A New Perspective

I grew to judge every purchase by 
how many bronze screws I could buy for the boat 
if I didn’t spend on this or made do without that.

― Lin Pardey, 
Bull Canyon, A Boatbuilder, a writer and other Wildlife

Words to live by from the great Lin Pardey in her most recent work. I had a good snooze on that book last week. 

I’m due for a catnap… off to stretch out on an earlier Pardey book, The Cost Conscious Cruiser. Just arrived today in the mail!

–Captain Cat

(transcribed by the Can Opener)

Destination Dreamin – The Azores

And now for a moment to relax, put the paws up, crack open a tuna tin, and picture the future… in the Azores.  We can hardly wait!!

  
–Captain Cat

(transcribed by the Can Opener) 

Destination Dreamin’
Next Up: Barbados – Destination Dreamin’ 
Previously: A Gran Canaria Moment

Getting Ready to Investigate Boat Designs

 

Investigating the Long List of Boat Designs
 


Captain Cat: So. When are you gonna get a move on researching those 60 boat designs I’ve laid out?

Can Opener: Yeah, sure – right after the Spanish lessons, weight training and PFD research you’ve got slated for me. And after you unlock me from this blasted toilet…

Captain Cat: Dee-lighted. Certainly. Right after you admit my sardine mousse over trifle was the best thing you ever tasted.

Can Opener: You are completely mad. It glowed incandescent vileness that left me and the neighbours three doors over speechless and was heavier than a Danforth.

And hey, why can’t we divide and conquer on this research thing?

Captain Cat: Of course not. The First Mate persists in sheer ridiculousness… Right. I’m off for an evening stroll. Just need my stick and cape…

Can Opener: Cape’s in here with me.

Captain Cat: And yet… it seems to be out here on the table… propping up this rickety pile of canned goods you haven’t stowed yet.

Can Opener: Let me out!

Captain Cat: Till the morrow, fine Can Opener…

Will the Can Opener escape the toilet room? Will he research 60 boat designs in one day? We’ll find out…

Stay tuned fellow caped crusaders – same cat time, same cat channel.  

–Captain Cat

(transcribed by the Can Opener) 

Previously: Making a Long List of Boat Designs – Mahina’s Suggestions

Next up: Southerly 32

Making a Long List of Boat Designs – Mahina’s Suggestions

 

Part 2 (of 3) of Making a Long List of Boat Designs

What’s the perfect boat design?

One that meets our needs: 30 feet, beamy for storage, blue water designed, durable for storms and a design that holds its value.

In addition to great suggestions from cruising forums, we are also looking over at Mahina’s offshore cruising design list. Here are the designs with descriptions that at first brush seem to match our criteria:

• Amel 36
• Morris Annie 29
• Bristol 28
• Espirit 37 by Nordic aka Vailant
• Fast Passage 39
• Gozzard 31
• Hallberg-Rassy 31
• Island Packet 32
• LM 30
• Luders 33
• Malo 36
• Morris 34
• Najad 330
• Orion 27
• Regina of Vindo 38
• Rival 36
• Rustler 36
• Sadler 34
• Saturna 33
• Seawind 33
• Shannon 32
• Southerly 32
• Pearson Triton 29
• Vanguard 32
• Yankee 30

In your opinion, what is the perfect blue water cruising yacht design?

   

–Captain Cat

(transcribed by the Can Opener)

Previously: Part 1 (of 3)  Making a Long List of Boat Designs – Forums’ Advice
Next up: Part 3 (of 3) Boat Designs – Shortening the Long List

Making a Long List of Boat Designs – Forums’ Advice

 

Part 1 (of 3) of Making a Long List of Boat Designs

What’s the perfect boat design?

One that meets our needs.

The Can Opener and I tried to keep our initial criteria simple: 30 feet, beamy for storage, blue water designed, durable for storms and a design that holds its value. We can always add more requirements later.

In order to draft a long list, Adam Turinas (How to Buy a Used Sailboat Guide – Part 2, Messing About in Sailboats) recommends:

• extensive web research
• talking to owners of the design you’re looking at (forums and friends)
• possibly seeking the advice of a buyer’s agent.

The first two ways are interesting to me. A good deal of the fun and the learning is in the process. And no one will be as highly motivated as we are to find the perfect boat for us. So web research, forums and owner-friends’ advice it is.

For our first rough draft long list, I sought advice on suggested designs for solid blue water 30ft boats at Cruisers Forum and Cruiser Log.

