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So you want to sail around the world. Now what?

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: November 20, 2023

Sailing around the world is a major undertaking, but you don’t have to be super rich, athletic, or have salt water running in your veins to do it.

I know bluewater cruisers and round-the-world sailors from all walks of life: young couples,  single women ,  families with kids , and an  85-year-old Reverand .

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When I was in my late twenties, my husband, Robin, and I spent three years sailing 13,000 nautical miles from Vancouver, Canada to Mexico and then across the Pacific to Australia in our 35-foot sailboat.

We didn’t complete a full circumnavigation of the world—our goal was to reach Australia—but that’s pretty common for cruisers our age (I’ll talk more about routes and timelines below).

I grew up dinghy sailing and Robin had no sailing experience at all. We had office jobs, average incomes, and knew almost nothing about bluewater sailing when we started. 

It was two years from buying our boat to casting off the dock lines and setting sail. However, we did 95% of our preparation in the year before we left. This just goes to show how quickly you can go from “dreamer” to “doer”.

How to sail around the world

For every bluewater cruiser I know, I can think of dozens of “armchair sailors” who dream of sailing around the world but never get out and do it.

Why? There are some big hurdles to overcome before you set sail: getting offshore experience, finding the right boat, outfitting it with all the right gear, learning how to be self-sufficient, and fixing things that break. 

Not to mention finding a way to finance it all.

There’s also a strong psychological and social element: “What will my parents, friends, and colleagues think?” “Will I be able to find work again with a big hole in my resume?”

Going bluewater cruising is a radical departure from the norm and an entirely new way of living. You’ll be faced with challenges, but that’s what makes it such an incredible experience.

If you want easy travel, get a camper van. Sailing around the world is a life-changing adventure. 

So, I wanted to share how we made our transition from landlubbers to bluewater cruisers and share a few resources to help you on your way.

1. Get some offshore sailing experience

Sure sailing around the world sounds romantic—the freedom of the open ocean, sunsets on a beach in Bora Bora, sipping fresh water from a coconut you picked yourself (words of caution: climbing a palm is much harder than it looks!).

But are you willing to put up with  the not-so-fun stuff  that comes with it?  Seasickness , scary conditions, sleep deprivation from  sailing at night , repairing your boat when it breaks (which it will), and being thousands of miles from friends and family?

Some of the best moments in my life were on the boat, but I’ve also had experiences that put me way out of my comfort zone.

It’s not simply a matter of being  mentally tough  (though that helps), some people are just never going to enjoy the sailing life.

The question is: is it right for you? What about your partner, your kids, or whoever else is coming along for the ride? 

Bluewater sailing can blow up relationships. I’ve heard many stories about sailing couples investing tens of thousands in their boats, only to set sail and discover that one or both of them hate it. 

So, before you buy a bluewater boat, quit your job, or give up your studio apartment, you (and your crew mates) should  go and get some offshore sailing experience . 

Spending a week on an offshore passage will not only teach you valuable skills, but it will also give you a taste of the challenges and joys that come with bluewater cruising.

There are plenty of ways to get experience if you don’t already own a boat:

• Take a course at an  offshore sailing school
• Try  sailboat hitchhiking
• Look for crewing opportunities (or pay for a spot) on a rally boat in the  ARC  (Atlantic Ocean crossing),  Pacific Puddle Jump  (Pacific Ocean crossing), or  Baja Haha  (San Diego to Cabo). 
• Become a crew member on a friend’s boat 

2. Find your community and immerse yourself in cruising culture

If you want to go cruising, you’re going to need a support network of people who’ve been there and done it.

We received so much help leading up to our trip (and along the way). Our liveaboard friends and neighbors in Vancouver helped us fix up our engine, rewire our boat, and find a great deal on a new set of sails, just to name a few. 

There are lots of ways to  find your sailing community , either online or in person. I highly recommend mooring your boat in a  liveaboard marina , where you’ll likely be surrounded by other bluewater cruisers.

You can also learn a lot from other people’s stories. Immerse yourself in bluewater cruising culture: read the  classic sailing books , subscribe to a magazine like  Good Old Boat  or  Cruising World , listen to  sailing podcasts , and follow a few  sailing Youtube channels  or  sailors on Instagram .

3. Make a plan

There are many different routes for sailing around the world. Most cruisers sail the easier legs—following the trade winds across the Atlantic and Pacific, transitting the Panama Canal —and spend their time exploring beautiful places and cruising grounds like the Galapagos Islands, French Polynesia, and New Zealand. 

Only a few cruisers take on the harder routes—transiting the Northwest passage, Southern Ocean, or Indian Ocean (perhaps you’ve heard of the infamous Cape Horn or the Cape of Good Hope?).

For route planning, I highly recommend picking up a copy of Jimmy Cornell’s  World Voyage Planner  which shows you how to sail from anywhere in the world to…well, anywhere in the world.

How long does it take to sail around the world?

The current world record for sailing around the world is 40 days, 23 hours, and 30 minutes (IDEC 3, skippered by Francis Joyon). But unless you’re going for the speed record, you’re going to want to visit the different countries you sail to.

I know cruisers who’ve circumnavigated in as little as five years and others who spend decades making the big loop. 

In my experience, it doesn’t pay to be in a rush because inevitably things don’t go to plan.

Your boat will break down and need repair which often means spending time in a boatyard. 

You may find yourself waiting weeks if not months for crucial parts. 

You may need to fly home in the middle of your cruise (as we did) when a relative is ill or dies. 

Or, you may just fall in love with one of the remote places you visit and want to stay for a while.

Bad weather and hurricane season will dictate when and where you sail. For example, we had originally planned to cross the Pacific in 2016, but we didn’t feel ready. So, we waited a whole year for the right conditions and crossed in the spring of 2017.

My recommendation is to give yourself a minimum of three years to trial the cruising life . Make a plan but don’t be disappointed if you have to throw it to the winds.

4. Make a cruising budget

When people learned that we were traveling the world on our sailboat, they often assumed that we were independently wealthy, which couldn’t have been further from the truth!

We’ve cruised for as little as $1000 a month, but when it comes to cruising budgets, the sky is the limit. It all depends on:

• Your boat . Smaller boats cost less to buy and maintain.
• Destinations . We found places like Mexico and Fiji very affordable, while places like French Polynesia and Australia were quite expensive. 
• Your timeline. Most of the young cruisers we knew were on three-year timelines (because that’s what they could afford). The retirees and families we met often had the financial means to cruise for longer (sometimes indefinitely). Some had houses that they rented, and others would take breaks in places like New Zealand where they worked regular jobs.
• Whether you’re willing to work along the way. We wrote for sailing magazines while we were cruising, but it wasn’t enough money to fund our trip. We mostly relied on savings. With technology like Starlink and the post-pandemic remote work boom, it’s probably easier today to  earn money while cruising . However, cruising is a full-time job. It can be challenging to cover ground while keeping up with work commitments
• Your lifestyle. As I mentioned, it’s possible to  sail around the world on a budget . But we lived pretty rough: no air-conditioning, no freezer, no hot water—at one point, we hadn’t taken a shower for 8 months!

When making your budget, I’d suggest perusing a few  sailing blogs  where cruisers post their monthly expense. 

Also, there are plenty of  creative ways to finance a sailboat . Some people even manage to  travel the world for free by buying and selling their boats in the right markets . 

5. Buy a bluewater boat

You can’t sail around the world in any old sailboat.  Bluewater boats have specific design characteristics  that make them appropriate for offshore sailing. 

I love data, so I made a list of the  best bluewater sailboats  by looking at 2,000 boats that were entered in the Pacific Puddle Jump, a cross-Pacific rally, over the last decade. We also have a list of  smaller boats  which I recommend if you’re on a budget.

Once you have your list, you can get busy searching YachtWorld, Craigslist, and these other  great places to buy used boats . 

Keep in mind that a bluewater boat isn’t necessarily a seaworthy boat. It may have structural damage, unsound rigging, or need an expensive retrofit. Uncover any lurking issues (and know what they’ll cost to fix) before you sign on the dotted line.

We had a very in-depth  boat checklist  that we used to inspect every boat we considered buying. We also hired an accredited marine surveyor, twice, to survey every detail of our boat. The first time was for the purchase, the second time was when we were preparing to go offshore.

For more on how to search,  understand boat values , and close the deal, check out our series on  how to buy a boat .

6. Live on your boat

The next big step on your cruising journey will be moving onto your boat.

We lived on our boat for two years before we set sail and it taught us so much about the boat (read: what needed to be fixed) as well as ourselves (and whether we could handle close-quarter life).

By moving aboard you’ll learn if living on a boat is right for you  and your family. You can also save a bunch of money for your trip. After two years of living aboard, our rent savings paid for the purchase of our boat.

7. Prepare yourself

Preparing yourself for going offshore is a major undertaking. You’ll need to learn advanced navigation, weather, and excellent seamanship, among other things.

It’s not enough to know the theory. Get out and practice with your gear and become comfortable with maneuvers like reefing,  heaving to , sailing downwind with a pole out genoa , and  anchoring under sail .

In addition, you should become intimately familiar with your boat’s systems. Sailboats break down at sea (here are the  most common problems ). So, you have to be capable of fixing your boat when you’re hundreds of miles from shore. 

Become an expert in your boat’s electrical system , propulsion, rigging, sails, and plumbing, before you go.

When the pandemic hit, a lot of sailing education moved online. Now there are plenty of great  online sailing courses  covering everything from learning the parts of a sailboat to celestial navigation.

That being said you can’t beat on-the-water instruction and offshore experience (see #1 for offshore sailing courses). 

8. Outfit your boat

Preparing your boat for offshore will take dedicated effort and money, especially if it’s an older boat that’s not been previously equipped for bluewater sailing.

In addition to fixing existing issues and replacing old equipment, you’ll want to add offshore gear like a  watermaker , a boom brake , downwind sails , self-steering wind vane, life raft,  satellite phone , AIS, solar panels, and inverter. 

Not to mention all the spare parts you’ll need to keep these systems running. 

Needless to say, outfitting can get pretty expensive but you can save money by buying used boat parts and second-hand sails .

We spent six months in the boatyard, working full-time on our 1979 Dufour 35 to get her ready to sail. We built a solar arch , installed panels, replaced our rigging, added a roller furler, replaced our anchoring setup, removed 30 years of antifouling paint, and much much more. 

9. Do a shakedown cruise

Next, it’s time to test your boat (and yourself) by taking it on a shakedown cruise. The idea of a shakedown is to test your boat’s performance after any major changes or repairs. The goal is to find any issues (and fix them) before going farther afield. 

We circumnavigated Vancouver Island for our shakedown cruise. It took us a little over a month and allowed us to test our systems in a variety of conditions including ocean swell, fast currents, and light and moderate wind speeds.

Despite checking and fixing every system on our boat over the preceding months, we still had issues. Our engine quit, we struggled to get our wind vane working, and we had to make a few adaptations to our brand-new sails. But that’s the whole point of a shakedown cruise!

10. Go now!

“Go small, go simple, go now” is a popular cruising philosophy and one that we adhere to.

Life is short and we’ve seen poor health and other life situations bring cruising adventures to a halt.

There’s no ideal time to go cruising. You can be young or old, with or without kids, retired or working. 

Certainly don’t wait until you can afford a larger boat. A  small boat  was our ticket to cruising early in life because it made it more affordable. 

If your dream is to sail around the world, start working towards your cruising dream NOW. You won’t regret it.

Let us know how we can help you on your bluewater journey and what topics you’d like to learn more about by leaving us a message in the comments.

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.

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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.

Interested in joining a like-minded social circle? Get a conversation started on the  new #BoatLife forum  by leaving a question or comment today!

If you found this article helpful, please leave a comment below, share it on social media, and subscribe to our email list.

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How to Sail Around the World

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

Sailing around the world can be the experience of a lifetime - an adventure that lets you know you are living life to its fullest and not settling for a life that is too dull and ordinary. However, getting on a boat and sailing around the world is not something you can do a week after you decide you want to do it. Is sailing around the world something that an ordinary person without a lot of money can do at all?

You might worry that sailing around the world is only for the rich. Getting your own boat costs a fortune, and you might fear that without your own boat, it is hard to find an opportunity to go on a long sailing voyage. However, it is easier to find a crew and sail around the world on someone else's boat than you would think.

One of the best ways to sail around the world without having a lot of money is to volunteer on a sailboat. The work that you do on the boat may be enough that the crew will take you for free. Volunteering to work on a sailboat might be the single best way to sail around the world without a lot of money.

Other options are paying money to be part of a crew by sharing costs, finding friends that have sailboats, volunteering on a research boat, or paying a boat off over time if you have the income. People with the right skills, even if they are only cooking or knowing how to be a good deckhand, will find it easier to become part of a crew.

Table of contents

How to sail around the world without a boat

If you really want to sail around the world, you can find a way to do it. A sailing trip around the world is a realistic, achievable adventure. You merely have to be serious about doing it.

It is not the same as a trip to space - that you might not be able to achieve even if you are determined to do it. Sailing around the world is something an average person can do if they plan it out and look for an opportunity.

Volunteering to be on a boat

If you have a lot of sailing experience, it might not be difficult for you to find a crew to sail around the world with. Your nearest marina could very well be looking for deckhands. Not every boat will be heading off on an around the world trip, but some of them might be.

Many boats sailing around the world need an extra crew member and will be happy to take you if you have a bit of sailing experience. People underestimate just how much demand there is for volunteer crew members.

When a couple of wealthy people want to sail around the world, they don't necessarily want to do it themselves. Keeping a sailboat going with very few people on board is hard work. If there are only two sailors, they will have to take turns sleeping to keep the boat going safely.

A third or fourth crew member can mean the difference between a pleasant voyage and an exhausting one. Not everyone who sails around the world has a mega yacht and a large crew. They might have a smaller boat and only need a third person.

The best part of volunteering on a boat is that most of the time, it isn't even hard work. Sometimes you will steer the ship; other times, you will do some chores. It is not difficult to do this.

The fun you will have massively outweighs the work you will do. You will get to explore islands, see many different countries, meet new people, and end your voyage with stories to tell. Don't worry about doing unpaid work - it is more than worth it.

Paid work on a sailboat is also possible to get, but you must have quite a bit of sailing experience. Volunteering is a more realistic way of traveling around the world than looking for paid work on a boat.

Sailing around the world on a friend's boat

One disadvantage of sailing around the world as a volunteer is the possibility of not getting along with the people you travel with. While you might like the people you volunteer for very much, there is a chance that you will not. If you have the opportunity, traveling around the world on a friend's boat should be your first choice.

If you go off on shorter sailing voyages, you will meet people that have the resources to sail. Hopefully, you should know the right people when someone decides they want to sail around the world. They might be happy to take you along for free.

Being out at sea with someone you do not end up liking is sometimes a problem even if you know the person a little bit in advance. Even if you like each other now, you might not like each other when you are out to sea together for weeks, months, and years. Don't let this scare you away from going on a long sea voyage, but be confident that you can get along with the person before you head out to sea for years.

Save enough money and get a boat with your friends

While a sailboat that you can take around the world costs around $75000, this is not such a fortune if you split the cost between several people. If you and five of your friends want to sail around the world, it will only cost you $15000 each to get a seaworthy boat. $15000 isn't exactly pocket change, but you might be able to save that in a reasonable amount of time if you cut your costs.

If you had started saving a few years ago, you and your friends would have enough money to pay for the entire trip now. The best time to start saving was years ago; the next best time to start saving is today. If you have friends that have the same dream of sailing around the world, you might be able to talk them into making a serious plan to do it.

Sail around the world on a research ship

You don't have to be a scientist to serve on a research ship that studies marine wildlife. Such vessels also need deckhands, cooks, and so on. You will probably have to volunteer rather than find a paying job, but you will still be able to sail to many locations, perhaps even around the world, for free.

Offer your skills as a cook

Cooking is one of the best skills you can have if you are looking for a crew to sail around the world with. If you are an excellent cook with a bit of sailing experience, you have a good chance of becoming part of a crew. You need to be able to improvise and cook something tasty from the food you have available.

You do not always have to be a certified chef to cook on a sailing ship, merely being a good cook is enough. Only a larger ship might require their cook to be a certified chef, and even then, that is not always the case.

Teach the children of families sailing around the world

If a family is sailing around the world with children with them, they might not have time to homeschool the children. Such families will bring a teacher with them. This is less likely than some of the other options, but if you would be good at being a nanny and teacher on a sailboat, you might be able to find the opportunity.

Pay to be part of a crew

A crew might be happy to take you if you can pay for your share of the cost of the voyage. This may be expensive, but it is much more affordable than getting your own boat.

The daily cost of a trip for a single person might be $20, $50, or $70. Don't get ripped off by people trying to charge a lot more than that. They should not be charging you a very high daily cost, and are trying to make a profit from you if they do.

Paying to be part of a crew is a good idea if you are offered a fair price. It can add up to a lot of money if you are out to sea for a long time, but it is cheaper than buying a boat yourself.

Can you sail around the world on a rented sailboat?

Possibly not. A rented sailboat may have restrictions on where you can sail it, and you might not be able to rent it for long enough to circumnavigate the globe.

Then again, some people might have more luck than others. Give it a chance - try to find a sailboat you can rent for a long time and sail anywhere at a reasonable price - but this is not always the best option.

What if I have no experience on a sailboat?

You are not likely to be offered the opportunity to go on an around the world trip if you have no sailing experience. Also, not everyone loves being out to sea, and you should take a shorter voyage to know whether or not you would like it first. A shorter voyage will also get you the experience you need to find a crew for a longer voyage.

When you travel across the world at the slow speed of a sailboat, it makes you aware of just how large the world truly is. The world is a huge and mostly empty place where you can sometimes sail for days and not see another boat. Even though you can see for miles in each direction and travel many miles each day, a long time can go by without you seeing a single ship.

If you think you would love sailing, there is a better than even chance that you will. However, other people can find sailing too tiring. The crew has to keep the boat going 24 hours a day, seven days a week, whether it is pouring rain out or not.

As well as there being a lot of work involved in sailing, there is also the possibility that you might find sailing boring, as it is not fast-paced. Probably, those who think they will love sailing will end up loving it - but there are no guarantees. Don't go off on a long voyage unless you know that you are happy on a short journey.

How can I get sailing experience if I have no sailing experience?

It may be a challenge, but you do have a chance of getting on a boat even if you have never been on a ship before. Don't lie about having any previous experience; instead, look for a crew that will accept a sailor without experience.

