can you sail around the world in a yacht

How To Sail Around The World (With Timeline and Examples)

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Every year 150 boats with crews complete a full circumnavigation of the globe, if(like me) you are in the process of planning the adventure of your life, or if you are just interested in how to sail around the world, then you have come to the perfect spot.

In this post, I will explain all of the aspects you need to consider before, during, and after a sailing adventure of this magnitude.

Firstly I will introduce you to  8 ways of sailing around the world; then, I will show how to plan and execute a circumnavigation .

There are 8 different ways to Sail around the world, 

• Join a research vessel
• Get on a friend’s boat that is already out sailing.
• Date the owner of a boat
• Get paid to work as a; Mechanic, Chef, or General helper .
• Use Your specialty skill to help the crew; online marketing, language teacher, musician, etc.
• Work for free but instead receive free meals and a berth .
• Take care of children on board.
• Become a boat sitter .

Table of Contents

How to Sail Around The World in Your Boat

Choose the right boat.

I have written an entire series on this topic, and if you want the full in-depth detailings on how you can make sure you get the right boat for your needs,  read this .

Some aspects that you need consider are, size, number of berths and hull shape etc.

What You Need To Know

How long is it going to take .

Circumnavigating the globe on a sailboat will take a considerable amount of time. There are some aspects that we need to consider before we can come up to a reasonable conclusion on how long it will take you! 

To get some perspective on the matter here are some data;

The fastest boat to sail around the world is a trimaran, and the shortest time recorded is 40days.

If you are on a sailing cruiser, it will most likely take you somewhere between 1.5 to 5 years until you have reached a full circumnavigation.

If you join the A.R.C. world cruise, you will return in 1.5 years but will not have had much time to explore all the places you have passed through. Therefore, many people do half a circumnavigation with the A.R.C., stop and explore, and then continue on their own.

So if you’re interested in exploring the locations you sail through, then plan on returning home closer to the 5-year mark.

What Factors Impact Time?

The most significant factor in determining how long it will take for you to sail around the world is how much time you spend in each region.

Every region has a time window of when it is best to arrive and leave; these are often due to storm or other weather patterns that will impact your sailing safety and pleasure.

If you choose not to use your time window, you might have to stay another three months or so until the hurricane season is over.

A factor that is  not very important in the long run is how fast your boat is,  even though you have a faster boat and will reach the destination quicker, that time will quickly be eaten up by staying an extra day or two at a marina. 

Here’s an example:

Crossing the Atlantic takes around three weeks, let’s say we double that speed(which is unrealistic but will hopefully make my point clear).

Now it only takes 1.5 weeks, and you have an additional 1.5 weeks that you can spend on sailing around or going to the next place.

1.5 weeks might sound much, but considering that this crossing is only one of around five major crossings, the amount of time you can save by going faster is small compared to how much time you will have in each region(months).

So if you want to get done with it quicker,  then it is a better tactic to spend less time in each region than getting a faster boat.

There are, of course, benefits of having a faster boat, much of this is discussed in my article;

Or check out my youtube talk!

Possible Routes

The northern route means traveling through the arctic circle and around the North American continent instead of heading straight through the Panama canal. Taking this route means that you will have to pass through the northwest passage, more on that below.

Heading east or west?

Most boats travel to the west since this means that they are able to utilize the trade winds going downwind, something that is much more comfortable. Although this is more enjoyable, the speed records for going around the world are set by going east into the wind.

Southern Route Going West, 2.5 Year Circumnavigation Example

This is the most common route to take when sailing around the world, the most significant difference between the southern and northern route is the Northwest passage north of Alaska.

The reason why most opt for the southern route is due to the colder climate and a more strenuous trip when crossing the arctic circle.

Southern Route is faster since you will not have to sail around the North American continent, but instead, you will enter the Pacific Ocean through the Panama Canal and its giant locks( more on that here )

The Atlantic Ocean, 9 Months

July to March

If you plan to explore the Mediterranean, make sure you have plenty of time here during the summer since this is truly the best time. It also synchronizes well with the tropical hurricane seasons in The Caribbean, starting in June and ending on November 30th.

This means you can spend the entire summer and autumn on the European side and from November to December cross the Atlantic to The Caribbean side. This will give you three months in the Caribbean before it is time to sail through the Panama canal.

The Pacific Ocean, 8 Months (Total: 1 Year 3 Months)

March to September

Many say that spending only one season in The South Pacific is too short, so make sure you plan enough time to explore the many paradise islands that you probably never will return to again! 

Most cruisers travel from Panama to Galapagos Islands and then head straight for Marquesas. I want you to know that there is an option here to head on a more southern route to include Easter Island on your trip, an Island that is well known for its hospitality but also those weird stones.

In this region, you will also have the opportunity to spend time in Fiji, Tonga, Bora Bora, and other magical places.

Your last big stop in this region is Australia, a land well worth exploring by car and a place to spend a lot of time exploring different animals and nature. Once you pass The Torres Strait, you will soon be in the next region.

The Indian Ocean, 6 Months (Total: 1 Year 9 Months)

October to April

Heading west after Australia, you can head towards The Suez canal via Thailand, Singapore, and the Maldives. Or you can stay south and reach the Atlantic through Cape Horn.

In this area, most people stop in Bali before continuing westward.

South Indian Ocean & South Atlantic Ocean, 9 Months (Total: 2 Years 6 Months

May to January

Due to the political situation around the horn of Africa and the Suez canal, most cruisers avoid that area and stay more south towards Madagascar and south Africa even though this has challenges of its own.

Rounding the southern tip of Africa is almost guaranteed to get you into some heavy weather, and you better prepare well.

Total Time to circumnavigate the world: 2 Years & 6 Months

Northwest passage .

July to August

This route will take you north of Canada and Alaska where you will have to find a way through the ice and snow that usually leaves an open path free from obstacles during late August.

The Northwest passage is around 782 Nautical miles, stretching from Canadian Baffin island in the east to the US Beaufort Sea in the west. 

Sailing the Northwest passage at 7 knots will take 112 h or 4.5 days of continuous sailing.

This does not take into account navigating around icebergs or having to turn around since there might be no ice-free route.

The crossing can only be done in mid-august when enough ice has melted to create a way through.  

Assuming that you leave the Caribbean when hurricane season starts at around June, this will get you in time to make the crossing in mid-august. If you make it, pop out on the other side in September, ready to head south and into warmer climates on the Pacific side.

Bottlenecks along the route

There are many variations of this route, but no matter what variation, you will end up going through one or more of these bottlenecks. (Unless you are competing in the Vendee Globe… but then you probably wouldn’t be reading this).

Panama Canal

Sailing across the Panama Canal is a story on its own, and I have dedicated an entire post to it ( read this ). The short version is that the canal will save you vast amounts of time since you won’t have to go around the cape horn, this is not as bad as the northwest passage, but it is still a cold and hard passage that will take its toll on boat and crew.

The Panama Canal is expensive; with all things covered, you will end up paying around USD 2500.

The Panama Canal will save you around 44 days and 8000 nautical miles! 

Other than the security issues discussed above, the Suez canal is much cheaper than the Panama canal. The Suez canal is 5300 nm shorter than going around the cape of good hope. 

Torres Strait

Torres Strait Is the water that separates Australia from Papua New Guinea and is the gateway between The South Pacific Ocean and The Indian sea.

How much time do you need to plan a circumnavigation

Actually, you dont need that much at all, once you find a boat suitable to your offshore needs you can get going. You dont have to have a perfect plan before you leave, if you are waiting for that, then you probably will never leave.

All you need is “enough preparations” to get you going, and once underway, many of the things can be sorted out. 

A big one is to  make sure you have an income  or a big enough sum of money in the bank since this is one of the few things that can ruin your adventure. 

You never want to be in the situation where you  have to sell the boat,  you might not have enough money to buy that fancy rigg or upgrade the rudder, but you will still have your home on the water, and with that, you can make money, one way or another! 

If you don’t know anything about sailing, one or two years of planning and preparing is definitely enough time if you are dedicated to the mission.

12 Skills You Need to Sail Around The World

Here are some of the skills that we found very useful;

• Glass fiber work

Planning your sail

Potential income.

B.O.A.T., Break out another thousand, you have probably heard that a boat is just a hole in the water where you throw all your money. I would argue that your boat can actually make you some money (Sign up for the email list to find out when the “how to make money off your boat” article is published).

There are a few ways to make some good dollars.

Putting a Berth out for rent on Airbnb  could make some serious cash when you are in places that are well populated by tourists; this could earn you anywhere from USD 30 per night.

Take people out for snorkeling trips or a cruising weekend . You’re probably going to do this anyway so why not invite some new people, maybe you’ll end up being excellent friends! This has the potential of earning hundreds or even thousands of extra dollars for your trip.

Both of the examples mentioned earlier are good, but they require constant work involving customer interaction. I prefer a more stable  passive income  generated from either index funds or a low maintenance youtube channel.

Prepare Your Boat

Equipping the boat.

During your journey around the world, you will spend a lot of time on your boat doing stuff that you would also be doing in your nonfloating home onshore. Things like cooking, cleaning, and repairs should also be possible to undertake during a sail.

This means that your boat should be in perfect order to make sure you have the best experience possible.

The Galley should be configured to make food underway ; on a catamaran, This is less of an issue than on a monohull since it will not heel as much.

But your kitchen on water still should be able to operate during bad weather and therefore should have proper railings to hold on to, and many cruisers prefer a tight spaced galley instead of an open floor plan.

What sails do you need?

Getting the right sails is an entire article in itself, but I want to point out a few things here, firstly decide if you will travel in an easterly or westerly direction.

Most people go west(95%), especially sailors, with a catamaran since this means less upwind sailing.

Optimizing your boat for upwind performance requires another type of sails than it does for going eastbound and downwind.

The big difference between cruising your local archipelago and crossing big oceans is the number of different sails you will have to bring.

Since you will spend time in so many different weather patterns, you need sails that can work sufficiently in every condition, from storm to light winds.

Getting the right sail is very boat specific and differs widely, but there are a few key takeaways that I want to share.

Mainsail with a conventional single line reefing system  with three reefs makes it possible for you to reef and raise the sail without leaving the cockpit. The system is also as basic as it gets and will most likely work when you need it the most.

Genoa  is a sail that extends past the mast and is used to increase sail and is under low to moderate winds. These will come very handy during the low wind conditions mid-Atlantic or when coastal cruising. The Genoa is often combined with the spinnaker.

Asymmetrical Spinnaker  resembles the Genoa sail but looks more like a balloon and is often called a kite or chute. The asymmetrical is easier to set and requires less crew to handle than the symmetrical spinnaker and is, therefore, the preferred option for long-distance cruising.

Storm Jib  is a much smaller jib and is used to reduce the sail area to a minimum without losing too much speed rending the boat uncontrollable.

When picking out your sails, you should follow the O.S.R. Guidelines (Offshore Special Regulations).

Prepare Yourself and The Crew

What is it that you want to achieve on this trip?

Make sure everybody is on the same page regarding what you want to get out of this circumnavigation.

This dramatically reduces the risk for crew mutiny 😉 jokes aside, understanding each other is very important if wanting to avoid unnecessary conflicts. 

To exemplify, consider the following; The most important thing to me is to complete the circumnavigation.

My friend’s most important thing is to get away from his lifestyle and enjoy some warm weather sailing.

These two missions might not seem very different at first sight, but when the time comes. You have to decide whether you want to leave for the Bahamas now, significantly increasing the crew’s workload, or staying another season(and enjoy the warm weather). The discussions will get emotional if you have not previously aired your goals for the trip.

Equipping The Crew

Ensure your crew has  all the clothes they need  for all the different weather types that you will encounter. Even though you might be sailing in the warmer parts of the world most of the time, once you get tired, wet, and the temperature drops, it will soon be freezing and hard on your crew. 

Raingear is a must , even though it might be warm, a dry crew is a happy crew. Especially during night time in the Mediterranean, where it can be quite cold even in the summer.

Prepare for Emergencies

You need to consider two categories of threats, those that originate from natural causes, such as bad weather, and those initiated by a person, such as robberies.

Make sure you have an ongoing threat assessment and never allow yourself to get overly complacent.

Ensure you and your crew have sufficiently  practiced drills such as Man overboard, M.O.B., Reefing, Storm tactics , etc.

The importance of these drills cannot be understated; you will learn so much from practicing; here’s an example.

Weeks before heading to The Bahamas, we went through the Miami river to practice M.O.B. drills in the bay’s somewhat choppy seas. Even though the conditions were almost perfect, we realized a few things. Firstly, if someone falls overboard without a harness, there is little to no chance to retrieve them during a storm. Secondly, if someone is attached to harness and tether, but it is too long, the only thing that will happen is that the M.O.B. will be pounded between the hull and the waves, not a good option.

The conclusion we reached?  We must do everything in our powers to make sure nobody falls overboard, because if they do, we might not be able to save them. Shorter tethers and strict adherence to rules, and we felt comfortable to continue our journey.

These same principles also apply to reefing, make sure you understand precisely how it is done, and plan contingencies, what will you do when the mainsail jams? Cut it? There might be a time for such actions, but this means you no longer have a mainsail for the rest of the trip. 

Plan and practice wisely, and when the time comes, you will handle stressful situations with ease.

Bringing a firearm or not?

Bringing a firearm might seem like an excellent idea at first, but there are a few things that you need to consider before bringing one onboard your boat.

Bringing a gun to another country isn’t something most countries take lightly, in many countries we visited they asked us if we had a weapon, we said no but asked what would happen if we did. They let us know that we would have to turn it in an get it back once we leave the country. 

These rules mean that you won’t have access to the gun when you might need it, and that you need to exit from the same port that you entered.

This inhibits your freedom of movement in the country and just adds administration to your trip.

And even if you get to keep your gun, what are you going to do with it that you cant do with a flare gun that you already have on the boat(or at least should have)?

Yes, they still exist, no they dont have wooden legs or eyepatches, sorry 🙁 

Pirating is still a significant safety concern; it  is very uncommon in most parts of the world, but make sure you check out the  I.C.C. website  to assess the threat in your area.

Theft  is something that will sooner or later happen to you, no big deal, you will get mad for a while, and then you let it go. 

I only have one tip for you here, try not to take it out on the wrong people, not all the locals are horrible because somebody, who might not even be from there, stole your stuff.

Give the benefit of the doubt, and you will get plenty in return! 

Health Emergencies

Bring all the medications that you need at home, and then assess what you will need in each region depending on the local situation. 

Some basics include Malaria prophylactics, Imodium, and something for seasickness.

Ensure you get the right vaccines  before leaving home.

Financial situations

Insurance can be costly , you dont need to have one, but I think that most cruisers are insured. Concerning offshore sailing around the world, there are many ifs and buts that they dont cover.

Two ordinary circumstances are; staying in hurricane territory during seasons and sailing through pirate-infested waters

Keep yourself updated, so if the accident strikes, you haven’t missed a loophole in the contract.

Make Sure You Bring The Right Paperwork 

Every country has its own rules on what they consider necessary for you to enter the country. 

Paperwork can be anything from yellow fever vaccine certificate to bank statements, keep yourself up to date on the local requirements. Here are some of the essential documents you will need for most countries.

VISA,  Depending on where you are from, you might, or you might not need a visa to a particular country.

Usually, when entering a new country, the authorities want to make sure that you are the owner of the boat; make sure you bring an  owner’s certificate  in English.

If you carry a gun , bring the correct papers for that as well! 

Before you enter a country’s territory, make sure you  hoist the yellow quarantine flag  and understand how you are supposed to clear customs.

Understanding and following the right procedures will significantly reduce unnecessary troubles when making your first port of entry.

Final preparations before you head out

A few more, easily missed, boxes we need to check to make sure you have the best adventure possible.

  Prepay all your bills  is an excellent idea since you dont know when and how good of a internet connection you will have, and you are also leaving the landlocked life behind so why not also leave the boring task of paying bills behind..

Ensuring that your bills are paid will give you more time to focus on the boat and reduces the risk of getting charged extra for being late on a payment.

If you have decided to keep your old home, whether it is a house or an apartment, it is good to prepare it for storage. 

This includes getting someone to check up on it from time to time, set the temperature high enough that the house won’t freeze, and low enough that you don’t waste money on heating a place that you are not using. It is also good to make it look like it is still inhabited.

Share your float plan  with someone you trust and make sure you update it as your plans change. The most important aspect of a float plan is,  when  should someone start looking for you, and  where  shall they look! 

DOWNLOAD MY FLOAT PLAN FOR FREE

The importance of a going-away party should not be underestimated; this  is the chance for all your friends and family to come together one last time before you leave. 

These parties are always the best since the air is full of excitement and adventure! 

During The Circumnavigation

So you are finally underway, this life-changing trip is off to a good start, but how do you keep the winds of luck blowing?

2 Things That You Always Need to Be Up to Date With

This will be as normal to you as checking your watch, understanding weather signs, and looking for changes is essential when sailing safely.

This includes understanding shifts in the tradewinds might be a sign of a cold front approaching, and heavy winds are on its way.

Understanding how the currents will impact your sailing, especially in places like the Bahamas where the sea bottom goes from 12 m to 2000m in a few minutes of sailing, is very important. This sudden drop in depth creates massive local currents that you just won’t be able to oppose unless you have a powerboat.

Seasonal changes are one of the most critical factors. We  have briefly discussed hurricane seasons, but nature doesnt really use a calendar. She definitely doesnt wait for us humans to leave a place before it erupts into full blow storms.

Most cruisers will travel at the pace of the hurricane seasons and stay on the winter side of the equator.

It is also wise to keep in contact with cruisers in your area, for example, this might help you get the most recent update on the width of the doldrums (the area around the equator which usually have too little wind to sail)

2. The condition of your ship

Once the epic journey has begun, so will also the epic amounts of maintenance!   One of the things we totally underestimated was the amount that we would have to spend on maintenance and repairs while underway.

Suppose you’re sailing a catamaran, and there is a need to do repairs under the waterline, then you can do something called beaching. Beaching is when you put your boat on a sand beach, and when the low tide flushes away the water, the ship will stand on its hulls, and you now have full access to the bottom of your boat.

There is always something that breaks or is underway to breaking.

And when you are not repairing, you are maintaining engines, hulls, electrical systems, or the dingy. Make sure you check every line and sail for chafing often, and when you are out on a long-distance sail, you want to check that every time you are on watch.

The same thing applies to the engines: they are running smoothly at the right water temperature and with the oil at the correct pressure. Adjust your RPM so you will get the maximum fuel efficiency! 

After You Have Sailed Around The World

Coming back to a life on land can be hard if you haven’t prepared sufficiently, but with some thinking ahead before coming back home, the transition from a life at sea to a life at bay will be seamless.

Before you return home, you should have a solid plan for what you want to do and where you want to do it.

Do you want to keep or sell the boat?  Then you want a good plan on where to sell it and when so you can maximize profit. If you decide to keep it, you also have the possibility to relive good memories by taking it out on weekend cruises.

Do you want to go back to your old life , or have you been accustomed to a different lifestyle? How will you earn your income?

Don’t expect everything to be the same way as when you left.  Just as YOU have, the people back home will have carried on with their life, and you might not come back to what you left! For good and bad, of course, make sure you plan your future life on land according to the situation as it is right now! 

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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Sail Around the World Route – Best Options Explained

Before you ponder your route to sail around the world, think about why you’re even thinking about such an undertaking. 

There are countless sailing routes you can take to circumnavigate the globe, but each one is for a different sort of sailor. The two most common routes are the mid-latitudes “Milk Run” and the high-latitudes journey through the Southern Ocean or Northwest Passage.

Here’s a look at some of these very different trips and the types of sailors and vessels that accomplish each one every year.

Table of Contents

Basic planning factors – winds, currents, and storms, the classic sail around the world route – the milk run, circumnavigating in the southern ocean, an alternate sail around the world route the northwest passage, which sailing routes would you pick for your circumnavigation, sailing routes around the world faqs.

The Basics of Sailing Routes Around the World

First, some lingo. Sailors refer to a sail around the world route as a “circumnavigation.”

Taking a boat around the world requires some gumption. So why do it at all? For some, it is the goal of having done it. For others, it’s a fun way to combine their passions of sailing and travel. Some folks compete in races to see who can do it fastest. And some folks think it would be a good lark and a neat way to see the world.

Whatever reason draws you to the idea of completing a circumnavigation, you aren’t alone. Every year there are rallies or races that you can join to meet up with like-minded people. And for as many people who compete in rallies, there are likely an equal number of people doing it on their own. 

No matter how you cut it, a circumnavigation is made up of numerous legs. So if traveling and seeing the sights is your goal, then it only makes sense to take your time and visit as many places as you can along the way. 

Folks with a limited time frame will inevitably miss something or rush through someplace they want to see. 

For sightseers, the goal of a circumnavigation might be secondary to seeing the places they want to see. In other words, someone with their heart set on circumnavigating might set a schedule of two years to get it done, while another sailor who wants to complete loops in the Atlantic and Pacific might have a lot more time to visit more countries and ports of call. 

Every sailor and every boat comes into this adventure with different goals. Therefore, it’s important to think about your motivations and the sort of circumnavigation that you’d like to have. What’s the most important part to you, and how much money and time can you dedicate to the endeavor? 

Most pleasure boaters contemplating a circumnavigation are interested in the safest route to sail around the world. Part of the safety and enjoyment of the crew comes from planning the trip to follow the prevailing wind patterns around the globe.

When sitting on land, you might think of the wind as unpredictable and variable depending on the day and weather conditions. And while that is true all over the world, at sea prevailing weather patterns tend to be more steady. 

That means by understanding the causes and patterns in the winds, you can use them to your advantage on a circumnavigation. 

For example, let’s look at the North Atlantic circuit. If a yacht wants to depart Europe for North America, its best bet is to head south first and follow the area between 10 and 30 degrees north latitude westbound. Why? Because this is the area where the winds flow from the east almost constantly. Since ships used these winds to get to the Caribbean in the old days, they are still known as the Trade Winds. 

What if you want to go the other way, back to Europe? In that case, your best bet is to head north and make your easterly course between 40 and 60 degrees north latitudes. There, the prevailing winds are westerly and will push you back to Europe. 

While sailboats can sail into the wind, doing so is called “beating” for a reason. It’s rough on the boat and crew; it’s tiring and unpleasant. You’ll have to do it occasionally, but a successful and comfortable passage is usually the result of planning so you don’t have to sail to weather. 

Similarly, you can use the world’s ocean currents to your advantage. If the Gulf Stream can give you a knot or two of an extra push toward Europe, you should take it! It makes a big difference when your normal speed is six knots. Trying to fight against it for any length of time could double your trip planning and make for a very nasty ride.

And then there is the risk of storms at sea. With good trip and weather planning, a boat can circumnavigate without ever experiencing a bad storm at sea.

That requires conservative planning to avoid areas and times of the year when the weather is bad. To do this means you must plan to be in the right places at the right times. Pilot charts are published for every ocean sector on Earth, showing the prevailing winds for any given month and the probability of encountering a severe storm in the area. 

Using pilot charts and the historical prevalence of hurricanes or cyclones, sailors can plan to transit these areas only during quiet times. In other words, no one wants to be in the middle of the North Atlantic during peak hurricane season or during winter gales, but being in the middle of the North Atlantic in May is pretty optimal. 

Likewise, you don’t want to be in the middle of the South Pacific during February when it is peak cyclone season, but June or July is good.

The classic route for circumnavigating is based on the path of least resistance, making it the safest route to sail around the world. These routes utilize the prevailing winds to make as many downwind, fair-weather passages as possible. 

The goal of this route is not speed but comfort and safety. This is the route you take your family on. This is the route that around the world rallies, like the World ARC Rally , use for every trip. 

Starting from the Caribbean, this route travels westbound and keeps close to the equator. Of course, you can start anywhere, but many yachts cross their wakes (begin and end their voyage) somewhere in the Lesser Antilles. 

After crossing the Caribbean Sea, transit is arranged through the Panama Canal. Canal transits are expensive and time-consuming, and they usually involve a broker to arrange all the paperwork and scheduling. 

Before the canal was constructed, the only way to make the journey was to travel south in the Atlantic and pass Cape Horn. There, you can follow Drakes Passage through Argentina’s islands and Patagonia’s wild lands. Many expedition yachts still choose this route to see this remote and beautiful part of the world. 

After the Panama Canal, most yachts take familiar sailing routes across the Pacific . The first stop is the Galapagos Islands. This takes you mostly south along the coast of Central America and across the equator into the Southern Hemisphere.

From the Galapagos, the single longest passage lies ahead–roughly 3,200 nautical miles to the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia. This trip takes most sailboats about 14 days. An alternate route takes you farther south. It doesn’t shorten the trip but allows you to visit Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and Pitcairn Islands.

