When planning a sailing adventure, whether it’s a leisurely trip to the Hawaiian Islands or a more ambitious transatlantic crossing, understanding the type of vessel you’ll need is crucial. One term that frequently arises in these discussions is “bluewater sailboat.” But what exactly does this mean, and why is it significant for sailors? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the meaning of a bluewater sailboat, its characteristics, the different types of sailing it supports, and what you need to consider if you’re planning to venture into the open ocean.
Understanding Bluewater Sailing
Bluewater sailing refers to long-term cruising on the open ocean, often involving passages that span days or weeks, such as crossing an ocean like the Atlantic. Unlike coastal or inland sailing, bluewater sailing takes you far from the safety of shore, where the continental shelf drops off, leading to deeper waters and more challenging conditions. This type of sailing demands a vessel capable of withstanding the rigors of the open sea, as well as a crew prepared for self-sufficiency and the unpredictable nature of ocean weather.
The term “bluewater” evokes the vast, deep blue expanses of the ocean, far from land, where help is not immediately available. This lack of immediate support distinguishes bluewater sailing from other forms, making it one of the most advanced and demanding types of sailing. It requires not only a specific type of boat but also a mindset geared toward independence, resilience, and preparedness.
The Bluewater Sailboat: A Vessel Built for the Open Sea
A bluewater sailboat is specifically designed and constructed to handle extended voyages in open water. These boats differ significantly from inland or coastal production boats, which are typically built for shorter trips and less demanding conditions. Below, we’ll delve into the key characteristics that define a bluewater sailboat and set it apart from other types of vessels.
Construction and Materials
The most critical aspect of a bluewater sailboat is its construction. These boats are built to be robust and seaworthy, capable of withstanding large waves, strong winds, and potential collisions with floating objects. The hull—the boat’s primary line of defense—must be exceptionally strong and durable. Common materials for bluewater sailboat hulls include:
- Fiberglass: Widely used due to its strength, durability, and resistance to the harsh marine environment. Fiberglass hulls are typically thicker in bluewater boats to handle the stresses of ocean conditions.
- Steel: Offers exceptional strength and is highly resistant to damage, making it a popular choice for serious bluewater cruisers.
- Carbon Fiber: Lightweight yet incredibly strong, carbon fiber is used in high-end bluewater boats, though it’s less common due to cost.
In contrast, many production boats are made of aluminum with spot-welded construction, which is lighter and less expensive but not as strong or durable as the materials used in bluewater boats.
Hull Design and Keel
The hull design of a bluewater sailboat is another defining feature. These boats typically have a displacement hull with an encapsulated keel, often a full keel or a fin keel. The keel enhances stability, reducing the risk of capsizing in large waves—a critical consideration for ocean sailing. The encapsulated keel, fully integrated into the hull, is less likely to detach in a collision compared to a bolt-on keel, which is more common in production boats.
The hull’s shape also contributes to stability and seaworthiness. Bluewater boats are often longer, with a deeper draft, which helps them handle longer ocean waves and provides additional storage space for supplies. However, this deeper draft makes them less suitable for shallow inland or coastal waters.
Rudder Design
The rudder, which controls the boat’s steering, is another critical component. Bluewater sailboats typically feature a skeg-hung rudder or a rudder attached to the back of the keel. These designs offer protection against impacts with floating debris, reducing the risk of losing steering—a potentially catastrophic event in the open ocean. Repairing a rudder at sea is extremely difficult, so durability and protection are paramount.
Cockpit and Cabin Features
The cockpit of a bluewater sailboat is designed with safety and functionality in mind. It is typically smaller than that of a coastal cruiser, reducing the amount of water that can enter if a wave washes over the boat. It also features ample drainage to quickly remove any water that does enter, along with solid clip-in points for securing the crew during rough conditions.
Inside, the cabin is equipped for life at sea. It includes numerous handholds to prevent crew members from falling during heavy weather, as well as bunks designed for all-weather use. The lower cabin height reduces windage, making the boat less susceptible to being pushed around by strong winds. These features ensure that the crew can live, sleep, cook, and navigate safely, even in challenging conditions.