Sometimes, even an inexperienced sailor can find a boat just by walking around at the docks. If you live in or near a sailing town, you might be able to find a boat very quickly. Present yourself as a likable and trustworthy person, and you have a chance of getting on a boat with no sailing experience.

A shorter voyage can be a step towards a long one

After you get on a sailboat for the first time, you will probably decide you love it. You will love the escape from ordinary life, and how the night sky looks away from street lights. You will not usually think sailing is difficult or slow-paced.

Hopefully, you can meet the right people and learn enough about sailing that you are included on a trip around the world when someone you know decides to go. You do not need to go on a lot of shorter sailing trips before you sail around the world; you just need some rather than no experience.

How to sail around the world if you have a boat already

If you already have a boat, then you can get to the fun part a lot more quickly. There are still things to take care of in advance and to be mindful of while at sea, but you can get to your adventure sooner rather than later.

What route should you take sailing around the world?

Usually, people sail around the world on an eastward route. An eastward route is with the wind, so a westward route is more difficult. You can choose to take whatever route you want, but most people take an eastward route and follow the wind.

An eastward route means that you will sail from west to east, so you will be sailing west on an eastward route. If you are setting sail from the United States, you will first sail to the Panama canal and then sail west from there across the pacific.

After crossing the pacific, you should be north of Australia. Sail from there across the Indian Ocean and around the cape of good hope. From the cape, you can sail northwest again, eventually reaching the United States.

You can choose to sail to many other places as well, depending on how long you want to be at sea. For example, you could choose to sail from southern Africa up to Europe and the Mediterranean before returning to the United States.

One common alternative to the typical eastward route is to sail through the red sea and the Mediterranean rather than around South Africa. This is a somewhat faster route than sailing around the cape of good hope. Don't attempt this unless it is currently safe, as there are pirates off the coast of East Africa.

If you are looking for a more challenging route, you could sail under south America instead of using the Panama canal. A more daring option is to take the northwest passage and sail around North America. These routes take longer, and if you take the northwest passage, it is risky to sail through the arctic water.

How long does it take to sail around the world?

You can sail around the world in about 15 months, but it's better to spend a few years at sea and not rush the trip. If you try to make the trip in less than two years, you will not be able to stop anywhere for any length of time, as any delay means that hurricane season will cut you off for the rest of the year.

How much does it cost to sail around the world with your own boat?

While you are out to sea, you will spend $3000, $2000, or at the very least $1000 per month. If you try to spend only $1500 per month or less, you might have a lot of trouble. Higher numbers are more realistic, and if you stop a lot, the monthly cost can easily go over $3000.

You will also have to buy equipment, which adds to the cost of your boat and the daily cost of living. Equipment can cost you more than $15000, and it is dangerous to be out to sea with shoddy equipment. You will also be charged a fee - more than $1000 - when you cross the Panama canal .

You will also run into other fees while you are out to sea. Having your boat tied down during a hurricane will cost you around $500. You will also have to pay for storage, and you will run into other fees at ports.

Repairs are another part of your expenses, as you may have to pay $1000 or $2000 to fix your autopilot or engine. If you want satellite internet while you are out to sea, this will cost you about $120 per month, and you will only be able to use a very small amount of data. Nonetheless, $3000 a month is more than enough to pay for all of these expenses, and $1500 per month might be enough if you can keep your costs low.

Take everything into account, or else your expenses may be higher than you planned. You might rent a car when visiting a country, have to pay for medical expenses, or go to bars and restaurants. Expenses can appear suddenly and unexpectedly.

Some people also like to fly home during the middle of a long sailing trip. They want to get away from the sea for a while and then return to their boat and continue. Flying home only once or twice might not make your trip vastly more expensive.

Know exactly where you are going before you set sail

A sailing trip around the world has to be taken seriously and planned out properly in advance. You want to see as much of the world as possible on your adventure, so plan accordingly. When heading across the pacific, most sailors want to see Bora Bora, Tahiti, Samoa, and other famous pacific islands.

Estimate where you will be on each month of your trip

You should make a timeline even if you do not stick to it. You should know roughly where in the world you will be during each week or month of your journey. Without knowing where in the world you are going to be each month, it is not even easy to know how long you will be out to sea for.

Timing is also crucial for avoiding hurricanes. Sailing is an adventure in part because it is fairly dangerous. Don't make it any more dangerous than it typically is.

You absolutely have to avoid sailing through hurricane-prone parts of the world during hurricane season. Hurricanes can and do kill foolish sailors. You must time out your trip so that you sail through hurricane-prone parts of the world when there is no risk of a hurricane that time of year.

Take the wind direction into consideration. You can sail against the wind, but it is easier to sail with it. Know which way the wind will blow during each part of your journey.

Know as much about each place you are sailing through as possible

Is it safe to dock in each of the countries you plan to stop in? Some of the countries you are planning to stop in may be dangerous.

Are all of these countries considered safe for small groups of sailors? The last thing you want is to be taken advantage of somewhere where the law might not be able to help you.

Take care of everything in advance

Make sure you get everything done before you leave. Some things can only be done before you set sail and not in the middle of the trip. Get all of the paperwork you need, and get any vaccinations you need before the trip.

If you need visas to visit the countries you plan to visit, get this work done in advance. It will be much harder to take care of these things after you have already set sail. Go to your doctor for a medical examination before you leave, and take enough of any medication you need with you on your trip.

Make sure the boat is in excellent condition

Have a professional look at your boat first. There could be dangerous technical problems with your boat that you might not immediately notice. Be on the safe side and get your boat looked at properly first.

Buying a used boat is not always the best idea. The cost of fixing your boat may be more than you bought the used boat for in the worst cases. Going to sea with a serious problem with your ship could be a disaster, so let a boat mechanic take a look at your vessel first.

Prepare for emergencies

You and everyone you are sailing with should know what to do in an emergency. If a heavy storm hits you, what do you do? Everyone in your crew has to know what to do in these situations.

Pirates are still very real, and you have to know what to do if you encounter dangerous people at sea. The sea can be unpredictable, and your emergency plans should cover many different situations.

Taking the right emergency supplies with you is a must. Bring a life jacket, flares, and a fire extinguisher. Make sure you have clothing that will keep you warm and dry in whatever weather and climate you encounter. Have a list of numbers for all of the emergency personnel you might call if you are in danger.

Make sure your boat is still in good condition whenever you port

One of the most important things you can do for your own safety while out to sea is check your boat every time you stop at any port. Always make sure that your boat is still in good condition. More than a few people die sailing, and this is often because of not immediately noticing and fixing problems with their ships.

As well as maintaining your ship, you have to maintain other equipment. A broken satellite phone or broken radar could get you killed. Regularly test your equipment.

Obey the laws wherever you go

As soon as you sail close enough to the coast of any country, you are no longer in international waters and have to obey the laws of whichever country you are in. You cannot know a lot about the laws of each country you are visiting, but you should know a little. Be aware of any unusual laws that are relevant to sailors.

Be prepared to be away from home for years

Whether you are sailing away on your own boat or not, you are going to be away from home for a long time. While it is possible to sail around the world fast (the world record is doing it in only 40 days), an around the world sailing trip takes three or four years on average. Sailing around the world is not a vacation but an epic adventure that takes up a significant chunk of your life. Eventually, you will return to life on land, and you will see life differently after your sailing experience.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Better Sailing

Best Sailing Routes Around the World

One of the most exciting things you can do in your life is sailing around the world. The joy and freedom you get as well as the experiences you gain are incomparable. However, there are some risks when it comes to sailing around the world. These are rough weather, and seas, and unexpected emergencies. But, you can reduce all of these dangers if you sail along safest routes. So, this article is about providing you the best sailing routes throughout the world.

Keep in mind that traveling around the world can be accomplished in a variety of ways. What matters is that you are well-prepared and have a seaworthy vessel. Also, always prepare a checklist and keep track of your inventory. Make sure the weather is appropriate and that you have your logbook with you at all times. Let’s move on now and see the best sailing routes around the world!

How to Safely Plan Circumnavigation

The difference between success and failure often comes down to route selection. If you pick the proper route and time it correctly, you will experience smooth sailing for the entire trip. And, you will have just the maintenance to worry about. If you take the wrong path, though, you will have your hands full the entire time. Thus, increasing your odds of quitting up. Keep in mind that traveling through the Southern Ocean is the quickest option. This path is quick, but it’s also riskier due to the inclement weather. On the other hand, staying as close to the equator as possible will be a safer route and provides more consistent sailing weather.

It is true that unexpected damages are an inevitable element of sailing. The Atlantic voyage, for example, is more about maintenance than actual sailing ability. The longer you stay out there, the more your boat exposes to the weather, and gear is probably going to get damaged. Similarly, if you intend to travel a longer distance, you will need to bring more provisions and equipment. This implies the boat will be carrying a higher load, which will influence the handling and use up more space. Last but not least, there’s the mental side of things to consider. Though you may feel up to the task at hand, being on the sea for an extended period of time can be challenging. This is whether due to loneliness, the continual presence of people with whom you may disagree, the monotony of the scenery, or the lack of civilization.

The bulk of cruising sailors sail round-the-world voyages from east to west for the simple reason that this route benefits from usually favorable circumstances. The prevailing wind systems will ensure that the majority of sailing happens in trade winds. And, the timing will also avoid being in a risky area during the tropical cyclone seasons.

Remember that the goal is to take the safest route possible. The idea here is to pick the safest route and not only the best route. And since safety is a relative term, let’s have a look at some of the best and safest sailing routes:

Southern Ocean

Keep in mind that sailing south from the Atlantic to the Southern Ocean (Antarctica) and circumnavigating the globe around Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn is the fastest way to sail around the world. To complete the circumnavigation, sail back up north to the Atlantic starting point. Being at sea certainly has risks, some of which you can avoid while others you can’t. The conclusion being that the longer you’re out there, the more likely something will break. Or, you’ll be unable to outrun terrible weather or even run into anything like rubbish or abandoned boats…

Be aware that you need a good crew and an even better boat in order to survive the Southern Ocean. If you’re serious about going, you should first think about why you want to go. It’s not like you can simply get off the boat if you don’t like it. That isn’t a viable choice. Westerly winds, cyclonic storms, and the threat of ice make sailing a really extreme and risky experience. This is because the Southern Ocean is home to some of the roughest seas and unexpected weather found anywhere in the world. 

This route runs south from the European North Atlantic to the South Atlantic. It stays in the Southern Ocean (the one around Antarctica), circuits the world, around the Capes, and then up the South Atlantic, eventually returning to the North Atlantic. But, bear in mind that this is not a picturesque route or one that will take you to the most interesting places in the world. This route can get you around as quickly as possible in the most straightforward manner possible.

As previously said, the primary objective is to complete the voyage safely and somehow quickly. And, this is where the route’s safety lies; since you expose yourself to the risk for the shortest period of time. However, be cautious when approaching Cape Horn, as it is a notoriously difficult location to traverse. And, for those of you who are looking at the globe and thinking this is a bit of a cheat because you don’t truly go around, but circle the globe at its narrow end, know that the length of this path is around 26,000 nautical miles, which is also the length of the equator.

While it is true that it is the quickest path around the world, it is where the icy waters of the Antarctic meet the warm waters of the north. Storms and surges result, which, when combined with icebergs and the fact that the area is remote and so unlikely to provide much assistance, makes for a challenging ocean to navigate. The goal here, as with the Drake Passage, is not to prevent you from entering if you have the skill, but rather to warn you if you don’t.

>>Also Read: Best Sailing Destinations In The World

South Pacific Ocean

Bear in mind that a limited number of cruising boats attempt an east-around circumnavigation against the prevailing winds. Similarly, high-latitude round-the-world expeditions are mostly for ocean racers. As a result, only a few cruise sailors sail south of the three iconic Capes: Horn, Leeuwin, and Good Hope. Only the latter is commonly passed by cruising boats, as the Panama Canal is used for the vast majority of circumnavigations. Those who are adamant about not taking the easy way out can travel to the South Pacific via the Beagle Channel and Southern Chile. Those interested in sailing the Panama Canal route have two options.

The first option is a route via the Eastern Caribbean , Panama, South Pacific, North Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Suez Canal, and the Mediterranean. The second option is a route passing through the Eastern Caribbean, Panama, South Pacific, South Indian Ocean, and the Cape of Good Hope. Boats sailing for Europe in the South Atlantic have the option of returning through the Canaries and Azores, or via the Eastern Caribbean, which is a lengthier voyage.

Both routes offer benefits and drawbacks. The former is easier as you can take advantage of favorable seasons, better weather conditions, shorter offshore journeys, and more convenient stopover locations. In recent years, however, safety concerns in the North Indian Ocean and the Red Sea have discouraged most sailors on a round-the-world cruise. Statistics from the Suez Canal reveal that the number of northbound transits by cruising boats has decreased from 171 in 2010 to 14 in 2017. On the other hand, northbound voyages from Cape Town have increased from 150 to 236. The Cape of Good Hope route, on the other hand, necessitates more careful preparation to take advantage of favorable seasons and winds, the offshore legs are longer, and sailing conditions can be more difficult.

Although sailing around the bottom of Africa may appear challenging, given the junction of two large seas, you can easily surmount the obstacle with patience and proper timing. As a matter of fact, hundreds of cruising boats pass through those seas each year without any accidents.

So, by taking advantage of the more favorable winds around the equator, the safest sailing route around the world is to stay as close to the equator as possible. The Panama and Suez Canals, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the South Pacific, and the Atlantic are all part of this journey. Although the aforementioned route is quick, it is mostly concerned with moving around and not with enjoying your voyage. So, if that’s what you’re looking for, if you’re not in a rush and don’t mind having regular layovers, this one might be for you.

Note that when it comes to stopping, the above route does not allow for many layovers. It keeps you relatively close to the coast, so you don’t have to prepare as much in terms of consumables, spares, and energy. And, if something fails, you can dock and have it repaired at the next available chance. Also, you’ll never be too distant from civilization, as far as circumnavigations go. With all of the ports available, you can safely handle circumstances that might normally be dangerous, such as running out of water or deterioration.

>>Also Read: Is it Dangerous to Sail Around the World?

Caribbean through the Panama Canal

Starting in the Caribbean, sailing towards the Panama Canal, and then crossing the South Pacific Ocean to Australia is another interesting way to sail around the world. The journey then continues on to Southeast Asia via the Indian Ocean, before returning to the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean.

This route travels from the Caribbean to Australia via the Panama Canal and through the South Pacific to Australia’s shores. Then through the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia and possibly India, and down to South Africa with a few stops along the way. You’ll eventually arrive in the South Atlantic and returning to the Caribbean. If you find yourself in Europe, your first stop will most likely be the Canaries, followed by the Caribbean. Similarly, once you’ve passed through South Africa, you’ll head north to the Canaries before returning to Europe.

Looking at the map, it’s clear that this route isn’t appropriate for speed. But to provide the traveler with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the voyage. You can travel via Panama, stop in Galapagos, visit the Pitcairn Islands, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, and South Africa… and that is only scratching the surface of what you can see. In general, it is a fantastic way to get to know the world from different sides and experience the true traveler’s adventure.

>>Also Read: Australia Sailing Guide (With Itinerary)

North Atlantic Crossing

After the middle of November, the earliest period for an Atlantic passage from the Canaries over the NE trade wind route is after the middle of December. This ensures arrival in one of the Caribbean islands in early December, during the safe winter season. Those who want to stick to the two-year program can only spend around two months in the Eastern Caribbean. This is because you can only cross the Panama Canal in February or early March. The rationale for the strict schedule is because the distance between Panama and the Torres Strait is about 9,000 miles. And, though you can sail this huge length of water in one safe season, you will need a consistent rhythm to do so. There are, however, far too many appealing landfalls along the route. This is because the South Pacific remains the world’s most intriguing cruising region.

Weather plays a big role in selecting when to cross the Atlantic. Also, which route to take, and which sails to bring are equally essential. Because most yachts leave in late November to arrive in time for Christmas, the key priority is to avoid the hurricane season, which runs from June to November. However, the tradewinds in January are generally stronger. The tradewinds will be Force 4 or 5 for a typical voyage. There will be some softer times and a few days of winds of 25 knots or more. Keep in mind that in order to account for variable wind intensities, you will need a variable sail plan. And, note that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The goosewinged sail plan is the most prevalent. Most skippers carry a downwind sail for when the wind is light.

When there is a well-established high pressure, the direct route is faster. This is because it moves far enough away from the high so as to keep the wind but reducing distance. But, keep in mind the less established the high is, the more likely a mid-Atlantic trough or unfavorable winds will occur. So, in this case, it’s advisable to choose a more southerly route. Many racing boats take the northerly path, and the faster the boat, the more probable it will pay off. It does, however, run the risk of colliding with depressions that emerge in the mid-Atlantic.

Bear in mind that you shouldn’t overlook depressions. You must weigh the benefits of going north of the depressions against the possibility of them deepening across the route. A northerly swell is also more likely on this path. The southerly path, on the other hand, is less risky. This is because it has more consistent tradewinds and a smaller danger of a northerly swell.

>>Also Read: Best Time to Cross the Atlantic by Sailboat

Panama to French Polynesia and South Indian Ocean

To get to French Polynesia via Panama, there are two fundamental options. Both of these could fit within the total itinerary. Note that due to the complexity and cost of tight procedures imposed by Ecuadorean authorities, the traditional route to the Marquesas via the Galapagos Islands has been losing favor.

The easier option is to sail nonstop to the Marquesas. Like this, you will have the ideal sailing weather by remaining close north of the equator in March and April. By early June, both routes can arrive in Tahiti, marking the start of the South Pacific’s safe season. After that, when traveling through the Cook Islands and Tonga, try to keep a steady pace. As these are the months when the SE trades are at their most constant, these passages can usually happen at good speeds. You should plan your passages from Fiji onwards to pass through the Torres Strait. But you have to do it before the end of August or early in September if you’re planning to take the Cape of Good Hope route.

With some extra time, this journey may undoubtedly be much more delightful. The first part of the voyage is similar to the Atlantic crossing. I know that more time in the Caribbean and transiting the Panama Canal later would be more rewarding. But, you can use some extra time in the South Pacific to explore the islands of French Polynesia. After Panama, a difficult but rewarding option is to skip the Galapagos Islands and head straight for Easter Island. You can also stop in mainland Ecuador if you have to. The appeal of this route is the opportunity to land at one of the world’s most fascinating places. Moreover, you have the advantage of seeing Pitcairn Island afterward.

