14/10/2026
It works, but is it ocean ready?
This is the question you need to ask yourself when preparing your yacht for a Bluewater adventure.
Our team worked with Constance, a 441, preparing for a 3-year circumnavigation which starts this November in the ARC+.
Consider these 3 top tips:
1️⃣ Look beyond the obvious. For Constance we discovered a slightly bent prop shaft. Not an urgent fix for coastal sailing - but the additional vibration over 35,000nm would have created a lot of extra wear and tear across many aspects of the boat.
2️⃣ Design systems for life offshore. For example, a hydrogenerator and solar panels are excellent for generating power without running the engine, and a windvane is an autopilot that doesn't require electrical power, and provides a back-up steering option.
3️⃣ Prevent problems before they happen. Plan ahead, replace worn items and consider UV protection and chafe resistant halyards. Also plan for things not going to plan - for Constance we upgraded to high volume bilge pumps.
This isn't a rule book or a to-do list you should follow, but shows the attention to detail and coordinated preparation that you should be considering now if you are planning a transatlantic crossing next year.
Read the full case study here 👉 https://www.whitedotsailing.com/case-studies/bluewater-prep-the-winter-yard-period
