Sailing around the world on a catamaran is no longer a distant dream reserved for the most seasoned mariners. Families with children, couples seeking adventure, and even novices aboard vessels like the Nautitech 40 or 46 are proving that this extraordinary journey is within reach for anyone with a sense of curiosity and a willingness to embrace the sea. Unlike the grueling Vendée Globe, a solo race demanding peak physical and mental endurance, a leisurely circumnavigation can be a serene experience—potentially free of storms or even gales, as many sailors have attested. With careful planning, the right timing, and an understanding of nature’s rhythms, you can chart a course that offers both safety and wonder. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the safest sailing routes around the world, the best times to set sail, and the areas to avoid, blending practical advice with the romance of a global voyage.
Setting the Stage: Why Sail Around the World?
The allure of sailing around the world lies in its blend of freedom, discovery, and simplicity. It’s a chance to navigate vast oceans, visit remote islands, and immerse yourself in diverse cultures—all while guided by the wind and waves. For the Dolley family aboard their Nautitech 46 Open catamaran Kumbaya, what began as a three-year plan stretched into four, a testament to the flexibility and joy of the journey. Unlike a race against the clock, such as the Jules Verne Trophy, a leisurely circumnavigation allows for wide margins of time—typically three years or more—ensuring you can savor each stop without haste.
The key to a safe and enjoyable trip lies in two questions: When should I leave? and Which route should I take? These decisions hinge on understanding weather patterns, trade winds, and the time you’re willing to commit. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a beginner joining a rally like the World ARC, this guide will help you craft the perfect itinerary.
Harnessing Nature’s Gift: The Trade Winds Route
The safest and most popular route for circumnavigating the globe follows the trade winds—steady, warm breezes that have guided sailors for centuries. These winds, dubbed “trade winds” by Anglo-Saxon explorers for their role in commerce, blow reliably in both hemispheres, making them a natural highway for catamarans averaging 160 to 200 nautical miles per day with following seas.
How Trade Winds Work
In the Northern Hemisphere, anticyclones spin clockwise around high-pressure systems, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they rotate counterclockwise. By sailing south of the highs in the north and north of them in the south, you can ride these winds effortlessly. The Atlantic islands—like the Canaries and Cape Verde—lie in the Northern Hemisphere’s trade wind belt, while Pacific and Indian Ocean islands, such as the Marquesas and Seychelles, sit within the Southern Hemisphere’s equivalent. This alignment creates a mapped-out itinerary that feels almost predestined.
Timing Is Everything
While tropical regions lack winter, they face summer cyclones—hurricanes in the Atlantic, typhoons in the Pacific, and cyclones in the Indian Ocean. Since summer in one hemisphere is winter in the other, your route must dodge these stormy seasons. For instance, the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, while the South Pacific cyclone season spans November to April. A well-timed journey avoids crossing oceans during these turbulent periods, balancing safety with the dream of exploration.
The Ideal Route: A Step-by-Step Journey
Let’s chart a detailed, safe, and scenic route around the world, starting from La Rochelle, France, and weaving through some of the planet’s most breathtaking destinations.
1. La Rochelle to the Canary Islands: The First Leg
Begin in summer—July or August—from La Rochelle, a charming French port. Your Nautitech catamaran, seasoned from weekend sails, sets a course of 240° to exit the Bay of Biscay. This gulf can be choppy due to Atlantic swells rebounding off its edges, but summer conditions are generally mild. Aim for Cascais, Portugal, at the Tagus River’s mouth, a five-day sail passing Cape Finisterre—Europe’s own Cape Horn. With Portuguese trade winds at your back, you’ll reach the Canary Islands (Graciosa or Lanzarote) in four days, covering 600 nautical miles. This leg acclimates you to open water without major weather risks, offering a gentle start.
2. Canary Islands to Martinique: Crossing the Atlantic
Depart in November, when the trade winds strengthen, for a 3,000-nautical-mile transatlantic crossing to Martinique in the West Indies. This 15-to-20-day journey ends with an anchorage in Sainte Anne—a tranquil reward after weeks at sea. Dock at Le Marin marina, where a Nautitech dealer can inspect your vessel for minor repairs. The trade winds and North Equatorial Current ensure a smooth ride, though flexibility in timing can enhance comfort if the winds are slow to settle.
3. Exploring Africa: Cape Verde and Senegal
For those with extra time, detour from Lanzarote to the Cape Verde Islands (1,000 nautical miles) or Dakar, Senegal. Cape Verde’s Mindelo, opposite Santo Antao, offers a week-long crossing rich with cultural immersion—music, smiles, and traditions. Dakar unveils Senegal’s vibrant energy, and a day’s sail up the Sine Saloum River showcases the catamaran’s shallow-draft prowess amid the lions of Teranga. This detour adds depth to your journey without compromising safety.
