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5 best small sailboats for sailing around the world

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: April 19, 2023

A small sailboat can take you big places

Small sailboats are the ticket to going cruising NOW — not when you retire, save up enough money, or find the “perfect” bluewater cruising boat. In fact, it’s the first principle in Lin and Larry Pardey’s cruising philosophy: “Go small, go simple, go now.”

Small yachts can be affordable, simple, and seaworthy . However, you won’t see many of them in today’s cruising grounds. In three years and 13,000 nautical miles of bluewater cruising, I could count the number of under 30-foot sailboats I’ve seen on one hand (all of them were skippered by people in their 20s and 30s).

Today’s anchorages are full of 40, 50, and 60-foot-plus ocean sailboats, but that’s not to say you can’t sail the world in a small sailboat. Just look at Alessandro di Benedetto who in 2010 broke the record for the smallest boat to sail around the world non-stop in his 21-foot Mini 6.5 .

So long as you don’t mind forgoing a few comforts, you can sail around the world on a small budget .

What makes a good blue water sailboat

While you might not think a small sailboat is up to the task of going long distances, some of the best bluewater sailboats are under 40 feet.

However, if you’re thinking about buying a boat for offshore cruising, there are a few things to know about what makes a small boat offshore capable .

Smaller equals slower

Don’t expect to be sailing at high speeds in a pocket cruiser. Smaller displacement monohulls are always going to be slower than larger displacement monohulls (see the video below to learn why smaller boats are slower). Therefore a smaller cruiser is going to take longer on a given passage, making them more vulnerable to changes in weather.

A few feet can make a big difference over a week-long passage. On the last leg of our Pacific Ocean crossing, our 35-foot sailboat narrowly avoid a storm that our buddy boat, a 28-foot sailboat, couldn’t. Our friend was only a knot slower but it meant he had to heave to for a miserable three days.

Small but sturdy

If a pocket cruiser encounters bad weather, they will be less able to outrun or avoid it. For this reason, many of the blue water sailboats in this list are heavily built and designed to take a beating.

Yacht design has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. Today, new boats are designed to be light and fast. The small sailboats in our list are 30-plus year-old designs and were built in a time when weather forecasts were less accurate and harder to come by.

Back in the day, boat were constructed with thicker fiberglass hulls than you see in modern builds. Rigs, keels, rudders, hulls and decks – everything about these small cruising sailboats was designed to stand up to strong winds and big waves. Some of the boats in this post have skeg-hung rudders and most of them are full keel boats.

The pros and cons of pocket cruiser sailboats

Pocket cruiser sailboats present certain advantages and disadvantages.

More affordable

Their smaller size makes them affordable bluewater sailboats. You can often find great deals on pocket cruisers and sometimes you can even get them for free.

You’ll also save money on retrofits and repairs because small cruising sailboats need smaller boat parts (which cost a lot less) . For example, you can get away with smaller sails, ground tackle, winches, and lighter lines than on a bigger boat.

Moorage, haul-outs, and marine services are often billed by foot of boat length . A small sailboat makes traveling the world , far more affordable!

When something major breaks (like an engine) it will be less costly to repair or replace than it would be on a bigger boat.

Less time consuming

Smaller boats tend to have simpler systems which means you’ll spend less time fixing and paying to maintain those systems. For example, most small yachts don’t have showers, watermakers , hot water, and electric anchor windlasses.

On the flip side, you’ll spend more time collecting water (the low-tech way) . On a small sailboat, this means bucket baths, catching fresh water in your sails, and hand-bombing your anchor. Though less convenient, this simplicity can save you years of preparation and saving to go sailing.

Oh, and did I mention that you’ll become a complete water meiser? Conserving water aboard becomes pretty important when you have to blue-jug every drop of it from town back to your boat.

Easier to sail

Lastly, smaller boats can be physically easier to sail , just think of the difference between raising a sail on a 25-foot boat versus a 50-foot boat! You can more easily single-hand or short-hand a small sailboat. For that reason, some of the best solo blue water sailboats are quite petite.

As mentioned above small boats are slow boats and will arrive in port, sometimes days (and even weeks) behind their faster counterparts on long offshore crossings.

Consider this scenario: two boats crossed the Atlantic on a 4,000 nautical mile route. The small boat averaged four miles an hour, while the big boat averaged seven miles an hour. If both started at the same time, the small boat will have completed the crossing two weeks after the larger sailboat!