Once in French Polynesia, you can island hop your way through the South Pacific island nations, but with a weary eye on the weather. The point is to avoid the area during cyclone season, roughly the summer months (December through April or so). 

At this point, many yachts find a hurricane hole where they can relax during storm season. Usually, it is time to haul out and complete some maintenance after so many sea miles. Some make it south and out of the cyclone belt to New Zealand or Australia. Others opt to stay in the islands but find a well-sheltered marina or boatyard where they can haul out.

Once cyclone season is winding down, the next big passage awaits. After passing through the Torres Straits, stops in Northwestern Australia and Indonesia welcome you to the Indian Ocean. There are only a few isolated stops after that. Many yachts make one long passage out of it, although many enjoy a few stops, like Cocos Keeling, Maldives, Diego Garcia, or Seychelles.

This is where the route branches in two directions. Traditionally, boats would transit on a northwest course and into the Gulf of Aden. From there, you follow the Red Sea to the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean is, of course, one of the most storied cruising grounds on the planet. You can cruise from Turkey and Greece to Italy, France, and Spain, with countless famous ports of call along the way. 

Unfortunately, the route to get there, through the Gulf of Aden and around the Horn of Africa, is home to bands of pirates who have been known to prey on leisure yachts and commercial vessels alike. For this reason, this route has fallen out of favor in recent years. 

Instead, boats head to South Africa. The country makes a good landfall point from which you can travel home or take land excursions to see the rest of Africa. Popular stops on the way are the islands of Reunion and Mauritius. Some folks also like to visit Madagascar.

After rounding the Cape of Good Hope, yachts are back in the Atlantic and can head northwest toward the Caribbean. You can make a few stops along the way, mostly isolated island nations like St. Helena and Ascension Islands. After that, it’s a straight shot back across the equator and to the Windward Islands of the Caribbean. 

When coming from the Mediterranean, boats heat westbound through the Straights of Gibraltar. The next stop is the Canary Islands. How long does it take to sail across the Atlantic? It’s a roughly 17-day passage downwind to the Windward Islands.

Most people take two full years or longer to complete a circumnavigation as described above, but even that only allows a little time to see the sights. So a more realistic number would be four or five years. 

This route isn’t for those looking to get it done in the shortest amount of time. Instead, the Southern Ocean Route is the favored path for those looking to trade a bit of safety for speed. This route, due to the prevailing winds along the route, is completed from west to east. 

Races like the Clipper Around the World , Vendee Globe , and the Golden Globe Around the World Race use this path. It utilizes the open expanses of the Southern Ocean. Once you get into these high latitudes, there are no real landmasses in your way, and you can steer a course all the way around the world in record time.

Of course, the Southern Ocean is not for the faint of heart. High-latitude sailing involves biting cold weather and dangerous gales. You’ll be rounding Cape Horn through Drakes Passage, one of the dicest stretches of water on the planet. 

It’s a punishing stretch of ocean, and boats are often beaten and bruised. Dismastings and equipment failures are common. In other words, a sailor who chooses this route must be ready for anything, capable of handling whatever the sea throws at them, and sailing an extremely well-founded bluewater vessel.

In recent years it has been in vogue to attempt a transit of the Northwest Passage, thereby making it possible to circumnavigate the high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. Obviously, this is a summertime endeavor only, and even then, only during years when the ice pack has completely melted. This is happening more and more, so the route is gaining popularity.

The leg that makes this possible starts from the United Kingdom going west across the Atlantic to Greenland through the Labrador Sea. The Northwest Passage itself then bisects Canada’s northern territories. Finally, you end up on the northern coast of Alaska. Then, keeping the mainland of North America to port, you continue south into the Pacific Ocean.

From the Aleutian Islands, the most favorable course is to transit to the west coast of North America. After that, you can make your way south along the famous Inside Passage, a network of fjords in British Columbia that can link you to Puget Sound and the Seattle metro area. 

Once in the US, your next steps are southbound transits to Baja, Mexico, or jumps like sailing to Hawaii from California . You can then join the normal routes across the South Pacific islands to Australia or Southeast Asia.

Both the Southern Ocean and the Northwest Passage routes are high-latitude routes that carry more risk than the Milk Run. High-latitude sailing involves dealing with more frequent severe weather systems, stronger winds, and greater variability in the weather in general. They’re also farther from services and more remote, so self-sufficiency is even more vital. 

While you can do the Milk Run in nearly any of best bluewater cruising sailboats , these high-latitudes routes are more comfortable in a robust expedition-level vessel. These are the perfect places for that aluminum sailboat you’ve been dreaming about.

There is much to learn and think about if you want to circumnavigate. If you’re dreaming of sailing the world, consider starting your research by picking up a book or two written by someone who has done it. Here are three stories of circumnavigations, but there are countless others and blogs galore to be found on the internet. 

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Jimmy Cornell is the master of how to sail around the world. His “World Cruising” series of guides includes everything you’d ever need to know, from weather systems and route planning to legal formalities. This book, 200,000 Miles , combines some of those technicalities with a biographical story of his journey.

Sailing Around the World Alone is Joshua Slocum’s story of his journey. It’s not a modern tale–Slocum set out in the late 1890s from Nova Scotia. But his adventure is the OG tale of sailing around the world and is worth a read. 

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Lin and Larry Pardey circumnavigated several times (both eastbound and westbound), but if you totaled up the miles they sailed, it would be more like seven times. The difference, of course, is enjoying every port and stop along the way.

While they never wrote a book specifically about sailing around the world, their cruising tales live on in the various tales and how-to guides they produced over the years. 

Capable Cruiser discusses techniques that will get you there, interwoven by the Pardey’s inimitable charm and wit. For more travel inspiration, check out their original series of books: Cruising in Seraffyn , Seraffyn’s European Adventure, Seraffyn’s Mediterranean Adventure, and Seraffyn’s Oriental Adventure.

What route do you take to sail around the world?

There are several ways to circumnavigate, but the most common is the “Milk Run.” This route goes from the Caribbean through the Panama Canal. From there, it heads south to the Galapagos Islands and into the South Pacific. After Tahiti, yachts head to Australia, across the Indian Ocean, and through the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean Sea. Finally, leaving the Med, boats cross the Atlantic to the Caribbean to close the circle, or “cross their wake,” as they say.

How long does it take to sail around the world?

The WorldARC around the world sailing rally usually lasts 18 months, but you can do it quicker by selecting fewer stops or taking faster routes. For most sailors, however, the length of the trip around the world really depends on how much they stop along the way and for how long. If the purpose of the trip is to travel and see the world, it makes little sense to rush and do it in the shortest possible time. Many circumnavigations take five or more years. 

How much does it cost per month to sail around the world?

Sailing has been described as the most expensive way to get somewhere for free. The cost to sail around the world is extremely variable–it is impossible to pin down any price. On the one hand, the type of boat makes a difference. The larger the boat, the larger the costs. The lifestyle you choose while sailing matters, too–lavish resort marinas cost more than anchoring away from town. Hiring professionals to do boat maintenance costs more than doing it all yourself. There are ways to do it lavishly and ways to be cheap about it. Comfortable cruising is somewhere in the middle, but where exactly that depends entirely on you. 

How big of a sailboat do you need to sail around the world?

Many solo sailors and couples have circumnavigated in boats less than 30 feet long. Lin and Larry Pardy wrote many novels as they circled the globe on 22-foot-long Seraffyn , a Lyle Hess-designed cutter. The size of the boat has everything to do with your cruising style and budget. So long as the vessel is well-founded and designed to take the rigors of bluewater passages, size matters less than many people think.

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

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Sailing Around The World – Planning For Global Circumnavigation

August 14, 2021 by Martin Parker Leave a Comment

There’s something about sailing around the world that captures the imagination and inspires. For some, it’s the reason for learning to sail in the first place. Others only start to think about global circumnavigation as their skills and experience grow. Regardless of what motivates you to circumnavigate, one thing remains true. For most, it will be the challenge of a lifetime.

But how do you start the process? For someone new to sailing, the prospect of circumnavigation can be truly daunting. With so much to think about and plan for, many get overwhelmed and abandon their dreams before they begin. 

This brief article aims to get you thinking about the task of circumnavigation and what it takes to practically and successfully navigate the process, from start to finish.

What Constitutes a Global Circumnavigation?

The definition of circumnavigation is a matter of debate, but there are some defined rules regarding a nautical, wind-powered trip where racing is concerned. A basic description would be to follow a route that forms a great circle. The passage must be at least 21,600 nautical miles for racing, and you must cross the equator, starting and finishing in the same port.

A cruising circumnavigation will often take a route that covers a much greater distance, with multiple diversions to visit places of interest. So long as you meet the essential criteria stated above, it can be classed as a circumnavigation.

If you are in a hurry, the current world record is held by Francois Gabart. He completed an official circumnavigation in just 42 days, 16 hours, and 40 minutes in December 2017.

No Substitute for Experience When Sailing Around the World

Some people spend a lifetime planning their trip, while others have just thrown the basics together and departed. In both cases, some have been successful, and some have not. We are trying to point out that while your planning is a necessary task, it does not guarantee success. Our best advice? Don’t keep putting off your departure because you haven’t planned everything 100%. 

Start with the basic, most important tasks, and get ready to learn as you go. After all, thinking on your feet will be a big part of your circumnavigation journey. 

Solo Circumnavigation, or Go With a Crew?

Single-handed circumnavigation is perfectly possible. However, it’s a huge challenge that presents certain obstacles and dangers you could avoid with a crew. We highly recommend going with a crew for your first attempt, be it friends, family, or staff. The average time for cruising circumnavigation is around 18 months, although many people travel slowly over multiple years. 

If none of your family and friends are keen, you can use websites like Ocean Crew Link to find crew. You could also consider joining another boat as part of a crew to complete your first journey.

How Long Will it Take to Circumnavigate the Globe?

This really is an open-ended question. How long you have might be a better question. If you’re in a hurry, the current world record is just under 43 days. For most of us, though, we’re circumnavigating to see more of the world at a leisurely pace.

On average, most complete their journey in approximately 18 months. Riley and Elayna from Sailing La Vagabonde started their trip in 2014 and are still going strong. They have even begun raising their young son on board during the journey. Theirs is a lifestyle choice that most won’t want, though. They even took a risky approach and started sailing around the world with little to no experience. It’s a route we wouldn’t recommend, but it shows that circumnavigation is possible – even for beginners.

In the end, your circumstances and endurance will determine how long you spend on your journey.

Is Sailing Around the World Dangerous?

If anyone tries to tell you that it’s not slightly dangerous to circumnavigate the globe, don’t believe them. Sailing thousands of miles from land, passing through inclement weather, and relying on yourself and your crew presents many challenges and at least some level of risk. With proper knowledge, planning, and execution, though, you should be able to navigate your way through safely. By correctly preparing for your journey, you’ll have a better understanding of the risks, allowing you to reduce or even eliminate certain dangers. 

A good starting point is learning your basic sailing skills. These skills include setting your sails and trim, boat handling, and basic navigation, to name a few. Practicing emergency procedures also helps to set yourself up to manage emergency scenarios if they arise. Man-overboard scenarios, how to make a mayday or pan-pan call, having sufficient rescue equipment, and having excellent navigation skills will all help prepare you to make the best of a bad situation. There is a wealth of information and training available both online and through professional organizations, and we strongly recommend taking several training courses until you feel adequately prepared.

Choosing a Boat for Global Circumnavigation

When you consider that people have successfully traversed the oceans in a myriad of craft – including small rowing boats – perhaps the type of boat you choose is not the most critical factor. It’s true that with help, you can cross oceans in almost anything, but the less suitable the boat, the more challenging, uncomfortable, and dangerous it will ultimately be.

The range of boats available may seem baffling, but the standard for making significant passages are the cruising bluewater style yachts. Our recent article on bluewater sailboats for under $100,000 offers insight into some well-known, competent, and affordable cruising yachts .

Vessel Considerations For Sailing Around the World

• Size: Yacht size affects many different aspects of sailing. Since you’ll be spending a lot of time onboard, having the extra space of a 40-foot yacht or bigger will undoubtedly come in handy. In this yacht category, you’ll also get a good sail area to cater to the varying conditions you’ll encounter.
• Weight: Although a heavy yacht won’t break any speed records, it will keep you steady when the sea conditions are challenging. Strong winds can become challenging in the open ocean, and having a heavy-displacement vessel will help you keep your course.
• Keel Design: Fin keels are very popular, and they’re featured on many modern boat designs. However, carefully consider where you intend to go. A bilge keel, for example, gives you a lower draught so you can visit more shallow waterways and will allow you to moor in areas where the tide will leave you aground. Additional benefits include easier maintenance when aground and reduced roll for added comfort.
• Sailing Winches: There are pros and cons to electric and manual winches, but hand winches make sense on circumnavigation passages from a practical point of view. Electric winches save you effort and help if you are sailing short-handed, but they need an efficient power source. Manual winches are more straightforward and less likely to cause you trouble.

What Gear Do You Need for Sailing Around the World?

There is some sailing gear that is essential for safely navigating a circumnavigation. While this list is far from exhaustive, your boat should be equipped with the following: 

• Life Jackets: This should go without saying, but it’s amazing how many don’t consider it essential. Ending up in the water thousands of miles from land is scary enough, but it could very well be a death sentence without a buoyancy device.
• Lifeline: Prevention is better than a fix, so attaching yourself to the boat by a lifeline should be common sense when conditions call for it.
• Ocean Liferaft: Inside should be an equipment and ration pack that will last longer than 24 hours.
• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB): An EPIRB is a device that automatically begins transmitting a rescue signal as soon as it’s submerged in water. 
• Battery Charging System: You will spend most of your time sailing during a circumnavigation. Running your engine to charge your batteries will not last long, and it’s also not advisable. Install at least one method, but preferably two or more, that can charge your batteries under sail. Solar panels, wind turbines, and towed impellors give you three different options for power, depending on the conditions.
• SSB Radio: A Single Side Band (SSB) radio is a commonly used maritime communication system in the open ocean and remote parts of the world. Although AM radios are also widely used, SSB radios offer much better reliability and performance.
• Pactor Modem: Connecting your SSB to a modem will allow you to send and receive emails nearly anywhere at sea. 
• Flare Pack: Flare packs are used to signal distress to other boats or rescue services, and having them on board could potentially save your life.

Other Items to Consider for Sailing Around the World:

• AIS Transponder: Safe navigation at sea, particularly at night, requires at least one pair of eyes to monitor the sea for natural obstacles and other ships. While using an AIS transponder does not remove this requirement, it gives you additional information to avoid collisions at sea. 
• Satellite Phone: Keeping in contact with friends and family can be a lifeline that keeps you going in the most challenging times. A satellite phone will allow you to make direct calls from nearly anywhere on the ocean.

Natural Factors to Consider Before Global Circumnavigation

Your circumnavigation journey will cover more than 21,000 miles, and during that time, you will likely encounter everything mother nature can throw at you. Through good planning, though, you can choose to avoid the worst of the weather and take advantage of favorable winds and ocean currents.

Trade Winds

The trade winds blow continuously throughout the year, thanks to cold air at the poles and warm air at the equator. These temperature differences create westerly winds (from the west) at the poles and easterly winds around the equator. 

Trade winds nearer the poles are much stronger than at the equator, and racers tend to take advantage of this – the passage will be colder and far less comfortable, though.

Cyclone and Hurricane Season

Cyclones and hurricanes occur mainly when the ocean water is warm. This happens between July and October in the northern hemisphere and between December and April in the southern hemisphere. Using this information, it’s a simple task to plan your passage, avoiding the main storm seasons. Of course, storms can still occur at any time in the year, so always be prepared for the unexpected.

Major Ocean Currents

In general, the ocean’s major currents follow the direction of the trade winds, but in some areas, such as South Africa, they can work against you. This makes following the trade winds even more appealing when sailing around the world.

Things To Do Before Sailing Around the World

Below, we outline some of the ways you should prepare before setting out on your first circumnavigation.

As we mentioned previously, some intrepid sailors have completed circumnavigations with no formal training and have learned while en route. While it is possible to do this, we wholeheartedly recommend you get some basic training before setting off.

Most sailing courses around the world offer certification that is acceptable in other countries. The Royal Yachting Association is the primary certification agency in the UK, and the US Sailing School is the leading agency in the US. 

The most widely accepted certificate is the International Certificate of Competence for Operator of Pleasure Craft (ICC). Once you have your national license, you can apply for the ICC, which is accepted in virtually every country worldwide. Even if a country doesn’t accept the ICC, most charter companies will, allowing you to charter a yacht nearly anywhere.

A variety of insurance policies are available for sailors, but there will likely be clauses in the policy referring to piracy and storms. If you ignore the clauses and visit restricted areas, your insurance will not cover an incident.

Piracy refers to anything from abduction and murder to petty theft and assault. Depending on where you’re at in the world, you’ll need to be vigilant to combat potential downfalls. 

The Philippines and the Suez Canal are two hotspots for more severe piracy, and your insurance likely will specify these areas as high risk.

Only you can assess the risk you are willing to take. Avoiding known problem areas can be beneficial, but incidents can still occur anywhere in the world. 

Get the Right Sails For Your Route

Assuming you will follow a typical cruising circumnavigation route, you’ll spend most of your time downwind. Aside from the fact that many monohull sailors find continuous downwind sailing uncomfortable, you’ll need to kit out the sail locker appropriately. Spinnakers and screechers are the order of the day, along with standard genoa sizes or furling genoa.

Many countries require visas for transit through them, and depending on where you’re going, they could take weeks or even months to traverse. You need to plan carefully, as arriving in a country’s waters without the correct paperwork could prove troublesome.

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Sailing Around the World: How to Get Started

Sailing around the world is the ultimate adventure, and it starts right here..

Sailing around the world is a dream for many people. For adventurous spirits, it conjures up images of navigating the wide open ocean, visiting far-flung corners of the world and living the simple life guided by Mother Nature. And the good news is that contrary to what many may think, a sailing trip around the world is well within reach of the average person.

You don’t need to be a hardened salty dog to do it. But before you set sail on an amazing adventure around the world, have a look at our guide about sailing around the world to bring you up to speed about what to do and expect, and most of all, how to get started.

How To Sail Around the World

There are many different ways to go about sailing around the world. Each option comes with its unique set of considerations. Opting to sail with your own boat offers unmatched freedom to customise the journey, and select preferred routes. However, this choice demands substantial financial commitment, meticulous vessel preparation, and a significant level of sailing experience.

Joining a round-the-world trip, such as the popular World ARC (World Cruising Club’s Atlantic Rally for Cruisers), has a softer level of entry. The rally offers a structured and supported approach to round-the-world travel, combining the thrill of adventure with professional guidance and a ready-made community of fellow sailors.

You can participate with your own yacht or join the crew of someone else’s. Experienced World ARC sailors like Ian and Fiona love to share their epic adventures with sailors of all levels, making it a great option for those new to sailing, or without any prior sailing experience who want to partake in just one leg of the journey.

The Best Time to Sail Around the World

The best time to sail around the world depends on several factors, including the chosen route, seasonal variations, and the sailor’s preferences regarding weather conditions and cultural encounters. Meticulous planning and continuous monitoring of weather patterns are indispensable for a successful and enjoyable circumnavigation. Careful consideration of the optimal timing to ensure a safe and comfortable journey across diverse climates and ocean conditions.

Many circumnavigators adhere to established trade wind routes, beginning their journey in regions like Europe and crossing the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter to benefit from favourable easterly trade winds.

Timing plays a crucial role in avoiding hurricane seasons in the Atlantic from June to November and cyclone seasons in the South Pacific from November to April. For the challenging Southern Ocean, circumnavigators often opt for the Southern Hemisphere’s summer between December and February to minimise exposure to extreme weather conditions.

Navigating the Pacific Ocean involves monitoring El Niño and La Niña events, which can impact weather patterns. The Southern Hemisphere’s winter, between May and August, is generally preferred for sailing across the Pacific and Indian Oceans .

For an Atlantic crossing, particularly from the Caribbean to Europe, sailors wait for favourable weather windows, usually in late spring or early summer, to ensure smoother passages. Timing the journey through the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia requires avoiding the monsoon seasons – the northeast monsoon from November to March and the southwest monsoon from June to September.

Beyond weather considerations, circumnavigators often align their journeys with personal preferences and cultural experiences. Some choose to time their passages to coincide with specific cultural festivals or events in the countries they plan to visit.

Routes to Sail Around the World

There are several established routes to sail around the world. Selecting the most suitable route for a global circumnavigation is an important decision, influenced by factors such as prevailing winds, ocean currents, and seasonal weather patterns.

The Eastward Route

The eastward route involves sailing against the Earth’s rotation, navigating from west to east. This route typically follows the prevailing winds known as the “Roaring Forties” and “Furious Fifties” in the Southern Hemisphere. Sailors often encounter challenging weather conditions, including strong westerly winds and rough seas. Notable eastward routes include passages through the Southern Ocean, around the Cape of Good Hope, and navigating the vast Pacific Ocean.

The Westward Route

Sailing the westward means sailing with the Earth’s rotation, from east to west. This route often follows trade wind routes, such as the North and South Trade Winds in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Westward-bound sailors typically navigate around the Cape of Good Hope, cross the Indian Ocean, and may traverse the Panama Canal.

The Trade Wind Route

Following the trade winds, sailors might depart from Europe and sail southward to cross the Atlantic via the Cape Verde Islands. After crossing the Atlantic, they navigate the Panama Canal and continue across the Pacific, rounding the Cape of Good Hope, and returning to Europe.

The Classic Circumnavigation

The classic route often starts in Europe, crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbean via the Canary Islands. From the Caribbean, sailors traverse the Panama Canal to enter the Pacific Ocean. This route typically involves circumnavigating the globe in an eastward direction.

The Red Sea Route

The Red Sea route serves as a crucial passage for sailors travelling between the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean. Sailors enter the Red Sea through the Suez Canal, providing a more direct route and bypassing the need to sail around the southern tip of Africa. However, the route has faced security challenges such as piracy and geopolitical tensions in the area.

The Southern Ocean Route

Adventurous sailors often opt for a Southern Ocean route, starting in the Southern Hemisphere and circumnavigating Antarctica. This route passes through challenging latitudes, including the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties, known for their strong westerly winds.

The Clipper Route

Inspired by the traditional clipper ship routes, this historical route involves sailing from Europe to Australia and the Far East via the Cape of Good Hope. Sailors then cross the Pacific, rounding Cape Horn, and return to Europe via the Atlantic.

The Transpacific Route

Some circumnavigators choose a predominantly Pacific route, sailing from the west coast of the Americas across the Pacific, exploring islands such as Tahiti, Fiji , and Australia, before rounding the Cape of Good Hope or Cape Horn to return home.

The Northern Route

A more unconventional route involves sailing through the Arctic Circle, navigating the Northwest Passage and possibly continuing through the Northeast Passage. This route offers a unique Arctic Ocean exploration experience but requires careful planning due to ice conditions.

The World ARC Rally

The World ARC (World Cruising Club’s Around the World Rally) provides a structured and supported route for circumnavigators. This rally typically starts in the Caribbean, crosses the Panama Canal, explores the South Pacific, and Indian Ocean, and returns via the Atlantic.

Benefits of Joining the World ARC Rally

An existing crew on the World ARC already has an ocean-crossing-ready yacht, so you don’t have to worry about getting one. You also get an immediate sense of community and camaraderie, as you become part of a team sharing the adventure. Sailing with experienced crew members gives you the opportunity to learn and develop your skills, especially if you’re new to sailing or long-distance cruising.

The logistical aspects of the journey, including route planning and safety measures, are often handled by the experienced crew and rally organisers, making the experience smoother and offering a level of security for participants.

One of the best things about joining a crew on the World ARC is that you can join for one leg, many legs, or the entire journey, making it an extremely flexible option if you can’t take a year and a bit off to go sailing around the world.

How Long Does It Take to Sail Around the World?

It usually takes around 100 days to sail around the world non-stop. However, the duration of a global circumnavigation varies widely. Direct eastward or westward routes along the equator cover approximately 15,000 to 25,000 nautical miles, but most circumnavigators opt for longer routes to explore islands and continents, significantly extending the journey.

Sailing yachts typically cover 100 to 150 nautical miles per day, depending on design, size, and wind conditions. Strategies vary, with non-stop circumnavigations taking around 100 days, while cruisers may prefer a leisurely pace over several years, allowing for extended stays in ports and exploration.

Circumnavigators often plan around seasonal weather patterns, resulting in extended stays in specific regions. The time spent in ports, cultural exploration, and participation in events significantly influences the overall duration.

