AboutKeith Graham Expertise I have been sailing for 40 years in boats ranging from the 8` El Toro, the singlehanded Olympic Class Finn, to Snipes, Thistles (which I currently own) Thunderbirds, Excaliburs, Mermaids, Cal-40s, 6- and 12-Meter yachts. I have skippered, crewed, designed and built sailboats. So, if it`s a question about sailing, I`m your expert!
Expert: Keith Graham Date: 5/3/2008 Subject: I hope i can?
Question I was wondering if you think i could sail the Trans Atlantic by my self. I know a lot about sailing. i also have experience. Any thoughts or tips would be helpful.
Thank you. And by the way I am only 15 years old.
Answer Matt,
The answer is "of course!" If...you are prepared. I would suggest you crew on a serious boat a few times to get experience about what mother nature can throw at you. Buy yourself every book you can find about sailing alone, or shorthanded.
Sail ever increasingly long stints until you feel you are ready. I'm guessing a minimum of 5 years.
With the right boat (Important) and the right skill set, anything is possible.
I liken it to mountain climbing. I would suggest you climb every mountain you can find, in ever increasing heights and grades of difficulty. When you have accomplished all these climbs, read and prepared, then, and only then, do you attempt Everest. Experienced climbers fail (and die) every year, whether they felt they were prepared or not.