Less spacious

Living on a boat can be challenging — living on a small sailboat, even more so! Small cruising boats don’t provide much in the way of living space and creature comforts.

Not only will you have to downsize when you move onto a boat  you’ll also have to get pretty creative when it comes to boat storage.

It also makes it more difficult to accommodate crew for long periods which means there are fewer people to share work and night shifts.

If you plan on sailing with your dog , it might put a small boat right out of the question (depending on the size of your four-legged crew member).

Less comfortable

It’s not just the living situation that is less comfortable, the sailing can be pretty uncomfortable too! Pocket cruisers tend to be a far less comfortable ride than larger boats as they are more easily tossed about in big ocean swell.

Here are our 5 favorite small blue water sailboats for sailing around the world

When we sailed across the Pacific these were some of the best small sailboats that we saw. Their owners loved them and we hope you will too!

The boats in this list are under 30 feet. If you’re looking for something slightly larger, you might want to check out our post on the best bluewater sailboats under 40 feet .

Note: Price ranges are based on SailboatListings.com and YachtWorld.com listings for Aug. 2018

Albin Vega 27($7-22K USD)

The Albin Vega has earned a reputation as a bluewater cruiser through adventurous sailors like Matt Rutherford, who in 2012 completed a 309-day solo nonstop circumnavigation of the Americas via Cape Horn and the Northwest Passage (see his story in the documentary Red Dot on the Ocean ). 

• Hull Type: Long fin keel
• Hull Material: GRP (fibreglass)
• Length Overall:27′ 1″ / 8.25m
• Waterline Length:23′ 0″ / 7.01m
• Beam:8′ 1″ / 2.46m
• Draft:3′ 8″ / 1.12m
• Rig Type: Masthead sloop rig
• Displacement:5,070lb / 2,300kg
• Designer:Per Brohall
• Builder:Albin Marine AB (Swed.)
• Year First Built:1965
• Year Last Built:1979
• Number Built:3,450

Cape Dory 28 ($10-32K USD) 

This small cruising sailboat is cute and classic as she is rugged and roomy. With at least one known circumnavigation and plenty of shorter bluewater voyages, the Cape Dory 28 has proven herself offshore capable.

• Hull Type: Full Keel
• Length Overall:28′ 09″ / 8.56m
• Waterline Length:22′ 50″ / 6.86m
• Beam:8’ 11” / 2.72m
• Draft:4’ 3” / 1.32m
• Rig Type:Masthead Sloop
• Displacement:9,300lb / 4,218kg
• Sail Area/Displacement Ratio:52
• Displacement/Length Ratio:49
• Designer: Carl Alberg
• Builder: Cape Dory Yachts (USA)
• Year First Built:1974
• Year Last Built:1988
• Number Built: 388

Dufour 29 ($7-23K)

As small bluewater sailboats go, the Dufour 29 is a lot of boat for your buck. We know of at least one that sailed across the Pacific last year. Designed as a cruiser racer she’s both fun to sail and adventure-ready. Like many Dufour sailboats from this era, she comes equipped with fiberglass molded wine bottle holders. Leave it to the French to think of everything!

• Hull Type: Fin with skeg-hung rudder
• Length Overall:29′ 4″ / 8.94m
• Waterline Length:25′ 1″ / 7.64m
• Beam:9′ 8″ / 2.95m
• Draft:5′ 3″ / 1.60m
• Displacement:7,250lb / 3,289kg
• Designer:Michael Dufour
• Builder:Dufour (France)
• Year First Built:1975
• Year Last Built:1984

Vancouver 28 ($15-34K)

A sensible small boat with a “go-anywhere” attitude, this pocket cruiser was designed with ocean sailors in mind. One of the best cruising sailboats under 40 feet, the Vancouver 28 is great sailing in a small package.

• Hull Type:Full keel with transom hung rudder
• Length Overall: 28′ 0″ / 8.53m
• Waterline Length:22’ 11” / 6.99m
• Beam:8’ 8” / 2.64m
• Draft:4’ 4” / 1.32m
• Rig Type: Cutter rig
• Displacement:8,960lb / 4,064 kg
• Designer: Robert B Harris
• Builder: Pheon Yachts Ltd. /Northshore Yachts Ltd.
• Year First Built:1986
• Last Year Built: 2007
• Number Built: 67

Westsail 28 ($30-35K)

Described in the 1975 marketing as “a hearty little cruiser”, the Westsail 28 was designed for those who were ready to embrace the cruising life. Perfect for a solo sailor or a cozy cruising couple!

