Dreaming of casting off the dock lines and disappearing over the horizon? Blue water sailing — long-distance cruising across open oceans — is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences a sailor can undertake. But before you hoist your sails and set course for distant shores, preparation is everything.
An extended blue water voyage demands careful planning, redundancy, and a deep respect for the sea. In this post, we’ll cover the essential gear, systems, provisions, and planning considerations for a successful and safe journey.
1. The Right Boat
Key Traits of a Blue Water Cruiser:
- Strong construction: Preferably a full keel or modified full keel for stability and protection.
- Self-righting ability: An important safety feature in rough seas.
- Good tankage: Ample water and fuel storage.
- Comfortable accommodations: You’ll be living aboard for extended periods.
- Offshore-ready rigging and deck hardware: Easy to manage short-handed or solo.
Popular blue water boats include the Amel Super Maramu, Hallberg-Rassy 42, Pacific Seacraft 37, and Oyster 56, among others.
2. Safety Equipment
When you’re hundreds (or thousands) of miles from shore, safety is paramount. You need gear that won’t fail you.
Must-Have Safety Gear:
- Life raft (serviced and offshore rated)
- EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)
- PLB (Personal Locator Beacon)
- Life jackets with harnesses and tethers
- Jacklines and padeyes
- Grab bag (“ditch bag”) with essentials (water, meds, flares, knife, handheld VHF, etc.)
- Radar reflector
- AIS (Automatic Identification System)
- Fire extinguishers (marine-rated, accessible)
- Medical kit and offshore first aid training
3. Navigation & Communication
Modern blue water sailing blends traditional seamanship with high-tech solutions.
Navigation:
- GPS chartplotter with offshore charts (paper backups too!)
- Radar
- Depth sounder
- Wind instruments
- Autopilot and/or wind vane steering
Communication:
- SSB radio or satellite communications system (Iridium GO!, Starlink, or Inmarsat)
- VHF radio with DSC
- Weather data receiver (GRIB files, PredictWind, NOAA broadcasts)
4. Power Systems
You’ll need to generate and conserve power efficiently.
Options for Energy Generation:
- Solar panels
- Wind generator
- Hydrogenerator
- Diesel generator or high-output alternator
Battery Bank:
- Choose deep-cycle AGM, lithium, or gel batteries with sufficient amp-hour capacity.
- Consider adding a battery monitor system.
5. Water and Provisioning
Water is life at sea — especially on long passages.
Water:
- Watermaker (highly recommended for long trips)
- Multiple water tanks and jerry cans
- Manual and electric pumps
Provisioning:
- Stock up on non-perishables: rice, pasta, canned goods, dried legumes, powdered milk, etc.
- Bring fresh produce with long shelf lives: cabbage, onions, carrots, squash, apples.
- Use vacuum-sealing and refrigeration for meats.
- Don’t forget spices, coffee, and comfort foods!
Tip: Plan for 1.5x the duration of your intended voyage in provisions. Delays happen.
6. Spare Parts and Tools
There’s no marine supply shop in the middle of the ocean.
Essentials:
- Belts, impellers, filters, gaskets
- Rigging and sail repair kits
- Hose clamps, spare hoses, plumbing parts
- Spare bolts, fuses, wiring, and connectors
- Complete tool kit including multimeter, tap/die set, and torque wrench
- Engine oil and transmission fluid
- Backup tiller (if applicable)
7. Sails and Rigging
You need a sail plan suited for all weather conditions.
Recommended Sail Inventory:
- Mainsail with multiple reefs
- Genoa or roller furling jib
- Storm jib
- Trysail
- Asymmetrical spinnaker or Code 0 for light air
Rigging:
- Inspect all standing and running rigging thoroughly.
- Bring spare halyards and sheets.
8. Living Aboard Comfortably
You’re not just surviving out there — you’re living.
Galley:
- Reliable stove and oven (gimballed)
- Pressure cooker (saves fuel)
- Fridge/freezer (if you have the power)
- Water filtration system
Berths:
- Lee cloths or pilot berths for sleeping underway
Entertainment & Well-being:
- Books, movies, instruments, hobbies
- Sun protection (shade, hats, sunscreen)
- Good foul-weather gear
- Mosquito nets and insect repellents
9. Passage Planning and Paperwork
Good preparation reduces risk.
Planning Tools:
- Pilot charts and cruising guides
- Waypoints and alternate routes
- Weather windows and seasonal patterns
- Landfall options in emergencies
Documents:
- Passports and visas
- Vessel registration
- Crew list and customs forms
- Insurance (hull and health)
- Logbooks and maintenance records
10. Mental and Physical Preparedness
Perhaps the most overlooked yet critical component.
Before You Go:
- Take offshore sailing and navigation courses
- Practice emergency drills
- Do shakedown sails — test every system
- Cultivate patience, resilience, and humility
Final Thoughts
A successful blue water voyage is not about having the most expensive gear, but the most reliable systems, good seamanship, and a prepared mindset. The ocean is a dynamic and powerful environment — it demands respect and rewards those who do their homework.
Cast off when you’re ready, not when you’re rushed. And when you do, you’ll join a proud tradition of sailors who have trusted themselves and their boats to the open sea.
Fair winds and following seas!
