Sailing around the world is a grand adventure that many dream of embarking on. It’s the ultimate test of nautical skill, endurance, and determination. But before you set sail, one of the first questions you may ask is, “How long does it take to sail around the world?” The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the route you take, the type of vessel you’re using, the weather, and your sailing experience.
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the key factors that affect the duration of a global circumnavigation and help you understand what it takes to sail around the world. From traditional journeys to modern-day high-speed voyages, let’s explore how long it really takes to sail around the globe.
The Route: The Path You Choose Matters
The route you take around the world plays a crucial role in determining how long the journey will last. There are several different routes to consider, each with its own set of challenges and time considerations.
1. The Classic Route: The Clipper Route
The “Clipper Route” refers to the path taken by the historic tea clippers of the 19th century, which followed a circumnavigation route through the Southern Ocean, and around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, the Cape Horn in South America, and then across the Pacific Ocean. This route is often considered the most direct but is also one of the most challenging due to the unpredictable nature of the Southern Ocean.
Estimated Time: A traditional sailing ship following the Clipper Route could take about 3 to 5 years to complete the journey.
2. The Panama Canal Route
For those seeking a faster option, the Panama Canal presents a shortcut. Modern sailors often opt for this route to bypass the lengthy and treacherous journey around South America’s Cape Horn. The Panama Canal allows sailors to transition between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, significantly reducing the distance sailed.
Estimated Time: Depending on the type of vessel and the stops made, the average time to sail around the world through the Panama Canal route is typically 1 to 2 years.
3. The Southern Ocean Route
A more ambitious route that bypasses the Panama Canal and stays far south to take advantage of the trade winds and ocean currents, the Southern Ocean route is primarily for experienced sailors. It’s a much longer journey but can provide the thrill of navigating some of the most remote and stormy seas in the world.
Estimated Time: This route usually takes between 3 to 4 years to complete, depending on the vessel, the crew, and the weather conditions encountered.
The Vessel: Different Boats, Different Times
The type of boat you use plays a significant role in how long it will take to sail around the world. Different vessels have different speeds, capabilities, and characteristics, which can significantly affect the timeline of a circumnavigation.
1. Sailing Yachts
Most people sailing around the world do so on private or commercial sailing yachts. These vessels can range from modest sailboats to luxurious cruising yachts. On average, a cruising yacht with a moderate size (30-50 feet) typically sails at an average speed of 5-7 knots (about 6-8 mph).
Estimated Time: With a typical yacht and an average cruising speed, you can expect to spend around 2-3 years sailing around the world, depending on the route and weather conditions.
2. Multihulls
Multihull boats, such as catamarans or trimarans, are faster and more stable than traditional monohull vessels. Their design allows them to sail more efficiently, which is beneficial for those trying to complete the journey in a shorter time.
Estimated Time: For those who sail a well-equipped multihull, the journey could take around 1-2 years, as these boats can travel at higher speeds.
3. Expedition Vessels
Expedition yachts are purpose-built for long-distance cruising and are designed to handle extreme conditions. These vessels are typically faster and better suited for circumnavigation, especially for those who want to push their journey into extreme regions like the Arctic or Antarctic.
Estimated Time: A highly capable expedition yacht may be able to complete a circumnavigation in 1 year or less, depending on stops and the chosen route.
4. Solo Sailor vs. Crew
Sailing with a crew vs. solo sailing can also affect how long the trip takes. With a crew, a ship can move faster, as the load is shared. Solo sailors will likely have to take more frequent breaks, and their daily distance will be reduced because they are managing the boat on their own.
Estimated Time: Solo circumnavigators might take longer—often 3-4 years—due to the pace they can maintain alone.
The Weather: Winds, Storms, and Calms
Weather is one of the biggest variables in sailing. Whether it’s trade winds, monsoons, or the calm doldrums, the weather can drastically change the pace of your journey.
1. Trade Winds and Ocean Currents
Many sailors rely on the global trade winds to propel them westward on their circumnavigation. By taking advantage of these winds and ocean currents, sailors can cover long distances quickly. The most consistent winds are found between 5° and 30° latitude in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
2. Storms and Bad Weather
Bad weather can be a significant delay. If you’re sailing through the Southern Ocean or in the tropics, encountering storms and rough seas is a real possibility. Hurricanes, cyclones, and other extreme weather events can make it dangerous to sail or may require diversions that lengthen the trip.
3. The Doldrums
One of the most famous weather phenomena sailors encounter is the Doldrums, a belt of calm equatorial waters where the winds die down completely. This lack of wind can severely slow progress, forcing sailors to rely on engines or to wait for winds to pick up.
Stops Along the Way: How Many Ports Do You Visit?
The number of stops you make along the way also plays a crucial role in determining how long it takes to sail around the world. If you’re trying to complete the journey as quickly as possible, you may want to minimize your stops, relying on refueling, resupplying, and maintenance at a few key locations.
However, for many sailors, a circumnavigation is as much about exploration and adventure as it is about speed. This means taking your time to explore new countries and cultures along the way. Some sailors even opt for “blue-water” cruising, spending extended periods at sea, only stopping occasionally for necessary repairs, supplies, and rest.
Estimated Time: Depending on the number of stops, it can range anywhere from 1 year to several years. If you take a leisurely pace, visiting numerous exotic locales, expect to spend about 2-3 years on the journey.
The Crew: How Many Sailors Do You Need?
A solo sailor may experience longer travel times due to the need for rest, sleep, and the challenges of managing every aspect of the boat. On the other hand, a fully staffed vessel with a well-coordinated crew can cover more ground each day, leading to a faster overall journey.
Estimated Time: With a professional crew, the time could be reduced to 1-2 years, depending on their skill level and the vessel’s capabilities.
Speed and Distance: The Numbers Game
To break it down into the basics, let’s look at some numbers. The circumference of the Earth at the equator is approximately 24,901 miles. Assuming ideal conditions and an average speed of 5 knots (about 6 miles per hour), here’s a basic idea of how long it would take to sail around the world:
- Distance: 24,901 miles (equatorial circumference)
- Average Speed: 5 knots (6 mph)
- Daily Distance: 120 miles per day
- Time to Complete: 24,901 miles ÷ 120 miles per day = approximately 207 days (or about 7 months)
However, remember that this calculation doesn’t account for weather, stops, detours, or slower sailing in certain conditions, so it’s a rough estimate.
Conclusion: How Long Does it Take to Sail Around the World?
On average, it takes between 1 to 3 years to sail around the world. However, depending on the boat, route, and circumstances, this timeframe can vary significantly. A more leisurely cruise with stops and exploration can stretch the timeline, while high-speed, modern vessels or experienced sailors may complete it faster.
Ultimately, how long it takes to sail around the world is up to you. Whether you’re seeking a life-changing adventure, an opportunity for personal growth, or just a way to experience the beauty of the world’s oceans, circumnavigating the globe by sailboat is an unforgettable journey.
Happy Boating!
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Read How Long Does It Take to Sail Across the Pacific? until we meet in the next article.