• Hull Type: Full keel with transom hung rudder
• Hull Material:GRP (fibreglass)
• Length Overall:28′ 3” / 8.61m
• Waterline Length:23’ 6” / 7.16m
• Beam:9’ 7” / 2.92m
• Displacement:13,500lb / 6,124kg
• Designer: Herb David
• Builder: Westsail Corp. (USA)
• Number Built:78

Feeling inspired? Check out the “go small” philosophy of this 21-year-old who set sail in a CS 27.

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

Saturday 1st of September 2018

Very useful list, but incomplete - as it would necessarily be, considering the number of seaworthy smaller boats that are around.

In particular, you missed/omitted the Westerly "Centaur" and its follow-on model, the "Griffon". 26 feet LOA, bilge-keelers, weighing something over 6000 pounds, usually fitted with a diesel inboard.

OK, these are British designs, and not that common in the US, but still they do exist, they're built like tanks, and it's rumored that at least one Centaur has circumnavigated.

Friday 31st of August 2018

This is a helpful list, thank you. I don't think most people would consider a 28' boat a pocket cruiser, though!

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After hundreds of years of combined experience in designing, building and cruising yachts on the open ocean, Fleming Yachts are bringing to you what will be the ultimate of cruising yachts. A brand new design from the keel up. The Fleming 85.

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85' 2' (25.9 m)

72' 3' (22 m)

20' 6' (6.3 m)

5' 5' (1.7 m)

20' (6.1 m)

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From the renowned naval architects of Norman R Wright and Sons the hull is designed to be the most efficient and most beautiful semi-displacement hull on the water. 

Building on their experience we have made extensive use of Computational Fluid Dynamics CFD software to fine tune the hull design to ensure it is absolutely the most efficient it can be and have the best possible behavioural characteristics in all sea states.

Composite engineers have designed the optimum strength/weight ratio of the structure, so we retain the traditional robust construction you would expect from Fleming – but it is achieved with less weight and is all verified by DNV.

The hull design and engineering will result in the best fuel economy and range of any semi displacement boat in the world. 

The absolute highest specification of equipment available - as standard – installed the Fleming way, with redundancy and access for maintenance in mind.

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Enclosed – The pilothouse is moved to the upper deck where it is fully enclosed and still fully outfitted like a Fleming pilothouse should be. Down below more space is opened up for flexible dining and entertaining.

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Exterior - The lines and the look are unmistakably classic Fleming. Furthermore the exterior details have been refined and simplified to create a cleaner look with flush and hidden hardware throughout.

Interior – Various options from traditional to contemporary, but always elegant, warm, comfortable and practical. Double glazing as standard throughout keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer.

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Foredeck – Hydraulic and electric Maxwell windlasses, Ultra anchors and s/s chain. Huge storage lockers for all shapes and sizes of gear. Fold away seating alcove.

Flybridge deck – Everything you need for cruising, entertaining and relaxing as well as space for a 17 foot tender that can be launched on either port or stbd sides via the 2000lb crane.

Aft deck – Raised and sheltered seating and dining for 10 with amenities you need and sheltered gul-wing door access to engine room and crew’s quarters below.

Cockpit – Easy access, ample storage for all the dive gear and fishing equipment you may need. Warping winches to help take the load off

Swim platform – expansive enough for all uses and hydraulic lowering option makes it easy for additional tender or PWC storage and launching. 

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Crazy or sane? Record attempt for the smallest boat to cross the Atlantic

• Katy Stickland
• May 18, 2022

Andrew Bedwell is planning to smash the record for sailing the smallest boat to cross the Atlantic. His vessel, Big C is just over 1m/3.2ft long

The smallest boat to cross the Atlantic was 5ft 4inches, sailed by American sailor, Hugo Vihlen in 1993.

Many have tried but failed to break this record. But sailor Andrew Bedwell believes he can regain this most unusual of crowns for Britain.

The 48-year-old solo skipper is no stranger to sailing in small craft or pushing the limits.

In 2015, he finished the Jester Baltimore Challenge aboard his 23ft Hunter 707, Outlaw .

The following year, Andrew sailed around Britain singlehanded in his 6.5m (21.3ft) Mini Transat 241 Blue One.

