Sailing Around the World: How to Get Started

Discover how to sail around the world with our comprehensive guide. Learn routes, timing, skills, and more to start your global sailing adventure.

Sailing around the world is a dream that captivates adventurers, evoking images of vast oceans, distant shores, and a life guided by the rhythms of nature. For many, it represents the ultimate test of freedom, resilience, and skill. While the journey may seem daunting, it’s more accessible than ever, even for those with minimal sailing experience. This guide provides a detailed roadmap for aspiring circumnavigators, covering routes, timing, preparation, skills, and inspiring stories from those who’ve made the journey.

Why Sail Around the World?

The allure of circumnavigation lies in its blend of adventure, self-discovery, and connection to the natural world. Sailing offers unparalleled freedom to explore remote islands, vibrant coastal cities, and diverse cultures. Unlike land-based travel, it allows you to carry your home with you, living minimally while navigating the planet’s vast oceans. Whether you’re drawn to the challenge of solo sailing or the camaraderie of a crew, the journey promises personal growth and unforgettable experiences.

For some, like solo sailor Jacqueline Evers, sailing is a path to minimalism and sustainability. Her 27-foot sloop, Loveworkx, embodies a philosophy of simplicity and care, both for her vessel and the environment. Others, like the crew of Maiden, find purpose in breaking barriers, such as competing as the first all-female team in a global yacht race. Whatever your motivation, sailing around the world is an achievable goal with the right preparation.

Options for Sailing Around the World

There are several ways to embark on a global sailing adventure, each with its own advantages and challenges. Your choice depends on your experience, budget, and desired level of independence.

Owning Your Own Yacht

Sailing your own yacht offers maximum freedom to customize your route and pace. You can linger in favorite ports, detour to hidden gems, or adjust your itinerary based on weather or personal preferences. However, this option requires significant financial investment, extensive vessel preparation, and a solid foundation of sailing skills.

• Pros: Complete control over your journey, ability to personalize your boat, and the satisfaction of self-reliance.
• Cons: High upfront costs (yacht purchase, maintenance, and outfitting), need for advanced sailing and mechanical skills, and responsibility for all logistics.
• Cost Estimate: A seaworthy yacht suitable for circumnavigation typically costs $50,000–$500,000, depending on size, age, and condition. Annual maintenance and provisioning can add $10,000–$50,000.

Joining a Crew or Rally

For those with limited experience or resources, joining a crew or an organized rally like the World ARC (World Cruising Club’s Around the World Rally) is an excellent entry point. These options provide structure, professional guidance, and a built-in community of sailors.

• World ARC: This rally spans 15–18 months, starting in the Caribbean, crossing the Panama Canal, exploring the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, and returning via the Atlantic. Participants can join with their own yacht or as crew on someone else’s, with the flexibility to sail one leg, multiple legs, or the entire journey.
• Benefits: Access to an ocean-ready yacht, expert route planning, safety support, and camaraderie with fellow sailors.
• Cost Estimate: Crewing costs vary, but expect $5,000–$20,000 per leg for shared expenses (food, fuel, and fees), depending on the yacht and duration. Owning a yacht in the rally adds similar costs to owning outright.
• Other Crewing Opportunities: Platforms like Crewseekers or Findacrew connect aspiring sailors with skippers looking for crew. These arrangements often require minimal experience and can range from casual cruises to competitive races.

Racing Around the World

For thrill-seekers, global yacht races like the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race or The Ocean Race offer an adrenaline-fueled way to circumnavigate. These races combine professional skippers with amateur crew, making them accessible to novices.

• Clipper Race: Crew members train and race on identical 70-foot yachts across multiple legs, covering 40,000 nautical miles. No prior experience is required, as training is provided.
• Cost Estimate: $50,000–$70,000 for the full race, with individual legs starting at $10,000.
• The Ocean Race: A professional team event, this race is less accessible but offers opportunities to experience high-performance yachts through programs like Kraken’s VO65 and VO70 charters.

Choosing the Best Route

Selecting a route is a critical decision, influenced by prevailing winds, ocean currents, and seasonal weather patterns. Below are the most popular routes, each with unique challenges and highlights.

Trade Wind Route

This westward route leverages consistent trade winds for smoother sailing. It typically starts in Europe, crosses the Atlantic via the Canary or Cape Verde Islands, transits the Panama Canal, and continues across the Pacific and Indian Oceans before returning via the Cape of Good Hope.

• Key Stops: Caribbean, Galápagos, Tahiti, Fiji, Australia, South Africa.
• Advantages: Favorable winds, opportunities to explore tropical islands, and well-trodden paths with established ports.
• Challenges: Timing to avoid hurricane (June–November) and cyclone (November–April) seasons, navigating the Panama Canal.