Note that the Gambier Islands are the closest landfall in French Polynesia, from where the fastest path to Tahiti goes via the southern Tuamotus. However, missing the Marquesas is a pity, as it is possible to sail directly to the Marquesas from Pitcairn. Then, you can cruise the Tuamotus on the way to Tahiti. If you leave the Society Islands before the end of July, you’ll have time to visit the island groups along the route to Fiji. Also, you’ll be able to take detours to destinations like Suwarrow, Niue, Vava’u, and Samoa.

The crossing of the South Indian Ocean has to follow a similar pattern. Meaning long periods at sea and little time spent on the islands along the way. The start of the cyclone season in November suggests a departure from Mauritius or Reunion. But, no later than the middle of October for the journey to South Africa. The next stage to Cape Town is best in November and December. This is when the weather conditions near the tip of Africa are at their best.

>>Also Read: Most Beautiful Islands in French Polynesia

From the Pacific to South Africa and Europe

When returning to Europe via South Africa you can take one of these three routes. The shortest via St Helena, Cape Verde, and the Canary Islands. Alternatively, an intermediate route directly via the Azores, or a longer route via Brazil, the Eastern Caribbean, and the Azores.

Those wanting to travel to the Mediterranean through the northern route, assuming the safety situation permits, will benefit from the fact that the passage through the North Indian Ocean can take place in January or February. This allows longer time to be spent earlier in the Pacific. Meaning that you can cross the Torres Strait in September or even October, giving enough time to stop at Darwin. Furthermore, you can use it as a base for exploring Australia’s interior. And, also stopping at various Indonesian islands on route to Singapore.

Moreover, preparing for a winter crossing of the North Indian Ocean note that the NE monsoon provides good sailing conditions. Keep in mind that the end of the year will take place in Western Malaysia or Thailand. Your boat will complete its circumnavigation in approximately two years in order to get to Europe. And, after passing through the Red Sea and traversing the Suez Canal in March or April.

Routes in Europe

It is a fact that Europe has many remarkable locations suitable for all sailing demands. With the Mediterranean being the most popular destination, the Bay of Biscay, the North Sea but also the Baltic Sea; there are so many places to choose from.

More locally-based yachts, visitors from outside the area, and rising charter companies have all contributed to the Mediterranean’s steady growth over the previous decade. During the summer, popular destinations such as the Balearic Islands, Croatia, and Greece are full of people. And , even outside of the peak season, boats have trouble securing marina space. Keep in mind that Gibraltar, the Mediterranean’s gateway, welcomed 3,222 visitors in 2010, continuing the growing trend. The number of visiting boats from outside the area, as well as cross-country migration, has increased even more in the Baltic Sea. Despite the still-complicated Russian regulations, 118 foreign boats visited St Petersburg. So, the Med is a really well-known and highly visited destination by many. Let’s move on and see the best sailing routes in Europe:

Sail Along the Meditteranean

For journeys departing from Northern Europe, the best time to sail is during the summer . This is when the North Sea, English Channel, and the Bay of Biscay are at their best. It is possible to depart from Mediterranean ports and Gibraltar as late as October. By that time, anyone aiming to cross the Atlantic, whether sailing directly, via Madeira or via Western Morocco, should be on their way to the Canaries.

The Balearic Islands are certainly a destination that is worth visiting. One of the most peaceful methods to discover the islands and the environment around them is through sailing. And the best-equipped marina for embarking on this trip is Puerto Portals. Mallorca boasts 150 anchorage zones and a plethora of bathing bays and beaches. The toughest part is choosing which ones to use! Es Trenc, Cala Torta, and Cala Varques are just a few of the sites where you can anchor and relax aboard.

Note that in Menorca you can discover stunning seabeds via scuba diving. Cala Turqueta, for example, is a small, intimate environment. Also, the sunset in Cala Saona, Ibiza, is one-of-a-kind. Even more so from a boat’s deck, looking out at the cliffs covered in century-old pine trees. Formentera, on the other hand, is ideal for a mooring for a few days and exploring the island’s shores.

You can then set sail from Mallorca for Croatia’s coast, which is full of islets, and breathtaking scenery. You can also admire vistas of still-active volcanoes. The thrill of crossing the famed Strait of Messina, off the coast of southern Italy, and the Strait of Bonifacio, which separates Corsica and Sardinia, can be challenging but achievable with the right planning. The majority of waves and strong winds are large enough to be visible to the naked eye. Therefore when going through the Strait you must keep an eye out for changes in the water. To summarize, the currents do pose significant challenges. This is because they can be so strong that they strip seaweed off the bottom and occasionally hurl up fish. Today, however, navigation is much safer thanks to weather, tide, and wave forecasts.

Before reaching the Strait of Messina, you can sail around the Aeolian Islands . These are Lipari, Alicudi, Filicudi, Panarea, Salina, Stromboli, and Vulcano. Don’t forget to drink a glass of Malvasia wine, a 2,500-year-old Greek varietal. Also, try a delicious octopus or swordfish recipe with traditional capers, and Salina oil. Nacatuli is a Lipari artisanal sweetmeat that you should also taste during your stay there.

From the Strait of Messina, you can continue to the Adriatic Sea and head for Croatia. Croatia is a popular seafaring country with 6,000 kilometers of coastline. From the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans, this has been a particularly important commercial route. Dubrovnik is a walled city with a subtle lavender and oyster aroma.

But, you can also choose to sail along the Greek coastline in the Ionian Sea. The Ionian islands are situated off Greece’s western coast, south of the Peloponnese. This group of islands includes both large and tiny islands. The most popular islands in the complex are Kefalonia, Ithaca, Corfu, Paxi and Antipaxi, Lefkada, Kythera, and Zakynthos. The Ionian Sea off Greece’s west coast is popular for its long summers, azure anchorages, safe coves, and abundance of tavernas. Thousands of sailors choose this place every year, and it’s easy to see why.

Best Route to Sail Around the World

Keep in mind that one of the safest ways to sail around the world is to start in the south of Turkey . You can then cruise across the Mediterranean, stopping in Greece , Albania, Montenegro, Croatia , and then Italy . After that, you’ll travel to Corsica , Mallorca, Gibraltar, and the Atlantic Ocean if you wish to. Then, to Cape Verde and Barbados in the Caribbean, before continuing on to the Pacific Ocean via the Panama Canal.

This route also takes you to French Polynesia, New Zealand , the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea. Also, to the south of India, South Africa, and back to Turkey. This is one of the most gorgeous itineraries, and it allows you to stop in a variety of countries along the way. It is for this reason that this path is the most secure. In many cases, it allows you to cruise close to the coastline. You can also avoid bad weather by docking in neighboring marinas.

>>Also Read: Best Sailing Destinations in Europe

What Routes to Avoid

There aren’t in fact many routes that would pose a severe risk. There are, however, points along the way where you might wish to take so as to cut corners in order to save time. But, it’s advisable not to do so. So, you might want or have to pass the below-mentioned spots. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before doing so!

• The Gulf of Aden near Somalia is basically a pirate territory. Almost everyone will highly advise you to avoid it. This is because it poses a man-made risk unlike anywhere else on the planet. But, why many sailors use it to get from the Mediterranean to the Arabian Sea or vice versa? Because the alternative is a 17,000-kilometer detour around the whole African continent.
• The Cook Strait and the Drake Passage are also extremely unpredictable. The Cook Strait is a passage between the North and the South islands of New Zealand. In general, these waters are the most unpredictable in the world.
• The Drake Passage, which runs between the southernmost tip of America and Antarctica, is similar. This is a dangerous zone because of high winds, strong currents, and the possibility of icebergs. Of course, you can navigate it without causing severe damages, but it takes some expertise. If you’re not sure, just attempt doing it.
• The Timor Sea has 100 storms per year! If you travel north of Australia into Southeast Asian regions you have to be careful. This is because 100 storms a year is not uncommon in this region. Even large oil rigs must be built differently there to survive the continual inclement weather. Also, worker evacuations to the coast are a common incident.

Best (and Safest) Sailing Routes Around the World – The Bottom Line

So, these are the most common and the best routes that you can take in order to sail around the world. Of course, the time it will take you to do it can not be accurately determined. As most sailors quickly discover, there are so many temptations along the road that voyages frequently last three, four, or even more years. Bear in mind that the major goal of all these sail-around-the-world voyages described here is to demonstrate that a two-year circumnavigation may be planned in complete safety. Moreover, with good timing and discipline to ensure that you are always in the correct location at the right time.

The important thing is to correctly plan ahead, organize the whole route, have all necessary safety equipment and a robust, seaworthy vessel. And, just set sail in order to explore the world aboard your floating companion! Don’t ever get discouraged, with the appropriate planning everything is possible!

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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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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“QuickStart” to Choosing Your World Route and Timing:

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Posted: August 12, 2015

With limitless possibilities for sailing around the world, how do you select which way to go choosing the safest and most comfortable route around the world depends largely on the weather. most cruisers choose warmer climates, sailing down wind, avoiding areas/seasons of storms and hurricanes (called “cyclones” in the southern hemisphere) and using current boosts when possible. by looking at the probabilities of good conditions, it is possible to select a route for the most safe and comfortable sailing experience., trade winds: there is a more-or-less continuous flow of air called the trade winds. because the earth is warmer at the equator and colder at the poles, and because of the earth’s rotation, this flow is generally westerly (from the west) near the poles and easterly nearer the equator (as shown in the fig. 2)., a popular circumnavigation route (starting at the panama canal) follows the trade winds across the south pacific, north of australia, across the indian ocean south of the equator, around south africa, and back across the south atlantic as shown by the satellite track of our circumnavigation in celebrate ., note the large area of westerly wind in the far southern latitudes. you’ll find most round-the-world racers taking advantage of this wind and rounding the world eastbound instead of the more cruiser-friendly westbound. this far southern route is doable but is likely to be rougher, colder, and less pleasant along with being faster., avoiding cyclones/hurricanes: most cruisers avoid hurricanes by staying out of areas at times when they are most likely to occur. hurricanes are powered by warm ocean waters and the water is warmest at the end of summer. the worst major hurricanes/cyclones (“storms”) will occur in the northern hemisphere in july-october and in the southern hemisphere in december-april (although dangerous storms can and do sometimes occur outside these periods). as shown in fig 3, there are few cyclones at all in the south atlantic and the eastern south pacific., a suggested timing for the route pictured in fig. 1 is to depart panama in early february, arriving in french polynesia as the cyclone season winds down at the end of march. then, the direct route is to proceed through the cyclone zone (stopping along the way) to arrive in south africa in early november before the start of the next storm season in the indian ocean. then one crosses the south atlantic in mid january, early enough to get to the caribbean and leave prior to the start of its hurricane season in june. this “one-year” circumnavigation takes about 15 months and may sound like a rigid and speedy schedule but in reality there is considerable time and flexibility for sight-seeing. for example, rather than spending four weeks in french polynesia, you might choose to stay longer and spend less time in fiji., in order to have more time in the south pacific, you might choose to spend a summer (dec-april) in new zealand. note that to stay in sync with the storm seasons, any significant stopover adds a year to the circumnavigation route. by planning to spend the extra year, you don’t have to be in new zealand until november and you have an extra few months in the south pacific., some sailors choose to risk the storm seasons and plan on safe harbors and/or outrunning storms as demonstrated by the large number of boats that spend summers in the caribbean. this is ok as long as one understands the risks and prepares appropriately but i prefer not to take on this added risk., major ocean currents: the world has areas of major ocean currents such as the gulf stream (caribbean and eastern atlantic), agulhas (south africa), south atlantic and the north brazilian that must be considered while cruising the significant bodies of water that must be crossed. in general, the currents flow with the trade winds and are helpful to downwind sailors (except for about 500 miles rounding south africa). on the occasion of an adverse wind, however, be aware that a wind-against-current situation will cause an unpleasant and potentially dangerous sea-state., this article is intended just to get you started. the possibilities are limitless but by following the weather patterns, winds, and currents, you can plan a cruise which is safer and more comfortable..

The Safest Sailing Routes Around the World (Which to Avoid)

There are several ways you could sail around the world, but if you want to minimize the inevitable risks, there's really only one way to go. Let's take a look at places to go and places you should definitely avoid.

What is the safest sailing route around the world? Sail from the Atlantic westward to the Caribbean, using the trade winds, crossing the Panama Canal, the South Pacific Ocean, and then either around Cape of Good Hope or through the Suez Canal. The safest sailing conditions are along the equator since it provides the most reliable sailing weather and calmest waters.

There are certain places you want to avoid if possible, but you will need to compromise. Below, we'll explore how to find the right way for you.

Key takeaways: Avoid the Gulf of Aden, the Cook Strait, the Drake Passage, the Timor Sea, and the Southern Ocean if possible. Sail close to the equator and use the Panama Canal.

Trying to circle the Earth is fine. Doing that on a boat is among the most complicated ways to go about such a thing. The knowledge required and the number of variables that can go wrong is sky-high. But it is also among the most, if not the most rewarding ways.

On this page:

Choosing the right path, the fast route, the pleasure route, what routes to avoid.

Choosing the right route can be the difference between success and failure. If you choose the right one and time it well, it can be literally smooth sailing all the way , where your biggest worry will be the occasional maintenance.

If you choose the wrong route, though, you will have your hands full the whole time, and the chances you giving up will go up.

What are the best routes to sail around the world?

• The fast route - through the Southern Ocean. This route is fast but also more dangerous due to unpredictable weather.
• The pleasure route - staying as close to the equator as possible. This route will be safer, with more reliable sailing weather.

21 Places to Avoid Sailing Around the World (In Order)

Let's have a closer look at both of these - this is a big deal, so we gotta explore the details to know what we sign up for.

The idea here is to pick the safest one. And since safety is a relative term , let's have a look at two main points of view.

What's the fastest sailing route around the world? The fastest sailing route around the world is the sail south from the Atlantic towards the Southern Ocean (Antarctica) and circumnavigate the world around Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn. Sail back up north to the Atlantic starting point to complete the circumnavigation.

Being away on the sea poses risks - some of which you can avoid, some of which you can't. The conclusion being that the longer you are out there, statistically, the higher the chance something will break or that you will be unable to outrun bad weather - or that you will bump into something - since trash floating in the oceans and breaking boats is, unfortunately, a thing now.

Wear and tear is an intrinsic part of sailing; many sailors say that. For instance, Atlantic crossing is more about maintenance than actual sailing skill. The longer you are out there, the more you expose your boat to elements, and things are bound to break.

Similarly, if you plan for a longer route, you have to have more things with you in terms of provisions and equipment. That means a heavier load on the boat, which affects handling and takes up space.

41 Sailboat Cruising Essentials To get an idea of what you'll require to bring on a long sailboat cruise, we've made a list of 41 cruising essentials you should definitely bring along. Read all about cruising essentials

And last but not least, there is the mental aspect of it all. Though you might feel up to the task now, being on the sea for a long time can prove tricky - whether that be because of loneliness (or the constant presence of people you might not see eye to eye with) the relative mundanity of the scenery or the lack of civilization.

So if you want to avoid all that as much as possible, choose the route chosen by those who are in a hurry - such as Vendée Globe racers.

The fastest route around the world

Starting in the European North Atlantic, this route runs south to the South Atlantic. Once it gets into the waters of the Southern Ocean (the one surrounding Antarctica), it stays there, circles the globe, around the Capes, and then up the South, and eventually up the North Atlantic again.

Know that this is not really much of a scenic route or a route that would show you the most interesting parts of the world - it is solely aimed at getting around as fast as possible in the most straightforward way possible.

As mentioned, the overarching principle here is to make the journey as fast as possible - and that is where the safety of this route lies in - exposing yourself to the risk for the least amount of time possible. That being said, be careful around the Cape Horn - an infamously tricky place to navigate.

And for those of you who are looking at the globe while reading this, thinking it is a bit of cheating - since you don't really go around, but circle the globe at its thin end - know that the length of this route is more or less 26,000 nautical miles, which is very roughly the length of the equator. So you will be doing the work in the end.

What's the safest sailing route around the world? The safest sailing route around the world is to stay as close to the equator as possible to make use of the more favorable winds there. This route requires sailing through the Panama and Suez Canals, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the South Pacific, and the Atlantic.

The above route might be fast, but it is about technically getting around, not really about the enjoyment of the world you are circling. So if that is what you have in mind, if you are not particularly in a hurry and don't mind stopping here and there to enjoy the local cuisine and whatnot, this one might be for you.

Speaking of stopping, the above route also doesn't allow for many stops. And that is what the safety of the Pleasure Route lies in. It keeps you close to the coast quite often, so you don't have to plan as much when it comes to consumables, spares, and energy - and if something breaks, you can dock at the next opportunity and have it repaired.

You will never be far from civilization (as far as circumnavigations go). With all the ports available, situations that would otherwise prove risky, like running low on water or wear and tear, can be tackled with relative safety.

The safest route around the world

This route runs from the Caribbean through the Panama Canal, then crosses the South Pacific to get to the shores of Australia, then through the Indian Ocean towards the countries of Southeast Asia and maybe India, then down towards South Africa with a stop or few on the way, eventually getting into the South Atlantic and back to the Caribbean.

If you find yourself in Europe, you will probably get to the Canaries first, then continue to the Caribbean. And similarly, towards the end of your route, after passing South Africa, you will go up to the Canaries and then back to Europe.

Looking at the map, you will see this route certainly doesn't have speed in mind but rather providing the traveler with enough opportunities to stop and admire. You can see Panama, then stop at Galapagos, visit the Pitcairn Islands, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Srí Lanka, India, Madagascar, South Africa… and that is just touching on to the major points of which there can be twice as much if you want to.

If you read diaries of those who went down this route, you will see this is indeed the case most of the time - stopping at a place and enjoying it, rather than leaving the port immediately after a shopping trip and a good night's sleep. It is a great way to get to know the world from many sides and is the true traveler's path.

How long does it take to sail around the world? It can take anywhere from 100 days up to 20 years. We've compared three sailing speeds for both sailing routes for you. Read all about circumnavigation speed

There really is no whole route that would pose risks, rather places you might feel enticed to go through to save time, only to regret this later. We have picked out places that you are likely to want to go through if you circumnavigate, so have a look and if you see your picks below, be careful.

