Voyaging in GRP production boats
Crossing oceans in small production yachts has become encouragingly commonplace. Peter K Poland talks to several trans-ocean sailors about their experiences, and what – if any – boat modifications were required
Before glassfibre production yachts took the sailing world by storm, and advanced marine electronics made the daily ritual (or farce, in my case) of shooting the sun and stars with a sextant a thing of the past, crossing oceans in small yachts had been the preserve of the dedicated, the experienced and – in just a few cases – the borderline loony. Back
in 1968, I probably fitted into the latter category.
Of course, even though modern yachts and technology have transformed the sailing scene, any would-be ocean voyager can still read the books describing how it used to be done in the old days and perhaps study astronavigation. Even if you just cruise the Channel, it’s inspirational to read about the early trans-ocean adventures of Joshua Slocum and Spray, Bill Robinson and Svaap, Eric and Susan Hiscock and Wanderer lll, John Guzzwell and Trekka and Shane Acton and Shrimpy – to name just five. Also, Eric Hiscock’s books Cruising Under Sail and Voyaging Under Sail remain mines of information and are akin to ‘manuals’; even if then nonexistent GPS, AIS, electronic autopilots, solar panels, watermakers et al never get a mention.
As production GRP yachts got bigger, many sailors ventured further afield. And if you didn’t own a yacht, chartering in the eastern Med or the Caribbean meant you could sample sunny seas and explore tropical coves that you only dreamt of in the past. Horizons broadened as ‘offthe-shelf’ cruisers became ever more widespread, capable and comfortable.
An achievable reality
When Jimmy Cornell introduced the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) in 1986, trans-ocean sailing for amateur crews turned from an ambitious dream into an achievable reality. This groundbreaking event grew into an annual jamboree with over 200 yachts sailing from the Canaries to the Caribbean. Entries have included yachts of varying vintages from production ranges such as Beneteau, Bavaria, Gib’Sea, Moody, Jeanneau, Swan, Etap, Hallberg-Rassy, Oyster, Grand Soleil, Westerly, Rustler, Elan, X Yachts, Hanse, Wauquiez, Najad, Dufour, Delphia, Discovery, Amel, Nauticat, Bowman, Pogo, Starlight, Allures, Ovni, Southerly, Island Packet, Hunter (US), and several multihull brands. The ARC has become a veritable