Please select your home edition
Edition
Armstrong 728x90 - HA Foil Range - TOP

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

by Andrew Bedwell 12 May 2022 06:28 PDT
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

America's Cup: Celebrating the 30th Anniversary
May 13, 2025 marks the 30th Anniversary of the winning of the America's Cup by Team New Zealand May 13, 2025 marks the 30th Anniversary of the winning of the America's Cup by Team New Zealand in San Diego, on May 13, 1995. Noted international journalist Barry Pickthall looks back on the Challenger series and the Match itself. Posted today at 12:49 am
Marine Auctions: May Online Auctions
Marina Berths and Vessels, some vessels unreserved Marina Berths and Vessels, some vessels unreserved. The Bidding for the May Online Auction will commence on Thursday 23rd May and will end on Thursday 29th May at 2pm AEST. Posted on 12 May
Dragon Worlds at Vilamoura Day 1
Ideal conditions for competitive racing in Portugal The highly anticipated Dragon World Championship by Tivoli Hotels & Resorts officially kicked off today in Vilamoura, welcoming some of the world's finest Dragon sailors for the first day of racing. Posted on 12 May
Race hard, sail fast, experience the unforgettable
The countdown is on to the 2026 RORC Caribbean 600 Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club in association with the Antigua Yacht Club, the 17th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 will start in Antigua on Monday 23rd February 2026. Posted on 12 May
How Seldén Carbon Masts are made
I took a look around the Seldén Mast factory with Richard Thoroughgood to find out more I took a look around the Seldén Mast factory with Richard Thoroughgood from Seldén to find out a bit more about how the carbon tow reels become the masts that we use when out sailing. Posted on 12 May
SailGP upgrades F50 fleet ahead of New York event
A series of upgrades are now under way to all 12 wingsails Following a full inspection and review, SailGP can confirm a series of upgrades are now under way to all 12 wingsails in the championship's fleet of high-speed F50 catamarans. Posted on 12 May
Melges 24s launch 2025 Great Lakes Season
Muskegon YC promises first-class race management, scenic shoreside amenities, top-notch hospitality The 2025 Quantum Sails Melges 24 Great Lakes Cup Series kicks off in full force on May 17-18 with the highly anticipated Muskegon Spring Championship, hosted by Muskegon Yacht Club. Posted on 12 May
American Yacht Club Spring Regatta
Dozens of J/crews from around the region enjoyed racing in coastal PHRF and ORC fleets This past week, the American Yacht Club hosted its annual Spring Regatta from Friday to Sunday on Western Long Island Sound. Posted on 12 May
ILCA 6 Women's and ILCA 7 Men's Worlds day 1
Wind drops during a period known for the strongest tidal currents The first day of the ILCA World Championship brought a dual challenge of tide and wind to the waters off Qingdao. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, today marks the 15th day of the fourth month — a period known for the strongest tidal currents. Posted on 12 May
2025 Vashon Island Race
'Glory' record the third fastest time after a postponed start No one would have guessed during the postponed start for lack of wind, that 'Glory' would record the third fastest time for the Vashon Island Race. Posted on 12 May
Palm Beach Motor YachtsNorth Sails Loft 57 PodcastTrofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca 2025