On 17 Oct 2006 17:43:05 -0700, "Dan" wrote:


This year will be my first Trans Atlantic crossing from the Canary
Islands to the Caribbean. The boat is 38ft.
I have no wet weather gear at all. The boat skipper has a spare jacket
for me, but I am not sure whether I need to buy a full set of foul
weather gear (trousers, boots, wooly hat etc) for this trip alone - I
may not do any other sailing this year.

Any thoughts? Would I be insane to go across the Atlantic in November,
bearing in mind it's in the tropics the whole way, without a full set
of gear? What is essential and what might be recommended but optional?

Any other tips very welcomed.

Many thanks in advance.
Dan

Insane - yes.

Get the best gear you can afford - even in the tropics you'd be
surprised at how cold and wet you get (like at night. when you're
tired and realy feel it).

Get "breathable" wet weather gear, but only wear synthetics, not wool
or other naturals, under it otherwise the wicking effect of getting
sweat from you out won't work and you'll end up wet and cold.

Think layers under the gear. It's a lot better to have lots of thin
layers than one thick layer.

And enjoy the trip.

Peter

Ocean Odyssey
Australia
www.oceanodyssey.net

"Do not measure your life by the number of breaths you take,
Rather by the number of times life just takes your breath away"