What You Need to Sail Around the World

Besides the usual provisions and safety considerations, things like essential documents, medical necessities, and cultural sensitivity are also important. Ensure that your passport is valid and that you have the required travel visas for the countries you’ll be visiting, make sure you are up to date with relevant vaccinations and that you have a sufficient supply of prescription medications.

On your trip, you will meet different cultures that may be completely different to yours. Research these cultures, including local customs, and language (even if you only know how to say “hello”) and learn how to interact with other cultures with respect. This will make your journey so much more enjoyable and rewarding.

Can Anyone Sail Around the World?

Yes! Really the only prerequisite is a sense of adventure. Sailing around the world doesn’t necessarily require extensive sailing experience if you are joining a crew and not sailing your own yacht. But even still there are various routes and options that cater to varying skill levels. While sailing experience definitely helps, the accessibility of global sailing adventures has expanded, allowing anyone to tick off this massive bucket list adventure.

If you’re not sure whether you’ve got what it takes to sail all the way around the world, you can join someone else’s crew for one or two legs to get a taste of it. There are many options, from joining a laid-back leg or two on the World ARC to jumping into the adrenaline-pumping action of round-the-world racing in the Ocean Race.

Notable People Who Have Sailed Around the World

Embarking on a global circumnavigation is a feat achieved by a diverse array of individuals, each with their unique motivations, challenges, and inspiring stories. Numerous sailors have etched their names in maritime history through remarkable circumnavigation achievements.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

In 1969, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston became the first person to complete a solo non-stop circumnavigation aboard his yacht, Suhaili, as part of the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race. His journey took approximately 312 days.

Laura Dekker

Laura Dekker, a Dutch sailor, achieved global recognition in 2012 when, at the age of 16, she completed a solo circumnavigation aboard her yacht, Guppy. Her journey spanned over a year, making her the youngest person to sail solo around the world at the time.

Francois Gabart

In 2017 French sailor Francois Gabart broke the record for fastest single-handed circumnavigation, completing the journey in 42 days, 16 hours, 40 minutes, and 35 seconds, beating the previous record by almost a week. Gabart achieved the record for sailing a multihull, the record for monohulls is held by another Frenchman, Armel Le Cléac’h, setting a time of 74 days, 3 hours and 35 minutes.

Joshua Slocum

Joshua Slocum, a Canadian sailor, achieved the first recorded solo circumnavigation between 1895 and 1898 aboard his yacht, Spray. His detailed account of the journey, “Sailing Alone Around the World,” remains a classic in maritime literature.

Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz

Following in Slocum’s footsteps, Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz made history as the first woman to solo circumnavigate the globe. Sailing on the Mazurek from February 28, 1976, to April 21, 1978, she conquered the Southern Ocean, rounded the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn, and crossed the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The Crew of Maiden

The crew of Maiden, led by Tracy Edwards, made waves in 1989 when they became the first all-female team to compete in the Whitbread Round the World Race (now known as The Ocean Race). This feat won Edwards the Yachtsman of the Year Trophy, the first woman to receive this prestigious award.

Jeanne Socrates

In 2019, at the age of 77, Jeanne Socrates became the oldest woman to complete a solo non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation. Her 330 journey aboard the yacht Nereida also broke a world record for the oldest person to sail around the world solo, nonstop and unassisted. In 2020 Socrates lost her record to 81-year-old Bill Hatfield, however, there was some controversy regarding his route, as it didn’t sail around the ‘Five Great Capes’.

Sail Around the World Yacht Races

Participating in a sail-around-the-world yacht race is a thrilling and challenging endeavour that attracts seasoned sailors and adventurous novices alike. These races offer a unique opportunity to test sailing skills, navigate diverse conditions, and experience the camaraderie of a global sailing community.

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

The Clipper Race is one of the most renowned yacht races, circumnavigating the globe in a series of challenging legs in specially designed identical yachts. What sets it apart is its inclusivity, allowing individuals with minimal sailing experience to join as “crew” under the guidance of professional skippers. Crew members sign up for one or more legs of the race, covering various global destinations.

Vendée Globe

The Vendée Globe is the world’s only solo, non-stop, and unassisted yacht race that circumnavigates the globe. It is known for its extreme challenges and demands on skippers, testing their endurance and sailing skills to their limits. In 2020, Kraken sponsored close friend Pip Hare’s historic successful completion of this gruelling race.

World ARC (World Cruising Club’s Around the World Rally)

The World ARC is designed as a cruising rally, offering a structured and supported route for circumnavigators. It typically spans 15 to 18 months and covers a diverse range of destinations, allowing participants to explore the world in a well-organised manner.

Golden Globe Race

The Golden Globe Race is a retro race that pays homage to the original Sunday Times Golden Globe Race of 1968. Held every 4 years, participants sail solo, non-stop, using vintage yachts and equipment available during the race’s inception. The race ultimately led to the founding of the Vendée Globe race.

The Ocean Race

Formerly known as the Volvo Ocean Race and the Whitbread Round the World Race, The Ocean Race is a global team event that circumnavigates the world with a series of challenging offshore legs. Professional sailing teams compete in state-of-the-art offshore racing yachts. The race covers some of the world’s most treacherous waters, testing the limits of sailing skill and strategy.

Kraken offers the opportunity to experience what it’s like racing on an Ocean Race yacht, with spots on former Ocean Race competitors, the VO65 Sisi and the VO70 Green Dragon .

Sailing around the world is the ultimate adventure, and whether you’re a seasoned sailor or have never set foot on a sailing yacht before, you can make it a reality. Join a round-the-world sailing trip, charter a yacht, join a racing team or take your own boat, such a big adventure has never been so accessible!

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Swan 51: atlantic crossing caribbean – europe spring 2025, from £4,350 per person, this is the trip of your life. the southern trade wind routes have very little to do with the northern route back to europe and you can prepare to meet the wild forces of nature., 9th may 2024 to 19th may 2024, vo65: transatlantic / antigua – azores, from £2,300 per person, book your berth on a vo65 for an atlantic blast between antigua and the azores., 17th july 2025 to 29th july 2025, volvo 70: green dragon – rolex fastnet 2025 race campaign, from £5,885 per person, join the prestigious rolex fastnet race 2025 on the revamped volvo 70: green dragon. sail, learn, and conquer in this ultimate offshore adventure., various dates available, world arc 2024 & 2025, a round-the-world adventure taking place over 15 months and covering 26,000 nm. following the classic trade winds route, the rally avoids regions of political instability, piracy and storm seasons., how we work.

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Ultimate Guide: How to Sail Around the World – Expert Tips and Routes

Alex Morgan

Taking up the challenge of sailing around the world is an exhilarating and rewarding endeavor that requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a novice, embarking on this global adventure requires a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects involved. From gaining sailing experience and choosing the right boat to planning the route and equipping your vessel, each step is crucial for a successful journey. Understanding weather patterns , maintaining health and well-being, and knowing how to handle emergencies at sea are essential skills to possess. Interacting with different cultures along the way also adds a unique dimension to the experience. In this article, we will guide you through the process, providing valuable insights and tips on how to sail around the world.

Key takeaway:

• Taking up the challenge: Sailing around the world requires determination and perseverance, but it can be a life-changing experience.
• Preparing for the journey: Gaining sailing experience, choosing the right boat, and securing necessary documents are crucial steps before setting sail.
• Planning your route: Selecting the best season, considering trade winds and currents, and identifying potential stops and ports are vital for a successful voyage.

Taking Up the Challenge: How to Sail Around the World

To embark on the challenge of sailing around the world , follow these steps:

1. Taking Up the Challenge: Gain sailing experience by learning navigation skills and sailing in various weather conditions.

2. Plan your route: Conduct thorough research on seasons, wind patterns, and potential hazards to chart the safest course.

3. Prepare your boat: Prioritize safety by equipping your boat with necessary safety gear, provisions, and performing regular maintenance checks.

4. Obtain necessary permits and visas: Ensure compliance with country entry requirements by obtaining the required permits and visas.

5. Study weather patterns: Familiarize yourself with meteorology to make informed navigation decisions and ensure a safe journey.

6. Create a watch schedule: Establish a rotation system to have someone always alert and attentive during long passages.

7. Stay connected: Invest in reliable communication devices to maintain communication with the outside world throughout your voyage.

8. Practice self-sufficiency: Acquire essential repair and maintenance skills to address any potential issues that may arise during the journey.

9. Be prepared for emergencies: Carry a well-stocked first aid kit and have emergency procedures in place to be ready for any unforeseen circumstances.

10. Enjoy the journey: Embrace the breathtaking views and savor the unique experiences encountered along the way.

Fact: Sailing around the world can be a voyage lasting anywhere from 1 to 3 years , depending on factors such as weather conditions, route choices, and boat speed.

Preparing for the Journey

Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? In this section, we’ll dive into the essential steps for preparing your journey as you set sail around the world. Discover the importance of gaining sailing experience , choosing the right boat , and securing the necessary documents . So, grab your compass and get ready to explore the thrilling world of global sailing!

Gaining Sailing Experience

When it comes to gaining sailing experience, there are steps you can take to build your skills and knowledge:

• Take sailing lessons or enroll in a sailing school to learn navigation, boat handling, and safety protocols.
• Join a yacht club or sailing community to connect with experienced sailors who can provide guidance and mentorship.
• Participate in regattas or sailing races to practice skills in competitive environments and learn from more experienced sailors.
• Crew on other people’s boats to gain practical experience and learn different sailing techniques.
• Sail in different conditions , such as different weather conditions and types of waters, to cultivate proficiency in different sailing scenarios.
• Stay up-to-date with sailing publications, books, and online resources to enhance theoretical understanding of sailing techniques, rules, and navigation.
• Consider completing certifications such as the American Sailing Association (ASA) or Royal Yachting Association (RYA) to validate sailing skills.

Fact: Gaining sailing experience is crucial for a safe and enjoyable sailing journey around the world.

Choosing the Right Boat

When sailing around the world, picking the right boat is crucial for a successful and safe voyage. Consider these factors when selecting your vessel:

1. Size: Determine the boat’s size based on the number of crew members and trip duration. A larger boat offers more space and stability but may be harder to maneuver.

2. Construction: Look for a boat made of durable materials like fiberglass or aluminum. They resist damage from waves and weather conditions.

3. Design: Consider the boat’s layout, ensuring it has enough storage space, comfortable living quarters, and a functional deck for sailing.

4. Sail Rigging: Choose a boat with a sail rigging system that matches your sailing experience and preferences. Options range from traditional sloop rigs to modern catamarans.

5. Navigation Equipment: Ensure the boat has essential navigation instruments such as a compass, GPS, and radar for safe navigation.

An illustrative story underscores the importance of choosing the right boat. A couple attempted to sail worldwide on a small boat. Despite their experience, the boat lacked stability and safety features for long-distance cruising. They faced multiple challenges, including rough seas and equipment failures. Eventually, they had to abandon their journey and get rescued. This story emphasizes the need for thorough research and selection of a suitable boat for your sailing adventure.

Securing the Necessary Documents

Securing the necessary documents is crucial when preparing to sail around the world. Follow these steps:

1. Research the required documents for each country you plan to visit, including passports, visas, and cruising permits.

2. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date to avoid complications.

3. Check the visa requirements for each country and apply well in advance. Some countries may have specific visa requirements, such as transit visas for shorter stopovers.

4. Obtain the necessary cruising permits or licenses for your vessel, providing proof of ownership and insurance.

5. Make copies of important documents, such as passports, visas, and permits. Keep these copies secure and carry them with you while sailing.

6. Consider getting international health insurance to cover medical emergencies while traveling.

7. Register your trip with your local embassy or consulate to receive assistance in emergencies or evacuations.

8. Stay updated on any changes in entry requirements or travel advisories for the countries you plan to visit.

Securing the necessary documents ensures a smooth and hassle-free journey around the world. It is advisable to start this process well in advance to allow for processing times or unexpected delays.

Planning Your Route

When it comes to sailing around the world, one of the most crucial aspects is planning your route. In this section, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty details and explore how to select the best season for your voyage. We’ll also take a look at the importance of considering trade winds and currents in order to navigate efficiently. And of course, we’ll discuss the key factors to keep in mind when identifying potential stops and ports along your epic journey. Get ready to chart your course and make your sailing dreams a reality!

Selecting the Best Season

When planning a sailing journey around the world, selecting the best season is crucial. Consider factors such as weather conditions, navigation difficulties, visibility, chances of storms, and sea currents to help you determine the best season for your journey.

Typically, the summer months offer more stable weather conditions with calmer seas and lesser chances of storms. It is essential to research specific regions’ weather patterns as they can vary. For example, sailing through the Caribbean is best between December and April when the weather is pleasant with lower chances of hurricanes. Meanwhile, sailing across the Pacific may be best during the southern hemisphere’s summer months between November and April to take advantage of favorable winds.

Keep in mind that weather patterns can change, so it’s important to monitor forecasts and consult experienced sailors or local experts for accurate information to make the best decision.

Considering the Trade Winds and Currents

When considering a journey to sail around the world, it is crucial to incorporate the trade winds and currents into your planning. These natural forces can greatly impact the speed and direction of your voyage, making it essential to understand and take advantage of them.

The trade winds act as consistent winds that blow in specific directions in different parts of the world. By utilizing these winds, sailors can maintain a steady and efficient course.

Ocean currents resemble rivers within the ocean, flowing in various directions and speeds. By comprehending these currents, sailors can navigate more efficiently, ultimately saving both time and fuel.

To effectively plan your route, it is recommended to study weather charts, pilot books, and seek guidance from experienced sailors. This will help determine the best course to take full advantage of favorable winds and currents for each leg of your journey.

Remember that the timing of your departure is crucial as certain seasons may offer more favorable winds and currents. It is important to remain flexible and adjust your departure dates for a better sailing experience.

By considering the trade winds and currents , sailors can navigate their way around the world more efficiently, ultimately leading to smoother and faster passages.

Incorporating these factors into your planning is an essential aspect of ensuring a successful and enjoyable circumnavigation.

Identifying Potential Stops and Ports

When planning your journey to sail around the world, it is important to identify potential stops and ports. By doing so, you will have the opportunity to rest, resupply, and explore new destinations along the way. There are several important factors to consider when choosing these stops:

1. Research: It is essential to conduct thorough research in order to identify potential stops and ports that align with your travel goals. This includes taking into account the distance from your current location, the available facilities at each port, and the local attractions that may be of interest to you.

2. Navigation: To ensure a smooth journey, it is advisable to use nautical charts, guidebooks, and online resources to identify suitable ports. It is important to pay attention to any navigational hazards that may exist and ensure that the ports you choose have adequate mooring facilities available.

3. Infrastructure: Before selecting a port, it is crucial to check if it has the proper facilities to accommodate your vessel. This includes looking for marinas, anchorages, fuel stations, and repair services. By doing so, you can ensure safe docking and maintenance for your vessel.

4. Customs and Immigration: It is important to research the customs and immigration procedures for each potential stop in order to comply with local regulations. This includes planning enough time for clearance procedures and ensuring that you have all the necessary documents ready.

5. Safety and Security: Considering the safety and security of each stop is of utmost importance. It is advisable to look for ports that have a reputation for safety and low crime rates. Consulting experienced sailors or online communities for advice on port safety can provide valuable insights.

6. Local Attractions and Culture: It is important to take into account the attractions and cultural experiences available at each stop. Immersing yourself in different cultures, trying local cuisines, and exploring the beauty of each destination will enhance your journey.

By incorporating these considerations into your planning, you can ensure a more enjoyable and successful journey around the world.

Equipping Your Vessel

Equipping your vessel is crucial when embarking on a journey to sail around the world. In this section, we’ll explore key aspects such as ensuring safety equipment and first aid supplies , stocking up on food and water , and installing navigation and communication systems . Get ready to dive into the practical essentials that will make your sailing adventure safe and smooth, from the necessary gear to the provisions for sustenance and the tools for navigation.

Ensuring Safety Equipment and First Aid Supplies

When getting ready for a sailing adventure, it is essential to ensure the presence of safety equipment and first aid supplies. This will help protect both yourself and your crew. Here is a comprehensive list of the must-have items:

• Life jackets: It is crucial for each person to have a properly fitted life jacket.
• Flares and signaling devices: These items can effectively draw attention and assist rescuers in locating you during emergencies.
• Fire extinguishers: Make sure to have fire extinguishers on board to swiftly extinguish any fires.
• First aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, and medications for addressing injuries or illnesses.
• Emergency radio: Use an emergency radio to communicate with the coast guard or other vessels in case of emergencies.
• Navigation tools: Carry a compass, charts, and a GPS system to ensure safe navigation.

By having these safety equipment and first aid supplies, you will have peace of mind and be well-prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise during your sailing journey.

Fun Fact: The International Safety Management (ISM) Code has provisions in place that require the proper presence of safety equipment and first aid supplies on ships to ensure the safety of both the crew and passengers.

Stocking Up on Food and Water

When embarking on a global sailing expedition, it is vital to stock up on provisions, including an ample supply of food and water, to satisfy the crew’s sustenance and overall well-being.

For sustenance , it is recommended to procure non-perishable food items, such as canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, and energy bars. It is essential to take into account any dietary restrictions and crew preferences when selecting these items. The aim should be to have enough food to last the entire journey, while also considering additional supplies for unforeseen emergencies .

To meet hydration needs, it is important to ensure an adequate water supply. This can be achieved by calculating the daily water consumption per person and multiplying it by the duration of the trip. Factors such as climate, physical exertion, and possible delays should be considered in this calculation. It is advisable to invest in water storage containers and filtration systems to ensure safety during the voyage. Carrying extra water capacity is recommended for added security .

It is crucial to create a detailed provisioning plan for each leg of the journey, taking into account potential restocking points along the route. This plan should be adjusted based on the availability of supplies at these points.

To prevent damage or spoilage of provisions during rough seas, it is essential to have adequate storage space. Using lockers and securing items will help safeguard them. For the preservation of perishable items, it is crucial to rotate them regularly to maintain freshness and avoid waste. Prioritizing the consumption of items with shorter expiration dates is advisable. Proper food storage techniques should be followed to prevent contamination .

By adhering to these guidelines and diligently planning food and water supplies, you can ensure proper nourishment and hydration throughout your exciting sailing adventure.

Installing Navigation and Communication Systems

To sail around the world, install navigation and communication systems on your vessel. This ensures safety and effective navigation throughout your journey.

• Choose a reliable GPS: Install a Global Positioning System (GPS) for accurate positioning information to determine your exact location at sea.
• Install a marine VHF radio: A marine VHF radio is crucial for communication with other boats and coastguards. It allows distress calls, weather updates, and communication with nearby vessels.
• Set up an AIS transponder: AIS transponders transmit your vessel’s information, such as position, speed, and course, to other vessels. This prevents collisions and enhances safety.
• Install radar: Radar systems detect objects, land masses, and other vessels using radio waves. It provides valuable information during poor visibility or night navigation.
• Consider satellite communication: Satellite communication systems keep you connected when out of traditional cellular networks. They provide weather updates, emergency services, and communication with loved ones onshore.

Pro-tip: Regularly test and maintain your navigation and communication systems to ensure optimal functionality before embarking on your journey. Familiarize yourself with their operation and keep spare parts or backup systems onboard as a precaution.

Understanding Weather Patterns

Weather patterns play a crucial role when it comes to sailing around the world. In this section, we’ll uncover the secrets to understanding these patterns. From learning how to interpret weather forecasts to navigating around tropical storms and heavy weather, we’ll equip you with the knowledge needed to sail safely. We’ll also explore how to tackle calms and light winds, ensuring you’re prepared for all conditions Mother Nature throws your way. Get ready to set sail with confidence!

Learning to Read Weather Forecasts

Learning to read weather forecasts is crucial for sailors. By understanding weather patterns, sailors can make informed decisions about when to set sail, avoid storms, and navigate through different wind conditions.

To read weather forecasts, sailors should analyze meteorological data such as wind direction , speed , atmospheric pressure , and cloud patterns . This information can be obtained from weather forecasting websites, radio broadcasts, and onboard weather instruments.

By interpreting weather forecasts, sailors can anticipate the behavior of weather systems and plan accordingly. For example, if a forecast predicts strong winds and storms , sailors can delay departure or seek shelter. Conversely, if the forecast indicates favorable conditions, sailors can plan longer passages and optimize their route using wind patterns.

Learning to read weather forecasts requires practice and knowledge of meteorological concepts. Sailors should familiarize themselves with weather symbols, terminology, and the use of weather instruments. It is important to stay updated with the latest forecasts throughout the journey to make necessary adjustments.

In a true story, a sailor named Lisa embarked on a solo circumnavigation. Her ability to interpret weather data and make informed decisions contributed to a safe and successful journey. Lisa learned the importance of constantly monitoring weather updates, trusting her instincts, and seeking advice from experienced sailors. Her newfound knowledge and skills in reading weather forecasts enhanced her confidence as a sailor.

Avoiding Tropical Storms and Heavy Weather

Stay updated on weather patterns and forecasts to anticipate the formation and movement of tropical storms and heavy weather.

Avoid areas prone to tropical storms and heavy weather by planning your route strategically.

Choose a time of the year when the likelihood of tropical storms and heavy weather is minimal in the regions you will be sailing through.

Utilize real-time weather information to avoid potential danger.

Stay in contact with other sailors, local authorities, and rescue services to receive timely warnings and advice regarding tropical storms and heavy weather.

Prepare your boat by securing loose items, reinforcing the rigging, and checking and maintaining essential equipment to withstand strong winds and rough seas.

If you encounter a tropical storm or heavy weather while at sea, find a protected anchorage or marina until the weather improves.

Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and know how to deploy safety equipment and handle emergencies during tropical storms or heavy weather.

Develop a contingency plan for worst-case scenarios, such as losing control of the boat or facing exceptionally severe weather, to ensure the safety of yourself and your crew.

Prioritize safety above all else when deciding whether to continue sailing or seek a safe haven during tropical storms or heavy weather.

Dealing with Calms and Light Winds

Dealing with calms and light winds while sailing can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to navigate through these conditions. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Maintain momentum: Maximize your boat’s speed by carefully trimming the sails to capture the available wind. Use any breeze, no matter how light, to keep your boat moving forward.

2. Be patient and persevere: Sailing in calms and light winds requires patience. Stay focused and alert for any subtle changes in wind direction or intensity.

3. Consider alternative propulsion: If there are prolonged calms, use methods like an engine or auxiliary power to maintain progress towards your destination.

4. Conserve resources: During periods of calms and light winds, conserve essential supplies such as food, water, and fuel. Plan accordingly and make sure you have enough to sustain your journey.

5. Stay updated with weather forecasts: Anticipate areas of potential calm or light wind conditions by staying updated with weather forecasts. This will help you plan your route and make necessary adjustments.

6. Utilize current and tidal flows: Take advantage of favorable currents or tidal flows that can provide additional propulsion in the absence of wind.

Remember, dealing with calms and light winds is a normal part of a sailing adventure. By using these strategies and remaining adaptable, you can continue to make progress towards your destination even in challenging conditions.

Maintaining Health and Well-being

When it comes to sailing around the world, maintaining health and well-being is crucial. In this section, we dive into the key aspects that contribute to a successful voyage. From staying physically fit to managing seasickness and maintaining mental resilience, we’ll uncover the essentials for a smooth and enjoyable journey across the vast oceans. So, grab your compass and let’s explore the secrets of maintaining your health while sailing the seven seas!

Staying Physically Fit

Staying physically fit is of utmost importance for sailors embarking on a journey around the world. Sailing necessitates strength, endurance, and agility to effectively navigate the physical trials experienced at sea. It is essential to consider the following key factors in order to maintain fitness:

1. Regular exercise: Engage in cardiovascular activities such as running or swimming to enhance stamina and cardiovascular health. Incorporating strength training exercises , like weightlifting, aids in building muscle strength and endurance.

2. Flexibility and mobility: Integrate stretching exercises like yoga or Pilates into your routine to improve flexibility. This is vital for maneuvering on the boat and reducing the risk of injuries.

3. Healthy diet: Maintain a balanced diet that is rich in nutrients to promote overall health and physical well-being. Ensure your diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to provide energy and aid in recovery.

4. Hydration: It is crucial to consume an adequate amount of water to stay hydrated. This helps to maintain optimal performance and prevent dehydration.

5. Rest and recovery: Allow your body sufficient time to rest and recuperate. Ensure you get enough sleep and schedule rest days to prevent fatigue and facilitate muscle repair.

By staying fit, you will significantly enhance your sailing experience by improving your well-being and proficiency. Giving priority to physical fitness ensures that you possess the necessary physical capabilities to overcome challenges encountered at sea.

