Thinking about Ocean Crossing

[soto]

I recently moved from Spain to Seattle. I left behind an ocean going 30 feet Pilot Cutter (Cornish Crabber) and I am thinking about bringing it to the Pacific Northwest... sailing this beginning of December. Crossing the Atlantic from NW Spain and aiming for the East Coast or Florida.

I know that this is a forum of Small Boats but I have grown very fond of the forum, the SCAMP and the magazine and I thought to ask for opinions and advice. Let it be known that although I have a bit of experience with the boat, I have never sailed across the ocean before.

Since I am only starting to consider it (and it could well be delayed until next year if it proves to be untenable now): Where should I look for crew interested in such a crossing? How should I go about finding an experienced skipper? Any ideas are appreciated, thanks in advance!

[wdscobie]

is the Crabber 30 a bluewater-able boat? i have no doubt she is a good sea boat (all Crabbers, from small to large, i've read about have good reports) for coastal cruising ... but crossing 'the pond' and is a completely different animal.

[lustyslogger]

is the Crabber 30 a bluewater-able boat? i have no doubt she is a good sea boat (all Crabbers, from small to large, i've read about have good reports) for coastal cruising ... but crossing 'the pond' and is a completely different animal.

From the specs it would certainly seem to be capable.

http://www.cornishcrabbers.co.uk/index. ... r.Cutter30

However the last time I cross the ocean it was in a vessel 10 times longer than the Crabber! We got into a storm with green water breaking over the bridge deck and that was scary. I don't know that I would want to do it in 30 feet.

[wdscobie]

the crabber seems well founded but i don't know if the hull shape is designed for oceans ... and the cockpit seems a bit large for a bluewater boat.

in comparison John Welsford's 'Sundowner' design is a boat was designed from inception to be a bluewater craft. smaller boat than the crabber -

http://www.jwboatdesigns.co.nz/plans/su ... /index.htm


talked with John about the Sundowner a lot these past two weeks. wish i had the time to build one!

[soto]

From the specs, the Pilot Cutter 30 is certified by the EU as an ocean going vessel, but that doesn't mean much these days. Also, when I visited the builder in Cornwall (back in 2005), the previous two buyers sailed their new boats directly from the factory towards the US East Coast and to Japan respectively. From my limited experience I have sailed it in the NW Spanish coast with pretty bad weather and high seas and it is a very sturdy and stable boat.

I think I am going to plan to bring it next year (nov, dec) with stops in Huelva and Canary Islands. That way I have ample time to find crew, experienced skipper and provision the boat accordingly.

[wdscobie]

if the boat is designed & built for bluewater and has a record of ocean crossings i believe you are all set. fun trip and much more fun that putting her on a transport.

[john simpson]

At the time of year your planning on leaving (Dec) I think that your 30ft Pilot Cutter would manage that crossing easily. With the potential to stop in the Canaries, Cape Verde Islands and the Caribbean.

You may need to set her up for long distance sailing. There are many books that can advise you on what is needed to do this.

Best Regards,
John Simpson

[Editors]

Soto,

Whether or not your Crabber is the ideal ocean crosser, I've no doubt she'd be capable.

Just wanted to mention you're definitely getting some informed feedback in this thread, as among the other esteemed contributors to the conversation is John Simpson, who has made multiple ocean crossings in a 22-foot boat. He's also a recognized sailing instructor and seamanship writer.

Sorry John, just tooting your horn for you.

Best,
Josh