Jimmy Cornell and his basic principles in preparing for a long trip on a yacht

Jimmy Cornell and his basic principles in preparing for a long trip on a yacht

Jimmy Cornell is 78 years old, energetic, has a great sense of humor and is fluent in six languages. In his life, he went through more 200,000 miles across all the oceans of the world, circled the globe three times on a yacht, and also made two crossings to Antarctica, and a successful crossing through the Northwest Passage.

Jimmy Cornell - Garcia Exploration 45

In 2017, his new book was published "200 thousand miles" which he represented at 2018 Dusseldorf Boat Show, at the stand Garcia yachting, side by side with his brainchild - Garcia Exploration 45.

The book is intended for yachtsmen who are planning a long voyage itinerary, it will also be useful for experienced navigators, and the attractive writing style of the book, along with excellent photographs from the extensive collection of Jimmy Cornell, will undoubtedly interest both beginners and dreamers alike.

We will tell you more about the book soon. Below are some tips from Jimmy Cornell, based on the magazine No frills sailing:

What are the basic principles in preparing for a long voyage on a yacht?

I would say the first and most important thing: you need to have desire and willpower. I think you'll know when you're ready to set sail. Besides, of course, it is not enough just to have money. But it’s even worse not to have the will. Let me explain: you are not ready to go on a long journey if you do not have a true love for the sea. Don't do it because it's convenient or because you can afford it. When there is no passion and no real dedication, the project is doomed to fail. I have met many yachtsmen who have given up on their dreams due to the lack of this spiritual readiness.

Nowadays, thanks to the Internet and the media, we have almost everything at our fingertips. Just one click. People consume a lot of information, but they don't learn. People need to read. Read books. They think they know how to do it, but they don't. Of course, it’s bad not to have enough money, but it’s not that important. It is worse not to have knowledge and passion.

I am quite often disappointed that yachtsmen do not even know anything about the recent history of yachting and cruising. The problem is their arrogant attitude, they are adamant that they know everything. This is why you can get the best deals on very well equipped yachts in the Caribbean - there are a lot of them stuck after the transition, finally realizing their lack of preparation.

The basic principles in preparation, I would say, are common sense. You need a boat that can travel, you need some equipment and, of course, money. But this is a simple list to cross off items. It's about your attitude, and - I can only repeat - spiritual preparation. How can you be an architect without visiting Greece at least once? It's the same with yachting.

What qualities should a yacht have for a long voyage?

You see, I am now in the final stages of my cruise life. Thousands and thousands of miles in the ocean. Together with Garcia Yachting we have created what I would call the perfect cruising yacht.

Garcia Exploration 45 made of aluminum, a strong and durable material. This is an integral centerboard yacht with variable draft. This allows the skipper to enter shallow water for safe anchorage or, as the name of this boat indicates, to explore the area.

Strong construction with great emphasis on collision of aft and bow bulkheads. This yacht has a dual helm configuration and it is a very important item on my list that the helms are made very, very strong. Also, I need a clean boat with a free deck. All ropes are of course taken to the cockpit. Also a very solid body kit, a solid door, a neatly made anti-slip coating. Yes, this is the same yacht for a long cruise. It is very easy to operate - it is quite easy to operate with two people, and even alone.

Garcia Exploration 45 - Aventura

Garcia Exploration 45

Garcia Exploration 45

What do you think is the most underrated cruise yacht equipment that is most often overlooked?

Oh, I'd say it's a geek lock. This is a simple but very effective and useful thing. Basically, this is a rope running from winch to winch, the two ends of the rope in the boom restraint lead over the blocks to the cockpit. Since the boom lock works by the friction of the ropes on the drum, they must be used on winches on either side of the cockpit and kept tight at all times. Jammed spinnaker blocks can be used to free winches and for other purposes.

What do you find the most common reasons for skippers, pairs or crews to cancel a trip after the first crossing?

I think it is always a mixture of three reasons in more or less different proportions. First of all, they all lost their desire, you know? ... the desire to go to sea. Secondly, it is mainly the realization that they do not have the right boat or sufficient financial resources. And thirdly, there may always be some kind of personal problems or family conflicts.

But you see, I think it's better to try and fail than not to try at all. Although, following a dream, not possessing the necessary knowledge, or for the wrong reasons, in the end such an undertaking is doomed to failure. Failure is in our nature. We are humans.

Jimmy Cornell with his wife Guenda, and children

Family days aboard Jimmy Cornell's yacht

In your opinion, how long does it take for the average yachtsman, say, middle class, to prepare, from the decision to sail around the world to the actual action?

This question cannot be answered. Some come out in three months, for others it takes years. But let me put it this way: a lot of people buy a boat and go out too early, unprepared and unskilled, and some just prepare for eternity, and in the end they never go out to sea.

What does the ideal round-the-world route look like to you?

If I had the opportunity and the time, and, of course, if my wife agreed, I would probably prefer to go around the world route to the south, through three large capes. But, you see, I am already too old for such an adventure.

Travel photos of Jimmy Cornell at Garcia Exploration 45

What would be your top tip for someone already on their way to their dream?

Well, back to question number one: nothing should stand between you and your dream. If in doubt, cancel everything. In yachting, everything is clear, either yes or no. There are no “probably” and “almost”.

I would compare this to marriage: if you love a woman, you love her. If in doubt, do not marry. The same goes for yachting! This is what you need to do being free ... free from doubt. You must have this common goal. If you - and your partner - share the same dream, the same spiritual readiness, then you have every chance of succeeding and enjoying the truly best time of your life!

Interparus Yachting is the official representative of the Garcia Yachts shipyard. For all questions, please contact Sasha Goron +33644142168 (WhatsApp)

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23.02.2018