Bermuda?

[Steve Laume]

Very cool story! The part about valuing sailors seems to be very true. In most of the places I have been sailing it is getting harder all the time to find clear, protected and convenient anchorage spots. Expensive moorings seem to be filling up the NE harbors.

When the idea of sailing to Bermuda first came to mind I was worried that it would somehow be prohibitive. Either too expensive or highly regulated. Neither of these seem to be the case. It appears that one could find dockage for less than you could pick up a mooring here. A $15.00 visitors fee?! This place is beckoning. Fuel sounds a little expensive but I wouldn't need very much. I was more worried about having to buy water and that does not seem to be the case. A passport is to be expected but they don't require a visa from American citizens.

This really could be Raven's great adventure for 09, Steve.

[Captmarklp]

Bermuda is not gonna be "the cheap seats"...because it is an island. They just don't make a lot there other than financial transactions and onions.

They've had to make do and that they have. Water was long collected from any kind of rain and stored ...yet they likely have big r.o. operations now.

Another great place for a sailor's welcoming is Halifax. For the Marblehead race, they roll out quite the "red carpet".

[George Shaunfield]

Steve,
Bermuda and back would be an admireable accomplishment and an experience. You may want to read a blog by Doug Campbell, a writer for Soundings, who made the trip for the first time last year. Actually he did the Bermuda 1-2 -- singlehanded over and his wife as crew on the way back. Doug has a Westsail 32, so not that much bigger of a boat than yours. You can start at this link.
http://blog.soundingspub.com/campbell/i ... 82#more-82

Interestingly, a prerequisite for that race is a singlehanded sail offshore of 100 nm, basically once offiicially offshore, go out 50 nm and back 50nm. Like you I am not interested in racing, but I am planning to do such a 100 nm singlehanded offshore trip next year for the learning experience. Doug Campbell's account of his qualifying 100 nm sail starts here:
http://blog.soundingspub.com/campbell/i ... 48#more-48

Steve, you are a reasonable fellow. So, if you decide to it you can.
George

[David van den Burgh]

Doug has a Westsail 32, so not that much bigger of a boat than yours.

I grew up sailing on a Westsail 32, and now sail a Cape Dory 36. Frankly, I'd be more inclined to compare the CD36 to the Westsail 32, and, even then, the Westsail still outweighs the Cape Dory 36. I wouldn't be surprised if the numbers for the CD36 and Westsail 32 are much more similar.

Anyway, that has nothing to do with Steve's proposed trip or his boat's ability, but just a clarification on the comparison - length isn't the sole factor.

[kbuck]

Looking for crew in the Marion to Bermuda race leaving Marion on June 19th, 2009 on a Cape Dory 45' ketch. If you are interested please contact me for details.
It looks like we also could use crew on the return delivery from Bermuda to Bass Harbor, Maine leaving Bermuda about June 28th.
Thanks. Kevin

[Dick Villamil]

I only sailed back from Bermuda to Point Judith on a Tartan 37. It felt as if we were the smallest boat out there especially when the seas were running 16-19 feet. It took two attempts since the first was aborted by a hurricane - with several dismastings. Weather can be really nice but can be brutal - watch out for the eddies on the Gulf Stream - sail on the assisted side so you aren't fighting the curent. Also - get a lot of good drinking water. We bought some in Bermuda and after the good stuff was finished we dug out the gallons of what we bought there - it was rather musty and after reading the label - it was bottled in Hoboken ,New Jersey - ugh. Seawater tasted better! Wear Scopolamine 1/2 patches to keep from getting seasick - it can happen to the best of us! Package food that is ready to eat for the times when it is so rough that cooking macaroni and cheese is a major task and also may induce the heaves DEFINITELY rent a motor bike - lots of fun but if going out for a late evening ride - watch out for the African Toads - they are huge and litter the road at night - making it hazardous - and they are poisonous to the touch. The beaches and snorkelling are fabulous as is the Rum and a nght at the Whitehorse tavern - worh the visit! Keep hatches battened at night and wear your tether all the times when at sea. Ginger beer and saltines are valuable when at sea (a menu learned in the Navy). We strapped a large cooler to the stern ladder making drinks accessible from the cockpit. Two on watch is a must - alternate the helm duty every hour. 4 on and 4 off is much better than 3. Make your plans carefully and follow the weather window so you aren't fighting the Gufl Stream chop. Have fun - it is a fond memory I will never forget - much more intense than any sailing I had ever done before or since - and I have done a lot of sailing.

[OveRCs]

We welcome all considering sailing to Bermuda. I am new to the CD board, but please feel free to contact me with questions on Bermuda. I am a member of the RHADC in Hamilton Harbor and Sandys Boat Club in Somerset. I recently served as Deputy Chief Liaison Officer for Tall Ships 2009, so I am familiar with trying to solve problems for visiting sailors -- in exchange for a ride around the Great Sound on your Cape Dory of course!

Have a safe voyage!