The experienced sailor, who works as crew on a tall ship in "normal life", spent almost four years building his tiny sailing boat. Although "boat" is not really the right word. While the builders of companions for such extreme feats have so far tried to create the appearance of a ship's DNA, Matthew Kent consistently favours a design that makes the word "washing machine" spring to mind. His "Undaunted" is an aluminium construction with six millimetres below the waterline and four above, equipped with a single, very rudimentary sail. The American has posted the first videos of his "Undaunted" on his Facebook page published.
The skipper stands or sits halfway in his sail cube, which has an astonishing 1.5 metre keel with a 200-kilo lead bomb to prevent it from constantly capsizing. But even if that should happen, he is sure that the boat will right itself again. At 1.06 metres long, it is almost 60 centimetres shorter than Hugo Vihlen's tiny boat, which has held the record since 2008. However, such records are not official; all the established sailing institutions refuse to recognise them as they are too dangerous. Even the "Guinness Book of Records" has so far rejected all of Kent's attempts to document the record attempt, which he wants to start from Gomera at the beginning of April (...but not on 1 April!). The destination is to be Florida, a journey of over 4000 nautical miles.
The American expects a maximum speed of 2.5 knots, which means a journey time of around three to four months. And that already includes 0.5 knots of current in the back. With a boat weight of over 800 kilos and an estimated sail area of three square metres, this is hardly surprising. More information about the boat gives an idea of what awaits him during this time: He can only stand or sit halfway inside. Sleeping is only possible in a kind of embryonic position.
One of the biggest problems with such small boats and such a long journey is naturally the storage of provisions. According to Matthew Kent, the size of energy bars actually plays a decisive role in the dimensions. He wants to feed mainly on freeze-dried food, which he mixes with water. The boat has two 150-litre water tanks and two water makers that are operated by hand. There is a view to the outside through a perspex dome, which can be closed in bad weather. The cabin is then ventilated via the mast, which serves as a snorkel.
AIS, GPS and an Epirb are to ensure "safety" on board, with power being generated by solar cells and a hand-held generator.
YACHT had already reported on the bizarre "micro-yacht" scene in 2008 (issue 25/2008), when there was a small boom in these quirky vehicles.
Andreas Fritsch
Editor Travel