Big C will be sailed using dual furling headsails, outriggers and an A frame mast. Credit: Andrew Bedwell

This was eclipsed by his most extreme challenge to date – sailing 241 Blue One from Whitehaven in Cumbria to Iceland and into the Arctic Circle and back in 2019.

The yacht has no creature comforts – which Andrew actually prefers, being of the Roger Taylor school of ‘back to basics’ sailing.

He slept no more than 20 minutes at a time on a beanbag (the boat had no bunk) and had a bucket as a toilet.

In May 2023 he plans to push himself further and attempt the record for the smallest boat to cross the Atlantic.

The 1,900 mile voyage will start in St Johns, Newfoundland and finish off Lizard Point in Cornwall.

He expects it to take 60 days (that is what he has told his wife) but admits it might take longer, as he will be at the ‘mercy of the weather ‘.

‘There will be days when the wind s are not favourable and I just have to chuck out a sea anchor which is mounted on the bow and just furl everything in and sit there. These will not be the pleasant days,’ he noted.

For now, Andrew is concentrating on finalising his vessel – Big C, which was designed and built by Liverpudlian sailor Tom McNally, a legend in micro-yachting who died in 2017 from cancer.

Tom McNally with his boat Big C which he planned to sail across the Atlantic and back. Andrew Bedwell has now modified the boat to make his own record attempt. Credit: Lorraine McNally

Tom set the smallest boat to cross the Atlantic record in 1993 in his 5ft 4.5 inch boat, Vera Hugh . It was broken by Hugo Vihlen.

Andrew, who has run a boat repair business, has modified Big C himself. The boat is built out of GRP with a foam core. He has modified McNally’s plans, making the boat smaller and essentially custom building the vessel for his height.

Even so, at 6ft tall, he still can’t stand up in the craft when the dome is down and will have to follow exercises provided by a physiotherapist to keep his legs functioning.

‘When my backside is sitting on the floor, my head is literally an inch away from the dome at the top and being just over a 1m long, I can only stretch my legs out about two-thirds of the way,’ explained Andrew.

‘I do appreciate the nice things in life but I prefer to rough it and making my life harder for myself; this seemed the ultimate challenge, especially as it is my 50th birthday next year. There is no toilet on board so in fact my only comfort on board Big C will be a flannel, which will be heavily tied on to the outside and hanging overboard.’

Continues below…

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Dustin Reynolds, who lost his arm and part of his leg in an accident, has sailed solo around the world…

The boat has 12 watertight compartments – eight internally and four externally – as well as open and closable vents. Once fully sealed, Big C only has 40 minutes of air inside before Andrew would pass out.

Food has been worked out by a nutritionist and will be made by Andrew’s wife, before being packed into the craft.

‘I don’t want to say vile, but the food is not the most flavoursome. We will pack it outside of Big C in the external tanks to increase stability and internally, using the external food first.’

Big C ‘s keel will hold 5 litres of drinking water and there is a manual watermaker to top up the tank which will be operated by Andrew’s right hand.

Power will be provided by solar panels on the back of the craft, and there will be a hand-cranked generator which will be operated by both Andrew’s left and right hand.

The main compartment will have AIS, VHF radio and a small chartplotter to keep power consumption down.

Big C will begin sea trials in mid-June ahead of the challenge in May 2023. Credit: Andrew Bedwell

Big C is a ‘downwind, tradewind vessel’. She has twin rudders (in case one breaks) dual furling headsails, outriggers and an A frame mast.

‘We have twin furling headsails, you can furl them or unfurl them. I can unfurl them from inside, I can sheet them from inside. We will be relying on the tradewinds,’ said Andrew, who is from Scarisbrick, Lancashire.

In heavy weather , Andrew will use a full harness to strap himself to Big C . He will also have a full support crew to track and guide his passage.

Andrew Bedwell will be trying to break the record set by American sailor Hugo Vihlen in 1993 in his 5ft 4in boat, Father’s Day . Credit: Tom Meaker/Alamy Stock Photo

Big C will start sea trials in mid-June, and Andrew has several longer passages planned before the record attempt.

He is also looking for sponsors. He had hoped the drinks firm, Red Bull would back him but the firm declined saying of the challenge it was ‘inspirational, but mad’.

