The goal is to sail to Portugal next year.  Preparation seems endless, but I am sure that like retirement it will go quickly as you approach the actual date.  I plan on doing this via the ARC Europe which has 36 boats transiting this year, including an Island Packet 35 - "Freedom Found" from the UK.  They have not had too many posts on the WCC website for the event and it would be interesting to talk with them after they arrive.  I am learning though...  Their speed tends to average about 5.5kts. There was very light winds for the transit to Bermuda, so they arrived almost out of fuel (I am adding a fuel bladder and will carry extra on deck).  As a result they arrived when everyone else started leaving for the Azores an left 4 days later.  They are just arriving in the Azores now and other boats are beginning to leave for their final destinations.  The transit over consists of 3 legs - 640NM to Bermuda, 1800 to the Azores and 820 to Portugal.  The trip back is the more challenging - 2800 NM from the Canary Islands to St. Lucia.  That is what you need to prepare for with fuel and water capacity increasing in importance but not superseding safety.  In reviewing the safety criteria for the event, I have found that things that I though should be adequate are not.  My Winslow offshore life raft needed to meet a higher standard (mainly the weight of the fabric from which it was made).  My manually deployed EPIRB (Emergency Radio Beacon) needed to be both manually and water Activated.  This is why it takes a year to prepare. 

Kristina on route to Bermuda

A neighbor, Jim Audley, is just starting the trip now aboard his 37' Tartan.  His boat is faster than Eau de Vie and it will be good to talk with him as well once he arrives.  He is participating in the Bermuda Ocean Race which left from Annapolis yesterday.  The event ends in Bermuda, but they will continue on to the Azores and Portugal on their own.  I still prefer the structure of the organized group for support.  It will be good to know how he makes out.

 

One of my potential crew members, George Schenkel, will be arriving from Ft. Wayne for the trip to Maine later this summer.  This will enable us to get to know each other and for him to get to know the boat.  We look to do the transit from Cape May to Block Island as part of the voyage and review safety and training exercises along the way. 

As seen from the above, preparations for the transit are highlighted but the longest leg - Bermuda to the Azores.  In reality, you need to plan for more than that - the trip back.  While the trip over has the 2 stops shown in which you can re-provision and wait for a weather window, the trip back is from the Canaries to St. Lucia which is listed as 2,800 Nautical Miles but could be as much as 3,000 with wind and weather avoidance maneuvering.  Food, water and fuel as well as spare parts need to cover this anticipated 22 day trip.  An added bladder fuel tank and a bladder water tank are now required as well as a water maker.  The costs mount but safety is paramount.  Redundant systems are essential.  Having a good crew and working together in advance is also critical.  I think we have most bases covered.  Maine will be our first test.  Being part of a good organization like the ARC is important.  Their weather routing, inspection and training requirements go a long way in providing that added measure of safety.  This year's ARC Europe had 36 boats enroll.  Last year's ARC to St. Lucia had 269.  This has been a goal for years and each day brings it closer.  I look forward to you sharing this with me. 

Fair winds and following seas...