Please select your home edition
Edition
Leaderboard brokerage

Amateur yachtsman announces world record attempt for smallest sailing vessel to cross the Atlantic

by Andrew Bedwell 12 May 2022 13:28 UTC
The tiny 'Big C' vessel Andrew Bedwell will attempt his Atlantic crossing on © Andrew Bedwell

Amateur sailing enthusiast Andrew Bedwell is putting the final touches to his tiny 'Big C' vessel, which he aims to sail across the Atlantic and bring a World record back to Britain!

Setting off in May 2023 from St Johns, Newfoundland the perilous 1,900 mile journey should conclude at Lizard Point, Cornwall some two months later and take the title of "the smallest sailing vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean'!

Bedwell, 48, of Scarisbrick, Lancashire has previously taken a 6.5mtr mini transat racing yacht solo up into the arctic and around Iceland, setting off from Whitehaven, solo round Britain etc to list a couple but understandably this as his greatest challenge yet, with the journey expected to take approximately 60 days in the extremely compact boat.

The Big C attempt will be raising money for Cancer Research in tribute to the vessel original designer and previous world record holder, Tom McNally, who died from cancer in 2017.

The existing record dates back to 1993, set by American sailor Hugo Vihlen in a 162cm (5ft 4") craft The challenge is not being undertaken lightly with a huge amount of research put into the winds and tides with a full support crew lined up to help track and guide his progress.

Bedwell has been busy modifying the vessel which has been specifically designed for the purpose with 12 separate watertight compartments, is exceptionally stable and has an 'A' frame mast, dual furling headsails, outriggers and twin rudders. It has a completely watertight main compartment with open and closeable vents and a full dome that his head will be in almost all the time for navigation and watch keeping, with a full harness for rough conditions.

The main compartment has AIS, VHF and chartplotter inside along with solar panels at the rear, an internal hand cranked generator and a watermaker combined with an in-keel water storage compartment, along with all the other sea safety equipment. Food is being specifically prepared for the passage due to the extremely limited space and weight requirements and will be 'functional'.

"This is a long held dream of mine but I'm under no illusions it's going to be easy" explained Bedwell, "the lack of space, toilet and proper eating options will be the hardest for me, throw in a few Atlantic storms and it could get interesting!"

Bedwell has some passionate supporters but is looking for more assistance for his attempt. You can even become the title sponsor. You can find out more on Facebook 'Big C Atlantic Challenge' or online www.bigc-challenge.co.uk (under construction) or speak to Bedwell directly at

Related Articles

Simena is born
Ares Yachts launches its first superyacht ARES Yachts has reached a major milestone. The Antalya-based shipyard has made a bold entry into the world of superyachts with the launch of SIMENA, its first vessel in the 60+ metre range Posted today at 8:14 am
The value of insurance.
Fire and boats are never a good mix. It used to blamed on gas, now it is electricity... Fire and boats are never a good mix. In the old days much of it ended up being blamed on gas, whereas today, electricity is often the route cause. Posted on 3 Jul
Jazz Turner Faces Everything and Rises
Non-stop, solo, unassisted British Isles navigation has captivated sailors & non-sailors alike Jazz Turner's Project FEAR, her non-stop, solo, unassisted navigation of the British Isles in her Albin Vega 27ft yacht has captivated sailors and non-sailors alike. Posted on 2 Jul
60m Perini Navi Sailing Yacht Katana delivered
An important milestone in the relaunch of the Perini Navi brand The Italian Sea Group is proud to announce the delivery of S/Y Katana, a 60-metre sailing ketch. This marks an important milestone in the relaunch of the Perini Navi brand, now fully integrated within the Group. Posted on 2 Jul
Packing for a Summer Sailing Weekend
Just because it's summer doesn't mean you're going to stay warm and dry all the time Just because it's summer doesn't mean you're going to stay warm and dry all the time, particularly when you're out on the water. The day may start windless, with a little dew on the ground, but a sea breeze can pick up in the afternoon. Posted on 1 Jul
Jazz Turner completes Project FEAR
Drama right to the end in her non-stop, solo, unassisted navigation of the British Isles Jazz Turner has completed Project FEAR, her non-stop, solo, unassisted navigation of the British Isles in her Albin 27 yacht. A flotilla of supporters met her in Seaford Bay, which grew and grew the closer they came to Brighton Marina. Posted on 1 Jul
New Zero Weight 2-in-1 Shorts from Henri-Lloyd
When the weather's hot, there's nothing better to keep you cool on or off the water When the weather's hot, there's nothing better than Henri-Lloyd's Zero Weight 2-in-1 shorts to keep you cool on or off the water. Posted on 30 Jun
Barton Marine Partners with Amarcord Marine
To Distribute Product Range in Hungary Barton Marine continues to expand its distribution network through the appointment of Amarcord Marine Ltd in Hungary. Amarcord Marine is the sister company of Galco Yachting Ropes, a well-established family-owned manufacturer. Posted on 30 Jun
Preparing my boat for crossing the Atlantic
Nico takes you aboard Sine Finis, revealing essential steps in preparation for an ocean crossing Sailboats navigate through harsh environments, saltwater, waves, wind, and high forces, sometimes violent. Whether sailing for an hour or preparing for an ocean crossing, ensuring my boat is ready and well-equipped is always a priority. Posted on 30 Jun
Grand Soleil 65 Performance
A new chapter in the Plus line Following the success of the Long Cruise version, Cantiere del Pardo unveils the new Grand Soleil 65 Performance: the sportier evolution of a model already celebrated for its elegance, build quality, and onboard comfort. Posted on 29 Jun
Marine Products Direct 2023 - Calypso FOOTERNorth Sails Loft 57 PodcastNoble Marine 2022 SW - FOOTER