The Gulf of Aden is pirate territory

Among these is the Gulf of Aden. All those films about pirates hijacking cargo ships? Yep, that's the place. Just about anybody will strongly advise you against it since it poses a man-made danger like no other place on the sea in the world. Why do people still take it when going from the Mediterranean to the Arabian sea or vice versa? Because the alternative means a circa 17,000 kilometers long detour around the whole continent of Africa.

The Cook Strait and Drake Passage are very unpredictable

Also, avoid the Cook Strait, a passage between the North and the South islands of New Zealand. These are among the most unpredictable waters in the world.

The same goes for the Drake Passage, between the southernmost tip of America and Antarctica. High winds, very strong currents, and high chances of icebergs make this a deadly zone. We list it in the Fast Route, and it can be navigated without damage, but it requires skill. If you are not confident, avoid it.

The Timor Sea has 100 storms per year

Timor Sea - if you go north of Australia into the Southeast Asian regions, be careful - 100 storms per year is nothing out of the ordinary here. Even big oil rigs have to be constructed differently there to withstand the constant bad weather, with evacuations of the workers to the shore being nothing special.

The Southern Ocean is difficult to navigate

The Southern Ocean. Yes, yes, I know, the very route we suggested. While it is true what we said, that it is the fastest route around the globe, it is where the freezing waters around the Antarctic meet the warm waters up north. That results in storms and swells, which, paired with icebergs and the whole place being remote, thus unlikely to offer much help, means one tricky ocean to sail through.

Just as is the case with the Drake Passage, the idea here is not to forbid you from entering it, if you have got the skill - but rather to warn you if you do not.

The two routes mentioned above are among the most famous ones - one for speed, one for its beauty. They both have their advantages and disadvantages but are often traveled, so as far as safety goes, both have a lot to offer. Choose wisely.

Chocolate Angel Richardson

iS THERE ANYWAY TO GET THIS ARTICLE? iT ONLY PRINTS OUT WITH A BUNCH OF ADVERTISEMENTS. i DON’T SEE A PRINT ANYWHERE??? tHANK YOU

william wieckert

Sissy rosenstein.

If I go near Somalia what are my chances of getting gang raped by pirated?

Francis Drelling

Your articles on this topic are great. Do you think you might write one simply telling the best, and the worst, times to sail in the warriors regions where people circumnavigate? That way we could use it as a guide as we ponder our routes.

would like to find out about the red tape involved for entering a forign port/country & staying awhile

Your safest path around the world takes your right through the Gulf of Aden, which in the next paragraph you say to avoid.

You don’t build a barn dumbass. What do you think this is, 1785?

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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 halfway around the world: one family’s cruising adventure

• December 30, 2022

Halfway around the world on his cruising catamaran, ocean racer Nick Bubb reveals what he’s learned sailing 15,000 miles with his family

After a fast downwind passage from French Polynesia, we sailed into Fijian waters, just under 12 months after setting off from Lymington in the UK. Once we had cleared customs and immigration, met up with cruising friends and enjoyed the hospitality of the Savusavu Yacht Club, we took a moment to reflect on what we’d just done as a family: we’d achieved our dream to sail to the other side of the world.

A few months later and it still feels pretty surreal and very special. We’ve enjoyed 15,000 miles of wild adventures, new friendships, deeply immersive experiences and a proximity to nature few could imagine.

To those looking in, it often seems like this trip has been smooth sailing all the way: an endless procession of tropical island paradises. We’re well aware that besides having made some decent decisions, we’ve been pretty lucky and had some great support from friends near and far, old and new.

We’ve also made more than a few mistakes! The difference with a life like this, though, is that the cost of those mistakes can be huge. All we can do is prepare for each stage as fully as possible, and mitigate the risks through sensible, informed and measured decision-making. Making a positive decision and following through with it is often what matters most.

While I can’t claim this voyage is anything other than a great family adventure, among the goals we discussed was the hope that we might inspire a few others to venture a little further, and deepen their appreciation of this changing world we’re so lucky to live in.

The Bubb family are cruising the world in their Nautitech 40 Quickstep Two

Early foundations

Many of the decisions we made way back in 2020, when we started looking for the perfect boat for this voyage, still influence us right now. The first point is that there is no perfect boat – irrespective of your budget – but you need to decide on a philosophy to guide your cruising choices. Fast and light or slow and steady? Independent, externally supported, off-grid or on the well-worn track? There are many considerations.

Our goal was to explore the Pacific and see some of the more remote parts of the world. We wanted to travel relatively quickly, with lots of toys on board, and have space to share some of the experiences with friends. Our budget was not huge and, like most people, we wanted a boat we could in theory sell relatively easily, without too much depreciation.

It quickly became clear we were looking for a production catamaran . For our own sanity we wanted something with a bit of an edge to it that would pick up and surf the long Pacific swells. Another big consideration, which people often overlook, is how the boat performs at anchor. What started off as a bit of a joke between us turned into a pretty serious conversation as we realised this is how you actually spend most of your time when cruising the Pacific. This was another huge tick in the box for a multihull over most monohull options.

With that choice made, and keen to avoid anything too old, we were limited in size by budget and ended up with a Nautitech 40, a choice we remain very happy with. I was immediately aware, however, that this probably ruled out sailing around the world via the traditional route south of Africa.

Transiting the Panama Canal

Sure, it’s possible and many have done it in smaller boats, but it wasn’t something I personally wanted to do with my young family on this boat. While our catamaran relishes tradewind sailing and long ocean swells, I’m not convinced it would excel in some of the more challenging conditions we might experience going round the Cape of Good Hope.

Instead, our options have always included ‘closing the loop’ via the Suez Canal, finishing up in Thailand, or selling in New Zealand or Australia. We also knew that we might, actually, have had enough after a season in the Caribbean. That didn’t happen, so as we sit in Fiji looking west, we still have all options on the table.

One of the most common mistakes a lot of cruisers make is getting too fixed with their plans and chasing ideas and schedules that they came up with long before they ever saw a weather forecast. By working hard to remain as flexible as possible with your planning, it becomes so much easier to adapt as required.

When it came to our general setup, a lot of the decisions we made were influenced by the boat, but we weren’t afraid to adapt it to suit our needs. It’s easy to overcomplicate many of the systems on board and get distracted from the fundamentals: what’s the bare minimum you need to keep the show on the road?

Local wildlife joins the boat for company in the Galapagos

Governing principles

Our guiding philosophy was off-grid capability and that starts with power and fresh water. When it comes to power needs you have to make some big decisions early on – such as do you want air conditioning or not? We agonised for a while but having AC means having a generator – we didn’t have one and didn’t really want one. We also didn’t want to be ‘trapped’ inside the boat, addicted to the cool. With hindsight having no AC has made homeschooling and sleeping on breathless nights challenging at times, but at sea you don’t need it.

When we’re not sailing most nights are spent at anchor, so we usually get a decent draught through the boat with our forward facing hatches, wind scoops and fans. With the decision made not to fit a generator, we then looked for a watermaker that would run off our battery bank. In the end we went for a 12V unit that makes 25lt per hour and is incredibly energy efficient. With 500lt of fresh water tanks and two boys who don’t seem bothered about showering too often, this has been a good set up.

After looking at a few cheap washing machine options we don’t have one. If I was starting again and it was easy to fit, I would put one on board but we manage fine without. We hand-wash most clothes, carry spare sheets, and wash them at local launderettes etc as we go.

If you definitely do want a washing machine then you might need a bigger watermaker, and then you’d probably need a generator; things can escalate quickly…

The other big power-hungry choices are fridges and freezers. The boat came with large capacity units and, if not opened too often, they work pretty efficiently. But we knew that if they went wrong we’d quickly struggle on some of the longer passages, so installed a backup ‘drinks fridge’ for daily use with a little freezer compartment, which we switch on and off as required.

Also as part of our independent philosophy, I wanted two completely separate and relatively high performance autopilots – that we could use all the time if required – and a fairly high degree of redundancy throughout the electronics set up, including a large inverter.

This ended up being one of the tipping points for the switch to lithium batteries; a decision we’ve never regretted. With the 1,000W solar panel system we fitted, along with a 360Ah lithium battery bank, we can run all our systems and rarely have to charge via the main engines. For cloudy days we fitted an upgraded alternator onto one of the engines and have a spare wind generator for emergency use.

We usually get our hot water from one of the engines but with the lithium and solar set up we could also install an immersion heater into our hot water tank and get hot water from the 12V supply, which Sophie loves!

Anchored in the Southern Lau islands in Fiji

Our fuel tanks are approximately 220lt each which gives us a motoring range of around 500-800 miles (depending on how efficiently you use the engines), as we have fairly small 30hp engines. The boat actually motors pretty well in calm conditions under just one engine.

Small adjustments

A few things I’d do differently? For starters, I’d probably get a longer anchor chain. We only have 65m and ideally I’d like closer to 90m to cope with deeper Pacific anchorages more safely. I was trying to save weight when I replaced the chain, but if you’re leaving the boat for a long day exploring ashore you want to be totally confident it’ll be there when you get back!

I’d also consider using Coppercoat on the hull. It’s been a huge amount of effort trying to keep the bottom of the boat clean and this only gets more challenging in the Pacific, where the growth is prolific at times.

Other small things we’d improve include fly screens on the hatches for nights anchored close to shore. And both our heads are manual flush but the boys struggle a bit with this, so with hindsight I’d switch one to electric.

Bubb’s sons Rory and Billy next to their Optimist dinghy

Dream passage planning

When it comes to choices we’ve made so far in terms of the route and timings after leaving the Caribbean, I can honestly say there’s little I’d change. The Panama Canal transit was a clear highlight; passing under the Bridge of the Americas and officially entering the Pacific. It really doesn’t need to be very stressful if you get an agent and do as you’re told.

We stopped for a day or two on the west side of Panama and then quickly moved on to the Pearl Islands around 50 miles offshore. While these are a fabulous adventure playground in themselves, we were pretty keen to get to the Galapagos. Many cruisers (and those with pets on board) opt to miss the Galapagos and either head direct to the Marquesas or the Gambier Islands.

Personally, I think you’d be mad to miss the Galapagos but then I do quite like my wildlife… There are certain unavoidable costs for permits etc and getting there isn’t totally straightforward as you have to cross the Doldrums.

We had pretty variable conditions for most of the 1,000-mile crossing, the majority of our passage was very light winds, with plenty of motor-sailing to keep us nudging along.

Nick and Sophie alternate diving so need just one set of gear while the boys have learned freediving

Highlights included stopping to swim in 4,000m of water, seeing whales, dolphins, sharks and plenty of seabirds, and a full blooded trial with King Neptune for all those crossing the equator for the first time.

We arrived into San Cristobal to be greeted by hundreds of the resident sea lions – fun for the first day or two but a little annoying after a while, as they constantly try to invade your boat and are surprisingly agile; transom defences are essential.

In total we spent a week on San Cristobal exploring ashore, meeting the famous gigantic Galapagos turtles and hiking.

Next was Santa Cruz for another week, where we all loved spending time at the Charles Darwin Research Station, and then the island of Isabela for a third week. Overall the Galapagos was pretty much everything we dreamed of, from freediving and surfing with hammerhead, Galapagos whitetip and blacktip sharks, to walking with giant tortoises, swimming with penguins, sea lions, rays, turtles, marine iguanas and masses of reef and pelagic fish, and riding up two magnificent active volcanoes on horseback.

We had a friend join us in the Galapagos for the 3,000-mile crossing to the Marquesas. Although we didn’t expect the sailing to be hugely challenging we knew it would be more fun for the boys with another adult aboard. This was the longest crossing of our whole adventure, but largely straightforward – in no small part down to the wonderful PredictWind Offshore app, which provides amazingly accurate weather and routing information.

Hakaui Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas

I took a bit of time to edit the polars (predicted speeds in various conditions) of the Nautitech 40, to suit our style of sailing and sail inventory. This allowed us to accurately manoeuvre for optimum wind, sea state and current. We made the 3,000-plus miles in just over 17 days – not bad for a 40ft cruising cat with a full toy store on board.

Having said that, one thing we’ve realised over the past year is you need to guard against pushing the boat harder than necessary. We all get carried away from time to time but the skill lies in knowing how to strike the right balance and only pushing when you really need to get to an anchorage before dark, or to try and avoid bad weather.

It’s easy to sometimes get a bit casual with some aspects of our safety protocols, especially after well over a year living on the boat. There have been occasions where we’ve been a bit too punchy with our dinghy missions and left for the day in lovely weather without all the right kit (particularly easy to do if you’re worried stuff might go missing if left in the dinghy on the beach all day), but the day overruns and all of sudden it’s dark, windy and choppy and you’ve got no search light or lifejackets with you. This really comes down to planning and preparation.

Island living

After our Pacific crossing we took a little while to settle into life on Nuka Hiva in the Marquesas. It’s undoubtedly stunning, the people are friendly, and there’s an active cruising community but I wouldn’t describe it as a watersports mecca, which is usually our focus.

One of many diving days

The boys did sail their Optimist dinghy with some Dutch cruising friends, but with murky waters and exposed coastlines, Nuka Hiva is much more about exploring inland. We recharged our energy levels with a slow few days spent hiking, fishing and going on a few successful night-time lobster hunts.

Next we sailed over to Ua-Pou, one of the smaller neighbouring islands. Here, the pace of life is similar, although with fewer cruising boats and more waterfalls. After a great few days exploring we set sail for possibly the most anticipated part of this adventure; the Tuamotus.

Next time around I’d like to go to Pitcairn and Easter Island after the Galapagos instead of the Marquesas but potentially you’d need to be prepared to sail upwind to get there. From there, you could sail on to the Gambier Islands and direct to the Tuamotus – there are so many options.

After 500 miles sailing, our first stop in the Tuamotus was Kauehi, a tiny atoll where, for a few days, we were the only boat in the anchorage. To prepare for cruising the Tuamotus you must get to grips with the science behind the tidal flows in and out of the narrow passes, which are influenced hugely by the weather and swell.

the opportunity to show their children incredible marine life was important to Sophie and Nick, who works for Fauna & Flora International

If, for instance, there have been a few days of big swell then the waves generally breach the atoll perimeter, flooding in and resulting in permanent outflows from the pass (effectively the plug hole) – especially if they are on the leeward side.

Expect to get the tides wrong sometimes: the calculations require you to consider so many variables it’s almost inevitable that sometimes you’ll either spend ages barely stemming the tide or get swept in (or more likely out) at alarming speeds.

Atoll anchoring

Another challenge particularly relevant in the Tuamotus is anchoring without wrapping your chain around the coral stacks, or bommies. You first need to find a suitable spot of clear sand, then our technique is to deploy our resident freediver (Sophie), into the water to check for bommies.

If we’ve got a clear line Rory drops the anchor and Billy throws mooring buoys over the side to Sophie, who clips them onto the chain, one approximately halfway along the required full anchor rode and another at each 10m of chain that follows. I then back the boat up pretty hard to dig the anchor in and Sophie checks our chain is clear of coral and we have room to swing. It can take a few efforts to get sorted and patience is required, but the last thing we want is to damage coral or indeed wrap our chain into one of the bommies which are notoriously difficult to escape from.

Lots of toys deployed ready for another family day on the water!

The Tuamotus are a dreamland, the biggest problem is deciding what to do each day! Snorkelling and diving is simply incredible almost everywhere, but our favourite spot was South Fakarava for its clear waters teeming with wildlife and a huge coral wall just a few hundred metres from the anchorage that is home to hundreds of sharks, rays and all kinds of fish living on the reef.

Relatively inexperienced divers should be aware that conditions can be pretty challenging at times, especially as the best dives are drift dives through the passes with the tide ripping you in or out. Often you need to descend to 30m almost immediately to find a hand hold on the bottom to regroup and if something goes wrong you can very quickly become separated.

Less confident divers can enjoy a huge proportion of the marine life by simply snorkelling near the surface.

After spending a month cruising in the Tuamotus at a very gentle pace, it was time to head for the Society Islands, and yet more incredible sea life. We also made many new friends among both the local and cruising communities there. When it comes to cruising idylls, the Society Islands are surely as good as it gets.

Bora Bora offered superb conditions for Nick and Sophie to work on their wingfoiling

With work commitments looming and flights back to the UK booked for the end of July, we were running short of time and had to make decisions about where we wanted to most visit in the Societies, opting for Huahine and Bora Bora.

Huahine is really a continuation of the Tuamotus, with a few more charter boats added into the mix and a slightly busier atmosphere. Bora Bora is not universally popular with the cruising community because of its hotel developments and larger charter boat fleets, but the waters really are beautiful and there are plenty of quiet spots still to be found.

There was good breeze for wing foiling, while Sophie had an incredible encounter freediving with a fever of maybe 40 eagle rays. We managed to explore ashore a little too, enjoying a wonderful night at the opening of the Heiva Festival.

After the magic of Bora Bora, we sailed just over 130 miles to Maupihaa, the most westerly point of French Polynesia. It’s a tiny atoll with a terrifying pass to get into which, although sheltered from the swell and the tradewinds, is only 18m wide for approximately half a mile! To further complicate matters, the tide runs out at 3-4 knots all the time, except when a big swell has been running, in which case it’s even stronger.

Boys celebrate another successful surf session at a Pacific break!

We arrived there with some cruising friends and, once we both judged it to be passable, with more than a little trepidation nudged our way in. At one point our speed was down to 1.5 knots and we were slewing from side to side a little but we made it in, for what was to be one of the most special stops of our whole trip. It really was everything I’d dreamt a remote Pacific island would be, since I was a little boy.

Next stop Fiji

A good downwind forecast materialised and it was time to turn our attention to Fiji and the 1,600-mile passage to get there. Our route to Fiji was direct – largely influenced by Covid-related restrictions elsewhere (since lifted). Although the Cook Islands were partially open, we would have had to go quite a way south of our route to the only port of entry, while Samoa and Tonga were both closed, as was Wallace Island, so we kept it simple and headed straight for Fiji.

The boys taking in the local views

It was a fast and occasionally furious downwind passage, and the first long crossing with just the four of us. Happily there was no real drama, although we did get to test some of our back up electronic systems in anger.

As we look back on the last year there’s no doubt that we feel an enormous sense of achievement and there’s very little we regret. Even at the best of times cruising like this is not easy, it can be fraught with stress and there are a staggering number of decisions to make along the way. But the rewards are incredible.

Each decision we made has taken us one step closer to our dream.