One inspiring account of maintaining physical fitness while circumnavigating the globe through sailing is that of Lisa Blair . In 2017, she accomplished the remarkable feat of becoming the first woman to solo and unassistedly circle Antarctica . Blair exhibited extraordinary fitness and resilience by diligently adhering to a strict regimen of exercise, yoga, and a nutritious diet. Her unwavering dedication enabled her to conquer the physical demands of her journey and achieve this awe-inspiring accomplishment.

Maintaining Mental Resilience

Maintaining mental resilience is crucial when sailing around the world.

It requires staying focused, positive, and adaptable to handle challenges.

1. Build a positive mindset: Cultivate a positive outlook. Embrace the adventure, stay optimistic, and maintain a proactive attitude towards overcoming obstacles.

2. Develop coping strategies: Find healthy ways to cope with stress and difficult situations. Engage in activities like meditation or journaling. Take breaks and seek support from fellow sailors or loved ones.

3. Enhance problem-solving skills: Think critically and adapt to changing circumstances. Practice problem-solving techniques and develop a flexible mindset to navigate unexpected situations.

4. Prioritize self-care: Take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Get rest, eat nutritious meals, and exercise regularly to keep both body and mind strong.

5. Manage emotions: Recognize and manage emotions that arise during the journey. Embrace the highs and navigate the lows. Develop emotional intelligence to make better decisions and maintain mental well-being.

Remember, maintaining mental resilience is an ongoing process. By applying these strategies, sailors can better navigate challenges, adapt to the demands of the journey, and enjoy a fulfilling experience sailing around the world.

Managing Seasickness and Motion Sickness

When sailing, managing seasickness and motion sickness is crucial. Here are some strategies to naturally alleviate discomfort:

– Stay hydrated: It is important to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, as it can worsen seasickness.

– Eat light meals: To avoid nausea, it is best to steer clear of heavy or greasy foods. Instead, opt for small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day.

– Focus on the horizon: To reduce the feeling of motion and alleviate seasickness, fixate on a stable, distant point.

– Take breaks: If you start feeling queasy, find a calm and well-ventilated area to relax.

– Use medication: Consulting a healthcare professional for options such as antihistamines or ginger-based products can help alleviate symptoms.

– Avoid strong smells: It is advisable to stay in well-ventilated areas to prevent worsening nausea caused by certain smells.

– Stay above deck: Spending time in the open air and feeling the breeze can help reduce motion sickness. Try to avoid staying below deck for extended periods.

– Practice relaxation techniques: Engaging in deep breathing exercises, meditation, or listening to calming music can distract from nausea and promote relaxation.

By incorporating these strategies, you can effectively manage seasickness and motion sickness while enjoying your sailing journey.

Handling Emergencies at Sea

Emergencies can strike anytime, anywhere, and even when sailing around the world, you need to be prepared. In this section, we will explore how to handle emergencies at sea. From dealing with equipment failures to managing medical emergencies, and developing a plan for man overboard situations, we will equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate through unforeseen challenges. So, tighten your lifejacket and let’s dive into the essential tips for handling emergencies on your sailing journey.

Dealing with Equipment Failures

Dealing with equipment failures is essential when sailing around the world. It is crucial to properly maintain and prepare your vessel to minimize the impact of these failures. Consider the following key points:

– Regular inspection: It is important to inspect your boat frequently, including the engine, rigging, sails, and navigation systems. The goal is to identify potential issues before they become serious problems.

– Emergency repairs: Make sure to equip your boat with a comprehensive toolkit that includes spare parts, tools, and materials for onboard repairs. Addressing minor issues promptly can prevent them from escalating.

– Training: Take the time to familiarize yourself with basic repair techniques and procedures. Knowing how to fix common equipment failures can be incredibly valuable in emergency situations.

– Backup systems: Install backup systems for critical equipment, such as an auxiliary engine or redundant navigation instruments. Having this redundancy in place can help mitigate the impact of failures during your journey.

– Communication: Always carry a reliable means of communication onboard, such as a satellite phone or radio. This way, you can seek assistance in the event of major equipment failures or emergencies.

– Insurance: It is crucial to ensure that your boat is adequately insured to cover equipment failures or damages. Review the policy’s terms and conditions to fully understand the coverage it provides.

By following these steps, you can enhance safety and confidence while sailing around the world.

Managing Medical Emergencies

Managing medical emergencies is of utmost importance when sailing. It is crucial to be prepared for potential crises in order to save lives and guarantee a safe journey. Here are some important steps to follow in order to effectively manage medical emergencies:

1. It is vital to stock a comprehensive first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic solutions, and medications for common ailments.

2. Develop a clear communication plan to easily contact emergency medical services. It is essential to have a working satellite phone or radio onboard.

3. Ensure that the crew is trained in basic first aid and CPR. It is important that everyone knows how to respond to emergencies and provide immediate assistance.

4. Create a medical emergency response plan that outlines the necessary steps to take in case of injuries, illnesses, or accidents.

5. It is essential to regularly check and maintain all medical equipment and supplies to ensure that they are in proper working condition.

6. Keep detailed records of the crew members’ medical conditions, allergies, and medications. This information will be helpful to inform medical professionals if the need arises.

7. Stay well-informed and consider enrolling in medical training courses such as wilderness first aid or advanced marine medical training.

8. Consider subscribing to a telemedical service that can provide real-time medical advice while at sea.

Remember, prevention is key. Encourage good hygiene practices and ensure that the crew is aware of potential health risks associated with sailing. Being well-prepared for medical emergencies is essential to ensure a safe and successful journey.

Developing a Plan for Man Overboard Situations

Developing a plan for man overboard situations is crucial for safety. It is essential to follow these steps in such emergencies:

• Immediately shout “ Man overboard! ” to alert the crew and ensure they start monitoring the person in the water.
• Throw a buoyant object, like a life ring or flotation device, towards the person to provide something to hold onto.
• Activate the man overboard alarm system, if available, to notify nearby vessels or authorities.
• Designate a crew member to visually monitor the person in the water and continuously point towards their location.
• Initiate a quick and efficient recovery procedure, such as turning the boat around or using a rescue sling or ladder.
• Retrieve the person from the water using the established recovery procedure, ensuring the safety of the rescuer.
• Provide immediate medical attention if required and monitor the person’s condition until professional help can be reached.
• Conduct a debriefing with the crew to assess the situation and identify any lessons learned.

A true story highlighting the importance of a plan for man overboard situations involves a sailing team in a race. During a storm, a crew member fell overboard. Thanks to their quick response and well-rehearsed plan, they safely retrieved the crew member and provided necessary medical assistance. Their efficient handling of the situation highlighted the importance of developing a plan for man overboard situations and the significance of preparation and training for everyone’s safety on board.

Interacting with Different Cultures

Stepping into new cultures while sailing around the world offers a beautiful tapestry of experiences. In this section, we’ll dive into the joys of interacting with different cultures, exploring topics like respecting local customs and traditions , learning basic language skills, and establishing positive interactions with locals. So, get ready to expand your horizons and embrace the richness of diverse societies as you embark on your global sailing adventure.

Respecting Local Customs and Traditions

Respecting local customs and traditions is essential when sailing around the world to establish positive interactions with locals and ensure a harmonious experience.

Before visiting a new destination, it is crucial to research and understand the local customs and traditions to avoid offending or disrespecting the locals.

Following the appropriate dress code for each destination, taking into consideration religious or cultural requirements, is important.

Modest clothing is often expected in conservative countries or when visiting religious sites.

Learning the proper way to greet locals in each country is also vital as handshakes, bows , or other forms of greetings may vary based on cultural norms.

Being aware of social etiquette, such as dining customs, gestures, and table manners, is equally important.

Even if it differs from your own cultural practices, it is crucial to respect the local way of doing things.

Familiarizing yourself with local customs, such as gift-giving, ceremonies, or festivals, can greatly enhance your cultural experience and show appreciation for the local traditions.

An important pro-tip is to observe and follow the lead of locals in their own country.

By showing respect and embracing local customs and traditions, you can foster meaningful connections and create lasting memories during your sailing journey.

Learning Basic Language Skills

Learning basic language skills is essential when you are sailing around the world. It is necessary for effective communication and meaningful interactions with the locals. If you want to improve your language skills, here are some tips that can help you:

1. Begin by learning common phrases: It is important to learn simple greetings, directions, and essential words for daily interactions. This will enable you to navigate different countries and effectively communicate your basic needs.

2. Pay attention to maritime terms: Make sure to familiarize yourself with nautical vocabulary that is specific to sailing. Understanding these terms will allow for clear and effective communication with fellow sailors and port authorities.

3. Make use of language learning apps: Take advantage of language learning apps and online resources to practice and improve your language skills. These tools offer interactive lessons, pronunciation guides, and vocabulary exercises.

4. Consider attending local language classes: During your travels, you may want to consider enrolling in language classes conducted by native speakers. Learning from them will enhance your language proficiency and deepen your cultural understanding.

5. Immerse yourself in the local culture: Engage in local customs and traditions to enrich your language learning experience. By participating in cultural activities, you will have the opportunity for real-life conversations and gain a deeper understanding of the language.

Pro-tip: Try to speak with locals as much as possible, even if you make mistakes. Most people appreciate the effort and are willing to help you improve your language skills. Embrace the learning process and enjoy the multicultural experience!

Establishing Positive Interactions with Locals

Establish positive interactions with locals by respecting local customs and traditions. Take the time to learn about the culture and customs of the places you visit, showing that you have a genuine interest in learning and that you respect the locals.

To establish positive interactions with locals, it is helpful to learn basic language skills. While you may not become fluent in every language you come across, learning a few key phrases such as simple greetings, thank you, and please , can show that you are making an effort to communicate.

Being polite and friendly is essential in establishing positive interactions with locals. A smile and friendly attitude can go a long way. Treat everyone with respect and kindness.

Show an interest in the culture of the locals to establish positive interactions. Ask questions and demonstrate genuine curiosity about their local culture, traditions, and history . This will not only help you learn more but also show the locals that you value and appreciate their heritage.

In order to establish positive interactions with locals, it is recommended to support local businesses and artisans . Instead of patronizing big chain stores and restaurants, seek out local businesses and artisans. This not only supports the local economy but also provides opportunities for meaningful interactions with locals.

Being mindful of your actions is important to establish positive interactions with locals. Show respect for the local environment and be conscious of your impact on the community. Avoid littering, follow local rules and regulations, and be aware of cultural sensitivities .

Being open-minded and flexible is crucial when trying to establish positive interactions with locals. Embrace new experiences and be willing to adapt to different ways of doing things. Remember that you are a guest, and there is much to learn from the locals.

Some Facts About How To Sail Around The World:

• ✅ Living aboard a sailboat and sailing around the world is becoming increasingly popular.
• ✅ The duration of a trip around the world depends on factors like exploration, weather, and direction.
• ✅ Legal documentation and the appropriate type of boat are required to sail around the world.
• ✅ The recommended sailboat size is between 35 and 45 feet, considering factors like the route, number of people, and supplies.
• ✅ Safety in sailing around the world depends on navigation skills, the right boat, and avoiding certain areas prone to extreme weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what are the key factors to consider when planning to sail around the world.

When planning to sail around the world, it is important to consider factors such as a well-prepared route, reliable bluewater sailboat, necessary paperwork, safety training, mental and physical preparation, and research. These elements will ensure a smooth and pleasant voyage, allowing you to make the most of your grand adventure.

2. Can I sail around the world with a rented sailboat?

While it is technically possible to sail around the world with a rented sailboat, it may come with restrictions and limitations. Renting a sailboat is typically more suitable for shorter trips or coastal cruising. For a circumnavigation of the globe, it is recommended to have your own reliable bluewater sailboat, which is better equipped to handle the challenges and demands of long-distance voyages.

3. How much does it cost to sail around the world?

The cost of sailing around the world can vary depending on factors such as the type of boat, family size, route, and lifestyle choices. On average, the cost can range from $500 to $1,000 per person per month. This includes expenses such as food, maintenance, insurance, cruising and mooring fees, satellite phone, fuel, and other miscellaneous costs. It’s important to budget accordingly and plan for unexpected expenses.

4. What safety training is necessary for sailing around the world?

Proper safety training is crucial when embarking on a sailing trip around the world. It is recommended to undergo appropriate safety training courses, both online and practical, to learn navigation skills, emergency procedures, and essential safety protocols. This preparation will equip you to handle unforeseen situations and ensure the well-being of yourself and your crew.

5. How long does it take to sail around the world?

The duration of a sailing trip around the world can vary depending on factors such as exploration, weather conditions, and direction. While the world record is 40 days, most trips take around 100 days or even 3 to 10 years if you want to make stops along the way to explore different countries and islands. It’s important to plan a flexible and realistic itinerary that matches your desired pace of travel.

6. Can I sail around the world without any sailing experience?

Sailing around the world without any sailing experience is not recommended. Operating a sailboat and having basic sailing knowledge is essential for a safe and enjoyable journey. It is advisable to gain experience by crewing on other sailboats, taking shorter voyages to refine your skills, and possibly obtaining an internationally recognized sailing license. Learning from experienced sailors and continuously improving your sailing abilities will greatly contribute to the success of your circumnavigation.

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Sailing around the world is a dream many sailors and cruisers share. It involves getting thousands of nautical miles under your belt, exploring new countries and tasting new cuisines, stargazing in the middle of an ocean, experiencing exotic cultures, making lots of new friends from all over the world, and much more. Imagine the incredible memories you’d make.

It’s an ambitious enterprise, which requires a lot of preparation, training, time, and money. In this guide, we look at what it takes to accomplish a circumnavigation by sailboat and how to pull it off. There’s a lot to say about the topic - books have been written about it - so we cover the crucial information sailors considering sailing around the world typically need at this stage.

If you like, you can download the guide as a PDF document, so you can store it on your tablet, computer, or smartphone and read it offline.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT CIRCUMNAVIGATING BY SAILBOAT

First, we answer some common questions about sailing around the world, so we can clear some key things up early on. 

How many days does it take to sail around the world?

The world record is 40 days on a racing trimaran. However, this is not the type of circumnavigation many plan to complete. Leisurely sailing around the world normally takes between 3 and 5 years. 

There are three kinds of speeds at which you can circumnavigate:

Non-stop (100-200 days): racing without stopping anywhere 

Express (1-2 years): taking breaks every now and then for short amounts of time

Recreational (3+ years): comfortable sailing, stopping often and for long periods of time.

Non-stop sailing is a big challenge, which requires organising for supply boats to regularly come out and provide you with water, food, and fuel. To achieve such a circumnavigation in under a year, you need a fast boat, which can go at 10-20 knots average speed.

Most people who want to stop and visit some of the countries they come across take around 3 and a half years. While some sailors take over 10 years to complete their circumnavigations because they enjoy travelling at a slower pace and exploring more places.

In order to avoid sailing in hurricane or typhoon season, you will need to leave some countries during certain months of the year. This dictates how long you can spend in each area. For example, to avoid crossing the Atlantic during hurricane season, you need to do the passage anytime between November and April. While the Pacific hurricane season starts from May. This means that you either need to rush to cross the Atlantic and go through the Panama Canal, or you will have to stop somewhere safe, such as the ABCs or Panama, to wait out the hurricane season.

Is sailing around the world expensive?

The short answer is yes; however you can adapt your voyage to your budget. You can save money by doing your own boat work, anchoring out a lot, eating on board most of the time, keeping your equipment simple, and more.

Factor the following costs into your budget:

Buying and refitting a boat

Boat insurance

Health insurance

Home insurance (if applicable)

Boat maintenance, upgrades, and repairs

Fuel (diesel and petrol)

Holding tank pump outs (if applicable)

Marina and mooring ball stays

Boat storage

Grocery shopping

Phone contracts

Music and video streaming services (if applicable)

Any bills to be paid at home

Accountant fees (if applicable)

Visiting attractions

Hiring cars

Trips home.

All of these add to your yearly allowance, so the longer you take, the more expensive the voyage will be. Bear in mind that any costs related to your unique lifestyle (for example, smoking or getting regular haircuts) aren’t included in this list, but you will need to incorporate them into your financial forecast. 

To plan for a circumnavigation, it’s best to come up with a realistic budget, taking into account as many costs as possible, and add a decent contingency (5-20%) to it. There will be unforeseen costs to take care of every now and then, so you can’t rely on a rough estimate. 

If the number looks too big, you can reduce some of the optional costs, such as eating out, but don’t plan to completely change your lifestyle during the circumnavigation. You need to be able to fully enjoy the ride, otherwise you will develop resentment towards your venture or vessel. 

If you’re considering selling your home, weigh the pros and cons carefully. You will need a place to live when the trip is over and your circumstances may change before you can complete it.

If you aren’t confident in your boat maintenance skills, allocate a big portion of your budget to pay for marine professionals. Engines, generators, and outboards should be serviced every 6 months and all the systems, such as electrical and plumbing, require regular attention on a boat. The marine environment is harsh due to salt water and humidity.

How safe is it to sail around the world?

Sailing is a very safe way to explore the world, if you minimise risks. This entails choosing weather windows carefully, avoiding dangerous areas, interacting with everyone politely, and taking precautions against boat burglaries. 

Some areas, such as parts of the Caribbean and Venezuela, regularly see cases of crime and violence against yachties. However, these are very much the exception. Most of the world is safe, especially for boats at anchor. 

How big of a boat do I need to sail around the world?

There are bluewater sailing boats of all sizes - from 22 to 60ft long. So, as long as the boat is bluewater-capable, you can sail around the world on any size of boat. However, as you’ll be living on board for years, you’ll need to choose something that’s comfortable to be on full-time. 

To enter the Atlantic Rally For Cruisers (ARC), which involves sailing from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean every November, you need a boat that’s at least 27ft long. This is still a very small boat for most people. Typically, cruisers settle on yachts that are 40-42ft in length , as these are cheaper to moor while still comfortable to live on. Circumnavigating families opt for boats over 50ft.

Can you sail around the world with no experience?

No. Going offshore with no experience is extremely dangerous. You need to be able to handle a sailboat in various weather conditions in order to stay safe. Moreover, many countries require you to provide proof of sailing qualifications when checking in. Take time to get plenty of nautical miles under your hull before you plan to set off.

How much experience is needed to sail around the world?

Preparation is key when it comes to circumnavigating. There is no required level of sailing experience to embark on such an adventure. However, you will need to have enough skills and knowledge to feel safe and comfortable in the middle of an ocean. The amount of time you need to get to that point depends on how often you can go sailing and how quickly you learn things and develop confidence.

Ideally you will have skippered on a number of offshore passages, sailed solo for a day or more, crewed on an ocean passage, sailed in some bad weather, dealt with broken gear underway, and anchored for the night a number of times. 

No one will stop you from sailing around the world, but do you honestly feel ready? Have you researched the topic in depth? Do you know what to expect? Are you confident handling a storm at sea or in an anchorage? Can you fix your boat alone, without internet connection? These are the questions you should ask yourself before you start planning your voyage.

How difficult is it to sail around the world?

If you take time to develop the right knowledge and skills in advance, leisurely sailing around the world isn’t especially difficult; however, setting off ill-prepared will result in stressful and dangerous situations . 

Circumnavigating entails a lot of multitasking: passage planning, weather routing, boat maintenance, sailing, anchoring, researching country entry requirements, crisis management, and more. The key skill is problem solving, as you will encounter countless issues and you will need to deal with each in a calm way, whenever they happen. If you’re unlucky, you may have to overcome a few emergencies. It’s important you know how to act in all situations.

SAILING QUALIFICATIONS

In order to sail around the world, many countries will require you to provide your sailing qualifications upon entry. Most marinas do, too. So you can’t circumnavigate without obtaining a boat licence, unless you avoid stopping in all the countries that require it. If you’re considering undertaking such an enterprise, gaining a sailing qualification shouldn’t be a concern, though. You will need to be capable of much more than what is required to gain a licence.

To start with, you’ll need to gain your country’s most recognised qualification - for example, the RYA Day Skipper. In some cases, showing this at a port of entry will be enough. 

In other areas though, you may need to show an internationally-recognised qualification. The most accepted one is the International Certificate of Competency (ICC) , whichis recognised by the United Nations and valid throughout much of Europe and the Mediterranean. If you have already taken some certifications, such as the A.S.A. Bareboat Charter certificate, you may be able to skip the classroom training and take the ICC exam directly.

Bear in mind that when you go sailing your plans don’t always work out. You may end up having to stop in countries you hadn’t planned on your route in an emergency, so having the sailing qualifications required in most countries is very important. 

SKILLS NEEDED TO SAIL AROUND THE WORLD

In order to sail around the world, it’s important that you can take care of your boat and yourself independently. You may be in the middle of an ocean when a piece of rigging breaks or you break an arm. Take time to learn and develop new skills, so you can get out of sticky situations and emergencies.

Marine weather interpretation

You will need to gain a more in-depth understanding of marine weather forecasts before you set off. A quick check of an app won’t be enough. You’ll need to learn how to read GRIB files and pilot charts, as well as how to use different weather models. Buy a good book on the subject. Understanding how weather systems interact on a bigger scale will give you a key advantage in your planning.

If you’ve been sailing in a specific area for a long time, you will have gotten used to the local marine weather patterns. These change throughout the world, though. So every time you go on a long-ish passage, you will need to read up about the new area you’re entering. 

In the Caribbean, squalls often travel across the Atlantic and reach the Eastern islands. In the Mediterranean, summers typically see long periods of calms, while the other seasons are characterised by frequent changes in wind direction and strength - sometimes even throughout the same day.

Heavy weather sailing

While modern weather forecasting is accurate 70-80% of the time , some phenomena can be unpredictable. Think of hurricanes or typhoons. Moreover, on a circumnavigation you will need to undertake very long passages and in some instances you won’t be able to avoid going through some bad weather.

For these reasons, you should gain confidence in heavy weather sailing. Learn how to handle your specific boat in high winds and a big swell before setting off. Every boat behaves differently - you may need to practise heaving to or running downwind. It’s best to get used to it all when you’re not far from home and can hire a professional skipper to teach you the best techniques.

Getting hurt on a boat isn’t fun, even when you’re at anchor. You may need to get on a dinghy to get to a doctor or wait two weeks before you make landfall. Neither option is great. For this reason, it’s a good idea to go on a first aid course before setting sail. 

Marine diesel engine

Your engine can break at the most inconvenient time. It helps if you can resolve the most common issues, such as oil or fuel injector problems. While anchoring under sail a couple of times may not be a big issue for most sailors, you’ll want to be able to fix the motor when you’re on a long passage. Having an alternative means of propulsion is essential. 

You’ll want a professional rigger to check and update your rigging before a big passage or every few years of sailing. However, rigging wires and buckles can fail underway. In this case, you’ll need to be able to fix them, or you risk being dismasted. Try going up the mast underway at least once - it’s not as easy as it is in a slip.

Sail repairs

Carry a sail repair kit on board and learn how to use it. Sails can rip in gusts or when the boat is over-canvassed. If you don’t repair them, the rip can enlarge more and more until the sail is essentially useless. This skill will also turn out useful when a piece of canvas, such as the bimini, tears and you need a quick fix.

Plumbing problems can be catastrophic in some instances - you may lose all your drinking water during a long ocean passage. So it’s essential that you know roughly where all plumbing is inside the boat and you know how to repair it. Carry some spare tubes on board. It’s always a great idea to bring spare water and a portable watermaker for emergencies. 

Electrical systems

Faulty wires can cause fires on board, which are extremely dangerous. Being able to check that your electric system is in working order is important. However, understanding how electrical connections work is very handy, as the instruments may stop working while you’re out at sea. 

Steering and autopilot repairs

Big waves or an impact with a floating object at speed can break the steering system of a boat. Whether it’s the rudder, the steering cable, or the autopilot which gives up, you’ll need to be able to re–establish steering in order to get back to land. Understanding how these systems work and how to make temporary repairs is essential.

Outboard engine basics

In most cases, losing your outboard engine is no big deal. However, if you’ve gone out to a reef to fish or snorkel on a windy day, you might get into trouble. Understanding outboard basics is a useful skill to develop. You may also be able to help a neighbouring cruiser out and gain a few drinks or a dinner invite.

These aren’t all the skills you’ll need to be able to sail around the world. There are many more that can turn out useful along the way. However, these should keep you safe in most instances.

DOCUMENTS TO CARRY ON YOUR YACHT

While sailing around the world, you will need to carry a number of documents with you, as well as your personal ID and passport.

Boat registration

Keep on board the original boat registration document stating the vessel’s name, engine size, MMSI number, and more. 

Proof of boat insurance is needed to enter any marina and sometimes to gain a cruising permit - for example, in Greece. A third party policy is enough; although most underwriters will require a boat survey before issuing it.

VHF radio licence

Some countries and the Maritime Police will ask for the boat’s VHF licence.

Engine certification

Some nations, like Italy, also check your engine certification - the document which states that the motor of your sailing boat meets certain requirements.