Here are the enthusiastic suggestions I received (in no particular order). I’ll check these out first:

• H 30
• Endeavor 32
• Cal 30
• Alberg
• Pearson Trition
• Cascade 29
• Alajuela 33
• Rawson
• Mariner or Fuji 31
• Sun 27
• Aloha 30
• Wauquiez Gladiator
• Bristol 31.1
• Pacific Seacraft 31
• Cape Dory 33ft
• Baba 30
• Albin vega
• Shanon 28
• Hinterhoeller hr28
• Prout 31
• Pearson 323
• Bayfield 32
• Tartan 30
• Island Packet 31
• Southern Cross 31
• Allied Seawind 30
• Westsail 32
• Freedom 32
• Watkins 32/33
• CSY 33

In your opinion, what is the perfect blue water cruising yacht design?

   

–Captain Cat

(transcribed by the Can Opener)

Next up: 
Part 2 (of 3) Making a Long List of Boat Designs – Mahina’s Suggestions
Part 3 (of 3) Boat Designs – Shortening the Long List

14 Ways We’ll Know We’ve Made It

 

Right. Eyes focused, ready to dive in. Here we go…

We’ll know we’ve made it when…

1. we make the long list of yacht designs to check out
2. the Can Opener completes all his supporting courses: first aid, diesel maintenance, survival, etc.
3. the Can Opener achieves all the fitness goals I’ve set for him each year
4. we are able to read Spanish news and understand a Spanish newscast
5. we make the short list of yacht designs to check out
6. the Can Opener passes his Yachtmaster level
7. we complete the boat purchase
8. we take the first sail in the new boat (new to us)
9. the Can Opener finishes programming provisioning spreadsheets – for food, gear etc
10. we finish refitting
11. we finish provisioning for the first big offshore on our own boat
12. we organise and hold our launch party
13. we cast off lines and leave for our first big offshore on our own boat
14. we reach 50,000 offshore sailing nautical miles (100,000nm etc)

What are your milestones? When will you know you’ve arrived?

–Captain Cat

(transcribed by the Can Opener) 

Previously: How Will We Know When We’ve Made It?

Foul Weather Gear – So How Much Does Safety Cost?

 
 
 
 
 

Part 2 (of 2) of Foul Weather Gear     


So how much does it cost?

I’m assuming that the deepest markets have the most competitive prices and start from there. So, this short survey samples prices on both sides of the pond, the UK and the US.

Since I’m suiting and booting the Can Opener up with ocean-going assumptions, this is where I’m looking the hardest. But I’ll take a fly by the whole spectrum for good form.

The prices quoted below are for the lowest price I could find at the brand site or at the website of major chandleries. Of course prices change all the time and brilliant seasonal sales timing and scouring of outlet malls can totally change the price value landscape here.

Since sales tax varies by state, sales taxes/VAT not included.

This is just a baseline price trawl for rough budget estimating purposes.

Here we go…

Some Ballpark Price Checks in the USA

Ocean Sailing

Helly Hansen (at redskyatnight.com and shop.hellyhansen.com/US)

• Ocean Racing Jacket $700 (£443)
• Ocean Racing Bib Pants $400 (£253)
• Skagen Offshore Jacket $280 (£177), 20% Off, (Regularly: $350.00)
• Offshore Bib Pants $200 (£127), 20% Off, (Regularly: $250.00)

Musto (at pineapplesails.com)

• HPX GORE-TEX® Ocean Jacket $899 (£569)
• HPX GORE-TEX Trousers $599 (£379)
• MPX GORE-TEX Offshore Jacket $599 (£379)
• MPX GORE-TEX Trousers $399 (£253)

Henry Lloyd (at redskyatnight.com and brand site)

• Ocean Explorer Suit $598 (£378)
• Ocean Explorer Hi-Fit Trouser $475 (£301)
• Shockwave Offshore Jacket $425 (£269)
• Shockwave Hi Fit Trousers $395 (£250)

Gill (at brand site)

• Ocean Racer Jacket $649 (£411)
• Ocean Racer Trouser $449 (£284)
• OS1 Jacket $489 (£310)
• OS1 Trouser $359 (£227)

Slam (at brand site)

• Ocean Waves Foul Weather Jacket $399 (£253) (Regularly: $599.95)
• Ocean Waves SB Trouser $350 (£222) (Regularly: $499.00)
• Force 3 Foul Weather Jacket $280 (£177)
• SLAM Force 3 Long Johns (Trouser) $240 (£152)

Commercial Fisher Gear

Grundens (at go2marine)

• Petrus HD 44 Hooded Jacket, Neoprene Cuff $96.29 (£61)
• Petrus 82 Hooded Jacket $77.04 (£49)
• Clipper 116 Bib Pants, Rain Gear, Waterproof Trousers $70.00 (£44)

Guy Cotton (at tackledirect)

• X-Trapper Jacket $124.99 (£79)
• X-Trapper Bib Trousers $145.99 (£92)
• CBD Bib Trouser With Fly $115.99 (£73)

North 66 (at brand site)

In the US, they seem to focus on skiing and climbing clothes. Do they carry sea-going wear in the US? Their brand site does not include it.

