Bluewater dreams
Distant shores and balmy waters are the stuff of bluewater dreams. Many of us have idly thought about escaping the rat race to explore. Perhaps fewer have actually managed to do it. But from our three case studies, one thing is clear: preparation is absolutely key.
All three of those we interviewed had spent at least two years readying the boat. In the case of Hugh Mullens’ Oyster 565, the options were chosen with the yard and built in from the outset.
At the other end of the scale, Elisa and Guillaume Guerrhit did much of the work on their Dufour 425 themselves in the years before setting off.
Top of everyone’s list, after sails, seems to be onboard power – or tackling a shortfall thereof. There are three classic avenues open here, and many blend elements of each: add renewable generation capacity, trim on board power consumption and invest in better fossil fuel capacity.
Wind power
D400
British-built machine with a top output of more than 600W, but good low-wind performance too. £1,852.10 plus £366 for the charge regulator. eclectic-energy.co.uk
LE-300
Also built in the UK, this is a good value three-blader topping out at 300W. Costs £789.93 plus £207.95 for a Tristar charge controller leadingedgepower.com
Rutland 1200
Marlec’s three-blader produces 40W at 10 knots of wind speed and tops out at 483W in a strong breeze. Price of £1,372.96 includes controller. marlec.co.uk
Superwind 350
Super robust, proven unit with low wind start-up and 350W peak output. Expensive at £2,473.37 + £524.86 for the charge controller.mactramarine.co.uk
Silentwind Pro
Very capable, producing up to 420W,