Boat licence or equivalent certification

As mentioned above, it’s a good idea to obtain and carry a boat licence or equivalent sailing qualifications.

On top of these documents, if the local Coast Guard was to board and inspect your vessel, they’d check that you have in-date flares and functioning emergency equipment. 

Don’t forget to take any additional documents or accreditations, such as your driving licence or your diving certification card.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

There is a lot of safety gear you can get your hands on these days. If you can afford to, invest in as much as you can. Peace of mind has no price tag.

These are the essential items we recommend keeping on board while circumnavigating:

Life jackets with harnesses and safety line

Portable GPS

Satellite phone

Fire extinguishers

Waterproof charts

Extra bilge pump(s)

Offshore life raft

Throwable flotation devices

First aid kit

Water and food

Handheld VHF radio

Waterproof torch

Distress flag

Portable or fixed horn 

Bailer or heavy-duty bucket

Oars or paddles 

Second anchor with chain or line

Emergency steering

Recovery system for man overboard

Radar reflector 

Snorkel and mask to look at the boat underwater

Sail repair kit

A plywood sheet and epoxy.

Remember that once you’re out on the ocean, hundreds of nautical miles from shore, you’re essentially on your own. There is no guarantee that the emergency services will be able to come out to you or another vessel will be nearby to help you out. You’ll need to have the necessary equipment, knowledge, and skills to get yourself back to safety. 

To plan your adventure, you will need to have a rough route in mind. You don’t have to schedule every stop before you set off, but you’ll want to make a general plan. 

If it’s your first circumnavigation, it’s safer to follow the most popular cruising routes and use the trade winds to move across oceans. This involves sailing westward around the world via the Panama Canal and either through the Suez Canal or by rounding South Africa. 

Once you have established which route to take, investigate the times of year when it’s best to take on the longer passages. For example, sailing from Europe to the Caribbean is safest between November and April.

Then, start listing out which countries you could possibly make landfall in. It’s good to have a list, so you can look into each and decide whether you’d like to stop there or not. Bear in mind that weather conditions, food stocks, and boat repairs will often dictate your schedule. You can adjust your course along the way, but you will need to be able to make landfall almost anywhere, so be prepared. 

We can’t go through all the potential routes you may take to sail around the world in this guide - many thick books were written about the subject. We recommend reading World Cruising Routes by Jimmy Cornell to get started. The books explain everything there is to know about the different passages. Cross reference them with pilot charts to choose your route and timing.

ENTERING AND EXITING FOREIGN COUNTRIES

Each time you enter an overseas country, you need to check in the boat and crew. Procedures vary around the world and need to be researched in advance. The process usually goes like this.

You enter a country’s territorial waters and immediately raise the Q flag while heading to an official Port Of Entry without stopping, even if this inconveniences you. Some countries request that you give advance warning of your arrival. Once you get to the Port Of Entry, anchor or request a berth at the local marina.

After making landfall, you have a certain amount of hours (typically 24) to go complete clearance. In most cases, you will need to visit four offices:

Immigration

Port Control / Harbour master.

Each country has a preference in terms of what office you need to head to first. Bear in mind that not all the offices are close to each other. 

Officially, only the captain of the boat is allowed to set foot on land to check in. In some countries you’ll need to wear long trousers and a shirt when visiting these offices as a sign of respect.

To check in, you will need to show the documents we listed above, plus:

Passports of all crew with a valid visa (when required) and 6 months validity minimum

Port Clearance certificate from the previous country

Ship’s stamp (in some countries)

MMSI number

Passport-sized photos of each person on board

Free Pratique from the last port (a certificate stating the boat is free from diseases) 

Photocopies of all documents.

In some countries, they request extra papers, such as a picture of the boat or proof that you have AIS capability.

Don’t forget to read up about the entry requirements for each country you’re headed to beforehand. Don’t rely on books - these quickly get out of date. Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020, entry rules have changed drastically and are often subject to sudden alterations. Some countries close their borders for long periods of time. The latest information on the regulations is available in English on websites such as Noonsite . It’s also helpful to join cruising Facebook groups for the area you’re travelling to and ask if anyone has more recent information. Not even websites get updated as quickly as things change.

Some countries don’t allow any produce in or to carry guns. Enter a country’s waters fully prepared to check in. Once you’re inside their territorial waters, you must comply with the local laws. 

After you’ve checked in, clearance officers may want to inspect your vessel (either at a dedicated dock or on their own boat), so make sure everything is shipshape. They’ll be looking for illegal drugs (including medicines), alcohol, drones, weapons, and more. Keep any prescriptions or licences on hand. Customs may decide to confiscate or hold some goods (such as drones or firearms) until you leave the country. Once the full check-in procedure is complete, you can lower the Q flag.

When you’re ready to leave a country, you will need to check out. Typically, you will have to go back to one or more of the offices you visited to get your Port Clearance document, which you will absolutely need to check in elsewhere. Make sure to find out how long you have to leave the country before you check out. You may be required to exit the territorial waters as soon as possible. 

Entering and exiting a country can be facilitated by a local agent , who can save you the hassle of visiting the different offices and queueing up. Bear in mind that in many cases, agents are known for charging large sums of money. In a few places, such as the Maldives, hiring an agent is necessary, though.

Safety is a concern many sailors share, especially if they plan to anchor out much of the time. The truth is that only a small percentage of people have the means to get to a boat on the water. In fact, burglaries and violent crimes are more common in low-security boatyards and marinas, which can be reached on foot.

Some countries are known for having higher crime rates against yachts. It’s up to you to interpret the data from safety and security networks and make informed decisions. You could avoid such areas altogether or increase your safety measures before setting sail.

For example, you can make your sailboat or tender less easy to break into or steal - a few heavy-duty locks and a couple of motion sensor lights do the trick most of the time. In higher risk areas, you may also want to invest in a motion sensor alarm and some hatch bars. 

No solution is 100% effective, though, so you should be aware of the threat and be vigilant. Remember that in most countries it’s forbidden to keep guns onboard a vessel.

REACHING FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE 

Unless you can monetise your venture or work while cruising, you will need to be financially independent for years. For most people, being able to sail around the world means saving up for years or waiting until retirement.

Yet, more and more young people have started to work while circumnavigating. Below we have listed some ideas that could help you generate an income while sailing around the world

Seasonal jobs

You can leave your boat in a yard or marina and head home to work every now and then. This arrangement works well for people with seasonal jobs, such as scuba diving instructors, delivery captains, ski instructors, and more. If you’re in no rush, you can even stop in certain countries to obtain a work permit and work for a while.

Online work

Many young cruisers opt for working online - whether they freelance or have a remote job. This set-up is very convenient, as you can work from anywhere in the world with good internet connection. You will need to purchase local SIM cards in every country you visit and possibly buy satellite internet access. 

Be sure to check the legislation of a country before checking in. Many countries allow you to be a digital nomad for up to three months. After this time, you will need to either move on or register for a work visa. Other countries, such as the US, don’t allow visitors to work on American soil even remotely. 

Before accepting a remote job, make sure the company allows you to work from anywhere in the world - some businesses require you to be based in a specific geographical area to comply with certain laws.

Creating sailing content 

Another popular route for cruisers is to create sailing content, which you can either publish on social media as an influencer or sell to sailing magazines, stock video and photography providers, and more. 

Renting property

If you have bought property at home, you can rent it out or host it on AirBnB. Both options involve paying someone to look after the place, find new tenants, do check-ins and check-outs, and more. So in order to generate a good income, you’d likely need to own a few properties.

Sponsorship

If your circumnavigation is somewhat special, you could ask companies to sponsor you. This would entail things like providing education opportunities in some remote countries, collecting data for a sustainability project, and more.

ACCESSING THE INTERNET

Whether you plan to work from the yacht or not, you will need to have access to the internet to plan passages, check the marine weather forecast, keep in touch with family, and more.

When it comes to connecting to the web, you have three main options:

Connect to wi-fis based on land through a wi-fi booster

Use 4G data via a phone, tablet, or router

Purchase a satellite internet device.

All methods have pros and cons. Land-based wi-fis are free to use, but they tend to be slow and you need to go to shore to obtain the password. 4G data is very fast and fairly economical, but you need to buy a local SIM card in every country you visit. Satellite internet works anywhere, but it’s still rather expensive and slow.

Technology is evolving, so getting on the internet will become easier and easier.

While you will likely become a nomad during your voyage, you will still need to pay tax - whether that’s on the money you earn or property back home. If selling your boat in a foreign country, check if you need to pay tax on the sale, too.

To keep things simple, aim to stay a tax resident of your home country - otherwise you will end up having to register to pay it in more than one country per year, which makes everything rather complicated. Moreover, not all countries have double-taxation conventions, so you may end up having to pay tax twice. 

GENERATING POWER

While circumnavigating, you can’t rely on your engine to generate energy. You will need to undertake long offshore passages, where you will need to keep the instruments, nav lights, and fridge on day and night. Your energy requirements will increase significantly.

You need to install a power system, which consists of a number of batteries and one or more energy generation systems, such as:

Solar panels

Wind turbines

Generators 

Hydro generators.

The set-up you choose depends on your energy requirements and vessel. Solar panels take up a lot of space, while a wind turbine needs vertical space at the stern. 

Whatever you decide, make sure to calculate your energy needs accurately, otherwise you may have to save energy by turning the fridge or radar off. It’s easier to upgrade your power system near home or by a big boating centre before your first long passage.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO SAIL AROUND THE WORLD?

Sailing around the world is an adventure. Adventures are bold, somewhat risky undertakings, which push you beyond your comfort zone and make you grow. Circumnavigating is no exception. 

Along the way, you’ll collect a stream of exciting, invigorating, and exhilarating moments. You will also likely feel scared, uncomfortable, and bored every now and then. Time will slow down, so the days will feel longer. You will learn new things most weeks and get to know yourself better. Emotions will feel deep and you will have lots of time to reflect during long passages.

Expect to be challenged often by your vessel, the weather, local regulations, the sea state, and more. If you can, take it slow. Experience each place and broaden your horizons.

TIPS FOR SAILING AROUND THE WORLD

Before we wrap this guide up, we want to share some tips with you, which will help you better plan your circumnavigation. 

Choose the boat carefully

Picking the right boat is fundamental for a comfortable, safe voyage. She needs to be big enough to provide enough space for you and your crew, but small enough to manoeuvre safely in a marina or harbour. 

All crew members need to be able to sail her solo. She needs to be comfortable underway, so people won’t get as seasick. Most importantly, she needs to be bluewater capable, so it can withstand the test of heavy weather conditions and wear and tear.

Take it slow

Unless you absolutely need to be back home by a certain date, circumnavigating is a lot less stressful if done on a very loose schedule. Try to be flexible and allow for changes of plan, so you can adapt to the circumstances and enjoy the ride more. 

Go with the flow - spend extra time in a country, skip that sail or anchorage, accept dinner invites. Do what you know will make you happier, because the chance will soon be gone.

Picking weather windows

Many sailors find it hard to postpone a passage when the weather is rough. Even if your plans don’t work out, it’s best that you avoid sailing in heavier conditions than you’re confident in.

Don’t save money on gear and maintenance

If you’re on a budget, opt for a smaller, simpler boat, anchoring out more often, and eating out less. Don’t skimp on gear, especially safety gear, and keep your boat maintained to a high standard. Nothing is more important than your safety. Your life and that of your crew depend on your equipment functioning well and your boat staying afloat. 

Don’t leave your boat unattended for long stretches of time

If you can, avoid leaving the boat and going home for months at a time in the tropics. The extreme UV radiation, heat, and humidity can dramatically reduce the life expectancy of your equipment above and below deck. 

If you need to leave your boat somewhere, choose a non-tropical area and haul her out to protect her hull from fouling too much. Allow for a long and rather expensive refit when you make your way back to her.

On longer, more challenging passages taking crew on board is great help. You can share shifts, as well as chores, like cooking. Feeling well-rested while sailing is extremely important, as it leads to making better decisions and handling stress more efficiently. 

You can either take friends and family on board to help you, or hire professional help. Don’t invite novice sailors along for the ride if you can - they will likely need to wake you in the middle of the night to reef the sails or ask about a light on the horizon. Only take as much crew as your boat can comfortably fit underway to avoid creating unnecessary stress on all crew members.

Satellite communication

While it’s still a rather expensive option, satellite communication is a fantastic technology. It allows you to have access to the weather forecast, alert the emergency services, get in touch with a doctor, keep your family up-to-date, and more. With more economical options available on the market these days, it’s an investment worth making.

Perform MOB drills regularly

A Man Overboard situation tends to happen when you least expect it, so it’s essential to memorise what to do in such circumstances. Regular drills are the best way to make sure that everyone on board knows what to do. 

On top of this, of course you’ll need to wear a life jacket when the sailboat is underway and use a tether and harness to secure yourself to the boat. This is especially important in heavy weather conditions and when you’re on watch alone.

Always carry extra food and water

No matter where you are, it’s a good idea to have extra provisions on board at all times. Bad weather may not allow you to get to shore to go to the shops or your passage might take some days longer than it’s meant to. Long-life food doesn’t take up much space and you will never regret having it on board.

Have a base

Having a place to return to every now and then or when things go south is very important. It doesn’t need to be a property you own - it can be your parents’ place or your aunt’s holiday home. Knowing that if anything happens you have a safe place to go back to is priceless.

Keep up with healthcare

It’s tempting to stop going to the doctors altogether when you’re sailing around the world. Flights home cost money and private care can be expensive in certain countries. However, it’s very important that you stay healthy while circumnavigating. Regular check-ups pay off in the long run, when you don’t have to abandon plans due to a health emergency. Make time for adequate healthcare.

There are countless resources you can tap into when it comes to planning a circumnavigation. Here is a list to start you off:

World cruising routes by Jimmy Cornell to plan your passages

World voyage planner by Jimmy and Ivan Cornell 

Reputable cruising guides and pilot books for each country you’re visiting

Modern marine weather by David Burch

Sailboat hull and deck repair by Don Casey

Complete Rigger's Apprentice by Brion Toss

Sailboat electrics simplified by Don Casey

Marine diesel engines by Nigel Calder

Don Casey’s complete illustrated sailboat maintenance manual by Don Casey

Nautical charts

Pilot charts

The Noonsite website to check country entry requirements, Ports Of Entry, and more

Legendary circumnavigators Lin and Larry Pardey ’s books, such as Self Sufficient Sailor

Local Facebook groups for cruisers

Inspiring videos by YouTube sailing channels, such as Follow The Boat .

Don’t forget to download the Deckee app from the App Store or Google Play before setting off on your circumnavigation. Look up anchorages, supermarkets, diving spots, aids to navigation, and more on the map.

Track your passages and share float plans with friends and family. Set up reminders to get a notification when you need to renew your boat registration, service the engine, and more. The app will become an invaluable resource throughout your voyage.

BOAT RAMP ETIQUETTE EXPLAINED

Hurricane preparation for boat owners.

We were heaved to in the middle of the Atlantic, the sails of the 40-foot sloop set in such a way that the boat drifted slowly through the water, riding gently upon the heaving ocean swell that rose and fell with cosmic regularity. The puffy trade wind clouds marched across the sky in the perpetual easterly breeze. The sea itself was an indescribable shade of deep blue that exists only in deep waters far offshore, a color for which we have no word.

I was on the lee deck, wedged between the coach roof and the lifelines, bracing myself against the swell, gripping an old plastic sextant and practicing my sun sights. Engaging in a method of navigation used for centuries is to truly become one with the universe, a sensation long lost among the lives of those on shore. After plotting my line of position that I obtained by calculating the angle of the sun on the horizon, I figured we were around 26 degrees North latitude, 65 degrees West longitude, just about halfway between Charleston, SC, and our landfall in the Virgin Islands. We were seven days off the East Coast, another seven or so more to sail. We had finally adjusted to life at sea, the simple life of living in tune with the universe.

Traveling and Working as a Volunteer Crew Member

Amazingly, I was along for this trip of a lifetime as a volunteer crew member. The owner had paid my way, provided the food onboard, and would pay for a return ticket from Tortola upon our successful delivery of his yacht to the islands, where he planned to use it over the winter months. The 40-foot, French-built sloop boat was incredibly comfortable for the four of us onboard — my father, another 20-something young woman, and the volunteer French captain. We had a nicely-sized galley with working refrigeration, ample sleeping space, and plenty of food (and coffee) for two weeks at sea.

Traveling the world by sailboat is a dream shared by many but experienced by few — more often than not, thrown to the wind and destroyed by careers, commitments, and shore side attachments. But life is gratifying for those who commit to the sea — simple in its routines yet profoundly natural.

As a lifelong sailor and professional captain, I have traveled the world by every means imaginable, yet I have found that the best way to travel is under sail. For those looking for a unique way to see the world and experience life, becoming volunteer crew doing yacht deliveries is an exciting, unique, and reasonably affordable way to get around.

How to Find the Right Boat to Work On

Yacht deliveries can range from taking a neglected 32-footer built in the 1960s from Bermuda to Nova Scotia in the dead of winter (which I have unfortunately experienced) to sailing a sparkling new 70-footer in the warm Trade Winds of the Caribbean, island hopping your way around some of the most beautiful sailing grounds in the world. So it pays to do some research before signing up for any trip that is out there.

Walk to Docks to Find a Boat: Ironically, the best way to get a job as a delivery crew member is to arrive in a new port on a sailboat and walk the docks looking for work. Unfortunately, the age-old catch-22 situation rears its ugly head — you need experience to be crew, yet need to crew to gain experience. Suppose you are lucky enough to live in a sailing city — such as Annapolis, MD, Ft Lauderdale, FL, or any coastal town in the Caribbean or Mediterranean. In that case, walking the docks and talking to people is your best bet for finding a boat. The girl on my last trip found our boat precisely that way. She was a local from Charleston, SC, simply looking for sailing experience and a ride to the islands where she wanted to pursue her kite surfing passion. Since we were only three then, we welcomed her extra help, even though she had never been on a sailboat before.

Use the Internet: If you are like me, come from a rural inland town, or are otherwise far removed from the ocean, the Internet is helpful and provides another way to find a boat. Several websites are dedicated to finding crew, particularly for deliveries, and they often allow you free access. Professional delivery skippers often post ads looking for volunteer crew people, and it is usually just a matter of sending your resume, a photo, and a short email about why you want to crew that will get you on a boat. Frequently these skippers are willing to take inexperienced crew as a third or fourth member and are usually very amenable to teaching.

Take Part in “Cruising Rallies”: Increasing numbers of retired businessmen and women are buying boats with big dreams of crossing big oceans without the knowledge, skill, or confidence to do so alone. Several career sailors have recognized this problem, and "Cruising Rallies" are becoming increasingly popular in all the world's oceans. They are organized by experienced sailors with thousands of ocean miles, and together with up to 50 other boats, inexperienced sailors (primarily retirees) can cross the ocean of their dreams in the relative safety of the group with experienced leadership. Once in port, these newfound ocean sailors have the added benefit of organized parties and events to share the joys of their first ocean passage with others.

You can be a part of the increasing popularity of cruising rallies, and many of the organizations behind the logistics maintain websites and crew registers. The Carib 1500, for example, is perhaps the most popular cruising rally on this side of the Atlantic, with nearly 50 boats, all over 40 feet (and many much bigger), sailing non-stop from Norfolk, VA, to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. The rally occurs after hurricane season and before the onset of winter, in early November. They also organize a return rally in May from Tortola to Bermuda. From there, the boats split up and headed east to Europe or back to the U.S.

What About Experience?

Many captains, including myself, require at least one if not two, professional or very seasoned sailors to join them on a major ocean crossing. However, like me, many are more than willing to take a few extra inexperienced sailors or intrepid adventurers along for the ride and are often willing to instruct them along the way.

The key to finding a boat to sail on is to present yourself as a trustworthy person eager to join the trip. Ulterior motives are often very apparent, and no captain is willing to take along someone just looking for a free ride.

Working Aboard the Sailing Boat

The work aboard an ocean sailing boat is difficult, tiring, and unending. A passage of even ten days sounds short, yet when you're on a watch schedule of four hours on and eight hours off, one day seems like two, and you must adapt to an utterly different way of life than the one you are accustomed to ashore. Everyone shares in all the duties involved in running the boat, from standing watch in the rain at 2 a.m. to cooking breakfast and making coffee. Then you must clean up upon arrival when the boat is in shambles, and you have not had a freshwater shower in two weeks.

Life at sea is incredibly raw and incredibly basic. Your world shrinks to the three miles or so you can see in every direction before the horizon curves out of view. A passing freighter is often the most exciting thing on a given day. The intense discomfort of being salty and sticky for two weeks is offset by the rewards of a cloudless night watch under a new moon. The sky is so dark you can scarcely see your hand in front of your face, yet the stars fill the night sky like an enormous diamond exploding in the center of the universe, sending fragments to every corner of space. You will see more shooting stars on one night watch than you would in a lifetime ashore; at sea, the lights of civilization do not pollute the sky.

Ocean Sailing Makes the World Feel Big Again

In our age of instant communication and light-speed travel, crossing even a short distance in a sailboat reminds us that despite our attempts to shrink the world with technology, our planet remains one enormous place. After two weeks at sea, watching a distant island grow on the horizon provides an indescribable feeling of accomplishment. The first beer ashore never tasted better, and a freshwater shower after weeks of bathing in the salty ocean is a blessing from Heaven.

If you plan accordingly and have ample time, traveling the globe by "hitchhiking" on sailing yachts is a unique and rewarding way to see the world. After the first trip, you still gain experience, and finding and sailing on additional boats becomes progressively easier. You will save thousands on airfare and gain a greater appreciation for the distances we travel so quickly through the sky. But most importantly, you will return to nature, experience life with a stronger sense of connection to the universe, and return with unforgettable stories. You will change.

Andy Schell is a professional captain and freelance writer who lives aboard his sailboat Arcturus in Annapolis, MD, and travels extensively.

Do You Want to Sail Around The World? Here’s 7 Ways to Make it Happen!

Are you dreaming about sailing around the world?

Thankfully, quite a few of us humans have thrown out the dated mentality that we have to grow up, get married, have kids, get a good job and then when we retire we can travel (or have fun). Who wants to wait until they’re 65 years old to sail around the world?

My family and I have been sailing around the world for over five years now.

And while doing so we’ve come across a wide variety of opportunities to sail around the world . Allow me to list them…

How to Sail Around the World – 7 Ways to Make It Happen

1. get paid to sail around the world.

Review various crew-training courses and find a link between your skillset and crew jobs.

Qualifications include: Deckhands, Steward/ess, Engineering, Interior Training, Chef, all the way through to becoming a qualified Captain.

Our friend Stephanie is currently working her way up to being a Captain. To get her hours in, she’s spent time crewing on a 90’ motor yacht in the Caribbean, a 65’ sailboat in the Mediterranean and she’s now on a 120’ floating palace in the Pacific.

As her job qualifications increase so does her pay packet. AND… let’s not forget that she’s seeing the world in the process.

Gerald, another friend, works for a high-end sailboat manufacturer. He services all the sailboats currently making their way around the world in a three year organized around-the-world rally.

On each leg of the journey, he joins a different boat heading to the next destination. In-between passages he works on servicing the whole feet.

And these are just a few of many examples of how you can get paid to sail around the world.

If you want to do a professional sailing course, then courses from the American Sailing Association ( ASA ) and the  Royal Yachting Association ( RYA ) are good, internationally recognized options. The courses are offered by many sailing schools all over the world.

2. Volunteer to Crew on Smaller Sailboats

Are you in a rush to get on a sailboat? Would you prefer to skip the qualifications and head straight for the experiential side of sailing? If so, get in touch with sailors that are currently sailing around the world and offer to volunteer your time.

We took four volunteers sailing across the Atlantic Ocean with us and have had several others join us for one or many long-distance passages.

You can find sailing couples and families on YouTube (many have Youtube channels), by searching for Sailing Bloggers, and by joining sailing groups (on Facebook for example).

And there are dedicated websites such as Crewseekers.net and Crewbay.com where you can create a profile listing your experience and information about where and when you’d like to sail.

When emailing or talking to a boat owner explain your desire to volunteer, any relevant skillsets, and your availability.

We’re always looking for an extra pair of hands but it’s great when we have guests that know about electrics, plumbing, woodwork, cooking, and those that are happy to help us entertain our seven-year-old!

3. Seek out Boat Sitting Opportunities

This is a great opportunity for those that want to sail around the world but don’t actually like sailing OR like the idea of sailing but get seasick.

Most boat owners making their way around the world take time out to go home. They’ll often find the safest marina they can but leaving a boat is scary for a boat owner.

Some owners find boat sitters that will babysit the boat for a few weeks or even months.

There’s often no exchange of money but both parties win. The boat owner has someone keeping an eye on things and the boat sitter gets free accommodation in a variety of awesome spots.

