I have just got and updated a beautiful 1937, 68foot wooden motor sailor and intend to sail from Ireland to Malaysia. Is there anyone out there who has done this journey and could suggest the best time to leave. We carry enough fuel for 2000 miles and have a watermaker on board.

Any assistance gratefully received.

Peter McBride (UK)

Peter,

I would not suggest you take the shorter route via the Med and Red Sea. With a boat of that age, you should take the easier westbound route: via Panama and then either via the South Pacific, or the shorter route via the North Pacific.

Both routes are described in great detail in my World Cruising Routes (now in its 6th edition). It also describes the tougher route via the Red Sea.

Regards,

Jimmy Cornell noonsite