Long distance sailing trips are all the rage these days. People take off months or years from their regular lives, pack up a yacht and head for parts unknown. It takes a great deal of planning to make such a trip go off smoothly, but with a little know how and some luck you can sail just about anywhere without a hitch.
Organize Your Adventure Well in Advance
Long before you set sail, you need to chart your path. Start by making a list of all the places you want to visit on your trip. Locate them on your map and then taking into account the seasons, any wind patterns, distances, plus expenses that will be involved, plot your course.
Paying for the Trip
If you are certain about sailing around the world for the first time, then it is necessary to remember that it often takes a year. Yet it isn’t uncommon for it to take two or even three years. Checking the online forums can help you make a more accurate estimate regarding the amount of time a particular trip will take. Now, figure out just how much money you need to have set aside to manage all the expenses of the trip; fuel, food, fees, health insurance, global cell phones, etc.
The Details of What you Leave Behind
Regretable we don’t have the luxury of living in a world where we can up and leave our regular lives. It is necessary that you tend to any obligations you have before setting sail, or they could unfortunately come back when you least expect them. If you intend to shut your home while on your sailing adventure, you will still be required to make your necessary insurance and mortage payments, plus any other bills you have. Take care of them before you leave. Coming back to a house in foreclosure will put a real damper on your trip.
Prepare Your Craft
The Altantic is definitely not the ideal location to find out that the noise you heard was an engine or falling pump. Because of this, it is important that your boat is ready for your excursion. This includes making any repairs that are needed, packing along any small spare parts that are likely to fail, and learning how to fix every part of your craft before you head out. This will prepare you in case you will be required to make repairs yourself if you end up stranded in the middle of the Atlantic.
Support and Socialization is Safer
Also it is important to join other convoys and rallies when undertaking a long sailing distance, regardless of the fact that it is down the coast or around the world. These are groups of boats all heading the same way. Although you may not necessarily encounter other boats, you will know that many are close by, and can give any assistance should you need it; and in most instances you will.
You should also think about bringing some type of non-lethal device for your self defense. A stun gun is a perfect solution. Not only is it a small device to behold, but it is also extremely effective, and can provide you with vital time. In a bad situation, it can be the difference between a scare and a really bad day.
For more information on long distance sailing go online and join sailing forums, take classes and ask the pros.
Tags: safety, Sailing, self defense, stun gun
