Top 10 Tips for Offshore Sailing

Most yachtsmen prefer to go on short trips along coastal waters. In such conditions you can settle down, rest peacefully at night, and enjoy the local nature.

But dreams of long journeys beyond the horizon often hover in the imagination of yachtsmen. Some are thinking about crossing the Atlantic, others dream of traveling around the Mediterranean. In any case, it is important to know the basic principles of preparing for such a voyage. What should you pay attention to anyway?

Plan your yacht passage

Careful planning is the key to a smooth and safe voyage. It is important to think through every aspect of the upcoming sea voyage, including the route, daily routine and resource consumption. You should not expect to be able to go offshore without preparation.

It is recommended to undergo training at yacht schoolto be prepared for potential emergency situations on the high seas. Being prepared and knowing what to do in an emergency will increase your confidence and safety while sailing.

So, following these basic principles will help you enjoy offshore sailing and make your experience more comfortable and safe.

Don't neglect the weather forecast

When going on a sea voyage, especially on the open sea, you need to carefully prepare, including for possible weather conditions.

When planning a cruise along the coastline, it is usually enough to know the forecast for the next one or two days. However, when it comes to long-term offshore sailing, it is important to have an idea of the weather for the entire upcoming week. Although long-term forecasts are less accurate, they can give a general idea of possible sailing conditions and help you avoid dangerous situations.

Although modern technologies such as Starlink offer Internet access away from shore, relying solely on Internet forecasts is not a good idea. Sea conditions can change unpredictably and internet reception equipment may fail. It is therefore recommended to regularly update weather information while possible to minimize risks.

It is also important to study the climatic features of the region you are planning to travel to. For example, hurricanes can be seasonal in certain areas, and knowing this will help you plan your route more safely. It may be wiser to wait out hurricane season and choose a different time of year or destination to sail.

Plan your route wisely

Unfortunately, you can’t just go out to sea and come back. Each trip to sea represents the passage of a specific route with a clearly defined beginning, middle and end. Also remember that weather plays a key role in determining when you can safely set sail.

Currents, both coastal and offshore, also require special attention. Their constancy and variability can affect the speed and direction of swimming. Consider these factors when planning your route to minimize risks and use favorable winds and currents to your advantage.

Having multiple alternate routes is a must for safe offshore sailing. This will allow you to quickly adapt to weather changes or other unexpected situations. The alternate route should be kept in a safe place to ensure that the information is available at any time during the journey.

Boat safety and reliability

Whether you're planning a long-distance voyage or a coastal cruise, it's important that your boat is durable and reliable. In addition, the stability of the yacht plays a key role in safe navigation.

Yachtsmen have different opinions about the ideal boat for going out to sea. Some prefer single-hull sailing yachts, while others successfully navigate ocean crossings on catamarans. It is important to choose a boat that is right for you, taking into account the specifics of sailing and your skills.

Choose a boat made from strong and durable materials such as multi-layer laminates, composites or aluminum. This will ensure the necessary hull strength even in harsh marine conditions.

Equipping the yacht with modern navigation systems, including AIS and GPS, as well as the presence of an autopilot will increase the safety of your travels. An autopilot is especially important for yachtsmen traveling alone, as it makes the yacht much easier to control.

Don't forget about sufficient fuel and water tanks. This will allow you to stay on the high seas longer without having to call at ports to resupply. If the capacity of the built-in tanks is insufficient, consider additional barrels or cans for fuel and drinking water.

Be prepared for no wind

In some areas, such as off the coast of Greece or Croatia, it is possible to complete the route with little or no power, sailing in 3 knots of wind and enjoying the views and warm sunshine. However, during offshore sailing the wind may disappear and you will have to search for it.

If you have the opportunity, use the engine to get to the windy area. For travelers on their own boats, there is no need to rush, the main thing is that there is enough food for the entire journey. Charter yachts are advised to leave the windless area as quickly as possible in order to meet the boat's delivery deadline.

Prepare supplies

Carefully calculate the required amount of fuel, food and water. Don’t forget that in addition to drinking, you will also have to use water for washing dishes and personal hygiene. The recommended calculation for each crew member per day is about 5 liters of fresh water, of which 2-3 liters are intended for drinking.

When choosing foods, consider nutritional and calorie content. For an adult male, the average daily calorie requirement is 2500, but in offshore sailing conditions, due to increased physical activity, the need for calories increases. Regatta participants are advised to double their caloric intake.

It is imperative to have an emergency supply (ES) on board in case of unforeseen situations. Such an NZ should include very nutritious foods and a minimum supply of water. 

Keep rescue equipment at the ready

Typically, before you go on a charter boat cruise, you will be familiarized with the bare minimum required on board: flares, life buoys, life jackets and even rafts. However, access to the open sea and offshore yachting will require more rescue equipment.

One of the main life-saving devices to be carried on board is an EPIRB, used to locate ships and people in distress. Having a life raft on board is also mandatory.

If you are setting out to conquer the open sea with your boat, be sure to check the functionality of all life-saving equipment and conduct a short drill with the crew before starting the trip. As a skipper, it is important to show and explain to crew members the sequence of actions in various critical situations.

Get ready for renovations

Even a new boat after maintenance is not immune from breakdowns at sea. If during a coastal cruise you can turn to the nearest marina for help, then on the open sea you will have to rely only on yourself. Familiarize yourself with the potential vulnerabilities of your yacht in advance so that in case of problems you can quickly begin to eliminate them.

It's important to be a jack of all trades, as offshore sailing can lead to problems ranging from electrical problems to sail damage. Successfully solving these problems requires basic engineering skills and the ability to repair things yourself, especially if there is no Internet access.

On board you must have a set of repair tools: keys, screwdrivers, pliers, electrical tape (necessarily blue) and a silicone spray for urgent sealing of holes. It is also worth having a sail repair kit in your arsenal, which includes a large needle and strong threads.

Dress for the weather

There is no greater evil for the body than overheating in the heat and getting hypothermic in the cold. Your clothes should help your body cope with the vagaries of the weather more easily, and not complicate this process. 

Before setting off on an offshore voyage, research the local weather conditions at sea. Perhaps good-quality sneakers, sports shorts and a windbreaker will be enough for a comfortable stay on deck. For advice, contact specialized yacht stores. They will help you choose the optimal set of clothes for your trip.

Determination and courage are your main allies

It's about the sum of all factors. You have clearly planned your trip, you have several alternative routes, you use satellite Internet and always have an up-to-date weather forecast, you have prepared supplies, you know how to fix anything with duct tape and a 13mm wrench, you have selected your clothes - all that’s left is to go to sea. 

Leave your worries on the shore and listen to your intuition. Rely on the developed plan and enjoy the sea. Be decisive - the sea does not tolerate a frivolous attitude. Be brave - because only the brave conquer the seas. 

Remember that the true wisdom and courage of a sailor lies in adequately assessing his own capabilities, the capabilities of the boat and the crew. Don't confuse courage with passion. Your courage and determination comes not from blind faith, but from careful planning for every aspect of offshore sailing.

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30.03.2024