Systems and Equipment
Bluewater sailboats are outfitted with systems designed to handle the unique challenges of the open ocean, particularly the corrosive effects of saltwater. Saltwater can cause galvanic corrosion in metal components, so bluewater boats often feature:
- Inboard Engine with Closed Cooling System: Unlike outboard engines common in smaller boats, an inboard engine with a fully closed cooling system is more reliable and resistant to saltwater corrosion.
- Mercathode System with Sacrificial Anodes: This system protects metal parts from corrosion by using sacrificial anodes that corrode instead of the boat’s critical components.
Additionally, bluewater boats are equipped with self-steering systems, such as autopilots and windvanes, to reduce crew fatigue during long passages. The ability to heave-to—a storm tactic that allows the boat to remain semi-stationary by pointing the bow into the wind—is also essential for weathering heavy storms.
Types of Sailing: Where Bluewater Fits In
Sailing encompasses a wide range of activities, each suited to different environments and requiring varying levels of skill and equipment. Here’s how bluewater sailing fits into the broader spectrum of sailing types:
- Inland Sailing: Conducted on freshwater lakes and rivers, this is the easiest and safest form of sailing. The conditions are predictable, and help is readily available.
- Estuary Sailing: Occurs in tidal rivers that lead to the sea. It offers more challenges than inland sailing but remains relatively safe due to oversight from authorities like the Coast Guard.
- Coastal Sailing: Takes place within sight of land, offering a balance of adventure and safety. Coastal sailors can return to port quickly if conditions deteriorate.
- Offshore Sailing: Involves sailing out of sight of land but typically within a day or two of a safe harbor. It requires a stronger boat and more preparation than coastal sailing, but Coast Guard support is still accessible.
- Ocean (Bluewater) Sailing: The most advanced form, involving long passages far from land. It demands a high degree of self-sufficiency, a robust vessel, and extensive planning.
Bluewater sailing stands out due to its emphasis on self-reliance and the need for a boat that can endure extended periods in challenging conditions. The line between offshore and bluewater sailing can be blurry, but a good rule of thumb is that bluewater sailing involves crossings—such as an ocean passage—where the destination is a different coastal region or continent.
Bluewater vs. Offshore: Key Differences
The distinction between bluewater and offshore sailing often comes down to voyage length, destination, and the level of support available. Offshore sailing typically involves shorter trips where the boat returns to the same port or a nearby harbor within the same coastal region. Help from the Coast Guard is usually within reach, typically 5-15 nautical miles from shore.
In contrast, bluewater sailing involves longer voyages, often lasting weeks, where the boat crosses an ocean to reach a distant destination. The lack of immediate support means that the crew must be prepared to handle emergencies independently. This requires a boat with superior construction, stability, and systems, as well as a crew with advanced skills and resilience.
What You Need for Bluewater Sailing
Preparing for bluewater sailing involves more than just selecting the right boat. The vessel must be equipped with the necessary supplies and systems to sustain the crew for extended periods. Here’s a detailed look at what’s required:
Supplies
- Freshwater: A critical resource for drinking, cooking, and washing. Bluewater sailors typically carry large freshwater tanks, with a minimum of 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per person per day. For a three-week trip, this equates to 240-480 liters (50-100 gallons) for a small crew, with larger amounts recommended for ocean crossings.
- Fuel: Essential for emergencies, such as escaping severe weather. A typical bluewater sailboat carries enough fuel for approximately 500 nautical miles, or about 240 liters (60 gallons) for a mid-sized engine.
- Food: Adequate storage for non-perishable food is necessary to sustain the crew for the duration of the voyage, with provisions for additional days in case of delays.
Systems and Equipment
- Autopilot and Windvane: Self-steering systems are essential for long passages, allowing the crew to rest and reducing fatigue.
- Water Maker: Converts saltwater into freshwater, extending the boat’s range and reducing reliance on stored water.
- Refrigeration: A fridge or freezer preserves food, ensuring a varied and healthy diet during long trips.
- Safety Gear: Includes life jackets, harnesses, EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons), and other equipment required by maritime regulations.
- Marine Communications: HF radio, VHF, satellite phones, and SSB radios enable communication with other vessels and emergency services.
- Navigation Equipment: Radar, GPS, chartplotters, and forward-scanning sonar enhance safety and navigation accuracy.
