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Around the World from West coast?

Anasazi Girl is the old "Spirit of Yukoh", yes?

There is no class for her to race in any more, she won't qualify as a Class 40, but to own Spirit of Yukoh? ...
 
Just wondering what you guys think a budget for this would be, taking into consideration the fact that I'd rather keep the duration around 4 months, i.e. with a boat that a guy like me can keep going around 10 kts in most conditions. My preferred approach is the same as what I did for the SHTP. In other words I'd start with a boat that's mostly ready.

Unless a great opportunity knocks ... No, arguably Anasazi Girl is one, so scratch that; unless an unbelievable deal shows up, I'll wait until after the SHTP to move on. I have a tendency to envision grand projects and then putter out (aka la folie des grandeurs).
 
jamottep said:
Just wondering what you guys think a budget for this would be, taking into consideration the fact that I'd rather keep the duration around 4 months, i.e. with a boat that a guy like me can keep going around 10 kts in most conditions. My preferred approach is the same as what I did for the SHTP. In other words I'd start with a boat that's mostly ready.

Unless a great opportunity knocks ... No, arguably Anasazi Girl is one, so scratch that; unless an unbelievable deal shows up, I'll wait until after the SHTP to move on. I have a tendency to envision grand projects and then putter out (aka la folie des grandeurs).
Click to expand...

Probably around $300,000-$400,000

SHTP, $10K - $40K depending on the boat

You can do a SHTP in a Cal 25 that you bought for $1,000. Don't like Cal 25? There are a zillion other 60's 70's boats that will do it...Pearson Ariel, Columbia Contender, International Folkboat, the list goes on. An IF with an inboard diesel that at least turns over just sold at a lien sale in my marine for $400.

Re-rig, buy a couple of good used sails, plus ground tackle now you're at $3500. Add all the safety gear and race requirements, now you're at about $5500. Make a home-built windvane, probably an auxiliary-rudder-style vane, 'cause they're simple. That's a couple hundred bucks in materials. Put on two Autohelm 1000's and two solar panels and a second battery. $1200. Add another $1,000 because sh^& happens. $800 race fee or whatever it is, now. Prep like crazy. Sail the boat over there. You just did the race for < $10K. When you're done, strip the most expensive gear off and ship that home. Donate the boat, because it's not worth it to pay $10K to send it back.

It can be done. You just have to get over the idea that for example the emergency rudder has to be the hottest thing on the planet, or every single piece of equipment must be carbon fiber and titanium.
 
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AlanH said:
Probably around $300,000-$400,000
Click to expand...

That seems on the high side. Anasazi Girl is listed for 100k and is ready to go. Let's add 25k to bring the boat here, registration and taxes. Add another 50k for stuff and food and some training for the skipper. That's 175k. The boat may sell for 75k after the trip; so the adventure is 100k, twice what I want to put down. :-(
 
Ragnar said:
Is this a lower budget, or higher?

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1990/Open-40-2454647/Labuan/Malaysia ?
Click to expand...

Ah, this is funny. You're the second person to point me to that boat. Ibildun III. I was in contact with the owner and the builder. I spoke with boat people for work/sail estimates in the area. The price came down to $15,000 Euro in the end. Ultimately for me the boat didn't have enough ballast for the trip we're considering and I passed. It would also have required that I move there for 2-3 months to re-fit the boat and then sail it back here (a shipping estimate I got was around $35,000). At 15,000 Euro it sold quickly mid February. Although it was a very difficult decision I learned a few things when assessing that boat so it was all good. I wish owners of "rare breed" boats would reason like this owner did. She had it listed at $90,000 then $75,000 then $35,000. It went for 15,000 Euro ...
 
Although I've put this on the back burner until I'm back from Hanalei I'd like to advertise that I'd like to build a team to support this event and it's not too early to start that.

Now it's not like I'll be able to pay anyone who wants to join. Instead you'd join because you want to improve some skills of yours and you want a goal to motivate yourself, or you'd like to go a step further than reading someone else's blog, or you feel like it's time to give back, or you want to do this trip too and you want a close up before venturing on your own. The list goes on.

I realize we all have busy agenda and when free we like to fill it up with our own stuff. If you think the idea to be part of the onshore team of a non stop solo circumnavigation excites you please drop me a line, even if you're not in San Francisco Bay. Some positions are arm chair jobs. In other words you could do it all from wherever you are.

The bottom line is that I cannot research or do everything on my own and would like to enroll you to help. Here are some examples, some of these could be split if you'd like to do only part of it:

1. Media and marketing: you'd be in charge of all media, including pictures, videos, articles, social media, etc. You'd be in charge of our outside voice and image.

2. Sponsorship: this is totally a wild card. I have it here because I should. Who doesn't try ..

3. Communication equipment: research and advise in all things offshore communication, including safety, satellite, weather forecasts, social media, hardware, software, etc.

4. Boat maintenance: this is not a position where you'd do the work (unless you want to); it's more you'd be in charge of making sure that the boat is maintained properly. You may be relied on to advise on repairs at sea.

