You think it would be possible? I have a friend who is not so sailing experienced, but has deep pockets and wants me to train him to sail to bermuda (and other far-off places as well I'm sure). I started showing him some mono's that were in his price range, and he asked if it would be possible to sail there on my boat "or one like it". I told him that I was crazy enough to try, but I'd rather have the big brother version. I showed him the r33 website and I think he's more interested in doing it on that than a cruising mono. Now I know it can be done a 35' cruising cat, but what would you people think of doing it in a go-fast overgrown beachcat that's relatively unproven in long sustained voyages?
You can do anything with a cat. It is a matter of proper planning and money.
People have crossed from the Horn to Antartida on a beefed-up Hobie 21SC. But they started preparations a year before, built it in foam sandwich (unsinkable), had a support vessel, land crew, cameramen, 3 personal epirbs (one for the boat and one for each crew), 2 satphones, VHF, waited for the right weather window, etc.
Bermuda is not nearly as difficult, so maybe you don't need the cameramen 🙂
If your friend likes the R33, have him call the factory and ask for a beefed-up version with smaller sailplan, chicken float and self-righting system. If they make it, then go on planning.
Good luck,
I think that would be a outrageous idea !! They race to Ensenada in the spring so it shouldn't be difficult to do it to Bermuda. I think you need to pick your weather so the water is warm, your probably looking at a two day crossing (750 miles)pending on your departure port.
I have demo'ed the R33 and it looks like a winner, and Randy could probably make some changes (i.e. wider beam, shorter mast, cover some mesh, and I doubt you would need any extra reinforcement, but they probably could do that too!).You could sleep on deck on the comfortable **** pads or go below (I recommend the pads as it is quicker in case you need to help out) and might almost recommend a crew of three as the boat is a little on the large size. I 'm jealous.
Good Luck and Fair breezes,
Paul Nardone, Jr.
I don't think I'd want to single hand the r33 across an ocean.
You should consult with your Sailing Anarchy buddies. Several of them probably have made that trip.
yeah, but then I have to put up with the multi-bashers that have nothing better to do than sit around and make smartassed comments about my choice of vessel.
Tad,
Here's a good idea. Have your deep pockets friend buy a new I-20 or F-18 depending on what size he is. You are light and tall and can go for either boat. Then have him call Steve Lohmayer and/or Jaime Livingston and arrange for some long distance racing seminars (at Tybee would be cool ...you can set up at my house) and then sign-up and train for the Tybee 500 next year and see how it goes...if it is great fun then go to your R33 Bermuda plan, but I'd bring along a Rock Star to help out...Carl Roberts and Rick Bliss both have BIG Cat experience and might be up for the adventure given proper incentive. Maybe you guys could sponsor Rick and Brandy's "Team Oz" in the Tybee next year to sweeten the deal! (Rick...I'll just take a 10% commission for Rob and me on good ol Soul Surfer) 
You can "maintain" the I-20 for your friend and get it wet every weekend to help him out and he can also buy my I-17R for you to help you train when he's not available and you need to go solo 🙂 That H-17 of yours does not have the chute you'll need to train with.
Go large Tad!!! Have Fun! Stay wet!
Jim Stone
Tybee - Soul Surfer
hey Jim...any of you guys going to make it to St Thomas for Rolex next year......would be great to have you guys back...
Jim:
I'm looking into the T500 for maybe the year after this coming... Deep pockets friend might be up for an I20, but he'd insist on driving (he's kind of anal like that)
And tall and skinny? He's a few inches shorter than I, but is skinnier than I am. I'm serious, the guy is like 6'2" and like 150 dripping wet.
We'd have to carry balast to make min crew weight.
How about a MacGregor 36? They go for $20k ready-to-race it seems, and they're a durable, proven design.
Hans Geissler and Eddie Calamari sailed a G-Cat 5.0M from Dunedin Causeway to Cancun back in '77 (took almost 78 hours). People have sailed H-18s across the Atlantic from Africa to the Carribean. The Worrell 1000 used to be sailed non-stop on H16s. Success is 90% the sailor, and 10% the boat.
Just starting to make plans for next year... Rob and I are looking at what we might take on. Looking forward to another great time in St. Thomas. What a great time and great people!
hey Jim...there are enough boats here that you might be able to use one and not have to ship yours