What is the smallest possible length a sailboat can be, and still be capable of ocean crossings?

Question

What is the minimum length for a sailboat capable of crossing oceans with at least two people?

Answer 1

generaly 30 foot but i saw somthing about an around the world race for ten footers which seems a bit extreme

Answer 2

Depending on how big the people are something as small as 8ft could do it but would you want to? Not likely.

I think the answer you are looking for is 30 foot but it is not that easy. Smaller boats have done it, some oceans are easier to cross than others, the Atlantic in the summer is much easier than the Southern in the winter.

The boat needs to be a "Bluewater" design. Traditionally this means a heavy full keel boat but recent designs can do better. Larger is better but harder to handle. Crew experience is very important, an inexperienced crew will likely fail (die or need rescue) regardless of the vessel used.  

There is a wide varity of opinion but most of the boats out there are still heavy, long keeled boats about 32' to 40'. The larger boats can better handle the heavy weather and waves and are less likely to capsize if hit by a rogue wave. The trend is towards larger boats 40' to 50' and with the many advances made in handling sails couples are sailing boats over 60'.

Keep in mind that someone should be on watch at all times so even couples will often add crew members for ocean passages.

If researching this search bluewater boats or read the many books on the topic. Boats include Baba, Tayana, Hans Christian, Hallberg-Rassy, Island Packet and too many others to list.