- Anchors: At least two reliable anchors are necessary for securing the boat in various conditions, with a storm drogue or sea anchor for heavy weather.
Skills and Preparation
Beyond equipment, bluewater sailing requires advanced seamanship skills, including night sailing, navigation (both electronic and traditional methods like dead reckoning and celestial navigation), and the ability to handle emergencies independently. Crew selection is also critical—team members must be reliable, calm under pressure, and capable of working together in challenging conditions.
Do You Need a Bluewater Sailboat for Occasional Ocean Passages?
A common question among aspiring bluewater sailors is whether a bluewater sailboat is necessary for occasional ocean passages, such as a transatlantic crossing planned years in advance. The answer depends on several factors, including the boat’s condition, your sailing goals, and your tolerance for risk.
While a bluewater sailboat is designed for continuous ocean passages and offers the highest level of safety and comfort, many sailors successfully complete occasional crossings in well-maintained production boats. Boats like the Endeavour 32, Catalinas, or C&Cs, though not traditionally classified as bluewater vessels, can be upgraded with stronger rigging, additional safety gear, and sufficient supplies to handle an ocean passage. However, these boats may lack the inherent strength, stability, and durability of a purpose-built bluewater sailboat, increasing the risk in severe conditions.
For those on a budget, classic bluewater-capable boats like the Allied 32, Pearson 35, or Westsail 32 can often be found in the $10,000-$20,000 range. These older boats may require significant refit work—such as replacing rigging, upgrading systems, and addressing hull issues—but they offer a proven design suited for ocean sailing. The key is to ensure the boat is structurally sound, well-equipped, and thoroughly prepared for the voyage.
Choosing the Right Bluewater Sailboat
Selecting a bluewater sailboat involves balancing factors such as size, speed, comfort, and budget. Here are some considerations:
- Size: While larger boats offer more storage, stability, and comfort, they can be more expensive to maintain and harder to handle. Experts often recommend choosing the smallest boat you’re comfortable living aboard, typically in the 32-40-foot range for bluewater sailing.
- Speed: A longer waterline increases speed, reducing passage time. A boat averaging 7 knots can significantly shorten a trip compared to one averaging 5 knots.
- Comfort: Heavier boats with long keels move more gently, reducing motion sickness and fatigue, though they may be slower than lighter, modern designs.
- Rig and Sail Plan: The rig should be manageable by the crew. A cutter rig with a modest mainsail, staysail, and yankee is ideal for smaller or less experienced crews, while a sloop with a large mainsail and genoa suits experienced sailors seeking speed.
- Condition: Older boats can be cost-effective but may require extensive refits. Look for well-maintained vessels with no significant structural issues, such as osmosis or rotten cores.
Bluewater Multihulls: An Alternative Option
While this guide focuses on monohull sailboats, multihulls like catamarans and trimarans are increasingly popular for bluewater sailing. Modern bluewater multihulls are built with strong materials (steel, carbon fiber, or thick fiberglass) and feature easy-to-handle sail plans, protected helms, and ample handholds. They offer greater stability, more living space, and higher speeds, making them an attractive option for long-distance cruising. However, they are typically more expensive and may not suit all sailors’ preferences.
Conclusion: Embracing the Bluewater Adventure
A bluewater sailboat is more than just a vessel—it’s a gateway to exploring the vast, unpredictable expanse of the open ocean. Designed for strength, stability, and self-sufficiency, these boats are built to handle the challenges of long passages, from towering waves to gale-force winds. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime ocean crossing or dreaming of a life of bluewater cruising, understanding what makes a sailboat “bluewater” is the first step toward a safe and rewarding adventure.
For those considering this path, the choice of boat, preparation, and crew are paramount. While a purpose-built bluewater sailboat offers the highest level of safety and durability, well-prepared production boats can also undertake occasional passages with the right upgrades and care. Ultimately, bluewater sailing is about embracing the challenge, equipping yourself with the knowledge and tools needed, and setting sail with confidence into the deep blue unknown.
Happy Boating!
Share The World’s Most Powerful Sailing Cargo Ship: A Leap Towards Sustainable Shipping with your friends and leave a comment below with your thoughts.
Read What is a Swing or Lifting Keel? 14 Pros and Cons Explained until we meet in the next article.