How to Sail Around the World

1. Voyaging Under Sail: A Blend of Pleasure and Freedom

... for every one engaged in long-distance cruising there are probably a thousand others who dream about it.

The Allure of the Sea. The dream of sailing around the world is a powerful one, fueled by the desire for simplicity, independence, and the challenge of navigating the open ocean. It's a life that strips away the trivialities of modern existence, offering a direct connection to nature and a sense of self-reliance.

Reality Check. However, the romantic vision of cruising often overshadows the realities of hard work, potential dangers, and the constant need for maintenance and repair. It requires a combination of desire, planning, and a willingness to confront challenges head-on.

The Sailor's Spirit. Ultimately, long-distance sailing is about more than just owning a boat; it's about cultivating the spirit of a sailor – someone with the aptitude to fix things, the willingness to work, and the resilience to overcome adversity. It's about embracing the "pleasure and the freedom" that comes from being independent and accountable for one's own actions.

2. Hull Materials: Weighing the Options for Strength and Longevity

Steel is cheap, and careful design and modern painting systems deal effectively with rust and corrosion.

Material Choices. The hulls of sailing yachts are typically constructed from wood, steel, aluminum, ferro-cement, or fiberglass, each offering a unique set of advantages and disadvantages. The choice of material significantly impacts the vessel's strength, weight, maintenance requirements, and overall cost.

Wood's Warmth and Challenges. Wood offers a traditional aesthetic and can be worked into beautiful designs, but it's susceptible to rot, marine borers, and requires skilled craftsmanship for construction and maintenance. Steel provides exceptional strength and is relatively inexpensive, but it's prone to rust and requires careful surface preparation and painting.

Aluminum's Lightweight Advantage. Aluminum is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for performance-oriented yachts, but it's more expensive than steel and requires specialized welding techniques. Fiberglass offers a good balance of strength, durability, and ease of maintenance, but it can be susceptible to blistering and requires careful construction to prevent water intrusion.

3. Fiberglass Revolution: The Magic and Potential Pitfalls

In a laminate the amount of strengthening glass filament runs about 30 percent, a good deal more than the percentage of steel in reinforced concrete.

The Rise of Fiberglass. The introduction of fiberglass (FRP) revolutionized boatbuilding, offering a strong, stable, and relatively low-maintenance alternative to traditional materials like wood. Fiberglass hulls are resistant to rot and marine borers, and their ability to be molded into complex shapes allows for efficient and hydrodynamic designs.

Fiberglass Construction. Fiberglass hulls are constructed by layering glass fabrics and saturating them with resin, creating a strong and durable laminate. The process involves careful attention to detail, ensuring proper resin-to-fiber ratios and eliminating air bubbles to maximize strength and prevent future problems.

Potential Problems. Despite its advantages, fiberglass is not without its drawbacks. It can be susceptible to blistering, particularly in warmer waters, and requires careful attention to detail during construction to prevent water intrusion. The materials are expensive, and the work is a messy, smelly business.

4. Finding Your Yacht: Balancing Dreams with Practicalities

Costs don’t stop when you finally purchase the yacht of your dreams. That’s the moment the costs begin!

Used vs. New. The decision to buy a used or new yacht involves a trade-off between cost, condition, and personal preferences. Used boats offer significant savings and may come with valuable equipment, but they often require repairs and upgrades. New boats provide a blank canvas for customization but come with a higher price tag and potential depreciation.

Size Matters. The size of the yacht should be carefully considered, taking into account the intended use, crew size, and budget. Larger yachts offer more space and comfort but come with increased maintenance costs and handling challenges. Smaller yachts are more manageable and affordable but may compromise on living space and storage capacity.

Essential Considerations. Before making a purchase, it's crucial to assess your sailing skills, crew experience, and financial resources. A thorough inspection by a qualified surveyor is essential to identify potential problems and ensure the yacht's seaworthiness.

5. Sail Inventory: Matching Sails to Weather for Optimal Performance

A good sailor is always studying and learning and asking questions.

Sail Power. A well-chosen sail inventory is essential for maximizing a yacht's performance and safety in varying weather conditions. The ideal sail plan should provide ample power in light airs while allowing for easy and efficient sail reduction in strong winds.

Headsail Choices. A versatile headsail inventory might include a roller-furling genoa for light to moderate winds, a staysail for heavier conditions, and a storm jib for extreme weather. Spinnakers and other light-weather sails can significantly enhance downwind performance in light airs.

Mainsail Management. The mainsail should be equipped with a reliable reefing system, allowing for quick and easy sail reduction as the wind increases. Slab reefing is a popular and effective method, providing good sail shape and control.

6. Planning the Trip: Charting a Course to Minimize Risks

According to Chilean sailors, the wind always blows from the bow.

Weather Wisdom. Careful planning is essential for minimizing risks and maximizing enjoyment on long voyages. This involves studying weather patterns, seasonal variations, and potential hazards along the intended route.

Essential Resources. Key resources for trip planning include:

• Ocean Passages for the World: Provides route recommendations and weather information.
• Pilot Charts: Offer detailed data on winds, currents, and sea conditions.
• Sailing Directions: Provide information on coastlines, ports, and local regulations.

