Want to Sail the World? A Short Guide to Get Started

By Dave & Beth Mortell · Sailing Life Warriors

Embarking on a multi-year sailing journey around the world is a dream shared by many adventurers and sailing enthusiasts. Exploring cultures, diverse landscapes, and the freedom of the open sea is undeniably enticing. Such a journey also requires meticulous planning and preparation. In this guide we explore key factors for a circumnavigation adventure: boat selection, navigation and weather, and crew. Let’s dive in.

1. Choosing the Right Boat

Selecting the right boat is perhaps the most critical decision you’ll make.

Monohull vs. Catamaran: Monohulls are traditional and handle well in rough seas; catamarans offer more living space and stability. Your choice depends on comfort and sailing style.

Size and Design: Consider the size you can handle and maintain. Around 40–50 feet is often a good compromise between comfort and manageability. Make sure it’s designed for long-distance cruising — “long-distance” often means higher cost. Don’t let that discourage you. Production boats sail the world all the time; you just need to be aware of the challenges and risks.

Budget: Your budget dictates new vs used. Don’t forget maintenance and upgrades.

Seaworthiness: Prioritize safety — strong hulls, reliable rigging, safety equipment. If you’re handy, you can find boats affordably and fix them up — but research so you don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Self-Sufficiency: Water maker, solar, reliable engine.

2. Navigation Considerations

Skills: Brush up on navigation — celestial (a lost skill; most don’t learn it anymore — candidly we want to), GPS, chart reading.

Equipment: GPS, radar, redundancy.

Charts and Guides: Most no longer carry full paper sets; electronic charts on plotter/iPad plus Starlink change the game. Still, up-to-date charts and cruising guides matter, and paper skills can save you if lightning takes the electronics out.

Weather Routing: Familiarize yourself with patterns; services help avoid storms. Tools like PredictWind and Windy make routing simpler — but don’t skip local knowledge. Individuals like Chris Parker or WSI can give specific leave / don’t-leave guidance.

3. Weather Considerations

Seasons: Plan routes around favorable seasons. Avoid hurricane seasons in the tropics. Jimmy Cornell’s World Cruising Routes is a critical kit tool.

Cyclone and Hurricane Zones: Know them; have a clear avoid-or-survive plan.

Updates: Stay connected to forecasts at sea. Starlink makes this far more accurate and safer.

4. Crew Considerations

Experience: Especially for long-distance cruising.

Roles: Everyone should know their tasks.

Compatibility: Prevent conflicts on long passages.

Health and Safety: Well-stocked medical kit; basic first aid training; a well-stocked galley — nothing makes a crew happier than a good hot meal on a long passage.

5. What to Do First

Training: Formal courses help; real-world time with a seasoned captain is better. Ask to crew. Read, watch, talk to people.

Research: Route, regulations, entry requirements, visas.

Boat Inspection: Repairs and upgrades before long-term cruising.

Finances: Budget for purchase, maintenance, living, contingencies. Look for passive income that works from the boat — if you need a pointer, DM us on Instagram or Facebook.

Plan Your Route: Rough itinerary with flexibility for detours.

Documentation: Boat papers, ID, ownership.

Safety Protocols: MOB, fire, abandon-ship drills.

Communication: Reliable systems for emergencies and updates with family.

In Conclusion

This is a brief blog to get you thinking. Sailing around the world for several years is life-changing — it demands preparation, dedication, and a strong sense of adventure. Choosing the right boat, honing navigation, understanding weather, and assembling a competent crew are essential. The journey itself is as important as the destination — savor it.

You own your outcome. Safe travels. If you’d like more coaching, reach out to Dave and Beth — we’d love to help.