Guest Blog from Seamus: Birthday boy!

First things first…a big thank you to Diorbhail, Gill and Andrew for marking my 69th birthday on Sun.  They even managed to bake a cake and find some candles. Gill set a new benchmark when she drafted a few relevant cryptic crossword clues for the card. Thank you guys. 

This transatlantic run is my first proper offshore trip on a catamaran. My previous experience was limited to two short trips in the Whitsundays (Q’land) and Pittwater (NSW). On both of those occasions we had 2 family groups of adults and children on board and in both cases I was the only experienced sailor on the boat. Neither of these short trips was a significant test of multi-hull sailing as both were light wind and flat water conditions. 

I didn't really know what to expect when I joined MackenSea in Saint Martin but was delighted to at last have the opportunity to do an ocean crossing in what was clearly a very comfortable and well equipped catamaran. In particular I wondered if a two hulled craft would be inclined to yaw a lot in cross seas and if the hulls might be inclined to plough into waves unevenly, either of which might lead to an uncomfortable ride. 

MackenSea has cured me of any concerns that I might have had before this trip.  She behaved so well in extended periods of 25kt+ wind and 3m waves that we were perfectly insulated from the adverse conditions in our protected cocoon while Otto diligently kept us on course trucking along at up to 19kts boat speed. 

If your type of sailing involves regular round the cans club racing with your mates, or popping down to your sailing club for a leisurely spin after work with family, where you jump on board at your marina berth and are sailing in minutes, then a large cruising catamaran is probably not the boat for you. 

However if your plan is to live on board for extended periods,  do extensive cruising and ocean passages,  happily sling your hook wherever you feel like staying for a while,  and still have the comfort of all the facilities of a small apartment afloat,  then MackenSea is ideal.  

Having previously owned a Bavaria 42 Andrew knew what he was doing when he decided to opt for a few years of the sea gypsy lifestyle. His choice of boat, and the fit-out, are evidence of a well thought out plan.  I expect that he and Cheryl will have lots of opportunities to enjoy life on MackenSea over the next few years, as will those of us that are lucky enough to share some time aboard.