Extreme trip: Microsailor Andrew Bedwell dares second record attempt
He can't even lie down in his vehicle. Only sitting and, in good weather, standing. To do this, he has to open a transparent dome above his head. But that doesn't bother him. Bedwell wants to keep fit during the 2,000 nautical mile journey by doing gymnastic exercises while seated. He estimates that it will take a full three months.
No wonder, his red miniature capsule is not fast. He can hoist and lower the small sail in just a few simple steps and operate the rudder from the inside using a cable. And yet his boat remains above all a plaything of wind, waves and currents. Staying on course at all is probably the biggest challenge of the journey.
It's his second attempt. In 2023, he already wanted to conquer the North Atlantic. However, the endeavour failed dramatically immediately after the start.
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Shortly before the departure in Great Britain, he shortened a special locking bolt with sealing O-rings. However, this last piece of the puzzle turned out to be too short when it was fitted just before the start in Canada, so the search for a replacement was frantic.
The replacement bolt that was floated up also had a rubber seal, but a continuous thread. After just a few hours at sea, the temporary solution proved to be unusable and water ingress occurred.
The first record attempt fails
Although the first version of his mini-boat consisted of a total of twelve self-contained compartments, meaning that only a small area could be flooded, it was the compartment containing the main battery that was affected. Bedwell broke off and had himself towed back to the harbour, with the boat taking on even more water.
The next morning, the next mishap occurred during uncraning: the ropes snapped and the small boat hit the concrete floor with full force. The damage was irreparable and the dream of a world record was shattered.
How this accident could have happened remains a mystery to this day. There are no pictures, but there is a heart-wrenching video statement from the devastated Englishman.
Bedwell attacks again
But just a few days later, Bedwell announces his intention to attack again and sketches the basic design of his new microboat in his hotel room in Newfoundland.
"I immediately started talking to various experts, but for months nobody understood what I actually wanted. Then I met a French naval architect who understood the essence of my idea: the keel should be integrated directly into the hull structure so that it doesn't have to be welded on later." Another advantage is the gain in space, as the aluminium of the hull is only three to five millimetres thick - the walls of the predecessor made of GRP were still 10 to 20 mm thick. The increased volume of the interior means that all the food can now be stored deeper in the boat, which increases stability.
However, despite the small miracle of space, sleeping is still only possible in a crouched position. And the "Big C V2" is also designed to roll in rough seas, which is why the harness remains essential for strapping in.
However, the attached sidepots have disappeared and are now integrated into the outer mould. Furthermore, the solar panels are now permanently mounted and better protected from the waves.
The ventilation slots and the dome for all-round visibility are the same. According to Bedwell, the rig has proved its worth, but has been made slightly narrower at the base so that the sail can be travelled closer together.
Everything was supposed to have been tested and ready to sail last year. However, many details and delays meant that a launch as early as 2025 was not possible. But now the time has come. "Big C II" is ready for launch in Newfoundland. Andrew Bedwell plans to cast off the lines in the next few days if there is a suitable weather window. You can follow his journey across the North Atlantic here: big-c-atlantic-challenge.app
Morten Strauch
Editor News & Panorama
