Micro-sailing: Across the Atlantic in a one-metre boat? Briton plans record trip

It sounds too crazy to be true. But many sailing projects have done so at first glance - so the name Andrew Bedwell is definitely one to remember.

The Brit is currently preparing something that can only be called a "boat" with some effort for an Atlantic crossing. Single-handed, of course, as there is hardly any room for himself. Bedwell wants to sail his white and bright orange "Big C" from Newfoundland across the pond to Great Britain next May 2023 and set a new record in the process.

The 1,900 nautical mile voyage is to run from St Johns to Lizard Point in Cornwall and take a good two months. The "Big C" will then be the smallest sailing boat to have ever crossed the Atlantic. According to Bedwell, it is just over one metre long.

The skipper is 48 years old and comes from Scarisbrick, a town north of Liverpool on the Irish Sea. He says he has already sailed solo around Iceland in a Mini 6.50.

At first glance, his vehicle for the daring trip resembles a buoy with a keel, buoyancy bodies and a sail. It should have twelve watertight sections. The two furling headsails are set on an A-shaped rig with outriggers.

The interior can be closed completely watertight. It has ventilation options and a dome through which the micro-boat pilot can keep an eye on the surroundings.

The "Big C" is equipped with AIS, VHF radio and chart plotter. A solar panel, a small hand-operated generator and a watermaker provide the power supply. The water obtained is to be stowed in the keel. As far as provisions are concerned, Bedwell has so far only announced that they will be "functional".

The adventurer says about his project:

"This is a long-cherished dream of mine, but I'm under no illusions that it will be easy. The lack of space, a toilet and adequate food will be the hardest thing for me. Add to that a few Atlantic storms and it could be interesting!"

To finance his daring project, which he also wants to make a film about, the micro-sailor has set up a Crowdfunding campaign into being. He is currently in the process of taking his vehicle on test trips in his home territory.