Originally Posted by
AZ Sailor
She is a 1985, sloop rigged Valiant 32. Purchased in March of 2015, specifically in hopes of solo ocean crossings.
As to your other comments, I appreciate the suggestion that time on fully crewed race boats would also be valuable. I will remain flexible, and just try to race as much as possible. As far as getting out on the ocean alone, and in tough conditions when possible, that is what I've been doing for more than 10 years. Bought my first keel boat in 2005, and in both that one and this one, the majority of my cruising has been single handed, off shore. November's cruise included an overnight sail (mostly under A-sym) from Avalon to SD. October's was 200 nm non-stop sail out to Cortes Bank, around the Bishop Rock buoy and back. Gimballed propane stove to cook on; Watch Commander to help me keep 21 minute sleep cycles through the wee hours of the night. SSB, Monitor wind vane, solar panels, radar, AIS, etc., all installed and working.
I think I've got a pretty good experience/knowledge base on those things. If was cruising to Hawaii, I think the only things left would be the 400 nm qualifier, and getting the life raft re-certified. But I would not enter the SHTP in order to cruise to Hawaii. So, 2017 is to be my year of racing, and then we'll see.