Some Ballpark Price Checks in the UK

Ocean Sailing

Helly Hansen (at sailingclothingstore.co.uk)

• Ocean Racing Jacket £400 ($631)
• Ocean Racing Bib Trouser £280 ($442)
• Skagen Offshore Jacket £240 ($379) 20% Off, (Regularly: £300.00)
• Offshore Bib Trouser £160 ($253)  20% Off, (Regularly: £200.00)

Musto (at sailingclothingstore.co.uk)

• HPX GORE-TEX® Ocean Jacket £449.96 ($709)
• HPX GORE-TEX Trousers £324.96 ($513)
• MPX GORE-TEX Offshore Jacket £316.62 ($500)
• MPX GORE-TEX Trousers £166.63 ($263)

Henry Lloyd (at sailingclothingstore.co.uk)

• Ocean Explorer Suit £483.25 ($763)
• Ocean Explorer Hi-Fit Trouser £324.96 ($513)
• Shockwave Offshore Jacket £224.96 ($355)
• Shockwave Hi Fit Trousers £195.79 ($309)

Gill (at brand site)

• Ocean Racer Jacket £354.96 ($560)
• Ocean Racer Trouser £245.79 ($388)
• OS1 Jacket £283.29 ($447)
• OS1 Trouser £199.96 ($316)

Slam (at brand site)

They have a UK website, but seem to be still recruiting shops to carry their stock. Something to watch for the future.

Commercial Fisher Gear

Grundens

I had a hard time finding a distributor in the UK for this while looking online. Scanning some commercial fishermen’s forums online, it seems I am not alone on this.

Guy Cotton (at Advanced Netting UK):

• X Trapper Jacket £54.16 ($86)
• X-Trapper Bib & Brace Trousers £57.86 ($91)
• Heavy Duty Bib & Brace Trousers £55.31 ($87)

North 66 (at brand site)

• Baldur Dual Coloured Seaman’s Jacket 115 € (£100 / $1))
• Baldur Dual Coloured Bib and Brace 115 € (£100 / $159)
• Odin Seaman’s Jacket with hood 68 € (£59 / $94)
• Odin Seaman’s Bib and Brace Narrow legs 62 € (£54 / $86)

Observed

• Ocean gear in this sample is priced at 125% ~ 200+% higher than the offshore gear on both sides of the pond.
• Commercial fisher foul weather gear is a fraction of the cost of ‘sailing’ gear as expected.

UK/USA price comparison

• UK gear is cheaper almost every time in this sample. I guess this makes sense – Musto, Henry Lloyd and Gil are UK companies (Helly Hansen is from Norway), so US stores would bear the costs of export taxes, shipping etc.
• There weren’t too many sales in the online stores, so any advantage in buying in the UK could potentially be wiped out by a really good sale or visit to a US outlet mall – if you can find them/get there.
• There are sales in the UK too and of course, there’s always Bicester Village.

Doesn’t the US have good sailing gear companies too?

• Yes. But Gul focuses on the dinghy racing market.
• Harken is almost exclusively a hardware manufacturer.
• Slam is worth taking a look at. Their ocean gear is about 40% less than Gill and 55% less than Musto. Does this represent good value or lighter weight/cheaper gear construction? Haven’t seen their products in person, but I’m gonna make a point of seeking them out soon.

Where did you buy your foulies? Would you buy them there again? Any recommendations for good price/value brands?

   

–Captain Cat

(transcribed by the Can Opener)


Safety Gear

Next: Life Jackets – Safety Gear Upgrades

Previously: Foul Weather Gear is Safety Gear

How Will We Know When We’ve Made it?

 

Can Opener: How’ll you know when you’ve really made it? I mean really know. In life. Ya know?

Our get cruising plan is slated for 3 years till blast off. Sounds way too far away… but on the other hand that’s 1000+ short days till we cast off the ropes and really head out. That’ll be good, then I’ll know we’ve made it. Then I’ll know we’re there.

Or…hmm. Not nearly enough time. I should make another list. Just to be double sure…

Captain Cat: I’ll know I’ve made it when I finally get you to take me for that walk you’ve been promising all day.

Can Opener: Hey, last week you were on about how life would have meaning once you’d lured Pussy Galore into your lair–we are not going out while you’ve got that tea towel clipped around your neck!

