... sadly my Bénéteau 323 is too small and even in the Caribbean because I find getting in and out of dinghys a bit of a challenge these days I tend to head to a marina after a few days and plug into the mains

[@svhulda6157]

@SailingGently Saddly, we are not getting younger. So it goes.

[@RGL01]

Amazing lecture!!!

[@SailingGently]

thank you. Hope you found it enjoyable as well

[@zeros7067]

Excellent.

[@SailingGently]

Thank you! Glad to share

[@Yash-ye1zq]

Fabulous

[@SailingGently]

So pleased you liked it! Thank you for watching

[@johnrobinson1579]

Hi Michael, You appear to be single-handed out in the carribean. How are you finding it generally? You made this video ashore, out there or back in Europe ? As a potential uk based boat owner, I cannot see a satisfactory way to keep and use regularly a boat in the Mediterranean under present restrictions. Regards Johnny

[@SailingGently]

How odd John - I have been thinking about the best way to describe what it's like keeping a boat in the Caribbean whilst still being based in Europe. Much easier logistically in terms of visas and Schengen.. much easier in terms of sailing times - Much nicer place to sail in 'winter' than the UK or Med waters... I hope the next 'package' will answer your question in greater detail... Thanks for the motivation - I was doubting how interesting folks would be in this subject!

[@mpsmi]

@@SailingGently Very interested as looking for some cheaper options than the Solent specifically Beaulieu good though it is

[@MrDswampymarsh]

gr8 guy love watching

[@SailingGently]

So pleased you enjoyed the video - thank you for watching

[@brownnoise357]

PS. I loved your Gentle Sailing Routecto the Mediterranean So much, When I finally get my Next Sailboat, I'll be buying the Latest Edition along with preparing for the Atlantic Crossing as a Refresher, just in Case I have forgotten Something important. All ofvyour Books are Highly recommended Michael, and I will be bringing spare backup 4G WiFi LTE Routers with me as well, by TP Link and the Huwei . All the Best for a Safe and Undamaged Golden Haze at the End of Hurricane Season as well. Maybe see you out there Next Year. Bob, who will try to Remember to bring a Crate of Galician Green Wine, and some bottles of Port from Porto when Sailing the Gentle Route to Gibraltar as the Sail Locker will have temporary use asca Wine Cellar. 😅 Bob. 👍⛵️

[@SailingGently]

Sounds like a good plan - I'm so pleased you find the videos inspiring and that you enjoy your Atlantic crossing. I'm probably moving to Guadeloupe when I get back so please look me up in bas du fort

[@brownnoise357]

@SailingGently God willing, I make it across about the beginning of 2026 Michael, as that would give a pretty full Season in the Caribbean, before heading up to Massachusetts to see old friends and get the Brilliant Boatyard there to haul out, do a full Checkover and service the Boat, before heading back to the Caribbean. I'll give you a shout, to see if you need things like a spare 4G LTE WiFi Router to bring over for you, or anything else for that matter (but maybe tech stuff like that could be cheaper in the USA ?)Fingers crossed anyway 😀 Best Wishes and Fair Winds. Bob. 👍🌟🌟🌟⛵️

[@SailingGently]

Thanks Bob. I have a hold bag booked for the flight back full of 'goodies' for the boat. normally fly with cabin baggage only but this time .... Drop by to Guadeloupe after the refit and shoot the breeze

[@brownnoise357]

@SailingGently Nice one Michael Have a nice Comfy Trip back to the Boat, which I hope is in the best possible Shape Bob. . 👍🌟🌟🌟⛵️

[@ooweesaler]

Trying to find a well found boat is near impossible, Worn out sails and rigging would be normal, leaking windows, out of date electronics, tired canvas. We have just bought a nice ben oc 40 from 2011. New rigging, electronics, and sail drive is £15k on top. Maybe I should have looked longer but there were so few options. All as we need now is some decent weather 🙂

[@SailingGently]

Certainly every boat in the world is in need of upgrades - even some new ones. My Bénéteau is in the Caribbean and I can't wait to get back out there. I think you have made a good choice and the expensive upgrades will help you to have good sailing

[@christopherhankins9792]

I love the idea of the in boom furling systems. My only fear is that my understanding you absolutely need to be heading directly into the wind in order to furl the main. I've read a few disaster reports were larger boats ended up severely damaged with sailors injured or dead due to the flogging of the sheets when attempting to turn into the wind and furl. In contrast the in mast systems you can reef while being still slightly off the wind with some tension on the main. did you ever run into any difficulties using the boom furling system in heavier weather?

