Circumnavigation & Ocean Passagemaking - (Astra's Voyage Around the Southern Oceans)

Published: May 2023

Meticulous. That is the word that is most often used to describe the years of preparation for this unique circumnavigation on a 24m motorboat.

ASTRA was not any ordinary motorboat, yet she still required substantial work to prepare her for the trip while considering every aspect of redundancy that might be needed to take on the Southern Oceans. Every risk was considered from every aspect and each potential eventuality was considered and properly planned for. While the voyage had its challenges, generally most were anticipated. However, those that needed quick thinking or a bit of creative thinking probably created some of the best learning experiences.

Anyone serious about crossing an ocean or long-distance passage-making, or interested in the adventures that are possible on a well-equipped motor or explorer boat, will appreciate this fully documented journey from initial idea to completion.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Preface
Introduction
Voyage Statistics

Part One – Finding, Refitting and Preparing the Boat for a Circumnavigation
1 Why a Circumnavigation
2 The Prototype Boat
3 The Spec for an Ocean Capable 24 m Motorboat
4 Finding the Right Boat
5 The Refit Spec
6 Managing the Repair Periods
7 Navigational Bridge
8 Machinery
9 North Atlantic Sea Trials
10 Fuel Storage, Monitoring and Endurance
11 Managing Stores and Provisions
12 Spare Parts Carried
13 Seaworthiness and Ship Stability
14 Risk Assessment and Insurance
15 Redundancy of Key Systems and Backup
16 Shore-Based Support Network
17 Crew (Selection, Rota and Routine)
18 Final Preparations for Departure
19 Farewell Party and Departure Day
20 Initial Route Selection
21 Port Papers
22 Tips and Practices
23 What Did We Really Get Right?
24 Hindsight

Part Two – The Circumnavigation
RTW 001 Lanzarote to Saint Helena
RTW 002 Saint Helena to Montevideo
RTW 003 Montevideo to Ushuaia
RTW 004 Ushuaia to Valparaiso
RTW 005 Valparaiso to Tahiti