
The smallest boat to cross the Atlantic Ocean is a topic of much interest and debate, with some people even attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the smallest sailing vessel to make the crossing. The current record is held by Hugo Vihlen from Florida, who crossed the Atlantic in a boat measuring 5ft 4 inch (162 cm) in 1993. The record was previously held by Tom McNally, who crossed the Atlantic in a boat measuring 5ft 4 1/2 inch (163.5 cm). There are also small performance boats like the Mini Transat 6.5 that are trans-ocean capable, but these are meant for solo racers. For normal humans, a monohull is a better solution for offshore sailing, as it is safer and more affordable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Father's Day |
| Length | 5ft 4 inches (162 cm) |
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What You'll Learn
- The smallest sailing vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean is 'Father's Day', measuring 5ft 4 inches (162 cm)
- The Guinness World Record for the smallest boat to cross the Atlantic Ocean was set in 1993 by Tom McNally in a boat measuring 5ft 4 1/2 inches (163.5 cm)
- The Alberg30 is a sailboat designed to sail blue water safely
- The mini transat 6.5 is a small performance boat that is trans-ocean capable
- A monohull is a safe and affordable option for offshore sailing

The smallest sailing vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean is 'Father's Day', measuring 5ft 4 inches (162 cm)
The smallest sailing vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean is Father's Day, measuring 5ft 4 inches (162 cm). The boat was sailed by Hugo Vihlen from Florida, USA, in 1993.
Father's Day beat the previous record holder, Tom McNally, by just 1.5 cm. McNally had set the record earlier in 1993 in a boat measuring 5ft 4 1/2 inches (163.5 cm).
The mini transat 6.5 is another small boat that is trans-ocean capable, but it is designed for solo racers. For those looking for a more traditional sailing experience, the Alberg30 is a good option. It is designed to sail blue water safely, assuming it is well maintained. The monohull is another option for those seeking a safe and affordable vessel.
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The Guinness World Record for the smallest boat to cross the Atlantic Ocean was set in 1993 by Tom McNally in a boat measuring 5ft 4 1/2 inches (163.5 cm)
The record for the smallest boat to cross the Atlantic Ocean has been a source of competition for sailors for many years. McNally's record was set in a boat that was just a little over a metre long, an impressive feat of engineering and sailing skill. The record has inspired others to attempt similar crossings, with Andrew Bedwell planning to take on the challenge in a boat called 'Big C' in 2023.
Bedwell's boat, 'Big C', is designed to be even smaller than McNally's record-breaking vessel, measuring just a little over a metre in length. Bedwell's attempt to break the record is not just a personal challenge but also a way to honour McNally's memory and bring the world record back to the UK. The boat was designed and mostly built by McNally before his death, and Bedwell hopes to complete the journey that McNally was unable to make.
The smallest boat to cross the Atlantic Ocean is a topic of interest to many sailors and adventurers, and the record has inspired several attempts to push the boundaries of what is possible. While the record has been broken multiple times, the current record holder, Hugo Vihlen, holds the distinction of having crossed the Atlantic in a boat that was just 162 cm long. The record remains a challenging target for those seeking to test their sailing skills and endurance.
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The Alberg30 is a sailboat designed to sail blue water safely
The Alberg30 is a good option for those looking for a safe and affordable sailboat to sail blue water. It is important to note that proper maintenance of the boat is crucial for safe sailing.
When considering the smallest ocean-going boat, it is worth mentioning the Guinness World Record for the smallest sailing vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean. The record is currently held by 'Father's Day', a boat measuring 5ft 4 inch (162 cm) that completed the crossing in 1993. However, it is important to note that these extremely small boats are meant for solo racers and are not suitable for most sailors.
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The mini transat 6.5 is a small performance boat that is trans-ocean capable
The mini transat 6.5 is a small boat that is capable of crossing oceans. It is designed for solo racers and is a different breed to other small boats. The mini transat 6.5 has a different design principle to other small boats, which gives it the capability to cross oceans.
The smallest sailing vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean was 'Father's Day', which measured 5ft 4 inches (162 cm). This record was set by Hugo Vihlen from Florida, USA, in 1993. The previous record was held by Tom McNally, who crossed the Atlantic in a boat measuring 5ft 4 1/2 inches (163.5 cm).
For those who are not experienced sailors, a monohull is a better option for offshore sailing. It is less roomy and comfortable but safe and affordable. Catamarans, for example, have a narrow bow and a high bridge deck, which means the middle bit clears the water.
The Alberg30 is another small boat that is designed to sail blue water safely, assuming it is well maintained. Most models of this type have a traditional long keel with heavy displacement/length numbers. This design principle gives smaller boats stability when upright and very unstable when capsized, leading to a quick recovery.
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A monohull is a safe and affordable option for offshore sailing
The smallest sailing vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean is 'Father’s Day', which measures 5ft 4 inches (162 cm). However, if you're looking for a safe and affordable option for offshore sailing, a monohull is a good choice. Monohulls are more stable and provide more feedback, which is useful for those without much sailing experience. They also sail better upwind and are preferable for serious offshore single-handed sailing as you can more easily hove-to.
There are several monohulls that are well-suited for offshore sailing. The Dufour 37, for example, is CE certified A and has excellent seaworthiness and comfort levels, making it suitable for family offshore sailing and long-distance sailings. The J/70 is another popular option, with almost 2000 yachtsmen in 30 countries owning this offshore racing sailboat. It's a 7-meter sailboat that prioritises performance over comfort, with a modest design below deck. If you're looking for something with a bit more comfort, the J/99 offshore racing cruiser offers surprising comfort on board without sacrificing performance. It was named the best boat of the year by multiple awards bodies.
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Frequently asked questions
The smallest sailing vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean is ‘Father’s Day’, which measures 5ft4 inch (162 cm).
For more than one person, a nice cozy monohull is a better solution for offshore.
There are small performance boats like the mini transat 6.5 that are trans-ocean capable but are meant for solo racers.
Andrew Bedwell is currently building a boat called Big 'C' that is a little over a metre long to attempt to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
The Alberg30 is designed to sail blue water safely, assuming it is well maintained.





































