A British sailor is gearing up for a second attempt to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a boat so small you could fit it in your classroom.
Andrew Bedwell, 52, is preparing to sail from Argentia in Canada to Southampton, England, in a vessel measuring just 116.84. If he makes it, he will break the Guinness World Record for the smallest boat ever to complete an Atlantic crossing.
The current record is held by American Hugo Vihlen, who made the crossing in a 162.56cm long boat back in 1993.
Bedwell’s first attempt in 2023 never even made it to the water. His original boat, called Big C Atlantic Challenge, was accidentally dropped onto concrete and smashed apart. Not exactly the start he was hoping for.
This time, he has completely redesigned the boat. The new version is built from aluminium instead of fibreglass, making it much tougher. It is also packed with modern technology, including solar panels and satellite communication for emergencies.
The journey will not be easy. The Atlantic Ocean is known for rough seas and unpredictable weather. Bedwell will spend at least 60 days alone at sea, navigating through busy shipping lanes and dealing with serious sleep deprivation. The full trip to Southampton is expected to take around three months.
He is raising money for cancer research in memory of friends and family members he has lost to the disease. His boat’s name, Big C, is a nod to that cause.
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