Correction on yesterdays blog - it was day 14 and not 13.

This morning we had been out here for two weeks and are probably ready for a run ashore - more so because we think we can smell the land even though it is still about 230nm away! When you start a trip like this you always condition yourself for the approximate time it will take but when you get close to the finish the last few hundred miles seem to take a long time. We have a good forecast and expect to be in by early Tuesday.

The wind overnight was quite fresh and that continued most of today with gusts up to 30kts at times, thereforre we have been making good progress. Our Noon to Noon run was 178nm, a little on the low side but this was due to having put in a few gybes in the past 24hrs. All is well onboard and the boat is in great shape with very very few items on the "To Do" list.

What is a "Blue Water Cruiser" - This is a term that has been introduced into the yacht industry over a period of many years and is aimed at describing the type of boat that one may like to own if you were to go off cruising in warmer climates including the need to be self sufficient and to be able to make Ocean passages.

So what sort of boat do you need for this - My mind always focused on boats that were heavy, safe, and probably not the quickest sailing boat when thinking of a BWC. However this trip has caused me to think this through again. A BWC does not need to be heavy; it must be safe and be capable of sailing in all conditions or at least surviving in them. A lighter boat is generally a faster boat, faster is more fun and also can be safer. Your passages times are shorter, you don't need to carry as many supplies or fuel. On Magic Friday we have a 325lt water tank and 140lt fuel. You might say that is quite small for this sort of trip. We have not motored at all yet and only use the engine for charging the batteries and making water. So far we have used approx 60lt fuel which has kept the batteries fully charged and made water every other day. We have 140lt of fuel in reserve which is swallowed up in the large cockpit locker. Based on this usage you could be self sufficient for about 8 weeks if required. So is there really a need to have huge fuel and water tanks on a modern yacht which is designed well from the beginning?

The Moody 41AC fits perfectly into the term "Blue Water Cruiser". Phil bought this boat with his wife to cross oceans, live aboard and cruise extensively over the coming years. This trip has convinced him that he has unquestionably bought the right boat. It performs well, is very safe and sea kindly, it is very easy to handle and sail by yourself, has vast amounts of stowage, is very comfortable and yet is simple and uncomplicated. The deck and cockpit layout work very well and are ideal for both warm and colder climates with either a Bimini or cockpit tent.

But whatever your circumstances - you can make any boat into your BWC - It just needs a bit of thought and imagination and the desire to go cruising............