Captain Cat: No. Last week I said I’d know I’d made it when I had a Facebook page created for me with 500 supporters devoted to my buttocks. Pussy Galore was the week before.

You need to broaden your criteria. If you have only one measure of success, you are bound for disappointment.

Get yourself a list of 10 or so ways you’ll know you have made it. 20 is better. 


Success is an endless curve with blips along it. Celebrate small goals achieved and successes on the way. It’s just good goal-setting. Keeps everyone as happy as I am when I sit down to my kippered herring and caviar breakfast.

And this, by the way… is a cape.

Can Opener: Perhaps monsieur would like a walking stick to go with?

Captain Cat: We prefer the term ‘sceptre’.

Can Opener: Right. After you, yer royal–

Captain Cat: Yes. Exactly.

Passing Backpacker in street with ‘California Inmate ’72 ’ on t-shirt: 

Dude! Why’s your cat wearing a tea towel?

How will you know when you get there?

 

–transcribed by the Can Opener

Next up: 
Captain Cat’s Big List of How We’ll Know When We’ve Made It

Foul Weather Gear is Safety Gear

 
 
 

Part 1 (of 2) of Foul Weather Gear


Some things you just can’t cut corners on. Safety gear is one of them. You can never be too prepared. So time to upgrade my First Mate’s safety equipment…

Foul weather gear is safety gear

I want the Can Opener to have the best foul weather gear to protect him – gear that will keep him warm, dry, moving freely and highly visible.

Staying warm and dry in driving rain/storm/gale conditions means he can continue to act and make decisions in peak form – which is the form I need him to have when the going gets tough. Actually, top form is how I like to keep him all the time. (If you want to keep me so warm and dry, mon Capitaine, how come I’m the one who has to run out in the rain to bring in your cape and sceptre that you forgot out on the marina lawn?)

Colour for safety

And in the unlikely (we fervently hope) event that the Can Opener is ‘crew overboard’ one day, I want him as warm, mobile, and as visible as possible. I want to give potential rescuers the best chance to find him ASAP, and who can argue with that? Here’s a highly motivating look at survival rates in various temperatures of water. Time is of the essence.

So what’s a good colour?

Obviously not-so-great choices would be white (blends in with wave whitecaps) and black, green, blue (too dark against the waves).

I have read that yellow might be a shark attractor. If there is the remotest chance of this being true, we are staying faaaaaar away from yellow. Nothing against sharks of course. I’m sure they’re very nice, er, individuals. Just don’t want to test the theory.

Which leaves us with red and orange as the only remaining easy-to-spot colours.

Red for the jacket (with loads of reflective tape) for visibility. Navy/black for the pants (hides dirt).

How much does it cost?

Good offshore foul weather gear does not come cheap, it can cost a bike.

Best to figure out realistically what your usage needs are – what kind of sailing will you be doing? Offshore? Costal cruising? Daysailing?

If you’re looking at daysailing only, then good news (pocket-wise) – you might decide you can get away with a lighter option. Check out places where commercial fishermen shop, like Bass Pro in the US or Advanced Netting in the UK to avoid the yachtie ‘premium’. Grundens, for example, seems to be a kind of PVC covered cotton foul weather gear that gets good reviews in the US. In the UK, consider Guy Cotton or North 66.

If you’re aiming for coastal cruising or ocean coastal, best to prepare with foul weather safety gear for the worst possible conditions you might meet – and that means ocean gear. Cuz you never know, the ocean might come to you when you least expect it.

Since the Can Opener and I’ll be doing ocean crossings, we’re gonna stick with the tried and true ocean gear. Which means checking out the usual suspects, brands like Musto, Henry Lloyd, Helly Hansen, West Marine and Gill.

Price Shopping

I’ll be price shopping on both sides of the pond – and will work out how to actually pick up the stuff later. (How did anyone survive before the internet?? Or before good friends flew back and forth regularly with extra packing space in their bags?)

Next post on foul weather gear: price comparisons – by purpose and by region.

What kind of foulies do you have? How are they holding up? Would you buy them again?

–Captain Cat

(transcribed by the Can Opener)

Next: Foul Weather Gear – So How Much Does Safety Cost?

A Gran Canaria Moment – Destinations To Dream About

Relaxation can only do a body good. A tin of Spanish sardines calling me from the cupboard depths heralded as good a moment as any to put the paws back up and keep on dreaming… picturing the future in the Canary Islands… 

–Captain Cat

(transcribed by the Can Opener)

Destination Dreamin’

Next up: The Azores – Destination Dreamin’

Previously: A Mediterranean Moment