BVI?

[C-Gypsy]

A question out of curiosity...

Has anyone ever visited the BVI in a C-Dory?

I sailed there last year. Saw a lot of sailboats from PA, etc. Every time I saw a sailboat from the east coast I wondered if anyone ever took a C-Dory there.

Thanks!

 

[jennykatz]

There was an article in boating magazine years ago about a 22ft open fisherman center console going all the way down to trinadad /tobago from miami searching for gas was the main problem .I cant remember what yr .
My brother used to live in US virgin Isles St.Johns He had a little 13 ft whaler we took that boat all over . The easiest way would be to ship the boat to Porta Rico from Mia. then work your way down to South America interesting thread Jim on Duck

 

[Valkyrie]

I've done that trip under sail and fuel for a small powerboat would be a big problem, but that's some mighty big and mean water out there and far, far away from help if the engine dies.

With sail as a means of propulsion there is always an alternative. You would be better off doing the trip on your 27. If you need crew, let me know!

An interesting read on the subject is The Gentleman's Guide to Heading South. Can't remember the author. His premise is that gentlemen never go to windward and he has the trip from FL to the Virgins and points south broken down into day-long trips. He also requires that the hook be down in time for sundowners every day!

Regards,

Nick
"Valkyrie"

 

[thataway]

Bruce Van Sant is the Author's name. Unfortunately Bruce is quite ill and his Shucker 44 is for sale (he also did the trip in a sailboat a number of times).

I agree that it would be very difficult to make the trip in a C Dory. I don't have my caribbean navigation program up in the PNW--but my recollection is that you would have to go at least 300 miles on one leg, into the trades, with out any reliable fuel stop.

Could it be done?--probably yes. Some of the larger Glacier Bays (34-37?) with diesels did the trip. But you will be going into the trades for a part of the trip, even using Bruces's advice. You would have to have twin engines, and extra fuel to do the trip--probably an extrea 50 gallons mim. It would beat you up pretty bad.

 

[Papillon]

I agree with Dr. Bob, can it be done, Yep...But should it be done...not unless you enjoy pain. But for anyone looking to do such a trip then they should look to Ben Toland's new boat, I believe with the extra fuel tanks that can be added to it, the range of that boat is reported to be over 500 miles.....But if it were me doing such a trip, I would fore go the second engine and take a 22-25' Sailboat in tow....and if and when I ran out of gas, I could turn the sailboat into a tow boat for the dory.

As long as we are dreaming...might as well dream big.