To find these opportunities, simply search on Google, ‘ boat sitter jobs ’.

4. Date a Single Boat Owner

This might seem like a crazy objective but it happens all the time.

Boat owner boy or girl meets non-boat-owner girl or boy. They fall in love and the boat owner says, ‘let’s sail around the world’. The rest is history.

To increase your chances of success, hang out in marinas and yacht clubs.

Of course be careful, because you do end up sharing a small living space in often very remote places. But, I’ve heard many beautiful love stories.

5. Go on a Sailboat Cruise or Join an Around the World Race Boat

Some sailboats continuously go around the world. You can choose the area you want to see and pay for that particular leg of the journey.

If you have the funds to go all the way around the world, bonus. If not, you can do a different leg every year until you achieve your goal.

6. Set up a Boat Share

Find some friends that have similar ambitions as you have. Pool your money together to get a boat. Once the boat is obtained, work on a plan to sail it around the world.

There are several syndicate boat owners making their way around the world doing one to two passages a year.

The owners work year-round but take vacations to sail the boat to the next destination. This makes it a great way to sail around the world while keeping your job.

7. Buy Your Own Boat

This isn’t as difficult as it may seem. For US$40,000 you could get a reasonable boat to sail around the world in.

Many boaters sell their house, buy a boat and turn to a nomadic sea life. The key issue is to find a source of income while sailing around the world.

Renting out property, working online and finding work-from-home jobs are ways that many people make it work.

Or, there are those that buy a boat and sail it six months out of the year and return home to work for six months.

Before you buy a boat though, do a lot of research.

Boats require more maintenance than you probably thought (it sometimes feels like the work never ends!). And, if you want to sail around the world the boat you choose needs to be up to the job.

I’d recommend reading all the blogs you can find about living on a sailboat and about sailing around the world. Watch Youtube videos from people who are currently sailing around the world to get inspired and to get an idea of what it would be like to do this yourself.

Also Read: How to Work Remotely From Anywhere in the World and My Experiences Sailing Across the Atlantic

Sail Around the World. Make it Happen!

Sailing around the world is one of the most exhilarating, fulfilling, and incredible ways to see the world.

And you don’t have to wait until you win the lottery to make it happen.

Tip: if you want to get more sailing experience, or want to figure out if sailing around the world is really for you, chartering a boat is a good option. When you volunteer as crew, the owners often don’t have the time or ability to teach you real sailing. But when you charter a boat with a captain, the captain is there to, literally, show you the ropes.

Or, charter a boat without a captain if you know how to sail already and want to build miles and perhaps try out different boats.

I know, chartering a boat may sound expensive, but split the cost with friends (or post a message in a sailing group on Facebook to share a boat with other sailing enthusiasts) and it will all of a sudden cost you barely more than a hotel room.

Click&Boat is one of the best websites to charter a sailboat in most countries around the world.

Renting a boat in Greece is a popular option to build miles and gain experience, as I describe in this article .

Whichever way you choose to start your sailing adventure, I hope I’ll see you on the sea soon!

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17 thoughts on “Do You Want to Sail Around The World? Here’s 7 Ways to Make it Happen!”

I would love to have the chance to sail the 7 seas!!

Where can I find a person looking for a traveling worker/friend? Hopefully that’s how they would see a person to circumnavigate the globe with anyway. I Just don’t want to feel like I’m on an adventure with my boss. I’m extremely serious about sailing around the world. Really looking to try and find someone with a fire under them to start a trip sooner rather than later. One or two people to help me getting the whole thing going from the acquisition of a boat to finish. CHEAPLY will be a great adventure.

Hi Ben, did you try connecting with other people through sailing forums or sailing Facebook groups? You are very likely to find people there who are interested in sailing around the world in the same way as you are.

Hi ben! did you ever make your journey around the world on a sailboat? I want to do the same thing even if I have to give a little and pay a little.

Great post. Thank you heaps. Would love to set sail soon. If theres any single ladies with an ocean cruising boat out there looking for a friendly sailor to date, hit me up 😉. Cant wait to circumnavigate the planet with you.

I would love to spend a year at sea. Just need a way to do it!

So glad to have found your site! All my husband is doing is looking at boats for sail and talked of leaving his job to sail around the world. It sounds wonderful, but we have a 7 year old and one about to leave for adulting in 1 1/2 years. So I just don’t know how to take that leap. He is ready to get away from his crazy job. So many things to think about as a mom and I know my kids would learn SO much more in life than just common core stuff the US is currently teaching.

I want to sail around the world. Well I’m dying and I can’t be cured so my last wish is to buy a sailing boat like an ocean going yacht and just pack some food and normal provisions and just cast off and set sail. I’m looking to buy an old boat that’s ok for the open seas and just go. I know how to rig the sails and basic things but I can’t read maps or do the compass but that’s not a problem. I have sourced ocean yacht that has got the milage behind it but it’s an old wooden boat. I’m not too worried as it’s a sound boat but i need to know how to set the auto pilot and set the course from here in the uk to america first stop. ive got at least 8 months left in my life so I want to just head out to sea. The boat is 22 ft long. It’s a good solid boat as far as I’m told. It has a compass and an inboard engine and it can be crewed by 1 man. I’m kinda disabled so I thought I would set the mainsail and then the other 2 sails and just get the boat out off the harbor and then just follow the coast around till I get to the open sea and then head towards the north star and see where it takes me. I don’t know how to use the radio but it should be simple I guess. I’ve got plenty of excess fuel for the inboard engine and a tank of fresh water. I have no charts as I can’t read them but I’m guessing head along the English channel till I get to the Atlantic ocean then head towards Ireland and then from there head towards America across the Irish sea. I ain’t got no licenses for radio but that’s not a problem if it ain’t going to be used.

I want to do this trip before I pop off to the promised land and the time by my self will help me to come to terms with what I’ve got to come. Anyway, any help in telling me instructions on what to do on my boat as to keeping engine and lighting working and how to do the autopilot and the other instruments will be a help.

It’s something I’ve longed to do sail a yacht on the ocean as they say you don’t know till you try it. Please any tips would be helpful.

Love this post! Trying to achieve the dream right now, can’t wait to finally take the leap and buy the boat 🙂 Am loving reading about your other adventures.

Haha I absolutely love this post idea and dating a boat owner is definitely my favorite! 😀 Maybe I’ll add that to my bucket list, cause I can definitely see me sailing around the world! Also, your pictures look stunning!

I would love to sail around the world but alas I can get quite sea sick! Definitely need to take more meds or natural remedies to be able to complete this challenge! Wouldn’t mind dating a boat owner for it either 😀

Since buying my own boat is impossible, I actually love the idea of being a boat caretaker! I really didn’t think there was something like that but it sounds about perfect. You get to live on a boat without investing any money at all, for weeks! What an amazing idea 😀

Wow sounds just awsome!!

LOL I somehow don’t think any of those will happen for me – but I had no idea there were so many options to sail around the world. And, if you could find me a dating site where I could filter out ‘single boat owners’ who are also millionaires, that would be a good starting point…

Sounds like a dream come true if you don’t get seasick! I would love to sail around the world. Just looking at your photos entices me to do it. But as I do get terribly seasick I don’t think I would have a good time.

Those pictures look absolutely stunning! I have been sailing before, but always close to land, where the water is “friendly” 🙂 I’m not sure if I have the stomach to cross complete oceans though 🙂

Date a single boat owner! Ha, that’s funny. More likely than buying my own boat though. What an adventure!

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Sailing around the world: Cruising couples’ top tips for a dream voyage

• Helen Fretter
• June 19, 2019

Is sailing around the world with your partner the ultimate bluewater dream? Helen Fretter meets World ARC couples who’ve done just that

Who would you pick as your round-the-world cruising companion? Photo: Tor Johnson

If you could choose anyone to go on a grand adventure with, would it be your life partner? For many couples that’s the ideal.

But what if you don’t have the same level of experience, or one of you isn’t confident to co-skipper? Perhaps you plan to take friends and family with you. But what happens if those plans change halfway round? I talked to World ARC crews near the finish of their circumnavigation to find out how different couples had answered those unknowns over their round the world voyage.

Over the 2017, 2018 and 2019 World ARC rallies (the round-the-world rally organised by World Cruising Club) around 20-30% of yachts set off double-handed. But by the time the fleet reached Tonga or Fiji that proportion had risen to about 50%.

Ruud and Laurie Bosman recruited crew from within the ARC rally after deciding to complete their world voyage

Grenada was a homecoming celebration for the World ARC fleet. While St Lucia marked the end of the 2018-19 rally, Grenada signalled the fleet’s return to the Caribbean. A full circumnavigation for most, 438 days sailing for those who’d completed it in a single World ARC loop.

Some 38 yachts started in St Lucia in January 2018, 16 were gathered in Grenada this March. Some had started in 2017 – or even earlier – but peeled off to linger in the Pacific or return to normal life for a while, then hooked into the 2018 rally on its way past. Others had diverted to explore New Zealand, Ascension Island, or another outpost, before rejoining their fleet.

No matter how they’d done it, all had sailed some 30,000 miles, crossed the Pacific , Indian and Atlantic Oceans, and lived at anchor for months on end.

With very few exceptions, most of the boats belonged to couples taking on their first trip sailing around the world. Some had sailed the entire voyage jointly, on others one partner had flown home for a stage or two. Some had taken crew from day one, others had switched between double-handing and sailing with more aboard. Several started with one plan, and finished with a very different set up indeed.

Article continues below…

How much does it cost to sail around the world? The real costs of liveaboard cruising

Two years ago my partner Nick and I set off from the UK to fulfill our dream of sailing around…

Onboard creature comforts: Little luxuries for sailing around the world

Cruising sailors who also call their boat their home usually give plenty of consideration to making life on board as…

Personal space

One such couple was David and Wendy Tipton. A former farmer from Staffordshire, UK, David had built up a recycling business that he sold, enabling them to buy Mischief , a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 479, and sail around the world. There was only one problem: Wendy hated the water and considered herself an inexperienced sailor.

Before they set off on the 2017 ARC transatlantic, Wendy had to learn to swim before she could even do a sea survival course. “It was never my dream to circumnavigate, it was David’s. So I went along with it, but it was totally out of my comfort zone,” she recalls.

Wendy’s initial condition of agreeing to do the World ARC was that they would take a crew to sail Mischief with them. They sent a round robin email to friends and sailing contacts to see who wanted to join them, and garnered an enthusiastic response, with many signing up for different legs. One was a very experienced sailor who sailed with the Tiptons for the first six months, which Wendy says gave her a lot of confidence.

David and Wendy Tipton began their World ARC with crew, but later switched to sailing two-up. Photo: James Mitchell

But 15 months is a long time to share your home, with up to six aboard at times, and Wendy admits having no personal space nearly drove her to breaking point. “I did have my bags packed to go home at one point. I was so fed up. It was nothing to do with the sailing, I was just sick of people.

“We were at the stage of needing down time on our own. It’s very intense – I didn’t appreciate how intense the whole trip would be. You wouldn’t have people living with you for six or seven months, and things that wouldn’t normally irritate you become irritating. For my own sanity I needed some time on our own.”

They decided instead to sail on double-handed from South Africa, and arrived in St Helena bowled over by how smoothly it had gone. “It was an absolute revelation,” David recalls. “The watches worked well, the boat worked well, and we were just asking ourselves why have we not done that before?”

The World ARC can include stop-offs for shoreside adventures including a South African safari. Photo: Haley Haltom

Before switching to sailing double-handed Wendy had sought advice from other crews on the ARC, many of whom had become close friends. She particularly asked the women for honest opinions, and says that they were overwhelmingly positive – with the obvious caveat that it could be more tiring sharing the sailing between just two.

They began their first double-handed passage with David sleeping in the cockpit during his off watches, “just in case she needed me quickly,” he recalls. “But after a few days of that regime she said, ‘You might as well go down below, I’m fine.’”

But things didn’t go so well on one of the next stages, from Cabedelo, Brazil, to Devil’s Island, French Guiana. “It was a bit of a catalogue of events,” he explains. “Our radar stopped working, so we were not able to monitor squalls.

“We had another boat who was monitoring them for us, but one came through that went from 7 to 35 knots and we had a spinnaker up in the dark. It broke the spinnaker halyard, the spinnaker went round the keel, the helm wouldn’t come off autopilot so we broached, an outhaul and a batten in the main broke.”

The Bay of Islands in Fiji’s Lau Group. Photo: Haley Haltom

Dealing with such a litany of problems between just the two of them was unknown territory, but Wendy says that while the situation did scare her, they were able to calmly work through and solve each issue.

“What the World ARC has given us – not just from the easy passages, but from the difficult passages – is the confidence that you could throw most stuff at us and we’d be OK,” David added. When they received the Division A 1st prize for the leg to Grenada, sailors across the fleet voiced their pride in Wendy for the progress she’d made.

Another couple that decided they were better off completing the rally two-up were Dan and Agnes Long from Florida on Smoke & Roses . Dan, a former firefighter, and Agnes, a former florist – hence the boat name – ran their Leopard 47 as a charter boat before the World ARC and were experienced sailing in home waters, both holding US Captain’s licences.

Setting off on the Lagoon 47 Smoke & Roses

Like many, they began their World ARC with trusted friends, and were also joined by their adult daughter for stages. But they later took on an unknown crewmember who had been recommended to them.

“She way overstated her sailing experience,” Dan recalls. “She could not trim sails, and she’d argue with you about it.” The final straw for Dan was waking up to find them sailing 90° off course. When he challenged the crew on deck she replied: “Because it’s faster.”

Fearful that they would run aground or make some other catastrophic error, Dan found himself supervising every watch – defeating the point of having a third person aboard. “So instead of being up for my shift, I’m up for my shift and her shift. But with Agnes [on watch] I’ll sleep through the night because I trust her.”

Having sailed two-up for some of the shorter legs around the Society Islands, the Longs also decided to go double-handed from Cape Town and found themselves easily handling the longer distances, setting a spinnaker for three days straight and covering 200-plus miles a day.

Bringing in reserves

For other couples taking on crew turned out to be a positive switch. Peter and Anissa Pappas, from Wyoming, USA, had never sailed any overnight passages with just themselves aboard their Amel Super Maramu 2000 Callisto before signing up to the rally. Anissa describes herself as a very inexperienced sailor, but they sailed from Grenada to Cape Town double-handed.

Their Amel is set up for single-handed sailing, with push button controls from a protected centre cockpit. The duo sailed conservatively, never over-canvassed. “And we set radar guard zones and cross-track error in case our autopilot started wandering around,” explains Peter. But Anissa still found night watches hard.

Night watches can be a long and lonely experience

“I was always worried if we were going to hit somebody. I never felt totally comfortable with that. I always felt that if something is going to happen, it’s going to happen on my watch.” She says she would frequently wake her husband for a second opinion.

But when one crewmember who had been sailing on another boat found himself without a berth for the leg from Cape Town, the Pappas’s made a snap decision to invite him to join them.

“We’d said no on countless occasions to taking other crew,” recalls Anissa. “It’s been hard [going two-up], especially hard on my husband because everything falls to him. But for us transitioning to crew has been easy, and our new crew has been the easiest person.”

With an extra hand they were soon able to carry more sail area, enjoying having the 52ft ketch flying along under four or five sails, including two spinnakers and a staysail.

The start of the 2018 World ARC Leg 16 heading out of St Helena

“With hindsight, I think we should have started out with crew,” admits Anissa. “Peter and I had not really been on the boat together for enough time to really get all the sails up and learn what we needed to learn. And later maybe – or even maybe not – we would have downsized.

“Two was tough, but we did it. But for couples I would say keep an extremely open mind about bringing crew aboard.”

Roving crew

While the Pappas’s made a sudden decision to take a third hand along, the 2018-19 World ARC was characterised by an unusually high number of crew who joined to sail one boat, and ended up becoming such a fixture of the rally community that they extended their trip by joining others.

Several of the roving crew had sailed on three or four different yachts by the time they reached Grenada. Karen Slater, a former fire service worker from the UK, was a very popular member of the ARC family and was about to join her sixth boat for the final cruise to St Lucia.

Freediving with whale sharks in Namibia. Photo Haley Haltom

Having a floating pool of experienced crew became an invaluable resource for some boats. American retirees Ruud and Laurie Bosman on the Hylas 54 Blue Pearl had originally only planned to sail the first half of the rally.

“But by the time we were in Australia Ruud felt very strongly that he wanted to complete the circumnavigation and do it all at once, and I felt very strongly that I did not want to cross the Indian Ocean,” recalls Laurie.

Both aged 71, the pair never wanted to sail double-handed and had organised crew for the Pacific legs, but no further. “Because we had never planned to do the whole circumnavigation we had made no plans beyond French Polynesia,” Ruud explains.

The unspoilt beauty of the Marquesas. Photo: Haley Haltom

When Laurie returned home to spend a few weeks with family, they invited other ARC crew aboard, some staying for the entire second half of the circumnavigation.

“It’s been quite easy, you are relatively familiar with the people because they have been in the fleet. They have a bit of a reputation, and importantly you know why they’re leaving boats,” he adds.

There are still no guarantees that an experienced ARC crewmember will be a good fit. Flashpoints were usually over domestic niggles like food preferences (several couples commented on how provisioning was much simpler with just two aboard, reducing one area of work).

Another issue for the boat-hopping crews was where their ‘home’ base was during stopovers. Peter Pappas commented: “It’s great having crew when you’re underway, but really when you get to your destination you assume they will get off the boat after a couple of days, so you and your wife can have some privacy, and have your home back.”

Many of the World ARC crew strategically took themselves away during long stopovers: diving in Australia, going on land tours, or even climbing Kilimanjaro during the fleet’s visit to South Africa.

Sharing the load

For those who did sail as a couple, how they divided the roles often reflected home life. Peter and Wendy on Mischief , and Dan and Agnes on Smoke & Roses , had both worked together so were used to spending extended periods of time with each other. Other couples, where one had spent much of the marriage putting in long hours at the office, had a bigger adjustment to make.

Mark and Helen Chatfield sailed Mad Monkey with their son Josh. Photo: James Mitchell

Some had chosen to time their world tour with natural breaks in their children’s education. Mark Chatfield on the Grand Soleil 56 Mad Monkey sailed with his wife Helen as well as his adult son Josh, timing it between Josh finishing school and starting university: “I worked as a sales director, with constant travel. So during the week, his schooling and upbringing, I didn’t see a lot of him – for me this trip was predominantly to get to know him better.”

The majority of boats divided roles along fairly traditional ‘pink and blue’ job lines when in port, with the women in charge of provisioning and domestics, the men in charge of repairs and systems. There were exceptions: on Misto British ex-pat Rosalind Cheetham skippered their Nautitech 443 and was hands-on with maintenance.

At sea the roles tended to shift slightly. Domestic jobs were more frequently shared underway, although the majority of ‘skippers in charge’ were the male partners.

Most couples ate an evening meal together before settling into some kind of night watch system, the most popular being a three or four hours on/off pattern, before reconvening for the 10am radio-net. Many adopted a much more fluid watch pattern during the day, each taking naps whenever needed. Several skippers took longer night watches than their partners, but would set alarms to allow 15-20 minute naps on open ocean legs.

Photo: YachtEmily Morgan.com

On Smoke & Roses Dan and Agnes changed their running rigging so reefs could be taken in and out from the cockpit. “It’s made life a lot easier for me because I was getting up for sail changes no matter who was on watch, every single time. Even with three people on the boat I was getting tired,” explains Dan.

They also modified their safety rules. “We did have a rule about not going out of the cockpit at night, but I was in the Pacific just to move the barber-hauler on the genoa,” recalls Agnes.

Several boats started out with conventional spinnakers and ordered furling Code Zero or asymmetric kites to replace them en route as they became more confident in sailing double-handed.

Suwarrow in the Cook Islands is one of the more remote destinations that the World ARC visited

A positive for many crews of joining a rally – and particularly reassuring for double-handed boats – was the option to ‘buddy boat’ for passages, particularly in areas of high traffic, where there were any concerns about piracy, or when one yacht had a technical issue. Even on the final ‘free cruising’ leg to St Lucia several yachts chose to sail in a loose flotilla to enjoy their friendships.

Experience of a lifetime

Every couple I spoke to emphasised that while the World ARC schedule was intense, and some stages had been very challenging, the rewards were hugely worth it.

“It’s been pretty incredible,” recalls Laurie Bosman from Blue Pearl . “Things like going through the Panama Canal, in your own boat – I get teary when I think about it. Those early mornings where you’ve got the sun rising and the moon setting, and nothing but you, water, sun and moon. You think you’ve died and gone to heaven.”

Swimming with manta rays at Suwarrow in the Cook Islands. Photo: Haley Haltom

“It changes you as a person,” said Wendy Tipton. “You have to improvise, shop for what you can get. We went home for Christmas and I was looking at all my bits and pieces and realised you don’t need it. I’ve been quite humbled by how people actually do live and how happy they are with so little.”

Her husband David added: “If you have the opportunity to do it, you’d be mad not to.”

Getting ready: Things to take or prep before you go

Downwind sails.

Many boats ordered new sails in Darwin, Australia, or South Africa – several of which did not clear customs in time to reach the yachts before they set off on the stage they were ordered for. The most popular were furling downwind sails.

Instruments and electrical systems

Multiple boats had issues with faults on one system triggering an issue on the other – an update to the MFD, for example, causing a fault on the SSB radio.

Bones Black, who runs the Bowman 57 charter yacht Emily Morgan  with his wife, Anna, was widely praised across the fleet for helping troubleshoot and fix problems on almost every yacht. He suggests splitting systems to avoid interference.

“On Emily Morgan , all the comms runs down one side of the boat and all the power supplies run down the other side of the boat,” explains Black.

Likewise he advises against installing AIS and VHF using splitter boxes to share the same antenna: “I would always advise separate antenna, then if you have a problem you can always transfer over.”

Google Maps and Open CPN

Many boats used Open CPN to overlay chart data with satellite images from Google Maps, particularly in areas where charts alone were not reliably accurate, such as Fiji and the San Blas Islands.

Experienced bluewater cruisers Bones and Anna Black run charter yacht Emily Morgan and were a source of expertise for many rally participants

Anna Black, who skippers Emily Morgan , spent a lot of time preparing by looking at cruising blogs and other free resources, such as the Fiji Atlas for Mariners website and Noonsite. She also recommends Fastseas.com for affordable weather routeing.

Bones suggests taking digital and hard copies of the owner’s manual – and, if possible, an installation manual – for every system and piece of hardware on board.

Seagull water filter

Emily Morgan is set up with a double filter (coarse and carbon) of water going into the tanks, then drinking water is filtered a second time through the Seagull unit, so they can refill reusable drinking bottles from the taps.

Finding a quiet spot on Emily Morgan

Several boats had to replace dinghies or outboards in far-flung locations such as Fiji, due to being lost or simply coming apart after weeks of extreme heat and UV. The cost could easily be five times the equivalent price at home.

Washing machine

This was the most recommended ‘luxury’ item, mainly because it avoided wasting precious time in stopovers finding a laundry and dealing with missing items. If you can’t fit a machine, it seems prudent to make friends with a yacht that has one…

Cash savings

Some crews felt the costs had been surprising. Marina fees were higher than many had anticipated, and the social aspect of the rally made a few feel under pressure to eat out more.

David Tipton commented: “You need to know what this is going to cost you. We have a repairs budget of £5,000 every three months, but you only have to start doing a few jobs and that gets eaten up.

“We had a boat that was pretty much under warranty for the whole trip, but a lot aren’t. If you suddenly have a big ticket item, like putting a new engine or gearbox in, you’ve got to have £20-30,000 that you can put your hand on.”

Halyard breakages were commonplace. Bones found undiscovered sharp edges in the rigging had contributed to some halyard failures: “We also have independent blocks for our spinnakers, so as the boat and spinnaker moves the block moves.”

Adding Kevlar reinforced outer covers to halyards and sheets worked well on some yachts, others added padded protection to stop the main chafing on spreaders.

Home » Blog » Buy a boat » 5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world

5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: April 19, 2023

A small sailboat can take you big places

Small sailboats are the ticket to going cruising NOW — not when you retire, save up enough money, or find the “perfect” bluewater cruising boat. In fact, it’s the first principle in Lin and Larry Pardey’s cruising philosophy: “Go small, go simple, go now.”

Small yachts can be affordable, simple, and seaworthy . However, you won’t see many of them in today’s cruising grounds. In three years and 13,000 nautical miles of bluewater cruising, I could count the number of under 30-foot sailboats I’ve seen on one hand (all of them were skippered by people in their 20s and 30s).