[@SailingGently]

Christopher hi, You don't need to be 100% into the wind any more than with all the other mainsail reefing systems.. It's actually very forgiving and easier than all the other systems I have used.. My experience of some 10 years with in-mast was that you really needed to be more into the wind or you would not get a tidy furl inside the mast and it was much more challenging than in-boom and with much greater likelihood of a serious jam... Furling the main you need to come up into the wind with every system that exists and there will be some flogging which is mitigated by tightening the main sheet.. In boom has less flogging as it furls faster and easier than other systems... I only write from experience - not from any inbuilt prejudice - I hope!

[@christopherhankins9792]

@ thanks for your reply. That's very helpful. Really glad to hear a firsthand accounting of using in boom And also being able to compare it to other systems You mentioned they are quite expensive but I cannot think of anywhere I'd rather spend money than having the optimal set up on my mainsail. As an aside my wife and I will be jumping on a Moorings cat in St. Lucia this week for a 10 day charter. If you are anywhere in the area we'd love to pour you a rum and coke.

[@deerfootnz]

​@@christopherhankins9792If you can't reef your main going downwind then you shouldn't cruise offshore as it's essential for safety.

[@SailingGently]

Christopher hi, I fly into Martinique on the 19th and having recovered will be on pontoon 6 of Le Marin from then to mid December... Love to shoot the breeze and am only 20 miles from St Lucia... Enjoy your sailing...

[@tomriley5790]

Westerly Ocean was a great design.

[@SailingGently]

I agree Tom - Westerly made excellent boats which are still good today by any standards

[@andersnilsson6625]

Thanks for sharing your eventful sailing life! But what has happened? A wheelchair? Hope it's temporary and you get well! 🇸🇪😄😀💕

[@SailingGently]

Thanks for caring! Tripped over and broke my leg on a kerb stone in the old town! Plasters off now and am walking wounded hoping to be sailing in a couple of weeks!

[@ViajerosPorMaryTierra]

Hi Michael, what do you think of the Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 from 1980 ?

[@SailingGently]

Good solid boats well built... A lot of good examples around

[@NeverTooLatewithLorenzzo]

Thanks for video !❤

[@SailingGently]

My pleasure Lorenzo - Glad you liked it

[@NeverTooLatewithLorenzzo]

@ I can listen your stories and the things that you’re learning to other people with really great pleasure! You like a book for me !

[@KivBB]

Thank you 🙏

[@SailingGently]

You’re welcome Kev. Glad you enjoyed it

[@tobiaslejnerborn2238]

very interesting

[@SailingGently]

Glad you think so Tobias. So pleased it was useful

[@karlmabe1649]

Saw my Nelson spin flow cooker

[@SailingGently]

Well done - hope you don't mind! I am always amazed how expensive cookers are!

[@karlmabe1649]

@SailingGently yes still a current model in Southampton Millbrook calor gas showroom last time I checked . The sea rail pan rails cost a small fortune

[@SailingGently]

@@karlmabe1649 Still don't understand why it's all so expensive - not that much competition I suppose...

[@tazionuvolari3593]

Aluminium catamaran for me.

