Tom McNally prepares for trans Atlantic in world’s smallest yacht

by Sharp Communication on 20 Oct 2009 It’s taken a long time to get ready for this epic voyage, but finally, Tom McNally (affectionately dubbed the ‘Crazy Sailor’) and who is sailing for the Sail 4 Cancer charity, is almost ready to set off on his epic voyage in the world’s most diminutive trans-Atlantic sailing boat – the amazing 3-foot 10-inch ‘Big C’.

Tom had hoped to embark last year; but his plans were scuppered when thieves stole his main battery-housing and the lead-filled keel bulb for their scrap value. 'Thanks to some help from my sponsors we are back on-track and we can see light at the end of the tunnel again; I just hope it’s not another train,' joked Tom at the Southampton Boat Show.

Following sea-trials on the Mersey later this month, the planned two-way, 10-month, trans-Atlantic voyage will start from Cadiz with a shakedown cruise to Gomera in the Canary Islands which should take 25 days. The next leg, from Gomera to San Juan in Puerto Rico, will take about 80 days, aided primarily by the Trade Winds. From there, Tom will journey north along the Eastern seaboard of the USA, helped by the Gulf Stream, and then back to his home port of Liverpool via the historic and often treacherous Atlantic northern route.

Tom considers the Bahama Channel to be one of the most hazardous legs of the voyage. With massive cruise ships to starboard and Cuba to port he will probably cut across the Bahama Banks to head for Fort Lauderdale; a tactic he has used once before during an earlier voyage. 'In places there is less than 6-feet of water, so it will be a good place to stretch my legs,' says Tom. 'In 1993 I remember walking along the sea-bed, accompanied by an inquisitive manatee about twice the size of my boat – a magical moment.'

For any sailing vessel this voyage would be a serious challenge, for one man in this tiny boat, Tom’s journey will be a truly epic ordeal. Tom obtains essential fresh water from seawater by operating a manually-powered desalinator. However, he can only generate water at night, because during the day Tom loses more fluid through sweating than his exertion would create.

The boat’s size also presents its own challenges for vital bodily needs. Tom sleeps semi-prone in a sling and can only stretch out by standing precariously on the deck. To bathe, Tom has to wait for calm weather and jumps overboard with his soap.

Find out more about Tom’s voyage at www.sailingnetworks.com and become a ‘Friend of Tom McNally’. For every new friend who joins, SailingNetworks will donate 10p to Sail 4 Cancer.

Tom is a veteran of numerous small boat voyages and still needs a few bits and pieces, particularly a port light. If anyone would like to help they can call Lesley Fitt at SailingNetworks 01329 841975 or 07968 472217 or email lesley.fitt(at)sailingnetworks.com and they will put you in touch with Tom.