5. Sail: you wouldn't stitch a sail (unless you want to); more you'd research best sail choices for the boat and conditions, help build a sail plan decision tree, etc.

6. Routing and weather: right?

7. Safety at sea: all things safety from EPIRB to life jackets to boat design to route choices, etc.

8. Sparring partner(s): one lesson learned with Double Espresso is that doing everything alone is extremely taxing. This is where a sparring partner comes into play.

Feel free to add to the list where you think you could help. The energy that comes from being part of a team is essentially driven by the team's goal and the people dynamics. For now this remains very informal. However should we get something going I will formalize things a bit more.

Newsflash: a seed was planted in the fertile ground of the singlehanded sailing community.
Response from an anonymous onlooker: "What?!?! You're asking them to team up? What part of singlehanded did you not understand?"
 
jamottep said:
Although I've put this on the back burner until I'm back from Hanalei I'd like to advertise that I'd like to build a team to support this event and it's not too early to start that.

Now it's not like I'll be able to pay anyone who wants to join. Instead you'd join because you want to improve some skills of yours and you want a goal to motivate yourself, or you'd like to go a step further than reading someone else's blog, or you feel like it's time to give back, or you want to do this trip too and you want a close up before venturing on your own. The list goes on.

I realize we all have busy agenda and when free we like to fill it up with our own stuff. If you think the idea to be part of the onshore team of a non stop solo circumnavigation excites you please drop me a line, even if you're not in San Francisco Bay. Some positions are arm chair jobs. In other words you could do it all from wherever you are.

The bottom line is that I cannot research or do everything on my own and would like to enroll you to help. Here are some examples, some of these could be split if you'd like to do only part of it:

1. Media and marketing: you'd be in charge of all media, including pictures, videos, articles, social media, etc. You'd be in charge of our outside voice and image.

2. Sponsorship: this is totally a wild card. I have it here because I should. Who doesn't try ..

3. Communication equipment: research and advise in all things offshore communication, including safety, satellite, weather forecasts, social media, hardware, software, etc.

4. Boat maintenance: this is not a position where you'd do the work (unless you want to); it's more you'd be in charge of making sure that the boat is maintained properly. You may be relied on to advise on repairs at sea.

5. Sail: you wouldn't stitch a sail (unless you want to); more you'd research best sail choices for the boat and conditions, help build a sail plan decision tree, etc.

6. Routing and weather: right?

7. Safety at sea: all things safety from EPIRB to life jackets to boat design to route choices, etc.

8. Sparring partner(s): one lesson learned with Double Espresso is that doing everything alone is extremely taxing. This is where a sparring partner comes into play.

Feel free to add to the list where you think you could help. The energy that comes from being part of a team is essentially driven by the team's goal and the people dynamics. For now this remains very informal. However should we get something going I will formalize things a bit more.

Newsflash: a seed was planted in the fertile ground of the singlehanded sailing community.
Response from an anonymous onlooker: "What?!?! You're asking them to team up? What part of singlehanded did you not understand?"
Click to expand...

Hi Philipe,

A mission critical piece for me is the electrical energy - autopilot system. I will not have a wind vane, so electrical energy must be generated enroute, stored in batteries, and drive an autopilot continuously for months without fail. Also, you might think about your physical condition, sleep, and nutrition - depending on your boat of course.

On routing and weather, I'm a purist so my thought is to go without outside assistance and learn how to read 500mb charts. But I'm not married to this.
 
The SSS forum was fantastic to prepare for the SHTP. Now, to prepare for a solo circumnavigation, where would I go and start a "Interested in a boat for ..." thread?
 
Tchoupitoulas said:
I think you just started one.
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You have a point ... So let's resume where we left before the SHTP ... This time there is a constraint: the boat would need to be fast enough to complete the trip in 4 months, with this skipper, solo, uninterrupted. Assistance is ok. A short stop is ok too if necessary. I don't feel it necessary to go round Hawaii, personally. I'm not trying to break or set a record; this is more like preparing for something else. I'm thinking starting late 2020 and round Cape Horn about the same time the Vendee Globe skippers will, assuming that makes sense weather wise for the rest of the trip (that says a lot about my ignorance; but we all know that: I'll remain a newbie till I die). Last I don't have large budget, I don't even have a small budget but that's another story :-)

1. I can't do this round the world thing alone! Anyone interested in contributing in any way?

2. Any suggestion for a boat that's ready to go :-)

I just ordered four books about/by previous Vendee Globe skippers ... that'll either get me started or it'll send me looking for another past-time :-)
 
jamottep said:
You have a point ... So let's resume where we left before the SHTP ... This time there is a constraint: the boat would need to be fast enough to complete the trip in 4 months, with this skipper, solo, uninterrupted. Assistance is ok. A short stop is ok too if necessary. I don't feel it necessary to go round Hawaii, personally. I'm not trying to break or set a record; this is more like preparing for something else. I'm thinking starting late 2020 and round Cape Horn about the same time the Vendee Globe skippers will, assuming that makes sense weather wise for the rest of the trip (that says a lot about my ignorance; but we all know that: I'll remain a newbie till I die). Last I don't have large budget, I don't even have a small budget but that's another story :-)

1. I can't do this round the world thing alone! Anyone interested in contributing in any way?

2. Any suggestion for a boat that's ready to go :-)

I just ordered four books about/by previous Vendee Globe skippers ... that'll either get me started or it'll send me looking for another past-time :-)
Click to expand...

