This is the big question that everyone’s looking for an answer to it! If your dream is to explore the world on your sailboat then don’t give up, it’s totally achievable. As you may know, or already have done so, you might need to reduce a bit your every day’s expenses. Therefore, you will experience a more enjoyable and comfortable voyage on the sea. Up next, I’m going to analyze the general costs of a sailboat overseas voyage. It might seem a bit sticky matter but don’t worry! There’s nothing more satisfying than reaching your goals.

First Things First, Where Will You Sail?

Performing such a trip means several years of organizing and reflecting on all the aspects. To begin with, one of the most important factors to consider is your destinations. From where are you going to begin, which route are you going to follow, and eventually in which places are you going to drop anchor. This will help you determine your costs. The costs vary by country and circumstances. For instance, if you’re starting from Florida, visiting the Bahamas, Bermuda, and then finishing your voyage in Italy – Marina di Capri or in Saint-Tropez in France. Well, this is going to be an expensive overseas journey. In any case, this depends on your goals, preferences, and of course, the time, and money that you wish to spend. But let’s examine all possible expenses.

Your Sailboat

The type of your sailboat plays a crucial role here. Undoubtedly, the choice of your sailboat can affect the quality and pleasure of sailing around the world. For example, it’s easier to sail around the world with a Beneteau Oceanis 473 and with a Hallberg-Rassy 36. Above all, most cruisers who are planning offshore cruising and circumnavigation will buy a boat that costs more than 150,000$. In case you’re buying a used one, it’s best to buy a boat that is already kitted out.

Moreover, the sailboat’s cost is easy to calculate as well as insurance, and the equipment that must be included in a voyage like this. Furthermore, a long voyage requires a medium-sized sailboat for easy handling as well as high-speed performance. Safety and comfort are also major aspects that are essential to consider. A lot of sailboats might suit short cruises but others might not be up to the demands of an overseas voyage.

Destinations

First plan: you’re planning to sail from Europe (England or Spain) to the Caribbean, Panama, and French Polynesia. Second plan: Let’s assume that you want to begin from the South Pacific Ocean. In this case, you will sail around New Zealand, Australia, and the South Pacific Islands. And, the third plan: sail around Europe (Greece, Croatia, Italy, France, etc), all the Meditteranean, passing through Gibraltar, and then heading towards the North Atlantic Ocean (Grenadines, British Virgin Islands, St. Lucia, Bahamas, etc).

The Average Cost Of Sailing Around The World

So, now we are going to calculate the average annual cost to sail around the world, which is approximately 10,000-15,000$ per person. Keep in mind that each month the expenditure fluctuates and this depends on where you are and what you are doing. For example, from just 50$ for a month to cross the Pacific Ocean to 3,430$ in New Zealand (including re-provisioning, travel around and maintenance, etc.) The below-mentioned list includes all possible costs for a long sailing voyage:

• Maintenance (19%)
• Insurance (16%)
• Food and Drink (25%)
• Excursions (10%)
• Cruising Fees (7%)
• Mooring (7%)
• Fuel (5%)
• Communication (4%)
• Miscellaneous (7%)

Expenses

Firstly, the monthly expenses are the ones that can give you the most difficulties. This is due to the fact that you can not calculate them beforehand. In contrast, maintenance costs, fuel, insurance, cruising, and mooring fees are much easier to calculate. In any case, you can not be certain with how much you will spend on food, fuel, repairs, and maintenance. But, rest assured because experience and time will give you that information!

On the one hand, fuel is much cheaper in Europe. On the other hand, food is more expensive in Europe than in Asia and Latin America. Keep in mind that the provisioning costs are not really high, but not those of the marinas. Also, during the summer season, you can make more use of your anchorage and therefore saving the cost of docking in port. However, in the Caribbean, you don’t really enter a port unless it is for refueling. In the Caribbean, provisions are expensive but anchoring is really pleasant.

As you may know, Australia, for instance, is one of the most expensive countries for long voyages because of labor costs and high supply. However, in the United States products like food and supply are cheaper. As for Asia and Mexico, they’re both cheap places for maintenance and consumer products. In general, the costs should be divided into three parts: the fixed expenses per year (boat and health insurance, maintenance), monthly costs (food, fuel, mooring), and extra costs (excursions and miscellaneous).

To calculate your total cost to sail around the world, you have to first determine the route that you will follow, the countries you are going to visit, the provisions you will need, and of course, whether you will be anchoring or docking. Also, will you be crossing the Panama canal? If yes, add another 1,000$ to your bill since this is the fee that you will need to pay.

Money-Saving Tips For Sailing Around The World

• Carry out small repairs and equipment with you.
• Take boat maintenance beforehand.
• Try to make repairs by yourself, this will save you at least 15% of your costs.
• Limit port docking and try to anchor as much as possible.
• Trackdown your provisions and try not to make unnecessary expenses.
• Visit local restaurants and tavernas. These are much cheaper than restaurants and sometimes they provide better quality options and local food experiences.
• Write down your expenses. This will help you keep your costs low.
• Keep in mind the extra fees and expenses from one island to another.
• Bringing your dog or cat on board requires an additional expense. Also, long overseas voyages are not quite pleasant to animals as they are to us.
• Minimize the usage of motor navigation.
• The wind is your best friend! Take advantage of him as he’s the source of propulsion. Try to limit the usage of the engine which increases fuel consumption, therefore increase your monthly expenses.

Cost Of Sailing Around The World – Summary

The conclusion we can presume is that there is no exact answer to this question. The reason for that is that each one of us lives and acts in a different way. So, when it comes to travel around the world, especially with your sailing boat, this is a matter that varies from one person to another. In my humble opinion, the questions that we should ask ourselves are: “What sacrifices can I do to achieve my goal?” and “Where do I want to go and for how long?”, and “What is my budget?” Try to answer these questions in order to clarify things in your mind and this will help you be better prepared for the ultimate experience of your life!

So, the only one that can answer this question is you. I have met a young couple when sailing in Mexico that was sailing through the year around the world for around 600$ a month, and I have also met a retired couple doing the same for around 10,000$ a month. Both of the figures are pretty crazy, but the point is that there is no fixed amount that it will cost you to sail around the world.

One thing that I can tell you is that you will save a pretty penny on your provisions if you do some trolling from your sailboat during your sail. You will catch fresh fish, which is both nutritious and necessary during a long passage. It is also a very fun useful way to pass time since sailing for days on end can become monotonous.

Finally, if you are thinking of sailing around the world you should also consider the cost of upgrading your equipment if necessary. Maybe a larger anchor for heavier winds and currents, better foul weather gear, and reliable safety equipment are also a must-have.