‘My 9 year old daughter thinks it is incredible. I hope she is proud. My wife thinks I am absolutely crackers,’ said Andrew. ‘But you have to push yourself. Life is about challenges and there are an awful lot of people going through life thinking ‘I wish I had done…’ I’ve gone the other way and say I will do it.’

The Big C Atlantic Challenge will be raising money for Cancer Research in tribute to Tom McNally.

Who was Tom McNally?

Liverpudlian Tom McNally was intent on setting records for the smallest boat to cross the Atlantic.

He achieved his goal in July 1993 when he sailed the 5ft 4.5 inch boat, Vera Hugh , from Lisbon, Portugal to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida via Puerto Rico, despite a cracked hull and having run out of water and food.

The boat was partly built out of an old discarded wardrobe and the hatch was made out of an old washing machine door.

Tom beat the world record set by American sailor Hugo Vilhen in 1968 after he crossed in April Fool, which was 5ft 11in.

But Tom’s glory was was short lived when Vilhen sailed the 5ft 4in Father’s Day from Newfoundland to Cornwall in 105 days, reclaiming the crown in September 1993.

Tom McNally designed Big C himself. Credit: Ajax News & Feature Service / Alamy Stock Photo

Undeterred, Tom tried to take it back.

In 2002 he attempted, but failed, to cross the Atlantic in the tiny 3ft 10.5in Vera Hugh – Cancer Research. Having sailed 800 miles from Gibraltar to Gran Canaria, the boat and all his equipment was stolen from the harbour at Mogan.

In 2009, he planned a double Atlantic crossing in his purpose-built 3ft 10inch boat, The Big C , to raise money for Sail 4 Cancer.

His route would have seen him sail from Cadiz to the Canary Islands, and on to Puerto Rico. Tom was then planning on sailing north along the eastern seaboard of the USA before heading back to him home port of Liverpool.

Sadly, illness thwarted his plans.

After battling cancer for more than eight years, Tom McNally died on 12 June 2017 at the age of 77.

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Built for Adventure: Everything You Need to Know About Today’s Explorer Yachts

What is an expedition or explorer yacht .

Most yachts are designed to cruise inland and coastal waterways but in reality, very few are built to voyage the world’s oceans. It is only these bluewater vessels, known as explorer or expedition yachts, that can take you on adventures to the most remote, spectacular, and pristine corners of the globe.

A few decades back, these long-range motoryachts were called “ trawlers ” after the commercial fishing trawlers they often resembled, topped by enclosed pilothouses that frequently featured reverse-slanted, “ North Sea ” windshields. But over the years, the trawler yacht category became crowded with “wannabe” boats that only looked like their rugged offshore counterparts. In reality, many of them were unable to venture very far from the coast.

Enter the true explorer yacht – a vessel that is purpose-built to be seaworthy and self-sufficient enough to serve as a luxury platform for oceangoing expeditions that are virtually without limits.

“ The whole idea of an expedition yacht is how the owner intends to use his or her boat. We are working on the first Cheoy Lee 107 Explorer project now. It’s a boat capable of going practically anywhere in the world ,” said Jon Overing of Overing Yacht Design , the naval architect who collaborated with Cheoy Lee Yachts on its new Explorer Series .

“ The whole idea of an expedition yacht is how the owner intends to use his or her boat. We are working on the first Cheoy Lee 107 Explorer project now. It’s a boat capable of going practically anywhere in the world ”

What gives an expedition yacht “go-anywhere” capability?

It’s not just one single aspect of the vessel’s design, construction, or outfitting. With the world’s best explorer yachts, it’s the entire package.

“ I think any viable explorer yacht has be based on a full-displacement hull. That type of hull makes a better sea boat than a semi-displacement or planing hull … Full displacement hulls also inherently have more volume, and you need more volume to fit the mission profile for an expedition yacht. ”

Rugged and reliable:

What to look for in explorer yacht design and construction, full-displacement hull.

Sufficient speed

Historically, full-displacement vessels tended to be slow through the water, making up in seaworthiness what they lacked in speed. “ The image in everyone’s mind was a 10-knot boat, but it doesn’t have to be that way ,” Overing said. Today’s full-displacement hull designs, notably our fast-displacement hullform that Overing has developed for the Cheoy Lee Explorer Series .  Overing’s fast-displacement hull combines superior seakeeping, optimum range and efficiency at 9 to 10 knots with the capability of running over 14 knots if needed to avoid a storm or make up time in a tight itinerary. With a speed/length ratio of 1.6 – 1.7, the Overing fast-displacement hulls are capable of well exceeding theoretical hull speed allowing higher speeds if the owner chooses the higher horsepower options.

