The microsailing scene may be very small, but it is surprisingly diverse. Dogged record hunters meet tinkerers and romantics who long for the greatest possible independence. We introduce the three sailing enthusiasts and the status of their projects.
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Andrew Bedwell - the hotshot
Family man, nature lover and adrenaline junkie. Andrew Bedwell has it all. Before his first world record attempt, the Brit revealed himself in a big YACHT interview.
In 2019, he sailed single-handed around Iceland on an RG 650 Mini. In storms, he finds peace on a mountain in a tent, his cross motorbike knows no seasons. His mission: to cross the North Atlantic in the smallest boat ever, come hell or high water!
Bedwell's first world record attempt in May 2023 is not under a good star. He wants to sail 1,900 nautical miles across the Atlantic with "Big C", which measures just over one metre.
Two days before leaving for Newfoundland, his beloved father passes away. Family and friends urge him to postpone his departure, but the boat has already been shipped and Bedwell is under so much pressure that he sets off.
Shortly before leaving the UK, he shortens a special locking bolt with sealing O-rings. However, this last piece of the puzzle turns out to be too short when it is fitted just before the start in Canada, so the search for a replacement is frantic.
The replacement bolt that floats up also has a rubber seal, but a continuous thread. After just a few hours at sea, the temporary solution proves to be unusable and water ingress occurs.
The first record attempt fails
Although the mini-boat consists of a total of twelve self-contained compartments, meaning that only a small area can be flooded, it is the compartment containing the main battery that is affected.
Bedwell breaks off and is towed back to the harbour, where the boat takes on even more water.
The next morning, the next mishap occurs during uncraning: the ropes break and the small boat hits the concrete floor with full force. The damage is irreparable and the dream of a world record is shattered.
How this accident could have happened is still a bit of a mystery. 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.
In February 2025, "Big C V2" will be rigged and ready for the first test runs. If everything goes according to plan, the new washing drum will set sail for the North Atlantic in May 2025.