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Can Yacht Travel Around the World? All You Need To Know

Have you ever dreamed of setting sail on a yacht and traveling around the world? It may seem like a far-fetched dream, but it can actually be done! In this article, we will be covering all you need to know to set off on a voyage around the world on a yacht.

We will discuss the preparation and permits necessary to embark, navigating foreign ports, equipping the yacht for the voyage, planning the voyage, and dealing with unexpected events.

Finally, we will look at the benefits of yacht travel around the world.

So, if youre ready to set sail, lets get started!.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Yes, yachts can travel around the world.

Many people choose to sail around the world in their own yachts or in chartered yachts.

The journey is often long, taking several months and even up to years, depending on the route and the pace at which the journey is taken.

It is an experience that many people find to be both thrilling and rewarding.

Preparing for Yacht Travel Around the World

Preparing for a voyage around the world in your own yacht requires careful planning and preparation.

Before setting sail, you should ensure that your yacht is in good shape and properly equipped for the voyage.

This includes making sure all of your onboard systems are functioning properly, that all necessary safety equipment is on board and in good condition, and that you have enough supplies for the entire journey.

Additionally, you should make sure that your vessel is properly registered and insured, and that all necessary permits and visas are obtained prior to entering foreign ports.

It is also important to plan your route in advance, as youll need to decide which ports to stop in and where to refuel or restock supplies.

While some ports may offer more services than others, you should research each one in advance to determine its amenities and what you may need to bring with you.

Additionally, you should plan for any potential delays or emergencies and make sure you have a back-up plan in case something goes wrong.

Finally, youll need to make sure that your crew is properly trained and experienced in sailing.

Depending on the length of the voyage, you may need to bring additional crew members onboard, so make sure to check the legal requirements for each country youll be sailing in.

With the right preparation and planning, youll be ready to set sail on an unforgettable voyage around the world.

Obtaining Necessary Permits and Visas

When planning a journey around the world in a yacht, it is important to obtain the necessary permits and visas for each country you will be visiting.

Most countries require that the yacht be registered, and the captain and crew must be in possession of valid visas and other documentation.

Additionally, you may need to obtain permission from each country to enter their waters, and you may be subject to inspections and fines if you do not comply with their laws.

In some cases, you may need to arrange for a special permit or exemption in order to be allowed entry.

Furthermore, depending on the country you are entering, you may be required to pay taxes and fees related to the voyage.

It is important to research the requirements for each country you will be visiting in order to ensure that you are able to travel legally.

Navigating Foreign Ports

Navigating foreign ports is a crucial part of yacht travel around the world.

Before setting off on a voyage, it is important to obtain the necessary permits and visas for each port along the route.

In addition to this, it is also important to ensure that the yacht is properly equipped for the voyage.

This means having the correct navigational charts, an up-to-date GPS, and other items that may be required for the voyage.

Once the yacht is prepared, it is important to research each port in advance.

It is important to know the local regulations, the navigation rules and regulations, and the necessary paperwork required for entry.

It is also important to familiarize oneself with the local customs and culture in each port.

When navigating a foreign port, it is important to use caution and be aware of any local hazards.

This includes checking the tide and current levels, as well as any underwater obstacles that could cause damage to the yacht.

It is also important to be aware of the local weather conditions, as this can affect the voyage.

Once the yacht arrives in a foreign port, it is important to ensure that the dock is secure and there is no risk of theft or damage.

The crew should also take the necessary security precautions to ensure the safety of the yacht and its crew.

In addition, the crew should be aware of any local laws and regulations that may affect the voyage.

Navigating foreign ports can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and preparation, it is possible to make a successful voyage around the world.

With the right mindset and proper research, a yacht can safely and successfully navigate any foreign port.

Equipping the Yacht for a Voyage Around the World

When it comes to equipping a yacht for a voyage around the world, there is a lot to consider.

A yacht must be properly outfitted to ensure the safety and comfort of the crew, as well as the ability to navigate the open seas.

First and foremost, the yacht must be in good condition, both structurally and mechanically.

The hull and engine should be inspected regularly to ensure they are in top form and able to withstand the rigors of the voyage.

Additionally, the yacht should be equipped with the necessary safety gear, such as life jackets, flares, and a first-aid kit.

A well-stocked toolkit is also essential, as is a reliable watermaker, generator, and navigation equipment.

The yacht should also be stocked with enough food and supplies to last the entire voyage.

This means stocking up on canned goods and other non-perishables, as well as plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

It is also a good idea to have a backup supply of fuel and water, as well as additional spare parts in case of emergency.

Finally, the yacht should be equipped with the necessary navigation and communication equipment.

This includes a good quality navigation chart, a reliable GPS, a reliable VHF radio, and a satellite phone.

Additionally, a good quality weather station is essential for monitoring weather conditions and potential storms.

Equipping a yacht for a voyage around the world is a big undertaking, but is necessary for a successful and safe voyage.

Careful planning and preparation are key to ensuring the yacht is ready for whatever the voyage has in store.

With the right equipment, crew, and preparation, a voyage around the world in a yacht can be an unforgettable experience.

Planning the Voyage

Planning a voyage around the world in a yacht can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it will require careful preparation.

Before embarking on such a journey, it is important to make sure the yacht is properly equipped and the necessary permits and visas have been obtained.

Additionally, it is important to consider how the voyage will be broken up.

Depending on the size and type of yacht, the voyage could take anywhere from a few months to a year, so it is important to plan for stops in various ports along the way.

When planning the voyage, it is important to consider what route to take and the type of weather conditions the yacht will encounter on its journey.

Researching the prevailing weather patterns and wind conditions in the areas to be sailed can help ensure a safe and enjoyable voyage.

Additionally, sailing only in daylight and avoiding sailing in areas prone to piracy can help reduce the risk of danger.

Another important consideration when planning a voyage around the world in a yacht is safety.

It is important to make sure the yacht is equipped with the necessary safety gear, such as life jackets, flares, and a first aid kit.

Additionally, it is important to make sure the yacht is equipped with a reliable communication system, such as a satellite phone or a VHF radio.

It is also important to make sure the crew is properly trained in basic sailing skills and safety procedures.

Once the voyage is planned and the yacht is properly equipped, it is important to make sure the crew is prepared for the voyage.

The crew should be familiar with the route, the weather conditions, and the safety procedures.

Additionally, the crew should be familiar with the necessary permits and visas required to enter ports along the way.

Finally, it is important to make sure the crew is properly provisioned with food, water, and medical supplies for the voyage.

Planning a voyage around the world in a yacht can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it will require careful preparation and planning.

Making sure the yacht is properly equipped and the crew is prepared can help ensure a safe and successful voyage.

Additionally, researching the weather and wind conditions, obtaining the necessary permits and visas, and planning for unexpected events can help make the voyage around the world an unforgettable experience.

Dealing with Unexpected Events

When it comes to yacht travel around the world, it is essential to plan for the unexpected.

Weather, engine trouble, or other unexpected events can delay or even derail a voyage around the world, so it is important to be prepared for anything that may come your way.

When planning for a voyage around the world, it is important to research the best routes and prepare for any potential storms or other adverse weather conditions.

Make sure to have a comprehensive plan in place that includes contingencies for potential delays or detours due to weather.

Additionally, it is important to have an emergency plan in place in the event of engine trouble.

Make sure to have the necessary tools and spare parts on board in case of any mechanical issues.

It is also important to plan for other unexpected events that could occur during a voyage around the world.

These could include medical emergencies, maritime security threats, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Make sure to have an emergency contact list with contact information for local authorities, medical professionals, and other relevant personnel that could help in an emergency.

Additionally, make sure to research the local laws and regulations of the ports you will be visiting, and have the necessary visas and permits in place before you embark on your voyage.

By being prepared for the unexpected, you can ensure that your yacht travel around the world is an unforgettable experience.

With the right preparation, you can make sure that your voyage is as safe, smooth, and enjoyable as possible.

The Benefits of Yacht Travel Around the World

Yacht travel around the world is a great adventure for those who are passionate about sailing and exploring.

Whether you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience or a way to escape the everyday grind, travelling the world aboard a yacht can be an incredible experience.

Not only does yacht travel provide an opportunity to explore new places and cultures, but it also offers a unique way of enjoying the scenery, as you get to experience places from the perspective of the sea.

Additionally, travelling around the world in a yacht allows for a much more intimate experience than traditional travel.

As the yacht is your home, you are able to get to know the places you visit much more closely and intimately.

This means that you can enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the places you visit in a much more personal way.

Finally, yacht travel around the world provides the opportunity to explore new cultures and meet people from all walks of life.

As you sail from port to port, you will be able to interact with people from different countries and backgrounds, giving you a unique and invaluable perspective on the world.

All in all, yacht travel around the world can be an unforgettable experience.

With careful planning and preparation, you can ensure that your voyage is safe and enjoyable, providing you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Final Thoughts

Yacht travel around the world is an incredible adventure that requires careful planning and preparation.

From obtaining necessary permits and visas to equipping the yacht for a voyage around the world and planning for unexpected events, the journey is sure to be unforgettable.

However, with the right amount of preparation and planning, it can be a rewarding and incredible experience.

If you’re up for the challenge, why not start planning your very own voyage around the world in a yacht today?.

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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The Best Yacht Charters You Can Book Around the World

Whether you’re looking for seven decks of entertainment, a family-friendly trip, or a diving-focused Caribbean voyage, you’ll find it here.

There are few experiences as luxurious and awe-inspiring as a yacht charter . You can explore the world at your leisure, spend quality time with friends and family in an intimate setting, and the service is second to none. We've rounded up the most exceptional new yacht charters to book around the world. They're sure to inspire your next voyage, whether you want to relax along the Amalfi Coast or explore remote corners of the globe.

In the yachting world, Loon is known for an exceptional array of water toys — perhaps the best in her class. There's a FunAir inflatable slide that goes from the third deck straight into the ocean, an in-water pool, and a luxurious 43-foot Everglades tender. You can hop on paddleboards, sea kayaks, Waverunners, or a Seabob to explore nearby islands and coves.

The adventurous can try kite surfing or Lift e-Foil surfboards, which seems effortless when you watch the crew fly past, but is actually quite challenging. Loon is also a scuba diver's dream. The crew has several master divers and dive instructors who can take you out each morning, and they have all of the equipment you need onboard. They can also certify new divers during the trip.

The 180-foot yacht has a staggering 1,100 gross tons of living space, elegant design, and an amiable and attentive crew. Loon has two master staterooms, including a unique one on the upper deck. It has wraparound windows that offer unparalleled views of the surroundings. There are two salons, including one with recliners and a projector for movie night, plenty of spaces for dining alfresco, and an oversized infinity-edge Jacuzzi with a wet bar nearby. Fancy a workout? Loon has a treadmill, exercise bike, rowing machine, and free weights in the beach club. You'll be hard-pressed to find better workout views than this.

The crew is absolutely lovely and specializes in setting up unique experiences. You might have a pizza night on board, a barbecue on a private beach, or sundowners at the Instagram-famous Loon Bar. The crew will even take you to a picture-perfect sandbar and serve you drinks as you loll in the warm water.

Loon is available for charter from IYC in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda during the winter months and in the Mediterranean in the summer months. Rates begin at $325,000 a week plus expenses.

Nansen Explorer

For the ultimate Antarctica adventure, you can't beat a voyage aboard Nansen Explorer . This former research vessel has all of the technical features needed to safely explore one of the world's most remote and dramatic landscapes and, thanks to a retrofit in 2021, an ultra-luxe interior design that wouldn't look out of place in St. Tropez. For exploration, Nansen Explorer has an Ice-1A classed 236-foot hull and an ice-experienced captain and bridge team, which means she can go deeper into the ice than other polar-classed superyachts. There's a heli-deck with onboard fueling capabilities, so you can see the vast landscape from the sky, or even go heli-skiing. There are plenty of toys that allow you to get up close and personal with wildlife and nature, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, dive equipment, and Zodiacs.

The interiors are so stylish, modern, and well-appointed that you'll forget you're in the middle of Antarctica rather than at a swanky hotel. The ship originally accommodated 60 passengers, but now it holds just 12 guests in seven cabins, including an owner's suite and a VIP suite. Each cabin has large windows that showcase the stunning vistas outside the ship. The sumptuous Scandanavian-inspired decor features shades of grey and white, which reflect the surrounding environment. There's a cozy lounge with a bar and a fireplace, perfect for warming up after an excursion to see penguins or whales.

Nansen Explorer is available for charter from Plan South America in Antarctica. Rates begin at $340,000 a week and are all-inclusive.

Yachting in French Polynesia is always a blissful experience, but Dardanella takes relaxation to the next level with bespoke, wellness-focused charters planned by onboard wellbeing facilitator Ayumi Gallagher. The wellness experience is all-encompassing, including fresh, detoxifying food, mindfulness workshops, yoga sessions, Pilates, meditation, and massages alongside traditional yacht activities, like diving, surfing, and tender safaris exploring the pristine waters and nature of French Polynesia. The captain is also a qualified marine biologist and ecologist, so he's the perfect person to show you this unique environment. There are two dive instructors, 12 sets of dive gear, a Nitrox dive compressor, and underwater photography equipment, so you can capture the beauty underwater, too. As an expedition yacht, Dardanella is well-suited for exploring remote destinations. The 121-foot yacht was refit in 2018 and has five luxurious cabins.

Dardanella is available for charter from 37south in French Polynesia. Rates begin at $100,000 a week plus expenses.

With seven decks, there's something for everyone aboard Wheels . This massive yet elegant yacht measures 249 feet, weighs almost 2,000 gross tons, and has lots of standout amenities including a spacious cinema for eight guests, a huge aquarium, massage room with a dedicated onboard masseuse, air-conditioned gym, and the main salon converts to a disco complete with lights and a smoke machine for those late-night dance parties. The split-level master suite has panoramic views, a study, and plenty of space, and there are four spacious guest suites on the main deck. Outside, there are plenty of relaxation areas, including sunpads, a hot tub, several dining areas and bars, and an enviable water sports area with two Jet Skis, four wave runners, three seabobs, a luxurious tender, and plenty more toys. The crew is very active and can teach you to wakeboard, kitesurf, sail the new Hobie cat catamaran, or scuba dive. They can also lead yoga and fitness classes.

Wheels is available for charter from Fraser Yachts in the Caribbean. Rates begin at $680,000 a week plus expenses.

It's not uncommon for yacht charterers to "upgrade" their yachts year after year, chasing newer and bigger boats, which is makes Big Sky 's number of repeat bookings even more impressive. The 157-foot yacht has been a charter favorite since 2010, and she recently underwent a refit leaving her in immaculate condition. Big Sky can accommodate 10 guests in five staterooms, including a full-beam master that spans the width of the yacht, and there's plenty of room onboard to relax, including the main salon with large windows and a state-of-the-art TV system. The sky lounge is perfect for entertaining — it has an onyx bar and sliding windows that make you feel as if you are outside. Of course, if you do want to relax outdoors, there are three teak decks with space for dining and a large sundeck with a Jacuzzi, sun pads, couches, and a bar.

Big Sky is available for charter from Northrop & Johnson in the Bahamas. Rates begin at $180,000 a week plus expenses.

This glamorous new superyacht caused quite a stir when she debuted at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2021. It's rare for a brand-new superyacht of this size to be available immediately for charter, so book your trip on Tatiana early. This 263-foot yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests, who are guaranteed impeccable service from the 20 crew members. She has a great selection of water accoutrements and a stunning design with a large amount of interior space, including a deck dedicated to the owner's suite. There are also two VIP staterooms, four double cabins, and a twin cabin. While away any rainy days in the movie room or shooting some pool. Tatiana also has a fabulous beach club with a large bathing platform, bar, and outdoor lounge.

Tatiana is available for charter from IYC in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda during the winter months and in the Mediterranean in the summer months. Rates begin at €775,000 a week plus expenses.

Nour El Nil Meroe

Step back in time aboard Nour El Nil Meroe , a traditionally inspired Egyptian yacht full of modern amenities and luxurious design. Meroe is available for charter through Black Tomato, a top luxury travel company known for its expertly curated trips with exclusive experiences and a focus on local culture. Meroe is styled like a classic dahabiya boat, with authentic decor featuring whitewashed walls and linens alongside Parisian decor details. The VIP cabins have floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Nile — we can't think of a more fabulous way to have breakfast in bed — while the other cabins have large windows. The shaded roof terrace has plenty of spots for lounging and dining alfresco, and there's a cheery indoor salon with red-and-white striped decor and cozy couches. On your charter, you'll slowly sail down the Nile River from Luxor to Aswan. You can charter just the yacht voyage or book the Ultimate Egypt trip , which includes adventures on land as well as the yacht charter (think: private tours of the pyramids, exploring temples, or taking a jeep safari around Siwa).

El Nil and the Ultimate Egypt trip can be booked through Black Tomato . Rates begin at $5,800 a person.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

One of 2022's most anticipated travel launches is the new The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection . While this is technically a small-ship cruise, every element has been designed to make you feel as if you are aboard a superyacht. The fleet will ultimately have three custom-built yachts, each with 149 suites. However, in 2022, the collection will launch with their first luxury vessel: Evrima . The suites all have private terraces, which isn't something you can expect aboard even the largest superyacht. And of course, the amenities are incredible. It has a beautiful spa, stunning marina terrace (set up like a yacht beach club), an infinity-edge pool, a large gym, and plenty of entertainment. The dining options are seemingly endless, including the main restaurant, the Evrima Room, S.E.A., which features a menu by acclaimed chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, Talaat Nam, a Southeast Asian spot, and several casual options.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's inaugural voyage is set for May 2022 and pricing is dependent on the itinerary. Learn more about the trips here .

My Cruiser Life Magazine

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. 

• Used Book in Good Condition

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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The Best Yacht Destinations Around the World

By: Author Guest Blogger

Posted on Last updated: March 19, 2024

Embarking on a yacht journey offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. You can explore some of the world's most beautiful destinations from the comfort of your own vessel. Whether you daydream of a luxury charter while watching Below Deck or are able to make it a reality, here are some of the top yacht destinations, each offering its charm and attractions.

Yachting Destinations

St. barts – the caribbean.

Nestled in the Caribbean, St. Barts, or Saint Barthélemy, is a picturesque island known for its stunning beaches and laid-back luxury. The island's clear turquoise waters and pleasant climate make it a favorite among yacht enthusiasts. With its quaint boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and lively nightlife, Gustavia Harbor is a perfect spot to anchor your yacht. St. Barts is not just about luxury; it's also a place to connect with nature. Explore the marine life with snorkeling or diving, and enjoy the island's natural beauty.

