6 Pillars of Preparing for a Long Cruise

Skippers who take part in ocean regattas leave nothing to chance. This is something that we, ordinary yachtsmen, should learn from – because confident preparation is the key to a smooth passage through almost any test at sea.

However, preparation and rigor in planning should not deprive us of the sincere joy of discovery and travel. Let's try to highlight six key aspects of preparation for a long cruise on a sailing yacht, even if the goal is not to break records.

This article is adapted from the article “The 6 pillars of successful cruise preparation” by Elodie Bera for the BoatNews.com website.

Expectations and reality

Going on a long cruise for months or even years… It’s a dream for many of us. A dream that conjures up images of absolute freedom, ocean sunsets and quiet marinas on distant paradise islands. However, behind this idyllic picture lies a harsh reality that is all too familiar to many yachtsmen and sailors who take part in offshore racing. The reality boils down to the phrase: “True freedom at sea is achieved through careful preparation.”

At a recent conference with Koesio Ocean Race skippers Audrey Augereau and Erwan Le Roux, they shared six key principles for successfully preparing for any sailing trip.

These tips may seem obvious, but it is worth emphasizing anyway: the principles they outline are generally the same for long cruises, ocean crossings, and regattas. That is why it is sometimes worth drawing inspiration for your cruises from famous ocean racers.

Pillar 1: Sailing Yacht Equipment

It is important to understand that a racing yacht and a cruising yacht are different things. The first is designed to achieve maximum speeds, while the second is capable of providing reliability and comfort. In both cases, the boat has a middle ground, the same for all yachts of any type of hull and sails, namely safety. A well-prepared boat means a smooth sailing without unpleasant surprises.

So:

• To make your sailboat more reliable, it is necessary to inspect, check and optimize everything: rigging, sails, engines, electronics, etc. before going to sea.
• Prevent breakdowns: Have the necessary spare parts on hand and learn basic repairs.
• Adapting your boat for a round-the-world or coastal voyage? The right choice of equipment (watermaker, solar panels, heavy-duty rigging) is crucial.

Pillar 2: Sailor Skills

In ocean racing, every maneuver must be instinctive. On long cruises, the ability to react to any stimulus without stress is of the utmost importance. To avoid stress when steering, you should:

• Master sailboat handling at a high level. Learn to control it under sail and practice maneuvering with a small crew (individual courses). Knowing how the yacht behaves in different conditions will give you more confidence in an emergency.
• Simulation of emergency situations: halyard failure, autopilot malfunction, loss of energy... It is necessary to understand how to act even in the most critical situation.
• Bringing an autonomous crew member into the team - your reliable partner and a person "on call". If you are heading on a long journey that involves sea passages, it is better to have at least one person on board besides you who will be able to take control.

Pillar 3: Yacht Food

Food is a sailor's fuel. In racing, every calorie counts, and a balanced diet allows you to not only "refuel" but also enjoy your food. Eating right means taking care of yourself and your team.

• Check your diet and allergies before you set sail: some foods are better tolerated at sea than others.
• Be prepared for food shortages, as some areas have literally no stores or deliveries. Adjust your food intake according to conditions.
• Maintain a balance: do not rely on baked goods and forget about fiber from plants and vegetables. The opposite, however, is also not recommended. The diet should be balanced: both healthy and not so healthy, but everything in moderation.

Pillar 4: Pre-cruise physical preparation

A crew in good shape will have more stamina, and therefore will be more likely to cope with the challenges of the open sea. It is not necessary to have a black belt in karate, but it is highly desirable to stay in shape. Before a long cruise, it is worth preparing the body physically:

• Work on your endurance and vestibular system. When working with rigging on deck, your legs and back can suffer greatly, so pay special attention to strengthening these areas to avoid strains and injuries.
• Even during the cruise, it is worth warming up before maneuvers, stretching and being physically active.
• After a cruise, it's worth giving your body a break.

Pillar 5: Mental Health of the Yachtmaster 

Despite all the romance of sailing, the mental aspect is also extremely important. Along the way, you will encounter many difficulties, including: confined spaces, fatigue, loneliness, a feeling of alienation from the outside world... And all this is only in your head. A strong and mature mind turns any difficulty into a learning experience.

• Create rituals to calm and relax. Small daily rituals will give structure to your days at sea and help you stay on track.
• Practice visualization and find a pleasant leisure activity. This will help you to distract yourself and relax from the hardships of a long journey.
• Embrace the unexpected: Things never go as planned… And that’s a good thing!

Pillar 6: Medicine on a yacht

The skipper is not only concerned with the safety of the hull, but also the safety of the crew. During a cruise, the crew must be as prepared as the boat itself. A healthy crew is the key to a rich and long sailing adventure.

• Before going out to sea, conduct a technical inspection of not only the boat, but also the crew. Check for all necessary vaccinations, recommendations from a therapist, visit a dentist. It is unlikely that it will be pleasant to sail the Mediterranean with sudden acute pulpitis. 
• Take a first aid course. While dental problems can be prevented, sudden choking from too much food or falling overboard cannot. The crew should know not only how to pull a person out of the water, but also how to bring them to their senses.

Instead of a conclusion

Preparing for a long-distance cruise means accepting the strictness of the seaman's code. A successful voyage depends not on luck, but on careful preparation. Planning a route, anticipating unexpected events and knowing your boat well are all key to a smooth voyage. As Eric Tabarly once said, "Sailing means accepting self-imposed limitations in order to be free."

New video on Interparus channel

New review of Dufour or Fountaine Pajot? No way! This time Sasha Goron will tell about the sailing yacht Heyman 42 — a beauty from Sweden. Enjoy watching❤️

Don't forget to rate the content! Other interesting articles can be found at the links below or in the "News" section.

12.04.2025