Question 1

Who are the crew?

Accepted Answer

The Skipper - Mr John-Kenneth D Habbershaw Jnr - 39

For approximately 35 days the crew and boat will battle storms, seasickness, cramped quarters, dehydrated food rations, and isolation from home comforts. The expedition will be the ultimate test of endurance for body and mind. 
'JK' is 39-years-old, he’s a Marine Surveyor, Marine Electrician, and the director of WillMyBoatFloat Ltd. based in Essex. Since 2014 John-Kenneth has worked with Teams and Solo Ocean Rowers to get them safely across the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean, many of them have set new world or race records in the process. He grew up at the seaside and has always been around boats and water, he has been sailing independently for 12 years. JK is a health-retired 'blue light' emergency service volunteer where teamwork, safety, and discipline was essential.

Question 2

Which charities are you supporting?

Accepted Answer

The four mains charities which we are raising funds in aid of are:

Macmillan Cancer Support
Mind - For Better Mental Health
MS-UK - (Multiple Sclerosis UK)
St Helena Hospice - Colchester, Essex, UK

You can donate at: www.sofatosailboat.co.uk/donate

Question 3

How can I support your charities/you?

Accepted Answer

You can donate to our charities, or sponsor us at: www.sofatosailboat.co.uk/donate

We also have our online 'swag' shop: www.sofatosailboat.co.uk/shop

Businesses can find further information at: www.sofatosailboat.co.uk/sponsor-information

Question 4

Why is the crossing in December?

Accepted Answer

JK has been monitoring the trade winds, weather patterns, wind speeds, storms etc. in the mid-Atlantic region since 2014. Statistically, the best time to make the east-to-west crossing has been early December to late January. This matches many cruising guides which indicate that November to February as the best time to make the crossing.

Crossing at this time of year will coincide with the ARC rally and TWAC Ocean Rowing race. There will be lots of other boats and sailors about in radio contact which will assist in weather routing.

A bonus is this time is also the quietest time for JK's business (Marine Surveying and Marine Electronics www.willmyboatfloat.com)

Question 5

How long will the Atlantic crossing take?

Accepted Answer

Hopefully 30 to 35 days weather depending to make the 3000-mile journey. John Adam took 32 days from on his trip  from the Canary Islands to Antiqua in 1968/69 in a similar vessel. Hopefully with help from our regenerative electric motor.

Question 6

You have said the boat is 'tiny', how tiny?"

Accepted Answer

'Poppet' the Leisure 17 is 17ft (5.2m) long. That is smaller than an average Ford Transit van, and weighs nearly half of a large average family size car!

Question 7

Why aren't you using a bigger boat?

Accepted Answer

While a bigger boat with the luxuries of increased storage, bigger bunks, a full sized galley and a flushing sea-toilet would be nice... it would not be as much of a challenge!

Question 8

Will supporters be able to view/track/contact the boat?

Accepted Answer

A tracker will be installed on the boat with a live location map/app shown on the SofaToSailboat website.   Crew will be in regular contact via sat phone and email with a land-based 'shore crew' and family who will assist with social media, weather reporting, and any emergencies.

Question 9

How do you resupply your food? / What will you eat?

Accepted Answer

SofaToSailboat will be making the Atlantic crossing unassisted, that means everything needed will have to be onboard before casting off!   Using a small camping stove on a gimbal to boil water, meals will be prepared from mostly lightweight dehydrated food. In addition, various snack bags and moral boosting treats will be packed in advance which can be consumed throughout the day/night.

Question 10

What will you drink?

Accepted Answer

The boat will have a desalination unit onboard which, using energy from solar panels and wind generator to produce enough water for day-to-day requirements. Rationed emergency water will be carried onboard and a manually operated emergency water maker.

Question 11

How will you wash?

Accepted Answer

A ocean and eco-friendly special saltwater hair and body wash followed by a quick freshwater rinse from a small solar shower bag.

Question 12

Where will you go to the toilet?

Accepted Answer

This seems to be a popular question!

The boat is small and does not have a flushing 'sea-toilet' or room to fit a holding tank for 35+ days of waste. There will be no services mid-Atlantic to moor up and use the facilities.   SofaToSailor will be using the 'Bucket and Chuck-it' method once the boat is more than three miles offshore inline with MARPOL guidelines for leisure vessels.

Question 13

Where will you sleep?

Accepted Answer

In the cabin below the cockpit. There will be room enough to sleep/take shelter during poor weather.    Typically most time will be spent at the tiller steering the boat and keeping an eye out for any hazards. Electronic aids and ship detection will help during 'nap time'.

Question 14

What will you do if you get into trouble?

Accepted Answer

Although unsupported there will be different ways to send out a distress call if help is needed. This includes:
 VHF radio with DSC PLB's (Personal Locating Beacons) EPIRB's (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon) Satellite Phone Personal wearable AIS   These devices can be used to initiate a chain of events which will result in the nearest ship being asked to divert to provide aid.

Question 15

What is a nautical mile?

Accepted Answer

1 nm = 1.150 mile or 1.852 kilometer

Question 16

What stops the boat from capsizing?

Accepted Answer

The boat can’t be completely stopped from capsizing, but if it does it is designed to start self-righting again.   All heavy items will be stored in the bilge to lower the centre of gravity. The two 'bilge keels' keep the weight down low. An externally operated bilge pump will be mounted with a straining box sited to empty the cabin ceiling in case of flooding whilst inverted. Additional flotation can be hauled to the top of the mast to aid self-righting when conditions demand.