Today’s anchorages are full of 40, 50, and 60-foot-plus ocean sailboats, but that’s not to say you can’t sail the world in a small sailboat. Just look at Alessandro di Benedetto who in 2010 broke the record for the smallest boat to sail around the world non-stop in his 21-foot Mini 6.5 .

So long as you don’t mind forgoing a few comforts, you can sail around the world on a small budget .

What makes a good blue water sailboat

While you might not think a small sailboat is up to the task of going long distances, some of the best bluewater sailboats are under 40 feet.

However, if you’re thinking about buying a boat for offshore cruising, there are a few things to know about what makes a small boat offshore capable .

Smaller equals slower

Don’t expect to be sailing at high speeds in a pocket cruiser. Smaller displacement monohulls are always going to be slower than larger displacement monohulls (see the video below to learn why smaller boats are slower). Therefore a smaller cruiser is going to take longer on a given passage, making them more vulnerable to changes in weather.

A few feet can make a big difference over a week-long passage. On the last leg of our Pacific Ocean crossing, our 35-foot sailboat narrowly avoid a storm that our buddy boat, a 28-foot sailboat, couldn’t. Our friend was only a knot slower but it meant he had to heave to for a miserable three days.

Small but sturdy

If a pocket cruiser encounters bad weather, they will be less able to outrun or avoid it. For this reason, many of the blue water sailboats in this list are heavily built and designed to take a beating.

Yacht design has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. Today, new boats are designed to be light and fast. The small sailboats in our list are 30-plus year-old designs and were built in a time when weather forecasts were less accurate and harder to come by.

Back in the day, boat were constructed with thicker fiberglass hulls than you see in modern builds. Rigs, keels, rudders, hulls and decks – everything about these small cruising sailboats was designed to stand up to strong winds and big waves. Some of the boats in this post have skeg-hung rudders and most of them are full keel boats.

The pros and cons of pocket cruiser sailboats

Pocket cruiser sailboats present certain advantages and disadvantages.

More affordable

Their smaller size makes them affordable bluewater sailboats. You can often find great deals on pocket cruisers and sometimes you can even get them for free.

You’ll also save money on retrofits and repairs because small cruising sailboats need smaller boat parts (which cost a lot less) . For example, you can get away with smaller sails, ground tackle, winches, and lighter lines than on a bigger boat.

Moorage, haul-outs, and marine services are often billed by foot of boat length . A small sailboat makes traveling the world , far more affordable!

When something major breaks (like an engine) it will be less costly to repair or replace than it would be on a bigger boat.

Less time consuming

Smaller boats tend to have simpler systems which means you’ll spend less time fixing and paying to maintain those systems. For example, most small yachts don’t have showers, watermakers , hot water, and electric anchor windlasses.

On the flip side, you’ll spend more time collecting water (the low-tech way) . On a small sailboat, this means bucket baths, catching fresh water in your sails, and hand-bombing your anchor. Though less convenient, this simplicity can save you years of preparation and saving to go sailing.

Oh, and did I mention that you’ll become a complete water meiser? Conserving water aboard becomes pretty important when you have to blue-jug every drop of it from town back to your boat.

Easier to sail

Lastly, smaller boats can be physically easier to sail , just think of the difference between raising a sail on a 25-foot boat versus a 50-foot boat! You can more easily single-hand or short-hand a small sailboat. For that reason, some of the best solo blue water sailboats are quite petite.

As mentioned above small boats are slow boats and will arrive in port, sometimes days (and even weeks) behind their faster counterparts on long offshore crossings.

Consider this scenario: two boats crossed the Atlantic on a 4,000 nautical mile route. The small boat averaged four miles an hour, while the big boat averaged seven miles an hour. If both started at the same time, the small boat will have completed the crossing two weeks after the larger sailboat!

Less spacious

Living on a boat can be challenging — living on a small sailboat, even more so! Small cruising boats don’t provide much in the way of living space and creature comforts.

Not only will you have to downsize when you move onto a boat  you’ll also have to get pretty creative when it comes to boat storage.

It also makes it more difficult to accommodate crew for long periods which means there are fewer people to share work and night shifts.

If you plan on sailing with your dog , it might put a small boat right out of the question (depending on the size of your four-legged crew member).

Less comfortable

It’s not just the living situation that is less comfortable, the sailing can be pretty uncomfortable too! Pocket cruisers tend to be a far less comfortable ride than larger boats as they are more easily tossed about in big ocean swell.

Here are our 5 favorite small blue water sailboats for sailing around the world

When we sailed across the Pacific these were some of the best small sailboats that we saw. Their owners loved them and we hope you will too!

The boats in this list are under 30 feet. If you’re looking for something slightly larger, you might want to check out our post on the best bluewater sailboats under 40 feet .

Note: Price ranges are based on SailboatListings.com and YachtWorld.com listings for Aug. 2018

Albin Vega 27($7-22K USD)

The Albin Vega has earned a reputation as a bluewater cruiser through adventurous sailors like Matt Rutherford, who in 2012 completed a 309-day solo nonstop circumnavigation of the Americas via Cape Horn and the Northwest Passage (see his story in the documentary Red Dot on the Ocean ). 

• Hull Type: Long fin keel
• Hull Material: GRP (fibreglass)
• Length Overall:27′ 1″ / 8.25m
• Waterline Length:23′ 0″ / 7.01m
• Beam:8′ 1″ / 2.46m
• Draft:3′ 8″ / 1.12m
• Rig Type: Masthead sloop rig
• Displacement:5,070lb / 2,300kg
• Designer:Per Brohall
• Builder:Albin Marine AB (Swed.)
• Year First Built:1965
• Year Last Built:1979
• Number Built:3,450

Cape Dory 28 ($10-32K USD) 

This small cruising sailboat is cute and classic as she is rugged and roomy. With at least one known circumnavigation and plenty of shorter bluewater voyages, the Cape Dory 28 has proven herself offshore capable.

• Hull Type: Full Keel
• Length Overall:28′ 09″ / 8.56m
• Waterline Length:22′ 50″ / 6.86m
• Beam:8’ 11” / 2.72m
• Draft:4’ 3” / 1.32m
• Rig Type:Masthead Sloop
• Displacement:9,300lb / 4,218kg
• Sail Area/Displacement Ratio:52
• Displacement/Length Ratio:49
• Designer: Carl Alberg
• Builder: Cape Dory Yachts (USA)
• Year First Built:1974
• Year Last Built:1988
• Number Built: 388

Dufour 29 ($7-23K)

As small bluewater sailboats go, the Dufour 29 is a lot of boat for your buck. We know of at least one that sailed across the Pacific last year. Designed as a cruiser racer she’s both fun to sail and adventure-ready. Like many Dufour sailboats from this era, she comes equipped with fiberglass molded wine bottle holders. Leave it to the French to think of everything!

• Hull Type: Fin with skeg-hung rudder
• Length Overall:29′ 4″ / 8.94m
• Waterline Length:25′ 1″ / 7.64m
• Beam:9′ 8″ / 2.95m
• Draft:5′ 3″ / 1.60m
• Displacement:7,250lb / 3,289kg
• Designer:Michael Dufour
• Builder:Dufour (France)
• Year First Built:1975
• Year Last Built:1984

Vancouver 28 ($15-34K)

A sensible small boat with a “go-anywhere” attitude, this pocket cruiser was designed with ocean sailors in mind. One of the best cruising sailboats under 40 feet, the Vancouver 28 is great sailing in a small package.

• Hull Type:Full keel with transom hung rudder
• Length Overall: 28′ 0″ / 8.53m
• Waterline Length:22’ 11” / 6.99m
• Beam:8’ 8” / 2.64m
• Draft:4’ 4” / 1.32m
• Rig Type: Cutter rig
• Displacement:8,960lb / 4,064 kg
• Designer: Robert B Harris
• Builder: Pheon Yachts Ltd. /Northshore Yachts Ltd.
• Year First Built:1986
• Last Year Built: 2007
• Number Built: 67

Westsail 28 ($30-35K)

Described in the 1975 marketing as “a hearty little cruiser”, the Westsail 28 was designed for those who were ready to embrace the cruising life. Perfect for a solo sailor or a cozy cruising couple!

• Hull Type: Full keel with transom hung rudder
• Hull Material:GRP (fibreglass)
• Length Overall:28′ 3” / 8.61m
• Waterline Length:23’ 6” / 7.16m
• Beam:9’ 7” / 2.92m
• Displacement:13,500lb / 6,124kg
• Designer: Herb David
• Builder: Westsail Corp. (USA)
• Number Built:78

Feeling inspired? Check out the “go small” philosophy of this 21-year-old who set sail in a CS 27.

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

Saturday 1st of September 2018

Very useful list, but incomplete - as it would necessarily be, considering the number of seaworthy smaller boats that are around.

In particular, you missed/omitted the Westerly "Centaur" and its follow-on model, the "Griffon". 26 feet LOA, bilge-keelers, weighing something over 6000 pounds, usually fitted with a diesel inboard.

OK, these are British designs, and not that common in the US, but still they do exist, they're built like tanks, and it's rumored that at least one Centaur has circumnavigated.

Friday 31st of August 2018

This is a helpful list, thank you. I don't think most people would consider a 28' boat a pocket cruiser, though!

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What Size Catamaran To Sail Around The World

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

August 30, 2022

Catamarans are generally longer than monohulls, but their accommodations and handling vary widely between sizes.

The best size catamaran to sail around the world is 45 to 50 feet. The smallest catamaran with space for long-term provisions and a cabin is around 30 feet in length, and a 55 to 60-foot catamaran is the largest that can be accommodated at most marinas.

In this article, we'll go over the different sizes of catamarans and how they handle in the open ocean. Additionally, we'll cover each size category and the best sizes for traveling the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

We sourced the information used in this article from marine design guides and the consensus of experienced catamaran sailors.

Table of contents

‍ What Sizes Are Catamarans?

Catamarans come in all shapes and sizes, but the smallest models don't have the accommodations required to sail around the world. Most catamarans under 30 feet in length don't have a cabin at all, which is a stark difference that they have with monohulls.

Small monohull sailboats often have cabins, as there's plenty of room below on a wide single-hulled sailboat. Monohulls can be as small as 16 to 18 feet and still have a cabin, but catamarans must be much larger to have suitable accommodations.

The smallest catamarans are about 12 to 15 feet long. These are small recreational craft used primarily for racing, and they aren't designed for the open ocean. Larger catamarans in the 20-foot range can (and have) been used on the ocean, but they're usually classified as day boats.

Catamarans become practical for longer excursions once they hit about 30 feet in length. A boat of this size is large enough for a cabin and can usually accommodate between two and four people comfortably. Catamarans commonly stretch beyond 50 feet, which is where they're the most useful and comfortable.

Smallest Catamaran to Sail Around the World

So, what's the smallest catamaran you could use to sail around the world? In theory, any catamaran can sail long distances—but you need one that's large enough for shelter and storing provisions. Generally speaking, 30 feet is the bottom limit for an ocean-crossing catamaran.

Let's take the ME Cat 30 (Maine Cat) as an example. This small and nimble 30-foot catamaran makes use of its limited space and provides comfortable accommodations for a few adults. The ME Cat 30 is a split design that houses the basic accommodations in either hull, with an open seating area between them.

Inside the ME Cat 30, there's barely enough room for all the living spaces. It features a head and a large bed in one hull and a galley and a smaller berth in the other. With that, all the useful cabin space is filled—and this is considered a very good design for the size. As you can see, the best catamarans for sailing across the world are usually much larger.

Typical Ocean Crossing Catamaran Size

Based on what we discussed above, a 30-foot cruising catamaran is really pushing the limits on size. However, it doesn't take a whole lot more length to make a catamaran exponentially more comfortable and suitable for long journeys.

The typical ocean-crossing catamaran is usually about 40 to 45 feet long. With the addition of 10 feet in length, designers can fit an enormous amount of additional accommodations in the hulls.

This is because adding a little extra length allows designers and boatbuilders to widen each hull significantly, which makes room for luxuries like private bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and entirely separate dining and cooking spaces.

Cruising Catamaran Floor Plans

A 40-foot to 50-foot catamaran usually comes with a mirrored floor plan. The traditional catamaran has an identical layout in each hull. That means if one hull has a private berth in the bow and a shower and a toilet in the stern, the other hull will have the exact same layout except opposite.

This is usually because spaces like the galley and sitting area are kept in the center console, where there's much more space to move around. Spaces that are used at night or only occasionally are kept in the narrow hulls, as this has proven to be a more comfortable layout for crews.

Storage is usually kept deep in the hulls as well, as there's extra space to work with when the only other design purpose is for sleeping in bathing. Catamarans in this size range can also have separate hull layouts, but the mirrored design is by far the most common.

Best Catamaran Size for Pacific Ocean Cruising

Catamarans are very versatile craft, but some function better in the Pacific Ocean than others. One of the main considerations when choosing a catamaran for Pacific Travel is that the Pacific usually has greater distances between ports and stopping points.

This is especially true on the US West Coast, where there are only a handful of ports and safe anchorages. The best Pacific cruising catamaran size is between 45 and 50 feet in length, as you're likely to need more space to store provisions for extended cruising.

If you're starting in San Francisco or Seattle, even a 'short' trip along the coastline could mean you'll pass hundreds of miles of steep rocky cliffs and no stopping points insight. When crossing the Pacific, you may travel thousands of miles before you encounter a port or island with any infrastructure at all, let alone stocks of provisions and a full-service marina.

The Pacific is a huge ocean, and the last thing you want to do is run out of food or fuel a thousand miles from your destination. Larger boats store more supplies, and they also give you more breathing room when you're surrounded by empty blue water for months on end.

Best Catamaran Size for Atlantic Ocean Cruising

The Atlantic Ocean is smaller than the Pacific Ocean, and the coastlines of many countries that border it tend to be well-developed. This makes it easier to get away with owning a smaller boat, as you don't need to store as many supplies, and your voyages will be shorter.

Another factor to consider is that not all marinas on the Atlantic can accommodate extremely large catamarans, or it may be prohibitively expensive to dock a 55-foot or 60-foot double-wide vessel. That's why the ideal size for an Atlantic-crossing catamaran is between 40 feet and 50 feet. Today, 45 feet seems to be average.

The boat of this size will fit in at most marinas in developed countries around the Atlantic, and its draft is shallow enough for island hopping and exploring the coral reefs that the Atlantic Islands are known for. Additionally, 40 to 50-foot catamarans are usually just as seaworthy as the larger boats, and they're less expensive to maintain.

Unlike the US West Coast, where ports are few and far between, the Atlantic in the Gulf of Mexico is littered with marinas and safe anchorages. You can travel for weeks along the coastline of the United States and parts of South America and never be further than a hundred miles from a full-service marina.

There are also hundreds of islands, tourist destinations, and service locations that reduce your need for large stores of provisions aboard your catamaran. This gives you a lot more flexibility in choosing a size and a floor plan, as your needs are different than that of a Pacific sailor.

Best Catamaran Size for World Cruising

If you're planning to go on a world tour or a circumnavigation, you're going to need a catamaran that's large enough to fit your crew and your provisions comfortably.

You'll also need a boat that is small enough to be serviced and accommodated in most locations but also seaworthy enough to whether anything you're likely to encounter out of the water.

For most people, the sweet spot seems to be around 45 to 50 feet in length. A 50-foot catamaran is more than large enough to store enough provisions for many months of sailing. It's also roomy enough to house two to six people comfortably for many weeks at a time.

Catamarans between 40 and 50 feet in length are also extremely seaworthy and have been known to make circumnavigation frequently. You're almost guaranteed to find a 50-foot catamaran in almost any remote anchorage in the world where sailors are known to frequent.

Also, almost any marina can accommodate a 50-foot catamaran, and most boatyards can perform at least basic repairs on a boat of this size. Most marinas have fee schedules for boats based on size, and the cutoff for large boats is usually 60 feet. This keeps you in the 'medium' boat category, which can save you thousands.

How to Choose a Catamaran Size

Choosing the right size catamaran can be challenging, but there are a few things you can do to narrow it down. First, examine how you plan to use the vessel. You can travel the oceans in a catamaran between 30 and 40 feet long, so if you have a small crew, you may want to consider a compact model.

Larger catamarans can sleep eight or more people comfortably. This is large enough for most people, though some charter captains may need additional room. A 40 to 45-foot catamaran is usually large enough for a small family, though a 50-footer would be more comfortable, especially if there are kids running around.

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How Big Should a Sailboat Be to Sail Around the World?

I see you've already started googling your research and want to know how big of a boat you need to circle the globe. Well, search no more, this article is here to tell you in-depth what size boat you need to sail around the world.

How big should a sailboat be to sail around the world? The best sailboat size to sail around the world is 35 to 45 feet. Smaller boats of 25 feet will be more uncomfortable and inconvenient; it is, however, possible. Larger sailboats of 60 foot and up will be more comfortable, but they are more expensive as well.

Read on, we will have a look at these statements more closely; a cookie-cutter approach is never good, so we will analyze it a bit more in-depth. Obviously, it depends on your specific situation.

On this page:

What's the ideal boat size to sail around the world, does (boat) size matter, small boat circumnavigations, the ideal boat size for circumnavigations, large boat circumnavigations, in conclusion….

The ideal sailboat size to sail around the world is between 35 and 45 feet long. This length will ensure a high enough maximum hull speed, good handling in high waves, and enough cargo capacity to carry multiple weeks of food and water. Longer boats will perform as well, but are more expensive too.

The most important factors in sailing around the world are:

• cargo capacity & supplies

Longer boats are faster and can carry more cargo, which you will need for circumnavigation. Especially water can take up a lot of space and weight.

Smaller boats will have less cargo capacity. Smaller boats are slower as well, which increases the need for cargo capacity since you'll need more water and food.

Boats over 45 feet long will get disproportionally expensive. However, there are a lot of boats available between 35-45 feet for very reasonable prices.

We did research on average sailboat prices by comparing thousands of prices for you. Learn more on the average cost of buying & owning a sailboat here.

The first thing you're probably thinking about is whether your boat of choice can handle the weather, the waves, and the long journey. But contrary to what you might have been led to believe, size is less relevant than you probably think.

Not that it doesn't matter in the overall picture, it does, but for very different reasons.

You see, a 20-foot Flicka is just as capable of crossing oceans as is any seaworthy 60 footer. It is more tricky to handle, especially in harsh conditions, but the boat's size doesn't necessarily impact its bluewater abilities .

As long as you stay within a reasonable range and keep away from 10-foot dinghies, of course. Though the smallest boat to ever cross the Atlantic had just a bit over five feet.

Respect to Hugo Vihlen, the man who operated this miracle.

Now I understand you aren't asking how big a boat can be to circumnavigate, you are asking how big it should be. But the reason I started with explaining that even small boats can do the job is that sailing around the world can get pretty pricey.

I wanted to make sure you know that even if your budget isn't the largest, so you can't go for a bigger boat, that shouldn't necessarily stop you from getting what you want.

With that in mind, let's kick this off with what it means to sail around the world on a small boat and work our way up in size.

Now that we've established that small boats can too be seaworthy, let's see the drawbacks.

Such a vessel will take you from point a to point b successfully, but you might face issues when it comes to its speed.

There is a thing called hull speed, something too complicated for my simple mind to understand beyond this simple statement:

'because of physics, the longer the boat, the faster it can go'.

So a 1000 mile crossing with a 20 footer will be significantly slower than with a 50 footer, even with the same weather conditions. If you are in a hurry, take this into account.

Longer journey means more supplies

Also, take it into account when planning the logistics. If your passage takes more time, you will need more supplies, for which you need more space - and on a small boat, that spells possible storage space issues.

Dried meat and oatmeal isn't particularly bulky, but water volume is non-negotiable. And you need at least a couple of liters per day .

Even if comfort is not an issue for you and you don't mind spending a few months in a tiny warehouse full of provisions with not much room for yourself, supplies, paired with all the necessary equipment you need, become heavy and a small sailboat can find itself being quite overwhelmed by the weight, becoming more difficult to maneuver.

Which is the last thing you want when facing the Poseidon himself in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Just calculate the weight of water you will need for a four-week crossing - something you may easily encounter when sailing around the world.

Even if you minimize the freshwater use and have it for drinking only (hello salty showers) you will easily get to nearly a hundred kilos, and that's just for one person.

On an average 5,500 lbs 20 footer, you might end up in a passage situation where just water for two people makes up 10 percent of the boat's weight, which isn't ideal.

Small boats are more affected by waves

Last but not least, small boats will be influenced by the waves more than larger ones would be. Again, they can deal with them, but the question is if you can. The constant up and down movement can wear even an enthusiastic explorer down.

I understand that this is a matter of comfort, something which many of you hardy ones won't need. Just putting it out there to warn you ahead of time.

What you ideally want is to have your boat be around 40 feet, give or take five. This size will give you enough space to store all you need for long crossings, you can fit a partner plus a bunch of friends on it and its sails and keel are likely big enough to have your back even in rougher conditions.

Moreover, at this size, boats still aren't too much if you want to operate them by yourself, +-40 feet is generally quite manageable short-handed, especially if you tweak them a bit.

Short-handed simply means 'solo'.

That makes sense for circumnavigation especially because it can lead to scenarios where you will have to rely on yourself without the ability to get much external help. If you sail as a pair and want to take shifts, or if your partner in crime becomes unable to contribute for whatever reason, it will give you peace of mind knowing you can do the job for both.

Now for the important, storage space matter - unlike the smaller boats, +-40 footers won't suffer as much when you load them with all you need for such a journey, so you can safely get spare sails and parts without overloading your precious vessel.

This means more comfort since you can prepare yourself for many worst-case scenarios - be it equipment breaking down or a two-week crossing turning into a four week one because of bad weather.

They say long passages are not as much about sailing skills, rather about the ability to maintain your boat and good spirit. For that, spare parts and good company is needed. An overprepared sailor is a happy sailor.

All the other categories are covered quite well by this size too. Prices won't ruin even a tighter budget, comfort-wise you won't suffer more than you need to when the seas get rough and speeds are sufficient enough so that when you will read prognoses about how long your passages will take, the estimates won't be off by much.

So what's wrong with doing the journey with a 50+ footer? In short, as long as you can afford it, nothing.

In fact, comfort-wise, space-wise, and speed-wise, this is the best option. You won't have issues when taking ten friends on board for a ride-along, you can store enough food to go around the whole world without stopping anywhere to resupply, you can have plenty of extra gear and spare parts without even noticing it.

The ride will be smooth, even bigger waves won't be as felt, the long hull will make for some impressive speeds, simply, a boat the size of a floating family apartment has a lot to offer.

Large boats are not always rigged for solo sailing

When it comes to handling , years ago this would be the point where larger boats fail, but these days, even 60+ footers are often designed for solo sailing, with electronic winches, self-tacking jibs, and all the controls handily within your reach from the helm. So if you stick with a new boat, even a larger size shouldn't pose problems when short-handed.

As already probably apparent, the only issue here is the price. Of course, it is easy to recommend going around the world on a 70-foot cruiser. But it would be a bit of an unfair excuse for a tip since for the majority of the readers this would be financially unattainable.

So what you should take away from this particular part is that if you want to go for it, as long as you stick with new models made for easy operating, not much in terms of handling stands in your way. And yes, it will provide you with all the comfort you think it will.

All in all, when you look at boats that are used for heavy traveling including circumnavigations, you will see the 40-foot mark quite often. It wins in terms of practicality, affordability, and manageability. So if circling the world is what you want, you won't be making a mistake if you go for this size. Although if you feel like it, and have a stomach and skills for it, you can go small, very small. And if you can afford it, with today's technology, even a 70 footer can be the right choice.

Laura Phasouliotis

Thank you for your advice, it has been super helpful as I am just embarking on a sailing hobby at the age of 60. It has been my lifelong ambition to own a boat and sail.

I would love to have your suggestions for a trip. A 45 or 55 would be okay. Would like suggestions as to crew needs etc.

Dennis France

I am ticking on (87 in good condition) So would need a skipper and another crew besides myself. If I were to purchase a new Kraken 50’ what problems do you see??

A very good article. Give a very firm answer, 40-foot. No BS like “It depend on how many people on board”.

Daniel Clifford Cunningham

I see the writer and commentors are sensible and serious about doing this sailing thing. In a few months, when the VA hospitals have either fixed my heath problems

Great article. This is a beautiful summary. Great job.

Like most big questions, it is a matter of balancing needs which also include the money trick.

The following facts will be helpful.

My son moved his 48 foot sailboat to from the east coast US to Italy I fought up with him on Sept. 5 in nova Scotia this year and we crossed to the continent I got off in the azores and went back to Idaho as a friend of his met us there and helped out frist time on sailboat for me and at 350 lbs and 67 yrs old I wasn’t much help although my wife was glad to see he didn’t go alone.we missed the worst of a the hurricanes and I only fell down once the frist day and hurt my ribs and couldn’t move around for days. James was the greatest we had to fix the motor and steering system everyday I can’t believe how much u need to know to go to sea thanks

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What Size Yacht To Sail Around The World? All You Need To Know

If youre dreaming of sailing around the world, youll need to make sure you have the right size yacht .