Bulbous bow

Seaworthiness

Practical profile.

Take the Cheoy Lee Explorer Series , for example. These multi-deck yachts sport graceful superstructures that are skillfully wrought in aluminum by Cheoy Lee Shipyard artisans . They feature spacious on-deck gathering areas, including flybridge, bridge and lower aft deck lounges, designed for sunbathing, dining and entertaining. They even boast aft beach clubs that are ideal for launching myriad watersports adventures.

“The exterior styling of an explorer yacht doesn’t have to look like a tugboat. It can be modern, classic, traditional – however you want,”

At the same time, however, expedition yacht design should address the long, rough passages the yacht will frequently face. Typically, these yachts have high bulwarks, full pilothouses and Portuguese bridges designed to protect the yacht from seas breaking on deck. The new Cheoy Lee Explorer 132 , which features an aft-pilothouse design is an excellent example of form following function while still displaying an eye-catching profile.

High-tech construction.

Classification.

“ It’s another system of checks and balances you are bringing into the project. I view it as an insurance policy for the owner ,” Overing said, adding, “ If you are building a good boat to begin with, there’s not a lot of cost difference in building it to class. ” Cheoy Lee Explorer Yachts are available built to Lloyd’s ✠ 100A1 SSC Yacht Mono G6 classification.

Fuel tankage.

Commercial-grade equipment.

Maximized storage..

Well-laid-out crew areas.

Bespoke owner/guest accommodations.

Satellite communications.

Tenders & toys., have it your way:, building a new explorer yacht.

There are pre-owned expedition yachts on the market today that come in all makes, models, sizes, vintages, and levels of bluewater capability. An owner who elects to purchase a brokerage boat is best advised to develop a mission profile for his or her desired vessel in advance and then choose the boat that ticks off the most boxes on that list. How far do you want to go? How many guests do you want to bring with you? It’s important to determine all your desires and needs before you start shopping for a yacht.

“ It’s always a compromise with a pre-owned explorer yacht. It’s someone else’s design for another owner ,” said Panu Virtanen, vice president – sales, Cheoy Lee Shipyard North America. He added, “ Who built it and how was it built? Does it have maintenance issues? It’s important to find out. ”

Use a surveyor with a proven track record to determine whether there are any hidden problems with the pre-owned yacht. And if you decide to go ahead with the purchase, many brokers recommend keeping a budget in reserve to refit the vessel. You may need to update the electronics and stabilizers, and you probably will want to change at least some of the furnishings and the soft goods. The yacht also may need its classification certificate renewed. “ That can be an expensive process ,” Virtanen cautioned.

Building a new explorer yacht with a reputable shipyard, on the other hand, will ensure you get the vessel that fulfills your individual dreams for global exploration. “ You can get exactly what you want ,” he said.

The shipyard can help you to put together a team dedicated to designing the best expedition boat for your mission profile, including members of the shipyard’s management, design and engineering teams, the yacht’s naval architect and interior designer, along with your captain, yacht broker, and yacht management company, if you so desire. This “ dream team ” will be dedicated to creating an explorer yacht that is unique to you.

“There is no ‘perfect boat’, but when you build one, you can come extremely close to getting the explorer yacht that is perfect for you”

Do you want a main-deck master suite with panoramic views so you can see spectacular scenery you when you wake up each morning? Do you want to be able to cook breakfast for your family yourself in an eat-in galley on a sunny Sunday morning? Would you like to be able to soak in a Jacuzzi on the flybridge, watch a film on the foredeck, or fish from the aft deck? Or do you fancy a beach club where you can lounge virtually at eye level with the sea, hop onto a Jet Ski whenever the mood strikes you, and enjoy a cocktail while your yacht’s underwater lights attract an “ aquarium ” full of exotic fish? “ There is no ‘perfect boat ’, but when you build one, you can come extremely close to getting the explorer yacht that is perfect for you ,” Virtanen said.

Who builds the best explorer yachts?

If you plan to build a new explorer yacht, it’s important to consider working with a shipyard that has a commercial shipbuilding pedigree in addition to a proven reputation for launching high-quality luxury yachts. Longevity, integrity, and family are key factors behind a successful shipyard. Few shipyards around the globe can boast more than 150 years of experience under continuous operation by the same family, like Cheoy Lee.

