You probably spend weeks, months, and years reading cruising blogs, and researching in preparation for life aboard a boat. So many anxieties, questions about what to expect. So, in other words, it’s not until you’ve set sail into the ocean that you realize you’re only prepared for what you’re going to experience. And, it’s just half the battle if you know how to sail. Learning to live the cruising lifestyle may be just as difficult, especially when there are children involved. You’ll need a passion for weather and an understanding that Mother Nature will determine your entire life. And, nature can’t be controlled whether you’re attempting to sail to or how quickly you believe you need to get there. Sailing can be hard but is also a unique experience. So, in this article, I’m going to answer the question ” Is sailing around the world is dangerous?” Follow me!

First Things First

The vast majority of world journeys are made by cruising sailors sailing from east to west. This is because this route makes use of the best weather conditions. The prevailing wind systems will ensure that most sailing will be done in proper wind conditions if good planning is done. If you are departing from Northern Europe, the optimum time to depart is during the summer season. The weather in the North Sea, English Channel, and across the Bay of Biscay is now favorable. Furthermore, you can start your journey as late as October if you travel from the Mediterranean and Gibraltar.

Always make an effort to systematize your preparation and, of course, don’t rush it. Take your time to make a to-do list and get yourself and your sailboat ready for this incredible adventure. I understand that there is a lot to think about, from choosing the perfect sailboat to provisions, route, and equipment, among other things. But, with the correct planning and organization, you’ll be good to go!

When considering the length of your journey, take in mind a few key aspects that are connected to each other. The length of your journey will undoubtedly be dictated by your speed, objectives, route, and planning. Also, weather conditions should always be carefully examined beforehand. Furthermore, the qualities of your sailboat, such as its size, hull speed, navigation skill, and the preparation you’ve made.

>>Also Read: Is It Dangerous to Sail in the Caribbean?

Risks, Dangers and Safety Issues When Sailing Around the World

Sailing is one of the safest methods to travel the planet, according to statistics. If you’re not careful, however, it can become even more hazardous. It can be somewhat safe, but while sailing around the world, safety is paramount. First and foremost, the type of boat you select to sail around the world on will have an impact on your overall safety. Most boats aren’t built to make an around-the-world trip, but that doesn’t stop individuals from attempting it. Your offshore sailing experience, particularly on the boat you choose, is crucial, as is your sail inventory. It is critical to instill safety discipline and learn best practices, such as never being on deck alone without a safety harness fastened to safety points.

Navigation becomes crucial, as does synchronize certain crossings with weather patterns or pirate activity. Depending on how you prepare, it can be very safe or very dangerous. You can choose from a variety of equipment alternatives to make things easier or tougher, safer or risky. Self-steering, three reefing points mainsail, storm sails, and an extra head/mainsail are all important. Note that with all lines leading aft, it’s a 30-36 foot boat that is appropriate for solo sailing.

So, proper equipment and the correct boat are critical, but knowledge is also essential. Deficiencies in the boat and equipment can be overcome with knowledge, but those shortfalls should be avoided in the first place. Keep in mind that the greatest way to learn is through a first-person narrative. You can find the appropriate people and ask the proper questions. This is because those who have been there before you can provide you with the information you need to sail almost anywhere.

So, let’s see the potential risks and dangers when sailing around the world:

Piracy

The problem of piracy and the spread of attacks across the Indian Ocean is a common danger. The sad reality is that some regions of the world are unsafe. And, the situation is what it is, no matter how much we argue the issues and alternative solutions. Just because the sea is a free space and we have the freedom to sail wherever we want doesn’t imply it’s a good idea. However, the Indian Ocean isn’t the only area that poses a threat or borders a politically volatile region. For example, if you were thinking of sailing in regions of Indonesia, Venezuela, or Nigeria, you should be cautious.

That isn’t to imply that these regions are completely hazardous, or that the problem will persist in the next months or years. You must keep your ear to the ground while cruising. It’s not the same as being at home. And, bear in mind that some sailors are unaware of this. Many cities, and many countries, are in a state of flux.

