Circumnavigating in a 20-footer: A Journey of Simplicity and Adventure
Circumnavigating the globe in a compact 20-foot boat might seem daunting, but for owner-skipper RW Henson, it’s the pinnacle of a lifelong dream and adventure. Having designed his remarkable junk-rigged micro-voyager, the Ha’Penny 20 Risvold, Henson is set to take on the vastness of the world’s oceans, prioritizing reliability and simplicity.
The Vision Behind the Vessel
When Henson began dreaming of his global circumnavigation, he knew he wanted a boat that was both dependable and straightforward. His goal was to create a vessel that could withstand the rigors of the sea while being easy to manage solo. Avoiding complex systems, he opted for no through-hull fittings and minimal controls to ensure simplicity.
A retired firefighter, emergency medical technician, and towboat operator from Barnstable, Massachusetts, Henson has always been drawn to the water, although he isn’t a lifelong sailor. His seafaring journey started with junior sailing classes in Newport Beach, California. Despite his early experiences with competitive sailing, Henson’s true connections with the sea emerged through casual sailing and surfing.
Seeds of Inspiration
Henson’s dream of circumnavigation was ignited by two influential books. The first was a local newspaper story about Herb Payson’s family sailing a leaky ketch around the Pacific Ocean, later chronicled in Blown Away. The second was Dove, by Robin Lee Graham, which told of the youngest person to sail around the world. These narratives lit a fire in Henson’s imagination; he resolved to embark on this great adventure one day.
A Decade in the Making
Around a decade ago, Henson fully committed to his dream. He discovered yacht designer Tom MacNaughton, known for his designs of wooden boats, whose work resonated with Henson’s vision. Their collaboration spanned seven years and culminated in the creation of the Risvold, built by Artisan Boatworks in Rockport, Maine, and launched last summer. Henson recognizes he could have purchased a second-hand bluewater cruiser for less, but he preferred to craft a vessel that would uniquely fit his needs.
The Ha’Penny 20 Risvold: Features and Specifications
The Ha’Penny 20 is crafted to serve as a minimal but efficient long-term liveaboard. Measuring only 20 feet on deck with a displacement of 5,314 pounds, it boasts an impressive 267 square feet of sail area and can achieve a hull speed of 5.2 knots. The vessel is designed for reliability, featuring a hull made of a sandwich of glass tape and epoxy over Alaskan yellow cedar strip planking, along with over a ton of lead ballast for self-righting capabilities.
One of the boat’s highlights is its unique pilothouse, which provides 6 feet 6 inches of headroom, affording Henson a comfortable standing position. With large windows encircling the pilothouse, he enjoys an unobstructed 360-degree view, while managing sail controls from a single position.
Sustainable Power Solutions
Henson has embraced sustainable technology on board. His vessel is equipped with two 200Ah lithium-ion batteries charged by four flexible solar panels, producing a whopping 820 watts, along with a wind turbine generating up to 400 watts. In alignment with his environmental ethos, Henson has eschewed fossil fuels completely, utilizing a Torqeedo electric boat drive instead.
Additionally, the design aims to minimize potential failure points. By avoiding through-hull fittings, Henson opted for a self-contained cassette toilet reminiscent of RV systems, ensuring safety and reliability during voyages.
The Unique Rigging
A defining feature of the Ha’Penny 20 Risvold is its Chinese junk rig. This rigging style utilizes a free-standing mast with a large lugsail, designed for ease of handling and reefing. While traditionally made from wood, Henson preferred a carbon fiber mast for durability. The sail itself includes five full-length battens, ensuring robust performance even in challenging weather.
The Journey Begins
Despite the meticulous planning, Henson quickly learned that sailing is an unpredictable adventure. During an ill-fated passage from Cape Cod to Bermuda, he encountered tempestuous conditions that led to unforeseen challenges, including damage to his rigs. This experience reinforced the reality of sailing—a constant learning curve awash in experiences that test both vessel and skipper.
A Dream Realized, and Grown
Henson’s journey is also one of personal evolution. Originally intending to sail alone, his life changed after meeting Beth in 2021, and they married last summer. This partnership has prompted adjustments, including reimagining sleeping arrangements to accommodate their shared life aboard.
Their journey is set to take them westward through the Panama Canal, with dreams of visiting enchanting locales like the Marquesas Islands, Tahiti, and Southeast Asia.
Tailored Specifications
- Length (on deck): 6.10m / 20ft ½in
- LWL: 5.60m / 14ft 10in
- Beam (on deck): 2.28m / 7ft 2in
- Draught: 1.50m / 3ft 7in
- Displacement: 2,450kg / 5,403lb
- Ballast (outside): 1,031kg / 2,274lb
- Sail area: 24.8m² / 267ft²
- Designer: MacNaughton Yacht Designs
- Builder: Artisan Boatworks
Embarking on an adventure like no other, Henson’s journey exemplifies the spirit of exploration, resilience, and the joys of sailing small.