Amalfi Coast – Italy

The Amalfi Coast in Italy is a breathtaking stretch of coastline renowned for its colorful cliffside villages, lemon groves, and rich cultural heritage. Cruising along the coast offers stunning views and a taste of la dolce vita. Anchor in Positano or Amalfi to wander through charming streets, savor authentic Italian cuisine , and explore historical sites. The Amalfi Coast is a feast for the eyes and a region steeped in history, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Côte d'Azur – French Riviera

The French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur, is synonymous with chic coastal living. From the glamour of Monaco to the relaxed vibe of Saint-Tropez, this region offers a variety of experiences. Monte Carlo's marina is a hub of luxury, while Cannes and Antibes offer a mix of film festivals and private beaches. The French Riviera is not just about glitz and glamour; it's also a place to enjoy stunning landscapes, with the Alps as a backdrop and the Mediterranean Sea at your feet.

Seychelles – Indian Ocean

Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, is a paradise of white-sand beaches, lush jungles, and crystal-clear waters. Yachting in Seychelles offers a unique opportunity to explore secluded islands and enjoy the tranquility of nature. Anchor off La Digue or Praslin to experience otherworldly landscapes with granite boulders and vibrant coral reefs. The Seychelles is a sanctuary for rare wildlife, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a blend of luxury and untouched natural beauty.

These luxury yacht destinations offer a diverse range of experiences, from the vibrant cultures of the Caribbean and the Mediterranean to the serene beauty of the Indian Ocean. Each destination has unique attractions, from historical sites to natural wonders, making them ideal for those looking to explore the world from the comfort of their yacht. As you set sail, these destinations await, offering a blend of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories.

This story is brought to you in partnership with Superyacht Life.

This post was written by a guest contributor. Please reference the author's byline in the post above for more information. If you would like to guest post on Go Backpacking, please read our submission guidelines . For information on advertising opportunities, go here .

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10 of the World’s Best Yachting Locations

From the French Riviera to the Virgin Islands, Luxury Defined explores 10 top yachting destinations around the globe

Is there anything that rivals the romance, adventure, and freedom of cruising the seas in a luxury yacht? The best luxury yacht designs maximize space; the superyacht dials that up to 11, with such amenities as swimming pools, personal watercraft, satellite communication, private chefs, outdoor entertainment decks, cinemas—even helipads. But a voyage on a richly accoutered yacht just begins the adventure when the destination is a luxury home in a world-class yachting locale. Welcome home, sailor, home from the sea.

The French Riviera

Perhaps the most glamorous seaside destination in Europe, the French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, draws the sailor and sunseeker alike. Picture-postcard villages and chic beach resorts line the coast from the cosmopolitan glitz of Saint-Tropez and Cannes to the unspoiled beauty of Port-Cros. The winter resort city of Nice, with its ample sunshine, white sand beaches, and special events such as the Cannes Film Festival attract a who’s who of international glitterati. West along the coastline, past the jet-set destination of Saint-Tropez, the island of Porquerolles awaits, with a peaceful escape from the bustle of the mainland.

The Greek Islands

Surrounded by its “wine-dark” seas and thousands of islands, ancient Greece prospered with a maritime culture that became the cradle of western civilization. There is plenty left to explore, from the natural beauty of its uninhabited isles to the beaches and cosmopolitan nightlife that have made islands such as Mykonos into global destinations. Yachters can stop for an archaeological exploration or a night on the tiles in the tavernas of Athens to the nightclub scene of Mykonos, Corfu, and Crete, the largest island in Greece.

Related: Taking Time Out—Inspiration for Your Next Journey

The US Virgin Islands

The naturally deep harbor, steady winds, and calm waters of St. Thomas make the island an ideal port of call while cruising the Caribbean. Upon arrival in Charlotte Amalie Harbor, the beauty of the island’s hilly topography is immediately apparent. The upscale shopping and fine dining scene make for a memorable stay. The idyllic neighboring islands of St. John and St. Croix are a haven for diving, snorkeling, kitesurfing, and other water sports. Just east of St. John are the British Virgin Islands. Comprising four main islands and hundreds of tiny palm-lined cays, sandbars, and rocky outcroppings, the BVI is one of the most popular bareboat charter cruising destinations in the world.

The Florida Keys

Spanning 200 nautical miles, the Florida Keys arc southwest from Virginia Key in the Atlantic Ocean (just south of Miami Beach) to Loggerhead Key in Dry Tortugas National Park, a remote seven-island archipelago in the Gulf of Mexico, 70 miles off Key West. The islands are easy to navigate. Cruising in the Keys can mean a leisurely and scenic sail through the shallow interconnected basins of Florida Bay or a more adventurous trip out on the open waters of the Atlantic. But it’s not all plain sailing. Mariners can drop anchor in a coral cove to swim, snorkel, or fish, or dock at a seafood restaurant for conch fritters and Rum Runner cocktails. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects nearly 4,000 square miles of waters surrounding the islands, including North America’s only coral barrier reef and more than 6,000 species of marine life, as well as shipwrecks and other archeological sites.

To explore the keys by land, follow Overseas Highway (US 1), a 113-mile-long stretch from Key Largo to Key West. The “Highway that Goes to Sea” crosses 42 bridges in all, including Seven Mile Bridge. Along the way are unique communities, including Islamorada, the “Sportfishing Capital of the World; the romantic Little Palm Island; and Big Pine Key, home to the tiny Key Deer. All roads lead to Key West—continental America’s southernmost city: a place described as “close to perfect and far from normal,” where flip flops are the official shoe and every day the sunset is celebrated.

Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia’s Emerald Coast is a playground for the jet set, and its dramatic, unspoiled coastline and luxury marinas draw yacht folk from all over. The marine grottoes of Cala Gonone and the rock formations of Capo Testa, shaped by centuries of sea winds, are favorite attractions. While the quaint towns of Carloforte and Castelsardo provide local color, the exclusive Yacht Club Costa Smeralda offers dining, a clubhouse, and spa services. Sailors can explore the tiny islands of the Maddalena archipelago or the beautiful white sandy beaches and rocky cliffs along the Gallura coast. Tranquil sunset viewing turns to fine dining and sizzling nightlife in the exclusive restaurants, clubs, and discos of Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo.

Related: Lifestyle Upgrade—High Demand for Homes in San Francisco Bay Area

Bermuda has been the crossroads of the North Atlantic voyage since the town of St. George’s was settled by shipwrecked sailors in 1609. Between March and November each year, racing yachts from around the globe arrive in the harbors of St. George’s and Hamilton parishes to compete in regattas organized by Bermuda’s many sailing clubs. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the island’s temperate climate is a year-round draw for leisure travelers, who come to cruise the island’s Great Sound and soak up the sun and local culture. The warm waters are ideal for scuba diving, whether it’s to explore marine wildlife habitats or historic shipwrecks that dot the reefs around Bermuda’s perimeter.

Martha’s Vineyard

This picture-postcard island of Martha’s Vineyard is a 100-square-mile island just seven miles south of Cape Cod. Its coastline ranges from wild, windswept beaches and towering seaside cliffs along the Atlantic to marshland ponds and sandy inlets protected by Vineyard Sound. “The Vineyard” was a center of the whaling industry from the early 18th to mid-19th century, as famously portrayed in Melville’s classic novel Moby Dick. In the 1970s, it became famous for another big fish, Jaws . Steven Spielberg’s iconic 1975 thriller was filmed almost entirely on the island, starring as the fictional Amity. The famous opening sequence was shot at South Beach, Edgartown. Today, the town is the center of sailing and island life. From spring to fall, sailboats and superyachts jostle to find a berth into its safe harbor. More than 100 vessels take part in The Vineyard Cup, one of New England’s premier regattas, featuring thrilling yacht races and tony onshore events over three days in the second week of July.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai, home to the world’s tallest building—the Burj Khalifa—is a convergence of dazzling skyscrapers, red-sand deserts, palm-shaped islands, and lavish beach resorts. In Dubai, recreation reigns supreme. Golf, Formula One, horse racing, camel riding, and indoor skiing are among the diverse sporting options on offer here. Shopping has been raised to an art form, whether hunting for a bargain in a souk or a duty-free Ferrari in a supersized shopping mall. Its location on the Arabian Gulf and the new 1,100-berth Dubai Marina make it a major hub for superyachts.

Related: Explore 9 of the World’s Most Walkable Cities

Vancouver Island , British Columbia, Canada

Greater Victoria is the boating capital of British Columbia. This picturesque region at the southern tip of Vancouver Island is about 50 nautical miles west of Vancouver, and 23 nautical miles north of Port Angeles, Washington, on the US mainland. The region draws sailors to its beautiful, sheltered bays, craggy inlets, and safe anchorages, beyond which are temperate rainforests and the archipelagos of the Gulf Islands and the San Juan Islands. There’s plenty of marine wildlife along the coast and at sea: bald eagles, sea otters, harbor seals, and killer whales.

The Bahamas

The 700 islands of the Bahamas begin at Bimini, just 45 miles off the coast of Miami and stretch 500 miles southwest to the islands of Great Inagua and Little Inagua, neighboring the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Bahamas were made famous by Ian Fleming (the islands featured in the James Bond spy thrillers Casino Royale , Thunderball , The Spy Who Loved Me , Never Say Never Again , and License to Kill) . But they’ve been a haven for sailors since the 18th century. They’re a paradise below the water, too, for sport fishing and scuba-diving. Palm-lined beaches, nature preserves, world-class golf courses, and colorful Colonial-style villas welcome seafarers ashore.

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About the race

The Clipper Race is one of the biggest challenges of the natural world and an endurance test like no other.

With no previous sailing experience necessary, before signing up for the intensive training programme, it’s a record-breaking 40,000 nautical mile race around the world on a 70-foot ocean racing yacht. The next edition will be the Clipper 2023-24 Race and will begin in late summer 2023. The route is divided into eight legs and between 13 and 16 individual races including six ocean crossings. You can choose to complete the full circumnavigation or select one or multiple legs.

The brainchild of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world, the first Clipper Race took place in 1996. Since then, almost 6,000 Race Crew from all walks of life and more than 60 nations have trained and raced in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race; the only race in the world where the organisers supply a fleet of identical racing yachts (eleven), each with a fully qualified skipper and first mate to safely guide the crew. Crew complete four levels of intense ocean racer training before they compete. Mother Nature does not distinguish between female and male, professional or novice. There is nowhere to hide - if Mother Nature throws down the gauntlet, you must be ready to face the same challenges as the pro racer. Navigate the Atlantic Tradewinds and Doldrums en route to South America, endure the epic Roaring Forties, experience Indian Ocean sunsets, face the mountainous seas of the mighty Pacific - and bond with an international crew creating lifelong memories before returning victorious.

Seize the moment, unleash the adventure.

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is the only event of its type. Anyone, even if they have never stepped on a boat before, can join the adventure.

History of the Race

Since the first Clipper Race crew left Plymouth in October 1996 on board eight 60-foot yachts, the race’s increase in size is almost immeasurable.

Today more than 5,000 people and three generations of Clipper Race ocean racing fleets have competed in what is known to be the world’s toughest ocean racing challenge.

The route of each edition of the race is unique, often formed by Host Ports around the globe. In the race’s twenty five year history, more than fifty cities have played host to the Clipper Race.

Click here to further explore the history of the race.

The third generation of one-design Clipper Race yachts debuted in the Clipper 2013-14 Race, proving to be faster and more dynamic than previous Clipper Race yachts.

The eleven 70-foot yachts make up world’s largest matched fleet of ocean racing yachts. Designed by renowned naval architect Tony Castro, they are the shining jewel in the Clipper Race crown, perfectly adapted to this gruelling sailing challenge.

Click here to learn more about the Clipper 70s.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

Over 50 years have gone by since Sir Robin Knox-Johnston made history by becoming the first man to sail solo and non-stop around the globe in 1968-69.

One of nine sailors to compete in the Times Golden Globe Race, Sir Robin set off from Falmouth, with no sponsorship, on 14 June 1968. With his yacht Suhaili packed to the gunwales with supplies he set off on a voyage that was to last just over ten months. He arrived back in Falmouth after 312 days at sea, on 22 April 1969, securing his place in the history books.

Sir Robin wanted everyone to have the opportunity to experience the challenge and sheer exhilaration of ocean racing because there are far more flags of success on the top of Mount Everest than on the high seas.

Among many other races, in 2007 Sir Robin has circumnavigated again in the VELUX 5 OCEANS race at the age of 68. In addition, Sir Robin competed in the 10th anniversary edition of the Route de Rhum race which started in St Malo, France, on 2 November 2014, and finished at the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe.

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7 Global Sailing Races to Follow

By: Zeke Quezada, ASA Destinations , Event , Inside Sailing , Sailing Fun

As American Sailing evolves our curriculum to offer more racing options through North U, I am attempting to learn more about sailboat racing. If you are following along with my journey to become a racer, you know that I am a neophyte when it comes to racing. I am a cruiser. I am a self-described “lazy sailor” that does not focus on trimming my sails and instead works on not dropping my chips and salsa while sailing.

You can get an idea of my journey in my last two pieces on sailing and racing:

SAIL TRIM FOR CRUISERS: WHY TRIM YOUR SAILS?

HOW TO GRADUATE FROM CRUISER TO RACER — STEPS TO START RACING SAILBOATS

I plan to find out more about the serious and not-so-serious side of sailboat racing. Many people, even non-sailors, know what the America’s Cup is, and may have even turned on a sports network to catch a SailGP race. But there is far more to sailing races than those two.

Here’s an overview of seven of the big races, regattas, and race series that occur regularly around the world. These are iconic events, both old and new, that shape the world of racing and have inspired sailors for generations to challenge themselves to new heights, both on and off the water.

Cowes Week is one of the oldest and most prestigious sailing regattas in the world, held every August in the Solent waters off Cowes, UK. The event has been around since 1826, and it’s known for attracting some of the best sailors from around the globe. It’s the largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world, with up to 1,000 boats and 8,000 competitors taking part in the 40 daily sailing races.

Whether you’re an Olympic or world-class pro, or just a weekend sailor, Cowes Week is an event that has something for everyone. And even if you’re not into sailing, the regatta is still a spectacle to behold – with stunning views of the coastline and plenty of festivities both on and off the water. 

Once you discover the allure of racing it appears that Cowes Week might be worthy of a sailing vacation that includes either participating in a race or just being involved as a spectator. I am not there yet, but it could happen.

Next Race Date: July 29 – Aug 4, 2023 Cowes Week Website

The Ocean Race

I do know about The Ocean Race only because prior to the new owner taking over, it was the Volvo Ocean Race for twenty years and that is how they got me to buy a Volvo. I walked into the dealership and saw some mesmerizing sailboat pictures and I signed the contract and drove away.  I am a sucker.

The Ocean Race is a round-the-world yacht race that occurs every three years. It’s known as one of the most challenging sailing races globally, spanning over 45,000 nautical miles. The race consists of multiple legs and lasts about nine months. The race starts in Europe and ends in Asia or Oceania. The exact route changes with each edition of the race.

Both professional sailors and amateur sailors can participate in this race. The teams are composed of eight sailors, all racing on the same boats. These boats are specially designed to be fast and robust, capable of enduring the tough conditions of the open ocean.

This race used to be known as the Whitbread Round the World Race until it was renamed the Volvo Ocean Race and now is known as The Ocean Race.

Next Race Date: Currently in progress at the time of the post! The Ocean Race Website

America’s Cup 

My first foray into sailing racing was when Dennis Conner won the America’s Cup.  I was a kid watching the news and learned about sailing through this huge event on the vessel, Stars and Stripes. Years later I took a ride on what I was told was the same boat. I was skeptical about the origin of the vessel I was on but that day I learned a lot about how much I loved the idea of sailing. A couple of years later I bought a boat.

The America’s Cup is held every few years on dates agreed between the defender and the challenger. There is no fixed schedule, but the races have generally been held every three to four years. The most recent America’s Cup match took place in March 2021. 

The 37th America’s Cup Official Opening Ceremony will be held in Barcelona on 22 August 2024. The Final Preliminary Event and the Challenger Selection Series will follow, leading up to the America’s Cup Match that will start on 12 October 2024. During 2023/early 2024, there is potential for up to three preliminary events. By June 2023, all the teams will have their base set up and be training in Barcelona.

The competition takes place between teams representing different countries or yacht clubs. The event involves a series of races where high-tech racing yachts, known as America’s Cup Class boats, compete in head-to-head races that test their speed, agility, and teamwork.

The competition dates back to 1851 when a schooner called America won a race around the Isle of Wight. The trophy, now known as the America’s Cup, was donated to the New York Yacht Club and has since become one of the most prestigious prizes in sailing.

Next Race Date: October 12, 2024 The America’s Cup Website

Vendée Globe

If I was a racer I am sure that The Vendée Globe would be the race that would inspire me to go hard into this type of adventure. The Vendée Globe is a single-handed (solo) non-stop yacht race around the world without assistance. It takes place every four years and is an extreme form of sailing.  It is said that more people have been into space than have finished the Vendee Globe. First held in 1989, the race starts and ends in Les Sables-d’Olonne, a small town on the west coast of France, and covers a distance of approximately 45,000 km.

Sailors must navigate their way through some of the most treacherous waters on the planet, including the Southern Ocean and the Cape Horn. Sailors must rely solely on their own skills, knowledge, and experience to complete the race. They face extreme weather conditions, sleep deprivation, and the constant threat of danger as they navigate their way around the world. 

The boats are designed specifically for the event and are some of the most advanced sailing vessels in the world, capable of speeds of up to 30 knots.

Next Race Date: November 10, 2024 The Vend é e Globe Website

St. Maarten Heineken Regatta

I must confess that I had a very nice t-shirt from this regatta that I purchased at the St. Maarten airport. I was leaving the country and realized that I had not bought any souvenirs so I found this shirt in the terminal and wore it like a proud sailboat racer. I was an imposter, I had never even seen any of the race and I did not know it existed.

The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is a massive sailing event that takes place on the island of Sint Maarten in the Caribbean. It’s actually the biggest regatta in the Caribbean and the largest warm water regatta in the world.

The event attracts top sailors from 37 countries, who compete in a series of races over four days. The competition draws in sailors that are both professionals and passionate amateurs who just love to sail.

