I've done a few ocean passages in my time and one thing that I do know is that the boat, any boat feels much smaller when you out there alone. That 43 footer or whatever looks pretty big when tied up to the dock but the sea is a very humbling place and you know no matter what size boat you may have that the sea can take it away from you in a snap. All the more kudos then to those that do venture out to sea in small boats, and I do mean small boats. I wrote about Gus Davidson some time ago just before he was heading out on his trip. Gus' plan was to sail his Golant Gaffer from Plymouth England to Newport, Rhode Island. Unfortunately he had some issues with the boat and due to contrary winds his progress was slowed somewhat. In the end he had to put into the Azores for repairs and it was at this point that he decided that he would not be able to make it to the USA in the time that he had allotted for the trip. The picture above shows the boat tied up to the dock in the Azores, I can only assume that Gus is taking a much needed shower at this point!
So after a few days refitting and repairing the boat, named 'Just Right' he sailed back to England which was still a total distance of almost 3000 miles, a fantastic undertaking in such a small boat by any account. You can catch more of his story and see more of his pictures by clicking here.
Gus's trip was part of the Jester Challenge and although he did not officially finish many of the other competitors did including Rory McDougall in his 21 foot Wharram catamaran 'Cooking Fat'. I've always liked the Wharram cats and have actually met the designer James Wharram on a couple of occasions. I did think about building one way back when but decided instead to opt for the Woods designed Strider . When that boat was finished I wished that I had built one of the Wharrams instead as I would have got onto the water faster as the build time would have appreciably shorter.
Anyway well done to all and especially Gus for a remarkable achievement.
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