Strategic Routing. The goal is to choose routes that offer favorable winds, currents, and weather conditions while avoiding areas known for storms, hazards, or difficult navigation. This may involve deviating from the most direct course to take advantage of prevailing weather patterns.

7. The Anchor Game: Mastering the Art of Secure Anchorage

It was my friend, the late Hawaii-based sailor Bob Griffith, who spoke of “the pleasure and the freedom” inherent in world cruising.

Anchor Selection. Choosing the right anchor is crucial for ensuring a secure and peaceful anchorage. Different anchor types are suited to different bottom conditions, and it's wise to carry a variety of anchors to cover various situations.

Scope and Technique. Proper anchoring technique involves using sufficient scope (the ratio of cable to depth) to ensure a horizontal pull on the anchor, allowing it to dig in effectively. It's also important to consider the holding ground, tidal currents, and potential hazards in the anchorage.

Safety First. Always check the set of the anchor by motoring astern and observing the yacht's position relative to fixed landmarks. Be prepared to deploy a second anchor if conditions warrant, and never underestimate the importance of a well-maintained and reliable anchoring system.

8. Self-Steering: Harnessing Wind and Water for Hands-Free Navigation

I’ve learned that sailing to the far corners of the world takes a yeasty combination of desire and reality, of planning and scheming and hope.

Wind Vanes. Wind-vane steering gears offer a mechanical means of steering a yacht without the need for constant human input. These devices use the power of the wind to control the rudder, providing a reliable and energy-efficient solution for long-distance sailing.

Autopilots. Autopilots provide an electronic alternative to wind-vane steering, using a compass and electronic controls to maintain a set course. Autopilots are particularly useful in light airs or when motoring, but they require a reliable source of electricity.

Sheet-to-Tiller. Sheet-to-tiller steering is a simple and ingenious method of self-steering that utilizes the wind pressure on the sails to control the rudder. This technique requires careful adjustment and a good understanding of sail trim, but it can be a valuable skill for any cruising sailor.

9. Night Sailing: Navigating the Darkness with Vigilance and Skill

The people you meet away from home will help you, but only if you have something to give in return, whether it’s an idea, a skill, a shared experience, or the glimpse of another kind of life.

Essential Equipment. Night sailing requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Navigation lights are essential for visibility, and a reliable compass and depth sounder are crucial for maintaining course and avoiding hazards.

Maintaining Vigilance. A proper lookout is essential for detecting other vessels, navigational aids, and potential dangers. Regular compass bearings and radar sweeps can help maintain situational awareness and prevent collisions.

Adapting to Darkness. Adjusting to the darkness is crucial for maximizing night vision. Avoid bright lights and use red-filtered lights for essential tasks like chart reading and instrument monitoring.

10. Storm Management: Strategies for Surviving the Tempest

According to Chilean sailors, the wind always blows from the bow.

Heaving To. Heaving to is a traditional storm tactic that involves balancing the sails and rudder to create a stable and relatively comfortable position in heavy weather. This maneuver reduces forward speed and minimizes the impact of waves.

Running Off. Running off involves sailing downwind with the storm, using drogues or warps to control speed and prevent broaching. This tactic requires ample sea room and careful attention to steering to avoid being overtaken by breaking waves.

Sea Anchors. Sea anchors are deployed from the bow to hold the yacht head-to-wind, reducing drift and minimizing the impact of waves. However, sea anchors can be difficult to deploy and may not be suitable for all boat designs or sea conditions.

11. Managing Without Refrigeration: Sustaining Life at Sea

I’ve learned that sailing to the far corners of the world takes a yeasty combination of desire and reality, of planning and scheming and hope.

Food Storage. Careful planning and selection of non-perishable foods are essential for managing without refrigeration on long voyages. Grains, legumes, canned goods, and dried fruits can form the basis of a nutritious and varied diet.

Fresh Produce. With proper selection and storage techniques, fresh fruits and vegetables can be kept for extended periods without refrigeration. Coating eggs with petroleum jelly can significantly extend their shelf life.

Cooking Techniques. Mastering basic cooking skills and adapting recipes to available ingredients is crucial for maintaining a healthy and enjoyable diet at sea. Pressure cookers and kerosene stoves offer efficient and reliable cooking options.

12. The Cruising Engine: Necessity or Detriment?

What they really mean is: “There was no wind, so we chose to motor.”

Engine's Role. The decision to install an auxiliary engine on a cruising yacht involves a trade-off between convenience, reliability, and the purity of sailing. While an engine can be helpful for maneuvering in tight spaces and navigating calm patches, it can also detract from the experience of sailing and increase maintenance costs.

Diesel Power. Diesel engines are the preferred choice for cruising yachts due to their reliability, fuel efficiency, and safety. However, diesel engines require careful maintenance and attention to fuel quality to prevent problems.

Engine Alternatives. Some sailors choose to forgo an engine altogether, relying solely on sail power and ingenuity to navigate the oceans. This approach requires a high level of skill and self-reliance but offers a unique sense of accomplishment and connection to the sea.

Last updated: March 14, 2025