Southern Ocean Route

This eastward route is for adventurous sailors, circumnavigating Antarctica through the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties. It involves strong westerly winds and rough seas, passing the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn.

• Key Stops: Southern Ocean, New Zealand, Chile.
• Advantages: Unparalleled challenge, pristine and remote landscapes.
• Challenges: Extreme weather, isolation, and limited rescue options.

Red Sea Route

This route connects the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal, avoiding the long journey around Africa’s southern tip.

• Key Stops: Mediterranean, Red Sea, Maldives, Southeast Asia.
• Advantages: Shorter distance, access to culturally rich regions.
• Challenges: Security risks (piracy, geopolitical tensions), complex canal logistics.

Clipper Route

Inspired by historical clipper ships, this route sails from Europe to Australia via the Cape of Good Hope, crosses the Pacific, rounds Cape Horn, and returns via the Atlantic.

• Key Stops: South Africa, Australia, Chile, Brazil.
• Advantages: Historical significance, diverse climates and cultures.
• Challenges: Long passages, exposure to Southern Ocean storms.

Transpacific Route

Focused on the Pacific, this route starts on the Americas’ west coast, exploring islands like Tahiti and Fiji before rounding the Cape of Good Hope or Cape Horn.

• Key Stops: Galápagos, French Polynesia, New Zealand.
• Advantages: Tropical exploration, relaxed pace.
• Challenges: Vast ocean crossings, reliance on remote ports.

Northern Route

A rare choice, this route navigates the Arctic Circle via the Northwest or Northeast Passages.

• Key Stops: Greenland, Alaska, Russia.
• Advantages: Unique Arctic experience, fewer crowds.
• Challenges: Ice navigation, extreme cold, limited infrastructure.

Timing Your Journey

Timing is crucial for safety and comfort. Circumnavigators must align their routes with seasonal weather patterns to avoid storms and optimize wind conditions.

• Atlantic Crossing: Sail from Europe to the Caribbean in late fall to early winter for favorable trade winds. Return in late spring to early summer.
• Pacific and Indian Oceans: Plan for the Southern Hemisphere’s winter (May–August) to avoid cyclones and monsoons.
• Southern Ocean: Summer months (December–February) minimize exposure to extreme conditions.
• Cultural Timing: Align stops with festivals, such as Carnival in Brazil or Diwali in India, for enriched experiences.

Monitoring El Niño and La Niña events is essential, as they can alter wind and weather patterns, particularly in the Pacific.

How Long Does It Take?

The duration of a circumnavigation varies based on route, pace, and stops. A non-stop journey along the equator covers 15,000–25,000 nautical miles and takes approximately 100 days at 100–150 nautical miles per day. Most cruisers, however, opt for a leisurely pace, spending 1–3 years to explore ports and cultures.

• Non-Stop: 100–150 days, as achieved by record-breakers like Francois Gabart (42 days, multihull) or Sir Robin Knox-Johnston (312 days, solo non-stop).
• Cruising Pace: 15–18 months (World ARC) to 3–5 years, with extended stays for repairs, exploration, or weather windows.

Essential Skills and Preparation

Sailing around the world demands a diverse skill set, from navigation to boat maintenance. While experienced sailors have an advantage, beginners can build skills through training and practice.

Key Skills to Learn

1. Sailing and Navigation:
   • Master sail handling, reefing, and maneuvering in various conditions.
   • Learn celestial navigation and traditional chart work as backups to electronic systems.
   • Practice weather forecasting using tools like GRIB files and satellite imagery.
2. Boat Maintenance:
   • Develop mechanical skills for engine repairs, rigging maintenance, and sail repairs.
   • Learn electrical systems, plumbing, and fiberglass work for on-the-fly fixes.
   • Example: Jacqueline Evers undertook workshops on sail making and epoxy work to prepare for her solo journey.
3. Safety and Emergency Protocols:
   • Train in safety procedures, including man-overboard drills, fire suppression, and abandon-ship protocols.
   • Familiarize yourself with emergency beacons (EPIRB, SART) and VHF radio communication.
   • Carry a well-stocked first-aid kit and know basic medical procedures.
4. Cultural Sensitivity:
   • Research local customs, languages, and etiquette for each destination.
   • Example: Learning basic greetings in local languages enhances interactions and builds goodwill.

Training and Courses

For beginners, structured training accelerates skill development. In the UK, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) offers a clear progression:

• RYA Competent Crew: Learn basic sailing and crew roles (5 days, ~$800).
• RYA Day Skipper Theory and Practical: Gain navigation and skippering skills (5–6 weeks, ~$1,500–$2,000).
• RYA Coastal Skipper: Prepare for longer passages and offshore sailing (~$2,000).
• Non-Mandatory Courses:
  • Diesel engine maintenance (~$200).
  • Marine radio operation (~$150).
  • Sea survival training (~$300).

