how far would you take a eygthene 24

[vital spark]

Hi all
As i said in early post i now have my 1st yacht from 2010 I will learn sailing on loch lomond then at end of year going out to sea with the plan to head to france/portugal maybe more the following year ie the med would anyone take there yacht this far or more
I will be taking my time so there will be lots of stops if needed so would staying close to the coast better or a straight run to portugal if poss a better plan
thanks
alex

ps during the summer 2010 march to oct I will have at least 8 day a month to learn to sail then i will know if i feel able to try the big blue one 1st

[JBaldo]

Dear Alex,

I think you and I must be the only folk reading this forum at the moment!

The boat when properly equipped will be fine for the extended cruise to France and Portugal but you will need to gain plenty of experience of sailing in the sea as well as learning to sail on Loch Lomond before such a voyage.

At least, take the RYA Day Skipper theory course at a night school near you. Really you ought to follow the year in Loch Lomond with another year's experience sailing your boat from a tidal location plus the RYA Yachtmaster theory course before setting off for France. You'll also need a Short-range certificate and a DSC VHF radio.

Will you have a crew to help you?

The main problem with the Eygthene 24 for extended cruising is the need to bow your head when working below, it gives you backache after a few days. The other problem is finding storage space for all the equipment and stores that you will need to take with you.

John

[vital spark]

Hi all
Thanks john i am looking into the course's and the radio one as well
so wil keep you up to date with it all
thanks
alex