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Size of Yacht to Cross Atlantic with Crew

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by vacationboat, Aug 14, 2006.

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  1. vacationboat

    vacationboat New Member

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    How large does a motor yacht need to be for it to be capable of crossing the atlantic in relative comfort and safety?

    I am considering buying a yacht in the range od 20-60m. I know the larger yachts can move between the med and the carribean what about say a 20m vessel?

    Thanks

    Jon
  2. AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

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  3. Yacht News

    Yacht News YF News Editor

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    Heesens' 3700's can cross the Atlantic...which i think is phenomenal for a vessel their size...
  4. C4ENG

    C4ENG Senior Member

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    That Heesens Man of Steel 3700 did do a crossing but just barely made it in with hardly any fuel left. I don't think I would had taken that chance unless I was going to get paid huge (and yet I would still be thinking good and hard if I wanted to chance it or not). A rule of thumb I always heard is when you are taking a trip you should always try to plan in having a third of fuel in reserve for when you arrive at your destination. That way if you do get held up, you have that reserve already for the unexpected. Those smaller yachts just don't have that sort of capacity for that long distance.
    AMG has the safest and best tried and proven idea for doing the crossings in what I have seen in my experiences.
  5. sailronin

    sailronin Senior Member

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    The Nordhaven Rally crossed the Atlantic in motor yachts (trawler style) from 46 feet to 72 feet. I believe there were about a dozen yachts in the rally.
    The Delta 70 foot trawler "Zopilote" circumnavigated on it's own bottom, including the Pacific crossings.
    On the other hand I know of several 170 plus foot motoryachts that are not able to cross the Atlantic, let alone the Pacific. It's not the size that matters, it's the design and intended purpose of the vessel.

    Dave
  6. C4ENG

    C4ENG Senior Member

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    Very good point
  7. Yacht News

    Yacht News YF News Editor

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    Yea....i reemember reading somewhere about that crossing....thats really risky though...that means their max range has to be pretty close to 3000nm?...i am just doing that based on the width of the Atlantic where the ships cross. I still think thats pretty risky though...you could pay the money and hitch a Dockwise Vessel...
  8. airship

    airship Senior Member

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    I belive that Thor Heyerdahl crossed with a very small crew on RaII back in 1970 or so. This vessel crossed the widest part of the Atlantic 6100 km (3270 nautical miles) in 57 days, from Safi to Barbados. I might be smoking as I write this though... :)
  9. Yacht News

    Yacht News YF News Editor

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    Horray... to Barbados my home Island!...lol
  10. Garry Hartshorn

    Garry Hartshorn Senior Member

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  11. Kevin

    Kevin YF Moderator

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    Gotta' love doing a transat alone in a 21 foot sailboat! :D
  12. Yacht News

    Yacht News YF News Editor

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    that is insane...what tempts these people to do these things?:eek:
  13. Kevin

    Kevin YF Moderator

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    I dunno', but I'd try it. If I had the money, sponsors, and time I'd give a solo transat a shot for sure!!
  14. Codger

    Codger YF Wisdom Dept.

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    Why not?

    Wait awhile and when you've completed a lot of what you've set out to do, or "have" to do, you just might find the idea attractive.:D


    Neighbour of mine took a little trip around the planet in a 55 footer.

    http://www.georgebuehler.com/Idelwild.html
  15. Kevin

    Kevin YF Moderator

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    LOL I haven't even done a quarter of what I'd like to in life, but a Mini Transat is already on my list. :)
  16. Antonio Torres

    Antonio Torres Member

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    1984 - brazilian Amyr Klink crossed (alone) the South Atlantic in a rowing small boat.
    No sails, no engine.
    LOA: 5.94 m
    Displacement: 1200 kg
    Propulsion: human muscles (ocean streams also helped)
    Fuel: dry food and water (soft)

    Duration: 100 days
    Distance: 3500 nm

    Oops, doesnt fit this thread requirements. Not a motor yacht, no comfort and no crew.
  17. YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

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    ..... :D
  18. Yacht News

    Yacht News YF News Editor

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    You guys are mad:) but i guess thats the adventurous side of people. I wasnt going nowhere is something so small.
  19. pamibach

    pamibach Member

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    LOL! I was thinking the same thing! WHY??
  20. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    New record. Bumping a 12 year old thread.
    However, I do have to agree with the enthusiasm, Why row over the pond??
    I'd rather feast in the upper deck tub during 12oz arm curls. ;)