I have my own goal for 2020, or more likely 2022 so this isn't going to be on my radar.

That said, I'm going to be brutally honest, here. Please don't take this personally, I haven't met you, I have no axe to grind here and I'm not trying to rain on your parade. Honest....but here goes.

Over the years there have been a number of schemes, including one of mine, which have been floated on this board. Mini's that were going to do the SHTP were one. Eight years went by between when the first mini-hopeful started posting here and the first 6.5 to actually complete the race. We watched guys complain about the rules, go on and on about how mini's were special and better so they didn't have to play by the same rules. They didn't have to have communication equipment and so on. It got really tiresome.

This community watched me work hard for eighteen months to try to organize a race called the "CrossPac"....all to naught. Three for four times I've proposed the idea of a West-Coast "Figaro-like" shorthanded race boat, to a chorus of yawns and complete disinterest. The online sailing community is chockablock full of folks with great ideas, but no money and no serious stick-to-it-iveness to make their ideas happen.

I'm going to be blunt. "Around the World from the West Coast" strikes me as another one of these ideas. You have no money. NONE. You don't have a boat. Nobody else has signed up to play. There's no website. There's no press package. There's NOTHING but you talking about this on the SSS forum. Take a hard look at the recent Shorthanded Race that just left from Southern California. The organizer is a good guy, he's got sailing experience, he has a boat. He doesn't have a big budget, but he's advertising a doable experience...sailing solo to Hawaii. Right and how many boats are making the trip in the Shaka? Three? Sailing solo AROUND THE WORLD? That's orders of magnitude more challenge. Look, the SHTP is the biggest long-range singlehanded ocean-crossing race on the West Coast. The Pac Cup is the biggest doublehanded race. They are maybe half compared to, for example the Transquadra - France to the Caribbean, which is just ONE of the multitude of shorthanded races that cross the Atlantic.

The one and only person in Nor Cal who amassed enough money and everything else to pull this off was Bruce Schwab, and while I like Bruce personally, and admire his dedication to achieving his dream, he burned a lot of bridges around her to make it happen. I hope that he's happy in Maine. What he went through wouldn't have been worth it, to me...I hope it was for Bruce. There's no question that what he achieved was absolutely amazing, but that's what it takes to do a serious around the world race like what you're proposing. That or you're best friends with a couple of multi-millionnaires who own huge vineyards.

Racing around the world on a modern solo sailing machine in a competitive fleet is at least a million dollar exercise. I sure don't have it. Bruce didn't have it, he was a rigger at Svendsens. Who here, has that kind of money to spend on sailing?...not to mention the kind of stamina it takes to pull off a race like that.

Will you be the guy who convinces Ford and Starbucks and Nike and Uber and Elon Musk and Citibank that an around-the-world solo sailboat race starting from Silicon Valley is the Next Hottest Thing? ...that each of them should pony up a million and a half dollars to put some SSS sailors on red-hot custom Classe 40 boats to sprint to Puerto Montt, Chile on Leg One? Maybe. But I won't bet on it. When that happens, let us all know. Not that I'll sign up, I doubt that I'm up for a solo Around the World race.

meanwhile, if you want to post about what would make a great boat for a solo non-race circumnavigation, then by all means, post on the forum. But unless you're really good at making video and getting patreon accounts, or raising money though online means, or happen to stumble upon a million dollar a year job next month, don't hold your breath. Dropping $25,000 into a 1986 Wilderness 30 and racing to Hawaii is one thing. Buying a $250,000 Classe 40 (that's in Europe) getting it over here, putting another $40,000 into it, then having support crew meet you in five widely-spaced locations around the world is a whole other ballgame.

If you, personally want to buy a boat YOURSELF and do a 'round the world voyage, then go to it. But hoping that a whole mess of SSS'ers will jump on the bandwagon, buy boats, and take off for a year to race around the world is fantasy.

And remember, this is the <B>single largest group of shorthanded sailors in north America</b>. You are talking to The Group most likely to make this happen, and it's NOT going to happen, with us. Not without a freaking lot of money. Find the money, then you might have a chance.
 
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That's a pretty cold lecture, though realistic, and I suspect that I might have delivered one of those already. I'll try to keep that in mind in the future.
 
AlanH said:
That's a pretty cold lecture, though realistic, and I suspect that I might have delivered one of those already. I'll try to keep that in mind in the future.
Click to expand...

Yes, that's how you responded to my thread about finding a boat for the SHTP, which I believe prompted me to respond with what may be one of the funniest comment on this forum ... And you've also said so on this thread a couple of times I think.

Sure most likely I won't hear from anyone. And that's ok. Not even trying though ... That would be acting like a fool.

I'm wondering what you get by writing these lectures. It is time consuming. I wonder what purpose they serve.
 
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