Call this one Project XXX: What kind of trawler yacht would one need to survive in the Southern Ocean? The question comes to mind as I read of the beating young Ellen MacArthur is taking as she runs ahead of record pace in a quest for the quickest solo circumnavigation under sail. http://www.teamellen.com/ellen.asp?artid=100 Excerpt from Commanders Weather: "Potential for some gusts to 50+ knots [60+mph/90+km/h] especially near any squalls. Vertical profiles show winds at a little over 2000 feet in the 50-55 kt range through to 0600gmt Wednesday. Seas 15-25 feet (5 - 8 metres) with some peak waves over 30 feet (10metre+) possible coming down from the north." What kind of trawler yacht could cope in such conditions? What are the design and engineering features it would need? --Georgs -- Georgs Kolesnikovs Your host at Trawlers & Trawlering, formerly Trawler World, since 1997

On Tue, 28 Dec 2004, Georgs Kolesnikovs wrote: > Excerpt from Commanders Weather: "Potential for some gusts to 50+ knots > [60+mph/90+km/h] especially near any squalls. Vertical profiles show winds at > a little over 2000 feet in the 50-55 kt range through to 0600gmt Wednesday. > Seas 15-25 feet (5 - 8 metres) with some peak waves over 30 feet (10metre+) > possible coming down from the north." > > What kind of trawler yacht could cope in such conditions? What are the design > and engineering features it would need? Just my opinion here, but I think I'd be much more concerned about the features required of the crew. Maybe I've just been mollycoddled by good weather etc., but I've always felt that I and my crew are going to be the weakest link. The boat can take a lot more than I can take! I think I'll just stay in the waremer parts of the oceans... :)