British sailor Andrew Bedwell says this week he will have to contend with mighty swells and other natural perils as he attempts to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a “micro-yacht” of less than 4 feet in length. File photo by Nic Bothma/EPA
May 12 (UPI) — A British sailor on Tuesday was preparing to make a second try at crossing the Atlantic Ocean in the tiniest boat ever to do so at only 3 feet, 10 inches.
Andrew Bedwell, 52, of Scarisbrick, England, wrote in his log that he is anxiously awaiting his micro-yacht, Big C Atlantic Challenge, to clear Canadian customs and then be shipped to Argentia, Newfoundland, where he will begin his record-breaking attempt.
When the miniscule aluminum craft does arrive there, perhaps as soon as Friday, he will fly from Britain to Argentia to wrap up final preparations for a second try at breaking the Guinness World Record for the smallest boat to complete a 1,900-mile Atlantic crossing.
Bedwell’s first attempt to do so in 2023 came to a premature end when his first Big C boat was accidentally dropped onto concrete and smashed into pieces.
Now, he tells the Guinness World Records, he’s redesigned the ship to be sturdier as he seeks to break the current record of a crossing in a 5 foot, 4 inch boat, set by American Hugo Vihlen in 1993.
“It’s a complete new design and build; last time it was GRP, this time we’ve gone to aluminum,” he told the publication. “I’m feeling fine about the vessel and the attempt, just obviously hated what happened last time.”
The adventurer says the course he’s charting to Southampton, England, would take him three months to complete.
Though tiny, the boat is equipped with the latest technology to keep him safe and connected, including solar panels to power his equipment and satellite communication for emergency situations, according to SPS Technology, maker of the aluminum “sandwich plate system” used in building the Big C.
“Bedwell’s voyage will be nothing short of perilous,” the company says. “The Atlantic Ocean is notorious for its unpredictable weather patterns and rough seas, making it one of the most challenging environments for any sailor.”
As well as trying to survive potentially harsh weather, Bedwell must also navigate through shipping lanes and battle sleep deprivation — all while being alone at sea for at least 60 days, his backers note.
And it is all being done to raise money for cancer research in memory of friends and relatives.
On his GoFundMe page, Bedwell states, “Any funds over costs will be given directly towards cancer research — hence Big C!”
Those wishing to follow Bedwell’s journey can do so on his web tracking app.