Hands-on experience is critical. Charter boats, crew on others’ yachts, or join local sailing clubs to practice. Social media insights, like those from u/caeru1ean, emphasize learning by doing: “Start with short distances and picking good weather windows.”

Essential Equipment and Provisions

• Yacht Specifications: Choose a bluewater yacht (30–50 feet) with a strong hull, reliable rigging, and ample storage. Popular models include the Hallberg-Rassy 42 or Amel Super Maramu (prices: $100,000–$400,000 used).
• Safety Gear: Life rafts, EPIRBs, AIS transponders, and harnesses (~$5,000–$10,000 total).
• Provisions: Stock non-perishable food, water (or a water maker), and fuel for 30–60 days at sea. Budget $2,000–$5,000 for initial provisioning.
• Documents: Ensure a valid passport, visas for planned stops, and yacht registration. Carry proof of vaccinations and prescriptions.

Can Anyone Sail Around the World?

Yes, with the right mindset and preparation, anyone can sail around the world. While sailing experience helps, it’s not a prerequisite for crew roles or rallies like the World ARC. Beginners can start with short passages or join experienced skippers to build confidence. Social media user u/YachtRubyRose advises, “Don’t set off to ‘sail around the world.’ Just set off to go sailing. It takes the pressure off.”

For those with technical backgrounds, like the UK-based engineer on Reddit, skills in mechanics and hydrodynamics provide a strong foundation. A 10-year timeline to prepare for an Atlantic crossing is realistic but often overly cautious. Many circumnavigators, like u/byroncoughlin, started with zero experience and completed their journey in 2–5 years by immersing themselves in the sailing community.

Inspiring Stories of Circumnavigators

The history of circumnavigation is rich with trailblazers who prove it’s achievable at any age or skill level.

• Sir Robin Knox-Johnston: First solo non-stop circumnavigation (1969, 312 days) on Suhaili.
• Laura Dekker: Youngest solo circumnavigator (2012, age 16) on Guppy.
• Jeanne Socrates: Oldest woman to solo circumnavigate non-stop (2019, age 77) on Nereida.
• Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz: First woman to solo circumnavigate (1976–1978) on Mazurek.
• Francois Gabart: Fastest solo circumnavigation (2017, 42 days) on a multihull.
• The Crew of Maiden: First all-female team in the Whitbread Round the World Race (1989), led by Tracy Edwards.
• Jacqueline Evers: Solo sailor since 2023, covering 11,000 nautical miles in 9 months on her 27-foot Loveworkx, embracing minimalism and self-reliance.

Challenges and Joys of Solo Sailing

Solo sailing, as exemplified by Jacqueline Evers, offers unique rewards and challenges. Living on a 27-foot boat without modern amenities like a fridge or water maker, Evers embraces minimalism, using bucket showers and storing fresh produce creatively. Her journey highlights:

• Joys: Deep connection to nature, self-discovery through solitude, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
• Challenges: Constant maintenance, navigating tight spaces, and managing anxiety during storms or long passages.
• Community: Support from fellow sailors and locals, as seen in Trinidad and the San Blas Islands, fosters a sense of belonging.

Evers’ story underscores the importance of preparation, from workshops on sail making to safety training, and the empowerment of self-reliance. Her philosophy of Loveworkx—treating her boat and relationships with care—resonates with the broader sailing community’s ethos.

Practical Tips for Aspiring Circumnavigators

1. Start Small: Charter boats or crew on short passages to test your interest. Social media user travelsal11 advises, “Do some longer passages with others to make sure you like it.”
2. Learn by Doing: Hands-on experience trumps theoretical knowledge. u/lurchinade notes, “After a week you can sail. After some trips you can cross oceans.”
3. Focus on Maintenance: Mechanical and systems knowledge is critical. u/jonathanrdt emphasizes, “Things break, and clever field repairs are necessary.”
4. Join a Community: Engage with sailing clubs, online forums, or rallies like the World ARC for support and mentorship.
5. Embrace Flexibility: Plans change due to weather or repairs. u/admiralamy suggests learning to handle stressful moments calmly.
6. Sustainability: Adopt minimalistic practices, like Evers, to reduce environmental impact and enhance resilience.

Conclusion

Sailing around the world is an adventure within reach for anyone with a sense of curiosity and determination. Whether you choose to sail your own yacht, join a rally, or race across the globe, the journey offers unparalleled opportunities for exploration and growth. By selecting the right route, timing your trip to avoid adverse weather, and building essential skills, you can turn this dream into reality. Stories like those of Jacqueline Evers and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston remind us that circumnavigation is not just about crossing oceans—it’s about discovering the strength within yourself and the beauty of the world around you. So, hoist your sails, embrace the unknown, and set off on the adventure of a lifetime.

Happy Boating!

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