“ Cheoy Lee Shipyard has 150 years of experience in building commercial vessels that operate 24/7 in demanding conditions. That is the philosophy of the commercial side of the company, and it carries over to all the explorer yachts that we build as well. ”

It’s also important to research other expedition yachts the shipyard has launched in the past. Have they won awards and voyaged 200,000 nautical miles through most of the world’s oceans in a decade, like the 146’7” Cheoy Lee expedition yacht Dorothea III ?

“If you plan to voyage far, you need to be able to rely on your yacht in any conditions anywhere in the world. That experience is what you look for in a shipyard when you are building a true expedition yacht.”

“ Cheoy Lee Shipyard has 150 years of experience in building commercial vessels that operate 24/7 in demanding conditions. That is the philosophy of the commercial side of the company, and it carries over to all the explorer yachts that we build as well ,” Virtanen said. “ If you plan to voyage far, you need to be able to rely on your yacht in any conditions anywhere in the world. That experience is what you look for in a shipyard when you are building a true expedition yacht .”

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Long cruises through uncharted territory are this yacht type's specialty. A yacht built to this style is meant to tackle everything from the icy waters of the Arctic to the rough waves of the South Pacific in monsoon season. Sturdy and constructed with a reinforced steel hull in most designs, this style of yacht is perfect for a family of explorers looking for their next adventure.

The curved bottom displacement hull gives you sleeping and cooking areas that are as large as any you would find in your home. Long range cruisers don't need much engine power to get moving, so smaller motors and less fuel is required which can extend your sea faring trip.

Often called semi-displacement vessels, long range cruisers aren't known for their speed. Yet due to their hull design, they are known for being fuel efficient per nautical mile. Designed for longer trips, trawlers are the ultimate cruising vessel, whether you are out at the open sea or a lake.

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

What’s the right yacht for an Atlantic crossing? The one you’ve got now

• Elaine Bunting
• May 20, 2015

What sort of yacht do you need to sail across the Atlantic? There’s no black art, says Elaine Bunting, you just need a bit of preparation

Numerically, the most common yachts for sailing across the Atlantic are ordinary production cruisers with standard kit, usually with upgrades of safety and power generation equipment. The happy truth is there’s no black art to sailing 3,000 miles downwind; the toughest part can be getting across the Bay of Biscay.

So whatever boat you have right now, the chances are that she’ll be fine for an Atlantic crossing with a bit of extra preparation. You don’t have to let waiting for the ‘right’ boat put you off going.

However, this doesn’t apply so much if you intend to complete an Atlantic circuit and sail from the Caribbean to Europe . The return route can be very tough, with a real chance of rough windward work, and a yacht that is wonderfully comfortable and spacious at anchor can slam and be very uncomfortable on the way back. Shipping back or delivery are both alternative options.

I’ve found that skippers tend to focus on equipment that adds comfort, but also complication: watermakers, generators, comms equipment. All are undoubtedly useful, but remember that every additional item adds complication, spares and service cost/time.

Apart from a sound boat, all you really need is water, food, fuel and a (paper) chart of ‘North Atlantic, Southern Part’.

Whatever else you do, don’t let those extras distract you from ensuring the integrity of the rig (including the boom and gooseneck fittings), rudder and hull. These are paramount. Rudders, in particular, are subjected to very high side loads in big following seas. I’ve seen people about to set off across the Atlantic on boats that were sporting the latest luxury kit, from ice cream makers to air conditioning, but with split pins not bent back or a clevis pin working out.

What sails are best?

The simple answer is reasonably recent, quality sails that aren’t liable to break. However expensive, good sails are worth every penny. As to what combination is best on a long downwind passage, that’s a complicated and potentially long-winded debate. Let’s just say that, for the average family crew, a smart crossing is all about consistent speed, 24 hours a day. The key is not to have downtime.

There is absolutely no need to sail hot angles downwind unless you are sailing to polars on a high-performance design. A spinnaker or code sail is great in lighter winds, but in stronger winds you will need several crew on watch at a time and if you blow the sail in a squall or a sudden reload it will be a costly choice.