4. Africa to America: Brazil or French Guyana
From Africa, choose between a 1,650-nautical-mile crossing to Jacaré, Brazil (course 220°), or a longer 2,250-nautical-mile trip to French Guyana (course 255°). Brazil’s route, crossing the Doldrums and equator, takes about two weeks, while French Guyana offers equatorial France—Salvation Islands and the Maroni River. Both paths leverage the trade winds and currents, with Brazil being the shorter, safer option if time is tight.
5. Caribbean to Panama: Gateway to the Pacific
Sail north to Grenada, a hidden gem of the West Indies, then through the Grenadines, Dutch ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao), Cartagena, Colombia, and the San Blas archipelago. Arrive at Shelter Bay marina in Panama to prepare for the Panama Canal. This leg, rich with stops, keeps you near civilization, minimizing risks while maximizing exploration.
6. Pacific Odyssey: Galapagos to Tahiti
Cross the Panama Canal and head to the Galapagos Islands (850 nautical miles, course 232°), ideally from February to May. This week-long sail can face headwinds, but the reward—San Cristobal’s wildlife—is worth it. Next, tackle the 3,000-nautical-mile leg to the Marquesas (course 258°), a 20-day journey with gentler Pacific trade winds. From April to June, sail 800 nautical miles through the Tuamotu archipelago to Tahiti, navigating atolls with GPS precision—a paradise worth lingering in.
7. South Pacific Gems: Fiji, New Caledonia, and Beyond
From June to October, sail 1,800 nautical miles to Fiji, then 650 miles to New Caledonia’s lagoon, and 950 miles to Auckland, New Zealand. These legs, spanning weeks, offer stunning archipelagos and ample time to explore. Avoid rushing—this isn’t a race but a chance to savor the antipodes.
8. Torres Strait to Australia: The Final Pacific Stretch
Sail 2,500 nautical miles from Auckland to the Torres Strait (July to October) before stopping in Darwin, Bali, or Sydney. With cyclone season looming in November, plan stopovers to enjoy Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and vibrant cities. This leg requires careful timing but rewards with unparalleled beauty.
9. Indian Ocean Choices: North or South
At the Indian Ocean’s threshold, decide: north through the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea (risky due to piracy and weather) or south via Mauritius, Réunion, and South Africa. The southern route, from June to October, spans Bali to Christmas Island (600 nautical miles), Cocos Keeling (600 more), Mauritius (2,500), and Cape Town (2,200). South Africa’s Agulhas Current and stormy seas demand caution, but its allure justifies the effort.
10. Atlantic Homecoming: Saint Helena to La Rochelle
In January, sail 1,500 nautical miles from Cape Town to Saint Helena, then back to the Caribbean, possibly detouring up the Amazon. In May, cross 2,100 nautical miles to the Azores, then 1,300 more to La Rochelle by summer’s start. This final leg, bolstered by trade winds, completes your three-year odyssey.
While no entire route is inherently unsafe, certain areas pose heightened risks:
- Gulf of Aden: Pirate-infested waters between the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. Avoid unless in a convoy with ample preparation.
- Cook Strait (New Zealand): Unpredictable currents and winds make this a treacherous shortcut.
- Drake Passage: Between South America and Antarctica, its storms, currents, and icebergs demand expert skill.
- Timor Sea: North of Australia, it sees 100 storms yearly—too volatile for casual sailors.
- Southern Ocean: While fast, its storms and isolation require advanced navigation.
Sticking close to the equator via the Panama Canal and trade wind routes minimizes these risks, offering calmer seas and reliable weather.
Practical Tips for a Safe Journey
- Timing: Plan around cyclone seasons and leverage trade wind windows—November for the Atlantic, June to October for the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
- Preparation: Equip your catamaran with spares, provisions, and safety gear. Use tools like TheBoatApp for real-time logs and weather updates.
- Security: Lock dinghies, use motion sensors, and build rapport with locals to deter theft, as seasoned cruisers advise.
- Flexibility: Allow three years or more to avoid rushing through paradise.
Conclusion: Your Voyage Awaits
Sailing around the world is an achievable dream, blending adventure with serenity when planned with care. The trade wind route—starting in La Rochelle, crossing the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, and returning home—offers the safest, most scenic path. By avoiding danger zones like the Gulf of Aden and timing your journey to dodge storms, you’ll craft a voyage filled with memories, not mishaps. Whether aboard your own catamaran or as part of a rally like the World ARC, the sea beckons with promise. Cast off, embrace the wind, and let the world unfold before you—one nautical mile at a time.
Happy Boating!
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