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crossing the black sea

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by captainb, Jul 3, 2014.

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  1. captainb, Jul 3, 2014
    #1
    captainb

    captainb New Member

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    Using a sunseeker predator 130 as an example, but the question applies to any similar length sports yacht. (please do not comment that motor yachts are a waste of money and sailing yachts are the best :) because that's not the question )

    Refering to the black sea, the question is; would it be safe to cross an expanse like this from one side to the other in a boat like this. Or would the coast line always be followed due to dangerous seas in the middle of the sea.

    This boat is capable of 1500 nautical miles, and at the widest point the black sea is about 730 miles. So the boat is defintley capable. But the question is; is it safe?

    I look forward to your friendly replies :)
  2. Marmot, Jul 3, 2014
    #2
    Marmot

    Marmot Senior Member

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    Safe ... that is a difficult condition to obtain no matter where or what or with.

    If the boat is in good mechanical condition and manned by a crew who know the boat and its systems and are prepared to manage any issues that might arise, then it is safer than otherwise.

    If the crew is healthy and prepared physically and mentally for the trip then it is safer than otherwise.

    If the boat is equipped with communications equipment capable of contacting the many SAR stations around the Black Sea and the many naval vessels operating in the region then it is safer than otherwise.

    If the crew is capable of recognizing conditions that may exceed their capabilities and have a plan to avoid or manage those conditions then it is safer than otherwise.

    If the crew is able to recognize when a situation has become more than they can manage and are willing to admit it and call for help before it is too late for help then it is safer than otherwise.

    If the boat is equipped with life saving equipment suitable for the conditions and the crew knows how and when to use it, it is safer than otherwise.

    Know the boat, the crew, and the options and it will be safer than otherwise.

    Safe ... probably not as safe as staying home in bed but more people probably die at home in bed from house fires than in yachts crossing the Black Sea so it's all relative isn't it?

    Don't mean to sound like a smartass but "safe" shouldn't be the question, it should be "what is safer or safest" because there is no guaranty that making any kind of voyage is "safe."
  3. captainb, Jul 3, 2014
    #3
    captainb

    captainb New Member

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    Hi Marmot,

    Thank you for your reply. I guess what I meant by safe was is it standard practice to follow the shore line on a crossing like this, or if yachts like this are perfectly 'safley' capable of a crossing like this and crossings like this happen all of the time on yachts like this.
  4. Marmot, Jul 3, 2014
    #4
    Marmot

    Marmot Senior Member

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    Can't help with that as many of the factors probably relate to local knowledge as well as the "safer than otherwise" elements.

    The responses should be interesting though, keep us posted.
  5. K1W1, Jul 3, 2014
    #5
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    As safe as any passage of the same distance in open water

    Look at your weather and take local advice of you don't understand the implications of what's forecast

    I have run a Sunseeker Superhawk all over the Med some good trips and some real stinkers. It is all in the planning.
  6. Capt J, Jul 3, 2014
    #6
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I see no problems in making a 730 NM crossing with the proper weather and preparation and so forth and so on in a 130' yacht/express. I wouldn't attempt to cross the Atlantic with it.

    I have done 350NM open ocean crossings in a handful of 35-45' vessels, and a 550NM crossing in a 75' Hatteras MY.
  7. captainb, Jul 4, 2014
    #7
    captainb

    captainb New Member

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    Thank you for your answer.