Sailing in the carribbean and around the world?

Question

So I'm thinkin about taking off and sailing around the carribean and possibly around the world in a year and a halfs time with some buddies after we finish university, just so we can do something fun before we have to settle down. My question is, what size of boat will i need to sail around the world and the caribbean, is it possible for us to hire a captain to show us how to sail and pay him by taking him to some destination and paying him in food etc. What other things should i be looking into right now? If one of us buy's the boat we'll be looking to buy something in the 15 000$ range..but if we split on the boat we'll probly look for something in the 20 000, and put 5000 aside to fix it up. any comments, or advice would be greatly appreciated! thanks

Answer 1

My best advice for you and your friends , is to find an ASA school near you and take some classes. Start shopping for a good fixer-upper about 45 foot . 3 people on along trip can become quite uncomfortable . A good place to start is

( boattraderonline.com ) and for a good school ( asa.com )

Hope this helps you out alittle

Answer 2

My advice is that you need to think about your plan.  Does at least one of you have any sailing, seamanship and navigation skills right now?  How many of you have stood a night watch at sea?  Do you know how to tie a bowline, a round turn and two half hitches?  Can you tie up to a dock Mediterranean style?  Do you know how to anchor with all kinds of ocean bottoms, where there is a current, in congested areas?  Do you know the laws about protected areas with regard to corals and sea grasses?  Do you know how to use paper charts with no computer navigation help?  If you don't have any of these skills you have a lot of work to do in the next year to learn enough and become proficient enough to consider even a trip around the Carribbean.  

Any boat that is big enough for several people to live aboard, and seaworthy enough for ocean cruising, will cost more than $15 - $20 thousand.  You will also need money for gear -  charts, sails, motor repairs, food, life raft, dinghy, anchors, lines, parts, safety equipment, electronics, galley supplies, recreational supplies (some games, books) etc., etc.  So you need quite a lot to get set up, and then you need money to live on during the cruise.  You can make a little money in some places, but you do need to have access to some cash.

Living in confined quarters with several friends will become very tedious and can test the best of friendships.  Usually people cruising around the world are single handers, couples, families or just a couple of friends.  The more people you have on board, the more room for problems.

I don't mean that I think it is impossible for you to do this, just that it is quite a big plan.  You might want to consider a smaller version of it to start, such as a season of cruising, just a couple of buddies, maybe to the Bahamas, in the company of another boat, a seasoned cruiser - if you can find a seasoned cruiser who wants to take you under his/her wing.  Not all cruisers like to cruise with newbies.  Maybe try one winter of cruising, not too far away, and then see what you think.  Best of luck.

Answer 3

I'll agree with most of the others that your plan is a bit on the ambitious side, but I do think, with a little planning you can go out and have a great time cruising on the money you have talked about.  

I purchased a boat for barely over 10K that I sailed to the Bahamas several times.   Many of that same model have circumnavigated, though I would consider it a 2-person, boat not three.  If you do a search on yachtworld.com you will find there are a few solid cruising boats in your price range, most at a bit over 30-feet.   Morgan Out Island, Bristol, Seafarer, Allmond, Alburg and Pearson, are all older, well-built boats with good reputations.   You don't need a 40-something foot boat to go out cruising with 1-2 friends.  

I definately agree with those above who suggested getting some instruction and experience before you jump into buying a boat and heading out.   While ASA live aboard courses are a great way to learn, that will eat up your budget quickly, so you might consider trying to crew for someone with experience.  Check out pages like cruiserlog and floatplan.

While there have been some cases of people starting their cruising with a circumnavigation, there are many good reasons to start smaller and see where it takes you.

I think your plans are a bit ambitious, but do think you can go out and have some great cruising experiences on the budget you have mentioned.

Answer 4

With the plan and money you mentioned it is not practical.  It will take more upfront money to purchase a boat suitable for your needs.  You will also need a large cash reserve or cash flow to accomplish your task.  The big thing is you do not posses the skills to sail around the world.  I hate to rain on your parade, but it seems that you need to either look to cover a more manageable area or put it off until you are financially able and have the years of experience to safely make the trip.