Preparing For Bluewater Cruising: Lessons From Wahoo’s Transatlantic Journey
A late start, but a well-prepared finish!
When Ben and Alastair signed up for the ARC+ Transatlantic Rally, they secured a last-minute spot following a dropout. Wahoo, their family-owned Bavaria Vision 46 was a well-equipped yacht for local cruising, but they quickly realised it needed significant upgrades to handle the demands of long-distance ocean sailing.
With limited time to prepare, they turned to Osmotech and Advance Yacht Systems as trusted industry names for expert guidance. The goal? To create a self-sufficient, reliable setup that would keep them powered and comfortable on their Atlantic crossing - and beyond.
Why the right equipment matters
As long-distance cruising like this needs a yacht to function as a self-sufficient home at sea, the critical items were identified as reliable power generation, water management and safety systems. Not just for comfort but for survival.
For Wahoo, their key upgrades included a Remoran hydrogenerator which provided renewable, on-the-go power, a Paguro generator to make sure back-up energy would be available for long crossings, a new watermaker for a fresh water supply without relying on marinas, and a full Victron inverter system for smooth energy management.
With all these dedicated systems in place, Wahoo set sail across the Atlantic, ready to take on the challenges ahead.
Atlantic Life
Ben and Alastair found that one of the biggest successes on the trip was the Remoran hydrogenerator, which provided steady, reliable power, cutting out frequent engine use. This meant they could run essential systems - like autopilot, navigation equipment and refrigeration - without worrying about battery drain and depletion.
However, the team did encounter a common challenge of Atlantic crossings: Sargasso weed. The thick floating seaweed frequently clogged the hydrogenerator, forcing them to stop and clear the debris. Their key takeaway? Be prepared to remove obstructions regularly and consider carrying a rope cutter to deal with entanglements.
Meanwhile, the Paguro generator played an invaluable role in delivering power security. While the hydrogenerator handled the bulk of their energy needs, knowing they had a fuel-based back-up was reassuring.
“The hydrogenerator kept us powered for most of the journey, but knowing we had the Paguro generator as a back-up gave us real peace of mind,” Ben advised.
The watermaker, installed by Osmotech, worked well. They did experience teething problems which were quickly overcome by information supplied both from the supplier and the knowledge gleamed from having a comprehensive handover of the product by the Dan the engineer that installed it and all the new systems supplied by Advance.
Collaborative Values
The partnership between Osmotech and Advance Yacht Systems was instrumental in Wahoo’s successful crossing. Having a team of experts who truly understood how systems integrate - and who communicated equally well - made all the difference preparing a yacht for offshore sailing adventures.The Wahoo crew immediately noticed the seamless collaboration at Hamble Point, where all suppliers worked closely together with ease, making the process smooth and efficient.
Advance Yacht Systems supplied key power solutions, including the Paguro and Remoran - and provided regular mid-ocean customer support as needed. Ben and Alastair particularly appreciated their responsiveness and emphasised that knowing they had a direct line of support for troubleshooting really added an important element of confidence for the crossing!
Meanwhile Osmotech handled the installation of the watermaker and power management system, ensuring Wahoo had a fully capable energy setup. Their ability to problem-solve and recommend the right Victron inverter rather than just a standard battery charger proved invaluable.
“The beauty of working with experts like Osmotech and Advance Yacht Systems is that they don’t just sell you the kit, they help you make sure it’s right for your boat and your needs,” said Ben.
Top Advice for Future ARC Participants
When preparing for extended time at sea, having a reliable power and water system is crucial. Whether you're crossing an ocean or cruising remote coastlines, the right equipment ensures self-sufficiency and peace of mind. In light of their learnings, Ben and Alastair offered some key takeaways from their journey:
Invest in a hydrogenerator. This was one of the most efficient ways to generate power while sailing, reducing reliance on fuel.
Always have a back-up generator – even with renewables like solar and wind, a fuel-based generator like the Paguro provides essential power security when conditions aren’t in your favour.
Know your system inside out. Understanding how your power setup works from installation onwards will make troubleshooting much easier when you're offshore.
A good watermaker is essential. Producing fresh water on demand means freedom from marina stops and heavy storage tanks.
Carry spare parts because breakdowns can happen anytime at sea. With an unexpected repair mid-journey, having the right spares saved the Wahoo crew from a major inconvenience.
Preparation is key. Be sure your power and water systems are set up for reliability before you sail.
And Ben and Alastair’s top three ARC tips were:
Get some Dyneema chafe protection. This small detail was a game-changer and saved their rigging from wear and tear.
Don’t rush the crossing. The ARC fleet YB tracker created a competitive spirit, which was good fun, but some boats that pushed too hard ended up damaging equipment.
Hand-steering when possible helps save power instead of relying solely on autopilot.
Looking Ahead: The Return Journey
Following a successful crossing, Wahoo is now cruising the Caribbean before preparing for ARC Europe - the return leg across the Atlantic back to the UK - in May 2025.
Their experience reinforces a simple truth: when it comes to offshore sailing, the right equipment, expert guidance and thorough preparation make all the difference.
For those considering their own bluewater adventure, Advance Yacht Systems and Osmotech are experts in providing the knowledge and technology to be sure you're ready for whatever the ocean may bring.