But what size is best? In this article, well cover the benefits of both larger and smaller yachts, the factors to consider when choosing yacht size, the types of routes and their impact on yacht size, the experience of the sailing team, maintenance and upkeep considerations, and cost considerations.

With this comprehensive guide, youll be able to make an informed decision about the size of your yacht and set off on your journey around the world.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

The size of the yacht you need to sail around the world depends on the type of voyage you are planning to take.

If you are planning a leisurely cruise, then a mid-sized yacht between 35-45 feet is typically suitable.

However, if you are planning a longer-term voyage for more than a year, then a larger yacht of at least 50 feet is recommended.

In addition, you should factor in the type of weather and sea conditions you’ll be facing in your voyage, as this will determine the type and size of necessary equipment and provisions.

Benefits of a Larger Yacht

When it comes to sailing around the world, a larger yacht can provide a number of benefits.

A larger yacht provides more comfort and space for the crew, as well as more storage space for supplies and equipment.

A larger yacht also offers more stability, which is especially important when sailing in rough seas.

Additionally, a larger yacht will have more fuel capacity, which is important for long-distance voyages.

Also, a larger yacht has more room for amenities such as a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping quarters, allowing the crew to be more comfortable over long periods of time.

Finally, a larger yacht is better equipped to handle adverse weather conditions, providing better protection from the elements.

Benefits of a Smaller Yacht

When it comes to choosing the right size yacht to sail around the world, size matters.

A smaller yacht can provide a number of benefits that can make your voyage more enjoyable and successful.

One of the biggest benefits of a smaller yacht is its ease of maneuverability.

A smaller yacht is more agile and can turn faster than its larger counterparts, making it easier to navigate tight spaces and shallow waters.

In addition, a smaller yacht will require less fuel to operate, making it more cost-effective and eco-friendly.

Another advantage of a smaller yacht is its ability to dock in various places.

With a smaller yacht, you wont have to worry about finding a dock that can accommodate your vessel.

This makes it easier and more convenient to explore various ports, islands, and harbors along your journey.

Finally, a smaller yacht can be easier to maintain.

With a larger yacht, youll need to be prepared to do more maintenance and upkeep to keep it in optimal condition.

With a smaller yacht, however, this is much less of an issue.

Youll be able to keep up with the necessary maintenance and repairs much more easily, giving you more time to enjoy your voyage.

Ultimately, the size of the yacht should be based on the crew’s experience and desired route.

A smaller yacht can be a great choice for experienced sailors who are looking for a more agile and cost-effective vessel, and for those with less experience who are looking for a more manageable vessel.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Yacht Size

When choosing the size of yacht for a voyage around the world, there are several factors to consider.

The size of the yacht should match the crew’s sailing experience and desired route, so it is important to evaluate both of these factors closely before making a decision.

First, it is important to consider the experience of the crew.

Experienced sailors may be able to handle a smaller yacht, while a larger yacht might be better suited for those with less experience.

This is because a larger yacht requires more knowledge and skill to navigate safely, and a smaller yacht may not have the necessary storage and space for a comfortable journey.

Second, the desired route should also be taken into account.

Depending on the route, a larger yacht may be necessary for more treacherous waters and longer voyages.

A smaller yacht will be able to navigate more easily in shallow waters, but may not be able to handle larger swells and rough conditions.

Finally, it is important to remember that the size of the yacht will affect the costs associated with upkeep, maintenance, and fuel.

A larger yacht will require more resources to keep it afloat and running, while a smaller yacht may be more economical.

All these factors should be taken into account when choosing the size of yacht to sail around the world.

A yacht of at least 40 feet in length is generally considered suitable for a global voyage, but the crew’s experience and route should dictate the size of the yacht for the most comfortable and safe journey.

Types of Routes and Their Impact on Yacht Size

When planning a global voyage, the size of the yacht is an important consideration.

The type of route one plans to take will have a direct impact on the size of the yacht that is chosen.

Generally, a yacht of at least 40 feet in length is considered suitable for a global voyage.

A larger yacht provides more space, storage, and comfort, but also requires more upkeep, maintenance, and fuel costs.

For those planning to sail along coastal routes, a smaller yacht may be sufficient.

Coastal routes are typically shorter and simpler than open-ocean routes, and therefore require a different type of yacht.

A coastal yacht should be able to handle the rougher seas and strong winds that can be encountered along the coast.

It should also have enough space to store supplies and equipment.

Coastal yachts are often smaller and more maneuverable than those designed for open-ocean sailing.

For those planning an open-ocean voyage, a larger yacht is usually preferred.

Open-ocean routes are often much longer and more challenging.

A larger yacht will provide more stability and comfort in rough seas and strong winds, as well as greater storage capacity for supplies and equipment.

Open-ocean yachts should also be equipped with all the necessary safety equipment, such as life rafts, life jackets, and emergency radios.

The size of the yacht should also be considered in relation to the crew’s sailing experience.

By taking into account the type of route, the crew’s sailing experience, and the desired comfort level, one can determine the size of yacht that is most suitable for a global voyage.

The right yacht will make the voyage more enjoyable and provide the necessary comfort and safety.

The Experience of the Sailing Team

When planning a voyage around the world, the size of the yacht is an important consideration.

Many people assume that the larger the yacht, the better it is for a global voyage.

However, this isnt always the case.

The size of the yacht should be directly proportionate to the experience and comfort of the sailing team.

This size of yacht allows for enough space and storage for the crew, and a comfortable ride.

However, a larger yacht may be necessary for those with less experience.

A larger yacht provides more space for the crew to spread out and more storage for supplies and equipment, which can make the voyage more comfortable.

A larger yacht also provides more stability and maneuverability in rough seas, which is an important safety factor.

An experienced sailor may be able to handle a smaller yacht more easily due to their familiarity with the vessel and their knowledge of sailing in general.

For those with less experience, a larger yacht can provide more stability and maneuverability in rough seas, as well as more room for the crew to spread out and gain experience.

Before choosing a yacht size, it is important to consider the experience of the sailing team, the route they plan to take, and the conditions they will be sailing in.

For example, a smaller yacht may be more suitable for a shorter voyage, while a larger yacht may be necessary for a longer voyage or a more challenging route.

When it comes to choosing the size of the yacht for a global voyage, it is important to consider the experience of the sailing team and the route they plan to take.

With the right size yacht, the crew will be able to sail safely and comfortably around the world.

Maintenance and Upkeep Considerations

Maintenance and upkeep considerations are important when selecting a yacht size.

Larger vessels will require more time and resources to keep in good condition.

If the vessel is new, it will likely come with a maintenance schedule, but experienced sailors should factor in the expense of routine upkeep.

This includes tasks such as waxing, polishing, and painting the hull and decks, as well as regularly checking and replacing hoses, pumps, and other essential parts.

One of the main advantages of a larger yacht is the ability to store and access more supplies and spare parts, which can provide needed peace of mind.

However, this should be balanced with the fact that larger boats take more fuel and require more resources to maintain.

Additionally, a larger yacht may require more crew members, adding to costs and possible complications.

It is important to remember that the size of the yacht should match the crew’s sailing experience and desired route.

Cost Considerations

When it comes to planning a voyage around the world, the size of the yacht is an important factor that must be taken into account.

Not only does the size of the yacht affect the comfort and convenience of the crew, but it also affects the cost of the voyage.

Larger yachts provide more space, more storage, and more comfort, but they also come with more costs.

Upkeep and maintenance costs can be significantly higher for larger yachts, and fuel costs can also be higher due to the increased size.

It is important to remember that the size of the yacht should be matched to the crews sailing experience and desired route.

Additionally, the size of the yacht should be matched to the desired route.

If the crew is planning a voyage that requires sailing in open ocean, a larger yacht may be necessary for greater stability and safety.

On the other hand, if the crew is planning a voyage that involves navigating through shallower waters, a smaller yacht may be preferable.

Ultimately, the size of the yacht should be based on the crews experience and desired route.

While it may be tempting to purchase or rent a larger yacht for comfort and convenience, the cost considerations should be taken into account to ensure that the voyage is financially feasible.

Taking the time to research and plan ahead is essential for setting out on a successful voyage around the world.

Final Thoughts

The size should be based on the sailing team’s experience, desired route, and the maintenance and cost considerations.

A larger yacht provides more comfort and storage, but requires more upkeep, while a smaller yacht is better suited for experienced sailors and those with limited funds.

Ultimately, finding the right size yacht for your crew and route is critical to a successful voyage.

Now that you know the key factors to consider when selecting a yacht size, you can confidently make your choice and have the adventure of a lifetime!.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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Quick Guide To Buying A Boat To Sail Around The World

Categories Travel Tips

Last Updated on February 15, 2024

Table of Contents

Things to know when buying a sail boat

New or used.

This is the most important question when purchasing a boat. Obviously, the price difference between a new and a used boat is huge, and most people can’t afford forking out half a million dollars for a sparkling new boat. Especially for first time boaters, it’s advisable to start with a used boat because things will go wrong, things will break, and a first big trip on a brand new boat is much scarier than a practice run on a used one. In fact, 80% of boat owners own a used boat, not a new one. After that, you can consider new Cigarette boats or Riviera boats for sale. The Riviera boats are made using high-quality materials and cutting-edge building processes with innovative technology and high-performance capabilities.

The purchase

Why go with a professional?

Unless you’re an expert in boating questions and have an eye for possible anomalies, it is possible that as a new boater, you might be ripped off, or that you simply overlook certain faults due to your lack of expertise.

The other benefit of bringing along a professional is their trained eye for all other features that need to be checked before agreeing to a purchase. These can be arbitrary things like water lines on the engine – a sign that the boat took on water at some point. Or how easy the steering is, in what shape the upholstery is, if the transmission shifts easily,

Make sure to check the quality of all the components, starting from door locks that might be of subpar quality or weak windshields. If a deal on a boat seems to be too good to be true, then it’s probably exactly that: too good to be true. Cheap equipment is likely to break quickly, leaving you with unexpected repair costs or the headache of how to fix something while you’re out at sea, maybe weeks away from the closest boat repair shop.

Practicalities for buying a sail boat

Test the boat

If you have found a boat that has everything you’re looking for and is approved by your marine surveyor, it’s time to go for a test run on the water. When testing the boat, make sure to test low-speed and high-speed maneuverability, easy-shifting engine controls, listen for odd sounds and test the noise levels of the engine,

Consider additional costs

When you find the boat of your dreams, there is one more thing to consider before handing over the money: maintenance costs for the boat. Many boats can be bought for less than what their annual maintenance costs are – don’t forget to consider things like: fuel, dockage fees, boat insurance, possible crew salaries and of course repairs and maintenance like an oil change or fresh paint.

I hope you found my quick guide on buying a boat helpful. For further reading on this topic I recommend the comprehensive series of articles on how to buy a boat by Boating Magazine.

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Andre Beluchi

Wednesday 17th of February 2016

Dani, great guide that you mentioned on buying a boat. It sure got me thinking about the trip that an uncle of mine invited me to. He talked to me about taking me to buy a small boat to take for a cruise.

Quick guide to boating: The three most common issues and how to fix them | GlobetrotterGirls

Thursday 14th of May 2015

[…] sharing everything you need to know before buying a boat to sail around the world, it is time to look at the most common issues that can come up when […]

Sunday 10th of May 2015

I know exactly what you mean… I've always been lured by the romanticism of boats and the idea of a long trip across the oceans… I also read and loved that book. There's something about looking out and only seeing water and the horizon for weeks/months on end, of being totally at the mercy of rolling waves and crashing storms… Another great article, thanks Dani :)

Thanks, Melody! A sailing trip is definitely on my travel bucket list :)

6 ultimate island-hopping itineraries for 2024

Explore the world from the deck of your own yacht with a skippered charter, bareboat or flotilla holiday. Whether you’re a first-timer, a foodie or a family, there’s a sailing itinerary to suit every type of traveller.

Craving a holiday with the freedom to escape the crowds and explore hidden coves, secluded bays and uninhabited islands? Dreaming of anchoring somewhere to take a dip without another person in sight? Sailing enables you to access remote spots that are often inaccessible by land and to experience the diversity of a region, exploring islands, villages and resorts in a single trip. Whether you're just starting out, or keen to set out with little ones in tow, these itineraries suit every type of sailor.  

1. Best for first timers: British Virgin Islands (BVIs)

Calm seas, sheltered anchorages, reliable steady trade winds and easy line-of-sight sailing make the BVIs one of the world’s best sailing destinations for less experienced sailors. The proximity of its islands also means you only need to sail for an hour or two to gain a sense of adventure and achievement as you successfully navigate to the next port of call. Set sail in Tortola and continue on to Virgin Gorda to witness The Baths, a geological wonder made up of granite boulders that stretch down the beach into the sea. Look out for hawksbill turtles as you sail on to tiny specks of land such as the idyllic Saba Rock, and be sure to end the day with a rum cocktail or two at one of the region’s many laid-back bars, which are often perched on unblemished stretches of white sand.

2. Best for families: Croatia

The calm, clear waters of the Adriatic combined with favourable weather conditions in summer provide easy sailing for families and, with more than 1,000 islands dotted along the Dalmatian Coast, there’s a range of activities and attractions with short hops to keep kids engaged. Set sail from the picturesque marina village of Agana and cruise gently to islands such as Brač, Šolta and Hvar, encouraging children to help out on board while keeping an eye out for passing dolphins. With their sheltered bays and clear waters, these islands are ideal stops for families. Spend an afternoon paddling in Brač’s Bobovišća Bay, before setting sail for the remote islands of the Kornati Archipelago, a wild and beautiful national park known for its empty hiking trails. Sailing stops here can be educational, too, with a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and picturesque port towns steeped in history.

3. Best for food-lovers: Italy

Why base yourself on land to sample Italy’s incredible gastronomy when you can sail from region to region tasting the very best food and wine at numerous ports of call? Sunsail’s SailEatalia’s Italian Cuisine Procida Flotilla departs from the glamourous port town of Procida and sails to the Pontine Islands along the sun-soaked Amalfi Coast, offering stops to taste local cuisine, from classic dishes to regional delicacies as well as the country’s finest wine. Sample Ischia's iconic stewed rabbit in an independent restaurant at the top of a mountain or try the Italian coastal delicacy alici da portare (pasta with anchovies, olives and capers) in the quaint fishing village of Cetara.

4. Best for winter sun: Antigua

Gloriously warm weather between December and May and around 365 powdery white beaches lapped by clear waters make Antigua a popular winter sun destination for British travellers. Sailors can also relax knowing the region has consistent trade winds, safe anchorages and fairly short distances between ports, giving you more time to explore a variety of attractions at your own pace. Drop anchor in Deep Bay to snorkel around the famous shipwreck the Andes , discover uninhabited islands and visit famous places like Nelson’s Dockyard to sip cocktails and dance to the lively music of traditional steel bands.  

5. Best for culture vultures: Croatia  

A cultural treasure trove with 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites ranging from Roman fortresses to hilltop castles, Croatia is a mecca for sailors with a penchant for history and art. Start and finish a week’s charter in Dubrovnik to explore one of the best-preserved medieval walled cities on Earth, touring ancient citadels and Renaissance palaces, and be sure to include Lokrum, home to the ruins of a Benedictine monastery. Sail north and discover Mljet National Park and the island getaway of Korčula, thought to be the birthplace of famed explorer Marco Polo, where museums, galleries and excellent restaurants line the beautiful cobbled streets and defensive walls of the town.  

6. Best for island-hopping: Greece

With thousands of islands scattered fairly close together, sailing from one to another is a breeze with the promise of a remote white sand or perfect pebble beach around every headland. Sailors are spoilt for choice, but the Ionian Islands, off the west coast of the mainland, are ideal for beginners looking for tranquil stretches of gin-clear water with light winds and warm temperatures in summer. Sail to Ithaca or Kefaloni in the south or to Lefkas, Paxos, Antipaxos and Corfu. While Corfu is known for its party vibe and high-end beach bars, others, like tiny Antipaxos, feature just a scattering of houses, no proper roads and a couple of charming waterside tavernas where you can watch local fishermen bring in the day's catch.  

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The Best Places to Learn How to Sail, From the Greek Islands to the Florida Keys

By Hannah Towey

Sailing is one of the best ways to explore some of the most beautiful, untouched coastal destinations around the globe. But from the outside, learning how to sail might seem like an intimidating—and expensive—pursuit.

However, learning to sail isn’t as difficult as it might seem. And contrary to what some may believe, “sailing is for everyone,” Zeke Quezada, the Director of Communications at the American Sailing Association (ASA) tells Condé Nast Traveler.

“It is important to understand that anyone can sail, and it is really easy to learn,” Quezada says. “Sailing is not just for the affluent; head into a community sailing club at your local marina, and you'll have options to get out on the water for little to no cost.”

While mastering the art of sailing takes consistent practice, hopeful captains looking for a crash-course to jumpstart their journey may consider a sailing vacation . These educational charters allow you to fully immerse yourself in the nautical lifestyle —and you can earn official certifications along the way. On these types of trips, “you have a qualified skipper on board who is offering instruction, as well as advice on how to become a safe and confident sailor,” Quezada explains. “The best part is that you can have your family onboard, and everyone is having a vacation while you check off the bucket list item of learning to sail.”

When planning your first sailing trip , look for trips and schools that offer credentialed schools and instructors; organizations such as ASA, US Sailing, and the Royal Yacht Association are internationally recognized. By following these certification tracks, you can become licensed to sail a charter without a captain on board, also known as a “bareboat charter.” Though not required in some places, a bareboat certification makes it much easier (and safer) to rent your own boat .

No matter which route you take, sailing is a lifelong skill that will open doors to a community of people passionate about getting out on the water and protecting the oceans. “Most importantly, you will learn how to sit back, turn off the phone, and feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face,” says Quezada. “You might start listening to Jimmy Buffet as well.”

Below, we’ve rounded up the best places around the world for learning how to sail—including destinations in North America , Europe , Asia , and Australia —plus, the sailing courses and trips to book in 2024.

The Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands and US Virgin Islands are some of the best training grounds for novice sailors “because of their line-of-sight sailing, predictable wind, and sailor-friendly destinations,” Quezada says. “In the BVI, you can learn to sail and have a beach vacation simultaneously.”

If you’re looking to get your bareboat license, there are several ASA-certified sailing schools in the BVI and US Virgin Islands. Offshore Sailing School , one of the world's preeminent sailing institutions, offers fast track courses for all levels of sailing. Alternatively, charter a captained catamaran, one of the most popular ways to explore the Caribbean.

Florida Keys

Warm temperatures, calm turquoise waters, and consistent easterly winds make the Florida Keys one of the best places to learn to sail in the US. Stay at the Key Lime Sailing Club and cottages resort on Buttonwood Sound in Key Largo and take lessons at the American Sailing Academy , located onsite.

Alternatively, outdoor education organization Outward Bound, which offers program scholarships, is hosting a Florida Keys sailing excursion for adults in March/April 2025. Participants will live on a 30-foot open sailboat for slightly over a week learning beginner, intermediate, and advanced skills in chart and compass navigation, small boat seamanship, weather observation, and anchoring.

Greek Islands

With its calm, clear waters and warm Mediterranean climate, the Ionian sea offers ideal conditions for beginner sailors. Quezada recommends sailing down the western coast of Greece and the island of Corfu, where Fairwinds Sailing School offers “learn to sail” vacations from April to October. For a route closer to Athens, join a flotilla and hop between the Argo-Saronic Islands in the Aegean Sea, but be aware that the Meltemi winds, which are especially strong during July and August, can make for trickier sailing conditions in this region.

Sea of Cortez, Mexico

Sail through crystal clear waters between a whopping 971 uninhabited islands in the Sea of Cortez, located between the Baja peninsula and mainland Mexico. Nautilus Sailing offers liveaboard courses on catamaran and monohull ships for sailors looking to earn their ASA 101, 103, 104, and 114 certifications from January–June and October–December. The curriculum covers sailboat terminology, engine operation, docking procedures, sail trimming, navigation rules, anchoring, weather, and maritime safety, among other skills. Plus, expect to encounter some stunning marine life, including sea turtles, whale sharks, dolphins, and humpback whales.

Sarah James

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Jamie Spain

Katie Bowman

New England

There’s no better way to experience a quintessential New England summer than by sailboat. The sailing season in the Northeast runs from April to October, with ASA and US Sailing accredited schools located in major metropolitans like New York City and Boston as well as coastal enclaves like Newport and Cape Cod .

For adults seeking a basic introduction to the sport, US Sailing offers “first sail” lessons in dozens of locations up and down the Eastern seaboard. Pull on a striped sweater, pack a bottle of rosé, and you’re good to go!

Croatia’s Adriatic Coast is home to a vibrant sailing community with picture-perfect weather conditions. Beginner sailors will appreciate the gentle winds of Dubrovnik, the Split Islands, and Kornati National Park , whose sheltered coves and bays supply calm and predictable winds. Enjoy incredible natural wonders only accessible by boat, like the famous Blue Cave.

Student sailors can earn beginner, intermediate, and advanced ASA certifications aboard 8-day learn to sail vacations in July, August, and September 2024. Hosted by American Sailing partner Sailing Virgins, the catamaran and monohull ships—each a minimum of 40 feet with 3-5 cabins—visit the Croatian islands of Brac, Korčula, Šćedro, Komiža, Vis, and Hvar.

Gulf of Thailand

The Gulf of Thailand offers lovely year-round sailing conditions, making it an accessible and exciting destination for both beginner and advanced sailors. Most sailing schools and marinas in Thailand are based in Pattaya. Island Spirit Sailing Schoo l offers an eleven-day “zero to hero” course that combines crew and skipper training, including land-based and overnight sea lessons.

Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Located in Northeast Australia, the Whitsunday Islands are a year-round sailing mecca and idyllic gateway to the Great Barrier Reef . Brisk southeast trade winds blow throughout the winter season, attracting sailors from across the country to annual sailing races hosted on Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach. For beginner sailors, Mainstay Sailing offers introductory courses certified by the internationally-recognized Royal Yacht Association out of the Coral Sea Marina.

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Cruise the world for six months on Oceania's newest ship for around $70K

Oceania Cruises’ newest ship is heading on a world tour.

The upscale cruise line’s 2026 Around the World voyage will take place on its Oceania Vista ship, which launched last year. The 180-day journey will take guests to 101 ports in 43 countries, and the ship will have all the trappings of a state-of-the-art vessel − a novel combination for the line.

“We always as operators considered the world cruise itinerary best used for older tonnage,” Frank A. Del Rio, the line’s president, told USA TODAY. “There was always this mindset that your newest and best ship had to go towards the … best-yielding itineraries, perhaps in the old days.”

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World cruises often take place on older ships .

But in talking with guests, he heard previous Oceania world cruisers express excitement about Vista’s updated technology, open spaces and expanded onboard programming (particularly handy on the many sea days of a longer voyage).

What is a world cruise? It's not a 'shoot-from-the-hip decision'

When the cruise opened for bookings earlier this month, Del Rio said, the line saw record bookings. “We've never taken that many inquiries for a world cruise ever,” he said.

The response also speaks to “where our base guest is at in terms of further exploration.”  

But it’s not too late to book. Here’s what travelers can expect from the cruise.

When is Oceania’s 2026 Around the World voyage?

The 1,200-passenger Vista will sail round trip from Miami on Jan. 6, 2026. The line also is offering a slightly longer 197-day version beginning Dec. 20, 2025, in Los Angeles or a shorter 120-day voyage starting in San Diego on March 7.

Story continues below.

Where will the cruise sail?

Guests will spend six weeks cruising around South America, followed by visits to Mexico and California. The sailing will continue with stops at South Pacific islands, including Moorea and Bora Bora, before heading to Australia.

There, guests will visit marquee ports such as Sydney and lesser-visited destinations like the Whitsunday Islands. Del Rio said that while Vista is bigger than Oceania’s typical world cruise vessel, “she’s still of a good size where we can still get into a lot of the smaller ports and definitely offer a better array of ports” than larger ships.

Southeast Asia, India, the Mediterranean, the British Isles and the Nordic region will follow before the trip winds down along the U.S. East Coast, with final visits in New York and Charleston, South Carolina.

The itinerary features 11 overnight stops , including in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Papeete on Tahiti and Phuket in Thailand, giving guests extra time to explore.

How much does the cruise cost?

Available staterooms start at $68,099, according to Oceania’s website . The fare includes meals on board, Wi-Fi, an $8,800 shore excursion credit per stateroom and more.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cruise the world for six months on Oceania's newest ship for around $70K