In other words, things might change quickly as well as the greeting you could receive, the people you should avoid, etc. Above all, those of us fortunate enough to have grown up in stable, functional, and generally lawful democracies must realize that much of the rest of the world does not follow our rules.

Our hopes and expectations might get doubted, and they may entitle us to nothing. We embark on a globe cruise to experience what it’s like. We occasionally come upon things that aren’t entirely to our liking. So, it’s critical to be aware of all these when you’re intending to sail across the world. Take a look at what’s going on in Arab countries right now or in some Asian countries…

Routes

The most important decision that every sailor stated they made to avoid danger was the route they took. National Safety and security websites carry news on issues impacting cruising sailors by region, with a page dedicated to piracy and security incidents, in addition to keeping up with the political climate and other dangers in the Foreign Office websites. Cruisers must be aware of that and research the reputation of a location ahead of time so that they can plan where to anchor/moor, where to go, and how to act once they arrive.

As a result, you go somewhere and take a chance. You must be willing to modify and alter a route or schedule. It’s pointless to plan several years ahead of time and imagine, “We’ll go this way and be here on this date.” Perhaps you will. However, if it is preferable not to, you should be adaptable and flexible.

There are some specific routes that are better to be avoided due to piracy and weather issues. And, what basically means sailing around the world? Starting from point A, sailing in one direction, and then returning to point A is one option. Another option is to start from point A and combine different points in order to get back to point A. You can go east or west to accomplish this.

Another decision you must make is whether or not you will sail around the capes. Most people don’t mind because the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and South Pacific offer the best sailing. As a result, they only transit via the Panama and Suez Canal. However, note that if you choose to go around the capes, the distance will be increased by around 15%, and your duration will be extended. There is a shorter path, known as the trade wind route, that passes across the canals.

Some of the places to avoid due to piracy and weather are:

• The Gulf of Aden is located in the Arabian Sea between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula’s south coast and Somalia on the Horn of Africa.
• The Malacca Straits connect the Malay Peninsula with the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
• Margarita Island is the largest island in the Venezuelan state of Nueva Esparta, and is located in the Caribbean Sea off the country’s northeastern coast.
• Gulf of Guinea – the tropical Atlantic Ocean’s northeasternmost section, stretching from Gabon’s Cape Lopez north and west to Ghana’s Cape Three Points.
• The Cape of Good Hope is a rocky promontory on the Atlantic coast of South Africa’s Cape Peninsula.
• Cape Horn is the southernmost point in Chile’s Tierra del Fuego archipelago.
• The Bermuda Triangle, on the other hand, was left off the list, despite the fact that it is no more or less dangerous than any other body of water in the North Atlantic Ocean. Regardless of the debates, tropical storms and hurricanes pass through the Bermuda Triangle at some time, making the weather in the area extremely harsh. Even though there is no proof that the triangle has superstitious powers, it is recommended that you approach with caution if you are considering a trip to the area.
• Point Conception is a headland on California’s Pacific coast in southwestern Santa Barbara County. The area’s constantly fluctuating weather has earned it a spot among the top three most dangerous locations to sail in the world.

>>Also Read: Is Sailing Dangerous?

How to Avoid Risks Aboard

In a sailing-around-the-world voyage one of the most important things that matter is your sailboat. Will you go for a monohull or a multihull? Multihulls are spacious, easy to manage, and have a high top speed. In addition, what size do you prefer? You must select the appropriate size for your budget, travel schedule, and the number of passengers. If you buy a large boat, keep in mind that the price of mooring, repairs, and insurance will add to your monthly budget. On the other hand, if you get a small sailboat, you will be limited in terms of storage and personal space. The 36 – 48 foot sailboats are popular because of their excellent steering, seakeeping, and sailing speed capabilities. So, in order to avoid risks related to your sailboat here’s what you can do:

