Please select your home edition
Edition
Selden 2020 - LEADERBOARD

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

by Andrew Bedwell 12 May 2022 14:28 BST
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

Vintage and Classic Marblehead racing at Fleetwood
Maybe the age of the skippers is catching up and sprinting is not the preferred option Normally we would have a fairly even split fleet from the two class of boats, sometimes favouring the Classic. This time we had a reversal with Vintage taking up the bulk. Maybe the age of the Skippers is catching up. Posted today at 2:09 pm
Mirror dinghy Tuning Guide with Ben McGrane
A detailed guide to maximising speed with Hyde Mirror Sails Continuing the new series of tuning videos from Hyde Sails, One Design Sales Manager Ben McGrane gives a detailed guide to maximising speed with Hyde Mirror Sails. Posted today at 1:30 pm
Finn Southern Area Championship at Christchurch
With the Oscar flag flying to signify free pumping Christchurch Sailing Club welcomed 19 Finn sailors to the Finn Southern Area Championships held over a very sunny and windy weekend 31 May/1 June 2025. The event was shared with the Hadron H2 Class who also appeared to thoroughly enjoy the event. Posted today at 12:58 pm
Hadron H2 Open at Christchurch
An unforgettable weekend for the competitors An open meeting no competitor will ever forget! Christchurch Sailing Club excelled themselves, hosting the Hadron H2 fleet alongside the prestigious Finn Southern Area Championship. Posted today at 12:15 pm
2.4mR open meeting at Frensham
Fleet of 11 greeted by a decent wind from a good direction, and sun It is quite a privilege to be greeted by a decent wind from a good direction, including sun, at Frensham Pond SC. A small but quality fleet of eleven 2.4mRs had just that for their open meeting held over 31st May and 1st June. Posted today at 12:03 pm
Rodkicker 50 - manual rigid vang for larger yachts
Specifically sized for yachts measuring between 50 and 55 feet A rigid vang is designed to enhance sail handling during reefing, preventing the boom from falling into the cockpit or onto the coach roof. Equipped with gas springs, it automatically elevates the boom upon release of the kicking strap. Posted today at 11:00 am
Clem Middle announced as new NSSCA head coach
An active member of Draycote Water racing a WASZP Round 2 of this year's P&B Northamptonshire Youth Series takes place this coming Saturday at Northampton Sailing Club. Posted today at 10:46 am
RS Feva UK Nationals at Dalgety Bay
The club's hospitality created a wonderful village atmosphere, enveloping everyone The Feva class set sail for its very first National event in the stunning landscape of Scotland, graciously hosted by the Dalgety Bay Sailing Club. Families and schools were abuzz with excitement as they journeyed to Scotland. Posted today at 10:03 am
Llandegfedd GP14 Open
Sharing the lake with a stand-up paddleboard GP added an extra dash of jeopardy We were warmly welcomed to the stunning reservoir in the posh bit of South Wales by Sharon and Paul Freeland of Llandegfedd SC. Sharing the lake with a stand-up paddleboard GP added an extra dash of jeopardy. Posted today at 9:39 am
SailGP Racing on the Edge Season 5 Episode 5
Los Gallos revisit their SailGP Season 4 triumph Get a behind the scenes look at the inner workings of the SailGP Season 4 Champions as they return to winning territory – facing personal and professional challenges head on. Posted today at 9:01 am