Questions regarding sailing across the Atlantic.?

Question

For some time I have dreamed about sailing across the Atlantic to Spain, then around the med and back. I was wondering what to expect, what would be needed, how long the crossing would take, when it would be best to cross, where the best deptarture and arrival points would be, estimated costs, what would be needed, anchor restrictions, danger areas, etc.

My plans are to make the passage in a 43'-55' multihull setting out in 4-5 years. As far as the boat goes, what should the boat be outfitted with (i.e. reverse osmosis system, back up generator, spare main, solar/wind generator, etc.)

To open the door to a few more answers, what certifications would be recommended to have prior to my trip?

Thank you in advance.
Rg

Answer 1

Ahoy Rg
You have a lot of questions that require experienced and expert advice I highly recommend you join a yatch & boating forum, You will get valuable advice from experienced boaters on every topic for your voyage.
You don't want it from surfers and weekend sailors.
Going out to sea on a small boat is one those to do before you die goals, something everyone should experience at least once in their life I reckon.
In reality the more ill prepared you are the more likely you are to become a lost at sea victim.
Expert advice, knowledge and training will reduce your risk to an absolute minimum. Start reading books written by modern day yatchers who have done it, learn from others experiences & mistakes.
Join a good yatch club the better ones are on the south coast for what you are planning.
Going across the Atlantic in a small boat is a serious adventure, and not to be taken in a light hearted manner get all the advice and training you can.
Your life & if accompanied by a crew WILL depend on it.
gud on yer mate like yer bottle & welcome to the club

http://forums.worldcruising.com/index.php

http://www.yachtinguniverse.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=PNphpBB2&file=index

http://www.ybw.com/forums/ubbthreads.php

http://www.intersail.co.uk/forum/

there are many more.

Bon voyage.

Answer 2

This really a lot to answer. You may want to invest in a book.
http://armchairsailorseattle.stores.yahoo.net/saatci.html
I would check out http://www.Amazon.com as the books may be cheaper and they do have used too. There are books on everything from modifications you can do, to navigation.
Most the things you mentioned would be good, especially the Osmosis System as many make all the water you would need. But, they not cheap either. I have not crossed the Atlantic, but, have plans. I will sail with the Trade Winds and take my lazy time so 3-4 weeks. I not go straight as a crow flies and may drift up toward Greenland and Iceland if I get hot. ;-) Sailboats may move at about 4-5 knots on average. We crossed the Gulf from Florida East coast through the Okeechobee and cut across to Galveston Bay this was a 75 foot Motor Yacht with an average speed of 8 knots in the ocean and took 10 days going 24/7.
Take plenty of canned food and Beer. Remember there no stores out there only water, water, everywhere and not a drop to drink. I not know of any certifications you have to have, maybe a sailing course if you feel it help prepare you. You may want to read up on Navigation and I would have a Sextant and know how it work. GPS is nice but not when you lose power. Charts are important, again there are GPS or Computer charts, but, nothing beats a hard copy when the electric goes out.

Answer 3

because (I think) he led the way for the European despoilation of the Americas--the natives died off because of new diseases & forced labor, mostly, and whole tribes (esp in the Caribbean) died out. He was also not the 1st besides the Indians to arrive here; he was just the best known for a long time. Historians are fairly sure the Norse were here at least. It lessens the impact slightly. You're right that he had nerve to sail the opposite direction; after all, the Portuguese had just reached Asia by sailing around Africa, so that was a sure route. I'm not sure how many people truly thought the world was flat--I've seen varying commentaries on it. Educated people, at least, seem to have thought otherwise. The other reason is that over the last 50 years or so, there has been a large revisionist movement in history, where the lesser-known side has been examined and brought to the fore. While undoubtedly true in many cases, it has cast shadows on formerly bright subjects--like US or British motivations throughout history, or the importance and/or benevolence of Columbus. Some of this could have political influence, but it's not overt. I will say that looking at other sources for the other side of an issue can be a good thing, even when it hurts. I read parts of Columbus' Log in college for an English class (not all written by the man himself, btw). The teacher was highly impressed by Columbus' order to not molest the natives once they arrived; being the history major that I was & forgetting what class I was in, I pointed out that he thought he had reached India or China & one does not start off an alliance/trade agreement by attacking the other ruler's subjects. I was informed I was a cynic. Really, pointing out historical truths in lit classes doesn't pay. But my point is, that it wasn't just political impulse--he did have some compassion, just not in a form that we would recognize today. For his times, he wasn't a bad man.

Answer 4

I had a multihull not much in ocean crossing or ruff water. Best to think about single Hull.Best to crew till you have your sea legs & experance. Talk to old salts about there lifes. Find some sailing books at the thrifty books swaps there is always good reading there. I have blue water sailed for years,No. tranlantic.When sailing if it can go wrong it will. It's a lot of work an the weather is usually aganst you.I like the carribean the weather is warmer.Have fun it's a great dream make sure you have crew that's up to the adventure. I change to power 48' sportfish for the bahamas.Have fun be safe.

Answer 5

Judging from yur question your not a sailor at all what i would suggest to you since its your first time and sopposing youdont wanna drown for small mstakes is you get a skipper and make the first vayage with one trust me on thi one the ocean aint a friedly place for landlovers.