source: https://switchedonsailing.com/prepare-for-bluewater-sailing-adventures/

The planning and preparation required for a bluewater sailing adventure can seem daunting, especially for someone who is new to sailing but...

With the right level of sailing experience and resources, it can be achieved and can be an incredibly rewarding undertaking.

Experienced sailors know that understanding the challenges of a particular bluewater sailing passage is the key starting point to having a successful and safe journey.

For example, it's essential to know the different types of weather that might be encountered and the potential effects of that weather on the boat and crew.

It's also important to be aware of the potential risks associated with being in remote areas and the rare possibility of encountering pirates or other criminal activity.

Having the right equipment, tools, and supplies are a must. Knowing what items are necessary and what items are optional will help you plan your voyage more efficiently.

This really comes down to knowing your yacht intimately and the level of maintenance you've adhered to. Having the right equipment and supplies will obviously go a long way toward keeping everyone onboard safe.

Maintenance levels are usually closely related to the amount of available cash and so creating a budget is important. Calculating the cost of fuel, food, and other supplies is critical to ensuring that the voyage is financially feasible.

If you have a budget you can plan the length of your voyage and identify the destinations that fit within your budget.

It's also important to understand the legal requirements for sailing in different parts of the world. Being aware of the local laws, requirements for passports and visas, and other documentation will help ensure that you are following all the necessary laws and regulations to gain entry to a port upon arrival.

In addition to the skipper's experience, it's important to consider the crew's experience and skill level. Understanding the level of competency of each crew member will allow the planning of night watches to ensure the journey is safe and successful.

Sailing at night involves additional considerations regardless of the weather conditions.

Overall, everything mentioned revolves around experience and good seamanship and nothing should be taken for granted.

So to recap:

By understanding the challenges of blue water sailing and taking the necessary steps to properly plan and prepare, you can have a safe and rewarding journey.

Learning the proper techniques and having the right equipment will help make sure you and your crew have a successful and enjoyable experience.

Let's take a brief but deeper look at some of the factors that ultimately need to be considered in detail:

Research and Planning are essential parts of bluewater sailing. By taking the time to research and plan, you increase your chances of success enormously.

Routes can have different risks and rewards. Some routes may be shorter and more direct, but may also be more dangerous. Other routes may be safer, but may be longer and more indirect.

It's also important to consider the time of year and the navigational hazards along each route. During certain times of year, certain sailing routes may be more dangerous due to the presence of severe weather.

Overall, choosing your route is an important part of bluewater sailing and should not be taken lightly.

Crew are the most important part of any bluewater sailing adventure. An experienced and well-trained crew can make all the difference between a successful voyage and one that ends in tragedy.

It's essential that the crew be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle the challenges associated with sailing on the open ocean.

When selecting crew, it's important to consider the experience and qualifications of each member, and those with prior sailing experience are generally preferred. They'll be better able to handle the potential challenges of bluewater sailing.

But attitude is also really important... and selecting a crew who can work well together and be comfortable in a confined space for long periods of time cannot be overstated. Being aware of the physical state of the other crew members is vital particularly when seasickness rears its head.

In addition to experience, the crew should also have a basic understanding of the safety protocols and procedures necessary for safe bluewater sailing. This includes knowledge of all of the safety gear including radios, life rafts, flares, and first-aid kits.

It's also important to consider the physical fitness of the crew. Bluewater sailing can be physically and mentally demanding, so the crew should be able to handle long days and nights at sea with minimal rest when the conditions turn bad.

Overall, they should stay alert for developing problems outside of the safety of the cockpit... be they weather, navigation, or maintenance issues. A healthy respect for the sea doesn't go astray.

Budget comes down to ensuring there are enough financial resources to cover the costs of the journey, including food, fuel, and any necessary repairs or replacements with a contingency amount for unexpected but eventual problems.

Training is an essential part of any successful bluewater sailing adventure. Whether you're an experienced sailor or a novice, having the right training can make all the difference when it comes to navigating and surviving the dangers of the open ocean.

Taking the time to learn the basics, practice, understand the weather, handle emergencies, and select a good crew will go a long way toward helping you reach your destination safely.

Safety is paramount when it comes to bluewater sailing and the environment is unpredictable and can be dangerous. Rather than an approach of 'if it happens' it's better to operate with a 'when it happens' mentality.

Navigation is an essential skill for any bluewater sailor and navigating the open waters of the sea can be intimidating. With the right knowledge, preparation, and resources, it can be done successfully. Don't rely robotically on your electronic devices and stay aware of your location... keep eyes on the surrounding environment, particularly any signs of a reef.

Seamanship is a fundamental skill for any aspiring bluewater sailor. It is a combination of knowledge, experience, and judgment that enables a sailor to handle a vessel in any situation.

Seamanship involves understanding the principles of navigation, meteorology, and boat handling, as well as being aware of the unique dangers associated with bluewater sailing.

Fundamentally, it's being intuitively in touch with the movements of your yacht and the environment.

Supplies are everything you'll need and not need. The longer the voyage the more important the right amount of supplies becomes. Supplies are not just food and water... there's also fuel, spare parts, clothing and gear, first aid, endless spare parts, and more... the more detailed your checklist for supplies the better.

So let's wrap up...Bluewater sailing can be an incredibly rewarding activity, but it is not without its risks so understanding the dangers of bluewater sailing is essential.

Some of the bigger risks of bluewater sailing include the potential to encounter rough weather, the risk of collisions with other vessels, and the potential of running into mechanical issues with your boat.

However, it's often the small things that lead to bigger problems so avoiding complacency goes a long way toward a pleasurable voyage.

By doing your research, being prepared for your voyage, and having a plan for when things go wrong, you can minimize the risks of blue water sailing dramatically.

Bluewater sailing can be a wonderful experience and one that you will remember for a lifetime. Indeed many people adopt it as their life and become addicted to the beauty of the open ocean.