[@SailingGently]

Different strokes for different folks - that's one of the pleasures of sailing - lots of ways of doing it -

[@deerfootnz]

I disagree with much of what yoy say here. The maximum length boat you can handle is 36 ft.....except I singlehand my Sundeer 60 about 60% of the time. Its a light displacement fin and spade boat that sails like a dream and is easy to sail and dock. I average just over 200 miles a day. The good days are 220 -240 miles. The boat has two watertigt bulkheads and all the comforts while still having a D/L of under 90. The light displacement is the key to how easy it is to sail. And advice like using a galley strop - the most dangerous thing in any boat - is horrible. Throw the galley strop away before you scald yourself. There is more than one way to do it and after 206,000 miles of sailing - 11 transatlatics and 5 transpacifics I much prefer the low force low loads if a long light small boat - yes my Sundeer 60 is smaller than your big heavy Westerly and requires less crew effort to sail.

[@SailingGently]

Thanks for your perspective - you obviously have a lot of experience. After an amazing 16 ocean passages mainly single handed and over 200,000 miles logged and never having problems parking a 60 footer, in a marina, single handed your comments must be treated with great respect.. You must be one of the worlds most experienced amateur sailors and I congratulate you! I confess I do not agree with you about galley straps as cooking in a full gale can be challenging just staying in place in a little 36footer.. However the wonderful thing about sailing as a hobby is there is no totally right way or wrong way of doing things and different people have different experiences ... Thank you for watching and for taking the time to share your amazing experience

[@deerfootnz]

@SailingGently galley straps are definitely very dangerous and should never be used. Better hungry than dead. The stove is the single most dangerous item if equipment on board by a large margin. If it's rough enough I just stipulate no using the stove. As for docking a 60ft yacht by myself it's just not as hard as you think. The boat has fully immersed ends, low topsides and a nearly flush deck along with a small rig, which means that the bow doesn't blow off quickly. In addition the rudder is oversized so I have full authority over the boat at 0.5-0.7 knots. I have no bow thruster nor do I want one. If it's a very windy crosswind day I simply find some help or wait, but that's only happened once in the 2.5 years I have had the boat.

[@SailingGently]

@@deerfootnz Out of interest, how many times have you been through the Panama Canal?

[@deerfootnz]

@@SailingGently I have been through four times, the first in 89 just a few months before the US invaded. The last time was in 2013.

[@TheAegisClaw]

Kraken 50 for me, if i could afford it.

[@SailingGently]

Lovely boats but the upkeep costs could be high...

[@pauldent7067]

If you can't sail you're yacht single handed you really shouldn't be sailing, thats my opinion.

[@ArgentMind]

Indeed. And there are folks single-handing 50+ft yachts.

[@milanmarinkovic3016]

​@@ArgentMind "......solo sailing 50 ft + yacht......" Sailing it solo when all the gear works OK, and boat is set up for short hand sailing is not that difficult. But when you go on the long voyage, for a couple of years and on the budget, maintenance become huge issue. Maintenance and repairs on the 50 - 60 ft boat is fisicaly much harder then on 30 - 36 ft boat. Say, you have to saw tear in the main sail - you have to remove it completely from the mast and get at it with hand sawing needle or get it to the sawing machine - much, much easier to do on the smaller boat. All forces, weights and costs rise exponentialy with size of the boat.

[@ArgentMind]

@@milanmarinkovic3016 well, to comfortably afford a yacht, it should cost

[@milanmarinkovic3016]

@@ArgentMind Well, yes, many ways to do it. You can throw money at it, (if you have it) and sail from one expensive marine repair shop to another. Pay skilled technicians to do everything. On the opposite size of the spectrum, is a boat of modest size, strong, as simple as possible, and do all the work yourself. For me personally, that is the most interesting way. If/when I would sail around the world, I would be most interested in the places far from the cities, marinas and all the modern world infra- structure. Everything on the boat must be reperable with basic tools and materials, without assistance. It is not only question of money. There is also a great feeling of freedom when you can step out of the system and be self reliant and independent. No need to adjust your plans because something broke and you get delayed for months, waiting some elaborate peace of equipment to arrive and to find high -teach shop and technicians to install it.

[@terrydickinson7252]

@@ArgentMindrecently sailed a 49 foot Jeanneau from Lanyu to Taidong, Taiwan. Skipper sails single handed. Furling mainsail and electric winches help.