Next Race Date: Feb 29 – Mar 3, 2024 St. Maarten Regatta Website

Transpacific Yacht Race (Transpac)

If you live and sail in Southern California, you will hear about Transpac. I have heard about it, and I did not realize it was a race. I always figured it was a group of sailors who sailed across the Pacific to Hawaii in a large caravan, like a large flotilla, without any daily stops. I will confess that when I sailed my Catalina 27 five times a week, I had a few fantasies about tagging along in my boat and stopping over in Hawaii with the Transpac crowd. But, unfortunately, I was misguided.

The Transpacific Yacht Race (Transpac) is a biennial offshore yacht race held in odd-numbered years starting off the Pt. Fermin buoy in San Pedro, California, and ending off Diamond Head in Hawaii, a distance of around 2,225 nautical miles (2,560 mi; 4,121 km). It is one of the world’s oldest major ocean races for sailing yachts. The race was first held in 1906 and made a biennial event in 1939 to alternate with the Bermuda Race.

Next Race Date: June 27, 2023 TransPac Website

Now in its 4th season, SailGP is a newer series race held as a competition between nations on identical F50 catamarans. Currently the nations competing include Australia, New Zealand, Emirates Great Britain, France, Canada, Denmark, United States, Switzerland, and Spain. The race is held on weekends in iconic locations around the world modeled in a grand prix format similar to Formula 1 in which points accumulate throughout the season based on winnings from each race and contribute toward a championship. 

The race series has a really great app you can use to follow along and watch live, or on YouTube, and they are doing wonderful work expanding the sport’s impact initiatives through their second championship leaderboard that tracks the positive actions the teams make to reduce their overall carbon footprint and help accelerate inclusivity in sailing. The coverage of this series is great to watch – it has a high production value including live mics on the sailors and post race interviews with the sailors. The commentators do a good job educating the audience as to the basics of sailboat racing as well as explaining the racing rules.

Season 4 Opening Race: June 16-17, 2023 Chicago Sail GP Website

So which race strikes your fancy? Here’s hoping you enjoy some of these and find some new inspiration in your sailing journey!

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She sailed around the world solo — and learned to stop and smell the ocean breeze

Cole brauer became the first american woman to complete the global solo challenge.

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It took just four months for Cole Brauer to complete her historic solo sailing journey around the world — but she's already missing that ocean air. 

"I definitely miss being out on the water already. I'm 100-per-cent ready to go back," Brauer told As It Happens host Nil Köksal. "It's something that I miss at every second of every single day, just that fresh, pure ocean air."

Brauer arrived at A Coruña, Spain — the same place she started the trek — on March 7 from her trip around the world, making her the first American woman to complete the race known as the Global Solo Challenge.

The 29-year-old was the youngest competitor and the only woman of the fleet of 16 boats. She finished in second place. Philippe Delamare of France won the race, with the lone Canadian, William MacBrien, unable to finish after his boat started taking on water.

The journey spanned over 48,200 km, venturing to the capes of Africa, Australia and South America.

Brauer says that as a very driven person, the trip helped her slow down and enjoy life.

"If you just gorge yourself and eat all of your food within the first month, it's going to be very depressing for three months after that," said Brauer.

"So you really, really learn how to slow down, enjoy life, watch the sunrises, watch the sunsets."

Keeping people up-to-date

Brauer says the 130-day journey reminded of her the isolation that came during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Even during COVID, I thrived being alone and writing and taking notes and sailing by myself. And I feel like that was exactly the same way that I had felt on the boat," said Brauer.

But when Brauer left A Coruña on Oct. 29, 2023, she kept in touch with her friends by posting on Instagram with the help of the satellite internet service Starlink, and the team that was helping her on the journey.

And she didn't just share the good news. Part of the way through the journey, Brauer injured her rib. 

"I wanted to start this video by saying the last, like, 24 hours I've been so angry," she said in one of her video updates.

"Angry that things keep going wrong. I'm angry that my ribs hurt so bad. I don't want you guys to think I'm like [a] Superwoman or something."

Brauer said that was the lighter version of the story. In the original recording, she says she was cursing half the time, which made it not so suitable for social media. 

"For me, posting on Instagram, it was kind of a virtual diary. And sometimes you just need to get it out. And the majority of those videos were me just getting it off my chest," she said. 

When she arrived ashore in Spain, her friends and family were emotional that she had made it back. But Brauer says she didn't feel like she had even left, because she had been able to stay in contact with the people important to her. 

She says she was able to virtually join friends' dinner parties and talk to her mother on a regular basis. 

An inspiration

Brauer took on the challenge at what some might call a disadvantage. She is 152 cm tall, and has been prohibited from competing in some races because of her height. 

But Brauer didn't feel like it was a disadvantage.

"I've never been a bigger person. I only know what it's like to be a five foot, two inches, 100-pound woman," she said.

"To do things on the boat, I've always had to do things with a little bit extra steps and using mechanical advantage, using pulleys, using things that help me."

She hopes her story will help get more people into sailing. She suggests people check out boat clubs, which are far less expensive than yacht clubs.

"There is some infrastructure out there for cheaper sailing opportunities. There's just, one, there's not that many people that actually know about it. And two, a lot of kids are usually into doing, you know, more recognized team sports," said Brauer. 

As for Brauer, she is already getting ready to set sail again in June for a race. It won't take her around the entire world again, but she's looking forward to getting back on the water.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Philip Drost is a journalist with the CBC. You can reach him by email at [email protected].

Produced by Chris Trowbridge

Yachting Monthly

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Jeanne Socrates: 77 & solo non-stop around the world

• Katy Stickland
• May 17, 2020

Jeanne Socrates battled equipment failure during her record circumnavigation. She tells Katy Stickland how she overcame adversity

‘The further I got, the less likely it was that I’d give up,’ explained 77-year-old Jeanne Socrates, ‘Not that I was ever likely to, if I could help it!’

Sailing non-stop around the world solo and without assistance pushes the limits of any sailor.

Throw endless equipment failure into the mix and you begin to understand what a special kind of sailor Socrates is. Resourceful, yes. Determined, definitely.

During 339 days at sea in her Najad 380, Nereida , the British skipper, who now holds the record for the oldest woman to sail solo around the world non-stop and unassisted, had to endure periods becalmed and problems with many of her instruments, including the chartplotter and autopilot.

Broken reefing lines and lazyjacks, badly damaged windvane steering, and a shredded genoa also had to be overcome, as well as a badly torn mainsail which took months to repair.

This was Jeanne’s fourth attempt to become the oldest person to sail solo non-stop around the world without assistance. Credit: James Holkko/Maritime Museum of BC

While some might baulk at these sorts of trials, Socrates seems to thrive on them, even though they added four months to her voyage.

‘The challenge of managing to keep the boat going all the way around successfully and dealing with any number of unknown problems that were sure to crop up – that was the attraction, with the record resulting from my age being by-the-by,’ she explained.

A former maths and science teacher, Socrates starting sailing aged 48, with her late husband, George.

She qualified as a Yachtmaster Ocean after the couple had retired early to cruise extensively in their Najad 361, Nereida , before George was diagnosed with cancer, eventually losing his battle in 2003.

Alone, Socrates continued their cruising dreams, first sailing solo in July 2003 to spread George’s ashes at sea.

June 2008: disaster in Mexico with the loss of her Najad 361, Nereida . Credit: Jeanne Socrates

Three years later she raced in the 2006 Singlehanded TransPac from San Francisco to Hawaii before her first solo round the world voyage in 2007-08, which ended in disaster when Nereida ran aground on a beach north of Acapulco in Mexico, less than 60 miles short of the finish at the port of Zihuatanejo.

Unfazed, she commissioned her cutter-rigged Najad 380, also named Nereida, and two years later started her first non-stop attempt around the world, which ended in Cape Town due to rigging and other issues.

A knockdown off Cape Horn put paid to her second attempt, causing her to stop in Argentina to make repairs, although she continued sailing, circumnavigating via the Five Great Capes of the Southern Ocean – Cape Horn, Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin, South East Cape of Tasmania and the South Cape of Stewart Island.

Her third successful attempt took 258 days and earned her the world record title in 2013 of the oldest woman to sail single-handedly around the world. She was 70.

Jeanne and her late husband George cruised extensively on their Najad 361, Nereida. Credit: Ladonna Buback

Three years later, and she was ready to do it all over again, although it would once again take several attempts. Storms and broken gear ended two attempts in 2016.

A fall from a ladder while Nereida was on the hard ended plans until 2018 while Socrates recovered from a broken neck and 11 ribs. So why make a fourth attempt?

‘I really wanted to experience the Southern Ocean again; it is a very special, remote place with wonderful, though sadly threatened, birdlife. I also wanted to make some long ocean passages again as I had missed those over the years since my last record attempt. A friend pointed out that if I went around solo now, I’d become the oldest person, rather than the oldest woman, to do so,’ is her reply.

The best laid plans

Prior to leaving, she removed the bunk bedding and cushions from the forepeak and aft cabin bunks to improve access to the batteries, computer and compass, steering quadrant, and wiring – a move that was to prove prudent.

The two-part companionway washboards were replaced with a well-sealed one-piece Lexan panel, which improved light down below and visibility.

A clear, zippered storm screen was attached to the underside of the hard top over the companionway to give Socrates protection from the elements. Sections of running rigging were also replaced.

Like her 2013 circumnavigation, Jeanne removed the bunk bedding and cushions from the forepeak to improve access. Credit: Michael Robertson

The main sail, new in 2016, was reinforced with batten pockets, and she carried plenty of spare rope for sheets, reefing lines and braided Spectra, as well as a spare vane cover and rudder for her Hydrovane steering.

She admits that while she had prepared for some gear failure she hadn’t expected so much to go wrong.

‘I felt I had a guardian demon on this trip rather than a guardian angel as everything that could possibly go wrong with the boat and the weather did,’ she noted.

The problems started early on. Seven weeks into her voyage, in the middle of the South Pacific, Nereida ’s boom kicker strut came away.

The gooseneck mast fitting lashed to the mast to prevent is following the kicker strut. Credit: Jeanne Socrates

Having removed the remaining protruding rivets with a hammer, Socrates decided to lash the strut baseplate around the mast using Spectra line.

She then noticed the gooseneck mast fitting was in the same state and so lashed that to the mast too.

Without a working gas-strut on the vang, with the mainsail either reefed or down, the boom was hitting the bimini metal work, so Socrates added a topping lift to the end of the boom though that also later parted after rough conditions in the Southern Ocean, so she then had to use the spinnaker halyard instead.

Socrates also wrestled with Nereida ’s sails. She went for months without a mainsail while sailing the Southern Atlantic and Indian Oceans, after it ripped badly while hove-to in strong winds in January off the Falkland Islands.

The boom kicker strut came away and had to be lashed to the mast. Credit: Jeanne Socrates

A length along the leech was torn and had separated from the body of the sail between the top two battens.

‘I’d not expected my mainsail to tear as it did, probably due to the many times I’d heaved-to to keep safe. It would have been useful to have learned how to sew and repair sails and to have had more sail repair material available, along with a good flexible adhesive,’ reflected Socrates.

Misfortune favours the brave

Realising she was unable to remove the sail from the mast to take it down below for repairs, she tried to work on the sail in situ on the boom, but the perpetual swell made it difficult.

She initially used Gorilla tape, but soon decided it would probably give way in strong conditions so she continued without her main and pondered on a better plan for repair.

Lack of mainsail slowed Socrates down, with the threat of winter getting closer and weather patterns changing for the worst as she sailed on.

Jeanne found there were more stormy weather systems and frequent deep lows compared to her 2013 voyage. Credit: Jeanne Socrates

Two months later, when conditions had finally improved, she removed the sail slides from the track and managed to bring the 9ft section down onto the deck to sew.

It was a long job, and it wasn’t until 25 May that she finally raised her mainsail again.

It would later need further repairs, with tears lower down the sail being repaired with Gorilla tape while making her way back up the Pacific.

The repairs held well enough for her to complete her circumnavigation at Victoria, British Columbia in early September.

She didn’t have much better luck with her genoa, which she nearly lost overboard off the South American coast two months into her circumnavigation, after the end of the furling line became disconnected from its drum.

Jeanne often hoved to in order to avoid the worst of the weather, here off the Falkland Islands, NE of Cape Horn. Credit: Jeanne Socrates

‘The big headsail rapidly unfurled itself and began madly flapping in the wind, with its sheets lashing out at everything around. It was a nightmare. I heaved to and pulled in on the upwind genoa sheet to keep as much of the sail inboard as possible. The problem with getting it down was that it could all end up being blown into the sea,’ recalled Socrates.

Out on deck, she released the halyard bit by bit, going forward in between to grab as much of the sail as possible and lashing it down with line and sail ties.

With daylight fading, she managed to get most of it in, although some of it ended up in the sea, becoming impossible to retrieve with all the seawater it held.

Without all of the sail on deck, she also couldn’t continue sailing.

Two days later, with the wind at a fairly constant 18-20 knots, she sorted out her lashings so she could bring the genoa in without it becoming tangled.

After attaching further lines, she winched the sail back onto the boat, a process which took hours, not helped by the seas washing over Nereida ’s deck.

Once safely stowed, Socrates started sailing again.

‘It was all very tiring and I was soaking wet, but it was great to be underway again and brilliant that the plan worked so well,’ she recalled.

‘Not until 7 January was it possible to undo the lashings, get the genoa off the deck and untwist it as it was hoisted on to the forestay foil and furled up – without it ending back in the sea!’

Solo birthday celebrations at sea

The genoa served her well until a Pacific storm in mid August left it shredded. Well and truly wrapped around the forestay, Socrates continued using Nereida ’s storm jib on the inner forestay.

‘It was impossible to unfurl the tattered genoa from the forestay. It was too tangled in place around the foil for the material that was torn away from the edges (leech and foot) to come undone,’ she explains.

Two days earlier, Socrates had celebrated her 77th birthday, indulging in a rare shower and enjoying a sundowner made with the last of her precious mango juice and a good slug of gin.

Instruments and batteries were another big headache, and could have been ‘show stoppers’ for the circumnavigation.

Enjoying offshore sailing – a rare moment with the endless gear breakages she had to contend with. Credit: Jeanne Socrates

The plotter circuit breaker tripped several times early in the voyage, but a thorough clean got it working again, although it was to cause problems later on, leaving Socrates without any instruments at all for parts of her voyage, and no autopilot on occasions.

At the same time the batteries were not charging properly and she thought she might have to stop at Melbourne, Australia, to make repairs just after Easter.

She needed well-charged batteries to run the watermaker and her autopilot. This was essential after a storm in April off Australia left her windvane irreparably damaged.

‘Fortunately, one by one I was able, by approaching the problems calmly and logically, to overcome the instrumentation and autopilot challenges, helped by having certain spares and cable on board and also by discussions with friends,’ she says.

She had time to focus on solving the battery charging issues after a knockdown in 45-knot winds and 8m seas on 15 May on approach to Stewart Island forced her to stop in New Zealand.

Under non-stop and unassisted rules, she could moor or anchor as long as she didn’t touch land or seek assistance.

The batteries were badly sulphated, a problem solved by disconnecting each battery and charging it at high voltage via a small generator.

Jeanne was recognised by the Ocean Cruising Club for her record breaking feat. Credit: Jeanne Socrates

The knockdown also left her without her specially modified drill, which had been adapted to work in place of a winch handle, making sail handling easier.

Instead, she had to make the most of Nereida ’s self-tailing winches as she sailed back up the Pacific, crossing the Equator into the Northern Hemisphere on 23 July before dodging tropical storms off Hawaii.

Socrates doesn’t see her age as a barrier, although she has ruled out another record attempt. She thinks she is perhaps ‘unusual’ as although there are many female solo skippers, many do not sail long distances.

It is telling of Socrates that the final entry on her circumnavigation blog is titled ‘Life is precious, make the most of it’.

That is her philosophy, having just sailed 27,911 miles around the world, enduring knockdowns, calms and gear breakages, but also experiencing the joy of ocean sunrises, sightings of albatross, rounding each of the Five Capes and the warm friendships she’s forged with members of the Single Side Band (SSB) radio network, her lifeline to the outside world.

With plans to refit Nereida and cruise to the likes of Fiji and Polynesia at her own pace, it seems Socrates will continue to ‘make the most of it’. A lesson for us all, perhaps.

[NB: This article first appeared in Yachting Monthly ‘s December 2019 issue. When Jeanne Socrates finished her circumnavigation on 7 September 2019, she became the oldest person to sail around the world singlehandedly, unassisted and non-stop. This record has now passed to Australian solo sailor Bill Hatfield, who was aged 81 years 39 days when he sailed into The Spit on Australia’s Gold Coast on 22 February 2020 having completed a 295-day solo and non-stop circumnavigation. He took the more challenging westerly route, against the prevailing winds aboard his 38-foot Northshore yacht L’Eau Commotion. Bill Hatfield did not pass south of either Tasmania or New Zealand. This means Jeanne Socrates still holds the record as the oldest person to sail around the world singlehandedly, unassisted and non-stop via the Five Great Capes. ] 

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Ny skipper cole brauer overcame broken ribs, deteriorating boat to become first us woman to sail solo around the world.

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She sailed her way into the history books. 

A 29-year-old skipper from New York has become the first US woman to sail solo around the world.

Cole Brauer, from Long Island, tearfully reunited with her family in A Coruña, Spain, on Thursday after a gruelling 30,000-mile journey that took 130 days.

The 5-foot-2 trailblazer placed second out of 16 in the daring Global Solo Challenge, which kicked off in October off the coast of the port city, located in northwestern Spain.

“I can’t believe it guys. I sailed around the world,” Brauer said as she approached the finish line in an Instagram live video. “That’s crazy. That’s absolutely crazy. This is awesome. Let’s just do it again. Let’s keep going!”

She was the only woman in the event and also the youngest competitor. She sailed into A Coruña to a cheering crowd just a day before International Women’s Day on March 8.

“It would be amazing if there was just one girl that saw me and said, ‘Oh, I can do that too,’” Brauer  told NBC  of her history-making effort. More than half of the other competitors has dropped out as of Thursday.

Brauer’s  sailing profile on Global Solo Challenge’s website  said her goal has always been to be “the First American Woman to Race Around the World.”

“With this goal, I hope to show that this very male-dominated sport and community can become more open and less ‘traditional,'” it reads.

