Boston to the uk?

Question

how long would you say it would take to sail from boston to the uk in your own small boat?

Answer 1

It depends on which route you take and how big your  sailboat is... My son and I have done it 4 times.  3 of them in a 40 foot sailboat from Boston to England, our last trip (northern route) in 32 days.  Time before that (southern route) Bermuda, Azores, Spain, 57 days.  

There are basically two options:

The Great Circle Route with possible stops in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, Greenland, Iceland. This is by far the shortest, but is likely to be very foggy at times. It of course exposes you to ice bergs; but "the Spot" is roughly 1,290 miles from Newfoundland. "The Spot" marks the halfway point by definition, the farthest you'll stray from land on your voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.

A much longer route is southern via Bermuda and the Azores. However, it will be warmer with and much nicer (more comfortable) sailing.

Seven knots is good for a forty footer. 4 knots for a 30 footer...

If you are experienced, and have an experienced partner... there is really nothing to fear... timing is critical either way... to avoid storms and ice the northern route, and hurricanes the southern route... but other than that... check out "small vessel world record Atlantic crossings" and you will see the boats keep getting smaller, times faster... and more people actually doing it... People (especially experience sailors) that fear it or never try it... just read too much fiction... the truth about crossing the Atlantic or Pacific, or going around "the horn" is that most... as with cars on the highway... do it safely and successfully and without incident... and in fact, enjoy it so much they do it again, and again...

Happy & Safe boating!

Answer 2

I am a chicken when it comes to sailing in the ocean, and it would take me forever to get ready to make this trip. The route taken is not one that sees smooth seas and little traffic. It features large ships,medium-sized ships, small ships, large waves, fog, stiff winds, and other dangers. You have to keep watch 24 hours a day, or face getting run over. The Titanic did not make it, and you want to go in a small boat?

Regards,

Dan