• Just in case, make sure your friends and family are aware of your travel plans. Consider upgrading your Internet package because cell phone rates might be extremely expensive at sea. Also, while you’re on a long-distance cruise, it’s far preferable to have multiple devices with you than just a telephone. A VHF, for example, is necessary for communicating with other sailors, receiving weather updates, and making or reacting to mayday calls. Last but not least, double-check that your EPIRB (emergency position-indicating radio beacon) is in good working order.
• When embarking on a long-term cruise at sea, safety is paramount! First and foremost, ensure that your boat has no damaged parts or holes and that the railings are securely fastened. Bring all safety equipment with you, including life jackets, rafts, a First Aid kit, fire extinguishers, and the appropriate anchor for the seabeds you’ll be traveling. Also, take medication and toiletries onboard in case of an emergency.
• Everything on your boat is powered by the electrical system, from the lights to the navigational instruments. As a result, make sure you read the sailboat’s manuals thoroughly. What kind of batteries, for example, does your vessel accept? Furthermore, when you’re at sea, the sailboat’s mechanics can be difficult to repair. To fix and diagnose your sailboat’s engine and mechanical system, try to prepare yourself and learn as much as possible. Also, familiarize yourself with your boat’s plumbing system so you know how it works and what to do if there are any obstructions or leaks.

>>Also Read: Is it Dangerous to Sail from California to Hawaii?

Take Precautions

• Do not stay in an anchoring unless there is another boat there.
• By the bed, keep a handheld VHF and a bright torch.
• At night, tow the dinghy and outboard.
• If you’re tying up at a dock, lock the dinghy and outboard.
• When you get off the boat, lock it for any reason.
• When the boat is idle or at night, don’t leave anything hanging on the guardwires.
• At night, close the guardwires and raise the boarding ladder.
• Discuss the local security issue with locals and other cruisers.
• If you’re carrying cash, divide it into two sections: a large stash and a little stash.
• Always attempt to acquire a sense of the hazards before embarking on any major passage by reading all of the blogs of other boats that have traveled the same route as you, as well as studying the most up-to-date information on Noonsite.
• If you have large low-wattage spreader lights, they can work well in scaring off prospective invaders. You should be able to turn these on from within the cabin, if possible.

>>Also Read: Best Small Sailboats To Sail Around The World

Essential Equipment to Have Onboard

• GPS and a pc/mac to see where you are and where you’re going. A reliable weather forecast app is also important.
• A radar that alarms you when a boat is in a specific distance away from you.
• Autopilot.
• Depth meter for anchoring.
• You’ll also need a radio, which isn’t optional, because you’ll need to communicate with other boats and marinas/anchorages. Take some classes on the subject so you’ll be ready when you need it.
• A 4-6 person life raft, that is packed in a case of an emergency. You just throw it in the water, and it automatically opens and fills in 5 minutes. Make sure that it has water, food, flaring gun, and life jackets.
• Natural power coming from a wind generator, and Solar Panels.

>>Also Read: Best Sailing Destinations In The World

Is Sailing Around the World Dangerous? – The Bottom Line

So, how dangerous is sailing around the world? To put everything in perspective, people cruise because the world we live in is also incredibly beautiful, varied, and interesting. It is about meeting and understanding new cultures and environments. Nature is abundant and cruising around the world will help you understand it and also protect it. Also, you will rarely meet as many people who will go to such lengths to help you or establish lasting friends as you will while cruising.

This is a very unique way of life and offers a highly liberated existence. The benefits are enormous. It draws individuals together in a very intimate way. The greatest danger, in my opinion, is being overly prescriptive and narrow-minded. Going with the flow is safer. So, you should keep an ear out for dangers and keep a safe distance from them. You won’t be put off by any scare tactics or concerns if you do that. The safest way to see the world is still to sail on your own boat.

You will be alright if you choose a well-built and seaworthy boat designed for off-shore sailing, equip it well, and have a skilled crew. The most important part of planning a voyage around the world is preparation and willingness to do so. And, by preparation, I don’t mean 4 years of planning and organizing. Just find your routes, research a bit about destinations, safely equip your boat, and find the best crew. You will have the adventure of a lifetime if you stay in the trade winds and keep a close eye on the weather. When you’re feeling confident and ready then it’s time for the adventure to begin.

So, sailing around the world isn’t dangerous! With the proper safety equipment, a reliable sailboat, knowledge, and awareness you can avoid all dangers. I wish that this article answered your questions and that you are now able to make the big step. Wish you all safe & pleasant voyages on the open ocean!