The East Hampton native didn’t even take up sailing until she decamped to the University of Hawai’i for college in 2014, her profile explained.

“I grew up on a nature preserve, wandering through the tall grass of the creek and playing in the mud watching the tide come in,” she said of her childhood in Suffolk County.

“When I moved to Hawaii for university, all I wanted was to get out on the water. Feel at home. Accessing the sailing community in Hawaii was the logical step,” she added.

Brauer turned pro after college, and started seriously chasing the idea of a round-the-world race after her mentor, Tim Fetsch, sent her a book by record-setting female skipper Dame Ellen MacArthur.

By the time she set sail on her global adventure on Oct. 29, Brauer was already a record-setter: Last summer, she became the first woman to win the Bermuda One-Two race, the Providence Journal reported at the time.

Brauer documented the treacherous Global Solo Challenge for her 459,000 Instagram followers from aboard her beloved 40-foot monohull racing boat, First Light.

Like her pint-sized, 100-pound owner, First Light has a quicksilver edge – and is only large enough to typically hold a one- or two-person crew.

The race path took Brauer down the western coast of Africa before she sailed into the Southern Ocean in early December, where she’d cement second place in the challenge.

She often showed fans her peaceful mornings and on-board workout sessions in the Atlantic Ocean.

“Cole wants to prove you can go around the world and watch Netflix every once in a while, and wear your pajamas,” her media manager, Lydia Mullan,  told the New York Times  of the realistic look at boat life.

“As for her mental health, she’s really creating a space in her routine for herself, to create that joy she hasn’t seen in other sailors,” Mullan added.

But even Brauer’s tenacious outlook at times gave way for the hardships of living at sea.

In December, she suffered a rib injury when she was violently thrown across her boat because of broaching — when a boat unintentionally changes direction toward the wind — in the rough waters near Africa. 

Despite the injury, Brauer said she had no other choice but to power through the pain and keep sailing.

“There’s no option at that point. You’re so far away from land that there’s no one who can rescue you or come and grab you,” she told the “Today” show Thursday. “You kind of just need to keep moving along and keep doing everything.”

Brauer’s grit during the journey recalled her time in Hawaii, when she borrowed from her background as a varsity soccer player, track and field runner, and cheerleader to thrive on the UH team — all while juggling her studies in nutrition science and a full-time job. 

“It’s more strategy than anything,” she told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser in May 2016, when she captained the four-time national championship-qualifying team.

Brauer told NBC on Sunday that solo sailors “have to be able to do everything.”

“You have to be able to get up even when you’re so exhausted and you have to be able to fix everything on the boat.”

She reached the Pacific Ocean on December 29 and traveled past the southernmost point of South America and back into the Atlantic on January 27.

As she missed the holidays back home, Brauer decorated First Light with decorations fit for the occasion — pumpkins and ghosts for Halloween, a small felt Christmas tree, and broke out a dress and champagne for New Year’s Day. 

Brauer also told the outlet that she started to feel the boat “deteriorating” and “starting to break down” as she made her final push through the Atlantic. 

She then deliberately slowed her arrival time near the finish line to coordinate with the “first light” — when light is first seen in the morning — in honor of her boat’s namesake.

“I’m glad that out of all times, I’m coming in at first light,” Brauer said. “It’s only necessary.”

As she crossed the finish line, Brauer held two flares above her head to signal an end to her over four-month-long campaign.

“Amazing finish!!!! So stoked! Thank you to everyone that came together and made this process possible,” she wrote on Instagram.

Following her second-place finish, Brauer received a fresh cappuccino and croissant, the breakfast she had been craving for months while at sea, she said.

French skipper Philippe Delamare, who started the race a month before Brauer, won the Global Solo Challenge on Feb. 24. Start dates were staggered based on performance characteristics.

A highlight of Brauer’s return to dry land will be reuniting with her mom, dad, and younger sister.

“They think I’m nuts,” Brauer told the Providence Journal of her parents’ response to her big sailing dream.

“I think that they’re much more proud of me now, especially because they’re starting to realize that this 10-year adventure I’ve been on isn’t just me gallivanting around the world…not really fulfilling what my mind and body was made to do, which is what my parents always wanted me to do,” she added.

Now, Brauer is joining a storied lineage of esteemed female skippers who came before her.

Polish skipper Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz was the first woman to sail solo around the world, traveling almost 36,000 miles from 1976 to 1978. 

British sailor Ellen MacArthur became the fastest solo sailor to sail around the world in 2005 when she traveled over 31,000 miles in 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes 33 seconds.

Brauer hopes to serve as the same inspiration as the sailing pioneers. 

“I push so much harder when someone is like, ‘you can’t do that.’ And I’m like, ‘OK, watch me,’” she told NBC. “It would be amazing if there was one other girl who saw me and said, “Oh, I can do that too.”

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After sailing around the world, Cole Brauer says she's more grounded than ever

Cole Brauer's adventure put her in the history books and in the heart of the most isolated and dangerous places on Earth. Not to mention Instagram .

The southern oceans of the Atlantic and Pacific that Brauer endured alone in her 30,000-mile sailboat voyage brought her face-to-face with bigger waves and storms than most people will ever see."It's like going to Mars and hoping that you can breathe," says Brauer, who became the first American woman this month to sail solo nonstop around the globe . "It's not made for humans."

She's now a seafaring celebrity who has been deluged with more questions about aquatic travel and surviving the dangers of the deep than Jules Verne and Jacques Cousteau. That's because Brauer's social media followers now total half a million, and many are asking about her journey and how she did it.

"With this newfound fame, I want to keep my feet on the ground," says the 29-year-old from Long Island. She's looking to chart a new course in the sailing industry, which has historically been a bastion of elitism and exclusivity, she said.

Brauer used Starlink − the low-orbit satellite network owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk − to get an internet signal on her voyage so that she could talk to her team, FaceTime with her mother and post videos to Instagram from her 40-foot Class40 sailboat, First Light.

She departed from A Coruña, Spain, on Oct. 29 and was at sea for 130 days. She competed against 15 male sailors, eight of whom had to drop out. Sailors set off at staggered times, depending on the speed of their boat. Brauer finished second in the race, behind France's Phillipe Delamare.

"Cole put in a tremendous effort to achieve a tremendous result," said Marco Nannini, who organized the Global Solo Challenge race.

Treacherous conditions in the Southern Hemisphere

Because the race took Brauer around the world, she had to endure scorching temperatures near the equator and near-freezing cold in the globe's southern oceans − where waters are more choppy and dangerous to sail, she said.

"I always had respect for the ocean, but this was an absolute different level," Brauer said. "It's beautiful. It's uninhabited. It's just untouched by humans."

Stronger winds and underwater currents in the Indian, South Atlantic and Pacific oceans often react to form bigger waves and "crazy storms," Brauer said, making those areas "some of the most dangerous places to be on the planet."

Unlike the part of the Atlantic Ocean stretching between North America and Europe, the southern oceans have a lot less traffic, Brauer said. During the two months she sailed there, she said, she saw only one other boat. The weather was colder and grayer, and the nights were much shorter.

The scariest moment came about two weeks from the end of race, when over just a couple days a fellow competitor had to abandon his ship because it started to sink and another had to do the same after his boat lost its mast.

It caused Brauer to feel paranoid, she said, even imagining noises coming from her own boat, which was also going through normal wear and tear.

"I just felt like, 'Oh my gosh, what's going to break next?'" she said. "Is the boat going to break in half?"

Alone in the middle of the ocean, Brauer felt homesickness, then zen

Brauer made it all the way around the world the same way any sailor goes from one point to another: staying out of direct wind and tacking from one direction to the next until she finally got to the finish line.

"You want to go straight, but you can't," she said. "You can't sail directly into the breeze; you have to tack back and forth at a 45-degree angle. I went around the world tacking, and jibing, and eventually you make it there − but there's a lot of twists and turns."

Brauer also had to constantly check the weather and change sails while also maintaining the boat.

"Everything has the possibility of breaking," Brauer said.

Brauer slept on a pile of bedding on the boat's floor for two to four hours at a time. She boiled water and used a warm wash cloth to bathe, she said. She packed 160 days' worth of freeze-dried food, including a peaches and cream oats mix that became her favorite.

Despite the technical challenges of sailing around the world, homesickness was by far the biggest challenge, she said. In Spain, before she set off on the race, nightly family-style dinners with teammates and group outings in A Coruña created intense personal bonds that she longed for on the ocean.

"All of a sudden I had a family of like 12, and you get very used to being surrounded by all these boisterous and loud people," she said.

But then, something clicked one evening when Brauer was in the boat's bow watching the colors of the sunset bleed through a massive sail.

"My body and my mind finally got used to being out there and and knowing that this was like where I was supposed to be," she said.

Brauer said she saw dolphins, sea turtles, plenty of fish and even a whale as big as her boat.

"It's just so magical," she said.

Pitch-black night skies were another highlight, Brauer said, especially when she was sailing through hot areas and the darkness brought cooler temperatures.

Brauer documented every moment on Instagram

Brauer shared details of her journey with tens of thousands of followers on Instagram. At the start of the race, her Instagram account had 10,000 followers and now boasts nearly 500,000.

Creating and posting more than 150 original videos from the boat allowed Brauer to stay connected with other people even when she was in the middle of the ocean.

Many of Brauer's videos showed her raw emotions up close, like in one post from early in the race when she angrily vents about the moment she realized she'd have to fix several boat parts on her own.

"Right now I've been feeling just broken," she says in the video.

That vulnerability is what's allowing Brauer to chart a new course in the sailing industry, she said.

"I've shown a good piece of me. I've put my heart and soul out there and I think a lot of people are really afraid to do that," she told USA TODAY. "If you want to judge me for changing or molding myself a different way, you don't have to follow me."

Race win was a team effort

Brauer surrounded herself with a team of sailors and experts who helped guide her from ashore. There were medical staff, a weather router, an expert rigger, an electronic systems manager, a sailmaker and many other team members.

Next, Brauer and her behind-the-scenes team are preparing for the Vendée Globe in 2028, another around-the-world race with stricter rules and a bigger cash prize. She won 5,000 euros (about $5,430) for finishing second in the Global Solo Challenge.

That race will be far more difficult, Brauer said, because the sailors have to race on their own and cannot receive any verbal assistance from their teammates on land.

Almost two weeks since reaching dry land, Brauer said, she now craves being out on the ocean more than ever and even feels a sense of pain when she's not able to see the water or look up to see a sky covered in white, fluffy clouds.

"The fear used to be about the boat, when I was on the boat. Now the fear is not being out there," she said. "I'm not afraid of the ocean − I'm afraid of not being on the ocean."

As for her goal of sailing around the world?

"I did everything that it took to get here, and now I can bask in it. I made the biggest dream that I could possibly think of doing and then did it."

Sailor Cole Brauer makes history as the first American woman to race solo around the world

Aboard her 40-foot racing boat First Light ,  29-year-old Cole Brauer just became the first American woman to race nonstop around the world by herself.

The New York native pulled into A Coruña, Spain, on Thursday after a treacherous 30,000-mile journey that took 130 days.

She thanked a cheering crowd of family and fans who had been waiting for her on shore.

“This is really cool and so overwhelming in every sense of the word,” she exclaimed, before drinking Champagne from her trophy.

The 5-foot-2 powerhouse placed second out of 16 avid sailors who competed in the Global Solo Challenge, a circumnavigation race that started in A Coruña with participants from 10 countries. The first-of-its-kind event   allowed a wide range of boats to set off in successive departures based on performance characteristics. Brauer started on Oct. 29, sailing down the west coast of Africa, over to Australia, and around the tip of South America before returning to Spain.

Brauer is the only woman and the youngest competitor in the event — something she hopes young girls in and out of the sport can draw inspiration from.

“It would be amazing if there was just one girl that saw me and said, ‘Oh, I can do that too,’” Brauer said of her history-making sail.

It’s a grueling race, and more than half of the competitors have dropped out so far. One struck something that caused his boat to flood, and another sailor had to abandon his ship after a mast broke as a severe storm was moving in.

The four-month journey is fraught with danger, including navigating the three “Great Capes” of Africa, Australia and South America. Rounding South America’s Cape Horn, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet, is often likened to climbing Mount Everest because of its perfect storm of hazards — a sharp rise in the ocean floor and whipping westerly winds push up massive waves. Combined with the frigid waters and stray icebergs, the area is known as a graveyard for ships, according to NASA. Brauer  said  she was “so unbelievably stoked” when she sailed past Cape Horn in January.

Marco Nannini, organizer of the Global Solo Challenge, said the comparison to scaling Mount Everest doesn’t capture the difficulty of the race. Sailing solo means not just being a skipper but a project manager — steering the boat, fixing equipment, understanding the weather and maintaining one’s physical health.

Nannini cited the relatively minuscule number of people who have sailed around the world solo — 186, according to the International Association of Cape Horners — as evidence of the challenges that competitors face. More than 6,000 people have climbed Mount Everest, according to  High Adventure Expeditions .

Brauer stared down 30-foot waves that had enough force to throw her across the boat. In a scare caught on camera, she badly injured her rib   near the halfway point of the event. At another point, her team in the U.S. directed Brauer to insert an IV into her own arm due to dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.

She was able to stay in constant communication with members of her team, most of whom are based in New England,   and keep herself entertained with Netflix and video calls with family through Starlink satellites.   That’s also how Brauer was able to use Zoom to connect with NBC News for an interview, while she was sailing about 1,000 miles west of the Canary Islands.

While Brauer was technically alone on First Light, she had the company of 450,000 followers on Instagram, where she frequently got candid about life on an unforgiving sea while reflecting on her journey.

“It all makes it worth it when you come out here, you sit on the bow, and you see how beautiful it is,” she said in an Instagram video, before panning the camera to reveal the radiant sunrise.

Brauer grew up on Long Island but didn’t learn to sail until she went to college in Hawaii. She traded in her goal of becoming a doctor for life on the water. But she quickly learned making a career as a sailor is extremely difficult, with professional racers often hesitant to welcome a 100-pound young woman on their team.

Even when she was trying to find sponsors for the Global Solo Challenge, she said a lot of people “wouldn’t touch her with a 10-foot pole” because they saw her as a “liability.”

Brauer’s message to the skeptics and naysayers? “Watch me.”

“I push so much harder when someone’s like, ‘No, you can’t do that,’ or ‘You’re too small,’” Brauer explained.

“The biggest asset is your mental strength, not the physical one,” Nannini said. “Cole is showing everyone that.”

Brauer hopes to continue competing professionally and is already eyeing another around-the-world competition, but not before she gets her hands on a croissant and cappuccino.

“My mouth is watering just thinking about that.”

Emilie Ikeda is an NBC News correspondent.

Oceania wants travelers to live on its new luxury cruise ship for 6 months while it sails to 43 countries. A trip starts at $60K — see what it'll be like.

• Oceania announced a 180-day 2026 world cruise from Miami to 101 ports, starting at $59,700 a person.
• The premium cruise brand tapped its new luxury ship, Vista , for the 43-country itinerary.
• Oceania's 2024 world cruise set sail in January after it sold out in 30 minutes.

Oceania Cruises wants you to spend at least $59,700 — and 180 days — living on its newest cruise ship while it sails 360 degrees around the globe.

And if the itinerary's bookings are anything like the company's previous global sailings , this six-month cruise could sell out — fast. Bookings for this cruise officially open on March 13.

The brand's around-the-world itineraries have become wildly hyped over the last few years. In January, its most recent world cruise on the fully booked Insignia departed from Los Angeles on a similar 180-day, 96-port journey.

When reservations opened two years prior, that ship was sold out in 30 minutes. Oceania is a high-end brand of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

Looking ahead, Oceania’s 2026 global itinerary is set to be bigger, better, and on a newer ship.

The premium cruise line has frequently picked the 684-guest Insignia as its world cruise vessel of choice.

But this time, it's switching "ship" up: The company has tapped its newest vessel, the 1,200-guest Vista, for its 2026 itinerary. And it won't be a light trial run: The sailing is set to include 101 ports across 43 countries — and the cruise line says tours will hit 81 UNESCO World Heritage sites .

On January 6, 2026, Oceania says the Vista will depart Miami and spend the first six weeks sailing to destinations along the coast of South America.

The ship would then head back north to ports in Mexico, Southern California, and Hawaii before chugging along to South Pacific islands like Bora Bora.

From there, the itinerary includes several ports in Australia.

After these stops, the ship would head north and west, continuing to destinations like Singapore and Mumbai as it sails from Southeast Asia to India.

From the world’s most populous country, the Vista would then journey to Middle East destinations like Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Muscat, Oman.

After sailing through the Suez Canal, the ship would begin hitting a series of ports throughout the Mediterranean, Europe, and the British Isles.

And following a few stops in Iceland, the Vista would finally begin its journey back to North America.

After pit stops in Halifax, Canada, New York, and Charleston, South Carolina, the half-year journey would finally conclude where it started: in sunny Miami.

Whew, what a journey!

Throughout these six months, travelers would get to live out their “Suite Life on Deck” dreams.

The new 791-foot-long Vista flexes cabins that start at 240 square feet.

Seafaring guests could spend their days at sea luxuriating in the ship's spa and library.

Folks who prefer to occupy their time with more hands-on activities can instead take cooking and art classes.

Oceania says its culinary program and “destination-focused” itineraries are its bread-and-butter.

The latter has already been covered: The 2026 world cruise is set to hit 101 ports, after all.

As for the former, Oceania's Vista could have enough restaurants to satisfy even the pickiest of foodies.

The almost one-year-old ship has 11 dining options, from afternoon tea to dishes created by the ship's godmother, celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis.

Guests could spend their mornings grabbing an espresso at the coffee shop.

And at night (or any time: it's five o'clock "somewhere" when you sail through every time zone, right?), guests can sip on flashy bourbon and rye-based cocktails at the Founders Bar.

Six months at sea isn’t for everyone. But for some travelers, the itinerary’s starting cost of $59,700 per person could be an absolute steal.

Planning a multi-country trip can be complex: Think of all the hotels, flights, and land transportation you'd have to coordinate.

But on a world cruise, these logistics are all planned for you. Oceania's fare also includes first-class roundtrip flights and transfers, internet, and laundry.

The best part?

You'll probably lose fewer pairs of socks on a world cruise versus a do-it-yourself vacation: No need to unpack and repack every few days when you'll be living in the same cabin for the entire vacation.

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