As we open registration for the second edition of our Blue Water sailing seminar in the United States, you may be wondering what major life changes are involved in sailing around the world. Where do you start? What are the main steps and, above all, is it really possible?
Going blue water cruising: Is it really an accessible dream?
You probably love seeing images of sailing boats approaching exotic islands, anchoring in crystal-clear lagoons, exploring fjords of overwhelming beauty. Yachts with crews who look happy and deeply connected to the Ocean planet.
You’ve scanned the classified ads for sailing yachts, envisaging yourself at the helm, heading for the horizon.
But you may have turned that page and said to yourself: This experience isn’t for me, it’s too complicated, I don’t know enough about the sea, you need to be an expert, it’s probably too expensive. And you didn’t dare to take things any further…
Stop, let’s rewind a little!
There’s no way you’re going to give up on such an intense dream, because (spoiler alert) it’s so worth living that you absolutely have to make it come true, and we’re going to give you as many keys as possible to get there.
Blue water cruising begins when you talk about it to those around you.
By talking openly about it with your family, and at work, and with your friends, the dream that you don’t yet know is realistic will gradually become obvious: you want to sail around the world!
You’re not alone in your plans. The thousands of yachtsmen who sail around the world every year have gone through the same stages of dream and doubt before crossing the oceans. So it’s essential to take advantage of their feedback through cruising seminars, training courses in technical self-sufficiency at sea and online webinars, as well as the community of customers of blue water cruising boat builders.
Next, you have to choose a boat.
Choosing a boat is a thrilling but anxiety-provoking time. You don’t want to make a mistake, but it’s not easy to navigate through the market. New or used, one or more hulls, 12 metres or 15? Fibreglass or aluminium for safety ? What equipment will you need to be self-sufficient ?
Above all, it’s a choice you need to make as a couple. Let’s face it, sometimes one half of a couple is less confident than the other that he or she can adapt to an ocean voyage, and the choice of boat should reassure the one who is more doubtful.
If a catamaran is the negotiated guarantee of greater comfort at sea, let’s both make the choice not to heel over. If an aluminium hull means you’ll sleep more peacefully under way, then this will be the reassuring choice you’ve made together.
Your budget will help you decide whether to buy new or second-hand. However, before you decide, you need to study carefully the tax mechanisms available that allow you to buy on a leasing basis. A well-thought-out financial plan for a new boat may turn out to be less costly than a second-hand purchase that requires a significant amount of work
Would you like to find out more about the subject and continue the discussion with our experts and with those who have made their dreams come true? Register now for our seminar.