There is nothing wrong with the old ‘barn doors’ arrangement of mainsail and poled-out genoa. Sure, it’s unflashy and unheroic, but it’s also easy, trouble-free and you’ll trot along in any conditions with minimal drop in speed for the occasional gybe. Just keep an eye out for chafe and be sure to set up a preventer on the boom and a foreguy topping lift and downhaul when poling out the headsail, so you can furl in quickly when that night-time squall hits (which it will).

Power planning

However much power you expect to use on an ocean crossing, you will need more. Nav lights, radar, radio scheds, autopilot, watermaker, fridge, freezer, computer, fans – you name it, they all add up. Last year, when we carried out our annual survey of ARC skippers , we found that yachts of between 46ft and 55ft had a battery capacity, on average, of 700ah, rising to 1,000ah for yachts over 56ft.

Since the design life for marine batteries is five years, it makes sense to set off with new batteries – it’s easier and may be cheaper than replacing them later. A majority of people in our survey had an extra house or domestic battery bank and one or two had boosted the battery used for their windlass.

Interestingly, when we asked about the power equation again in our follow-up survey a few months later , numerous skippers said that they had increased battery capacity yet again or planned to do so in future.

A water generator could be a useful addition

Rather than adding to machinery with a diesel generator, it’s worth looking at wind generators, solar panels and the Watt & Sea or Sea-Gen water turbines . These alternative power generation sources have advanced a lot in recent years. A larger alternator may be worth fitting too, and if only one is fitted to the engine, carry a spare.

Be prepared for gear failure

Be prepared for key equipment to fail because sooner or later it probably will. If it’s gear you normally rely on, like an autopilot or watermaker, have a contingency or a workable plan to do without. Of all the gear problems that give most stress and trouble, the most pressing is autopilot failure. That will start to put a small crew under strain by robbing everyone of rest time.

For the same reason, it’s a good idea to make sure most or all of your crew are decent helmsmen downwind in following seas. If not, spend some time on passage tutoring them.

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Smallest boat to sail ocean safely?

Discussion in ' Stability ' started by ali3 , Aug 15, 2011 .

ali3 New Member

What would you consider the smallest size boat that could safely travel around the ocean? Assuming of course the structural integrity of the boat is ideal for its size and form factor.  

DennisRB Senior Member

About this big.  

PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

There are a lot of boats that folks have plied the oceans in, but frankly many of them aren't especially practical except for the record breaking attempt. I was commissioned several years ago to design the smallest, practical ocean capable sailor, eventually designing an 18' gaff sloop. It has a full size V berth, porta-pottie, mini galley and a safe, self draining cockpit, which was enough room to stretch out and sleep in too. Much smaller then this and you're into the "micro cruiser" category, which for coastal cruising isn't so bad, but for deep water work is just too little boat for the most part. To be frank, you should go to sea in the biggest boat you can afford or handle. Being in an ocean storm, on a 15' boat, is like climbing into a blender and pushing the "what was I thinking" button. There's an old sailor's rule which is, never go to sea in a boat smaller the the seas you'll encounter. Trust me on this, you don't want to be in a 15' boat in a 16' sea, which is a fairly common occurrence in deep water.  

Attached Files:

Hullcutaway.jpg.

ldigas Senior Member

U-uh, this is one of those questions on which everyone will have their opinion, and there isn't really an answer. Alain Bombard sailed across the Atlantic in an inflatable boat of 4.5 meters. I wouldn't call that safe though. On the Mini Transat race sailors sail across in a 6.5 meter sailboats. Most of them survives Practically, evetything above that is luxury It really mostly depends on the skill and the personality of the crew. If you're (and I've misunderstood) asking what is the smallest boat that gets "ocean" class, that is regulated by the classification societies rules and so on ... http://www.google.com/search?q=alai...uq6KM_rOauEuOYD&ved=0CCEQsAQ&biw=1920&bih=971  

Thanks for answers guys. I have a few more questions though. First off I can't imagine having 2 miles of chain for an anchor on board a vessel as small as I'm designing. Does an anchor have to touch the ocean floor to work or will it be fine just to cast one out on a boat this small? Do I really need one or is it fine to drift in open ocean so long as I have a compass for direction? Also, how should a boat be constructed to avoid it being flipped over by strong waves? Since I'd like as much cabin space as possible I had a more "boxed" design in mind but I assume that something rounded like a speedboat would be better. For that reason the current design I have is a bit like so: Code: .____. _|____|_. |._______/ \______/ Rounded on the bottom with the roof of the cabin boxed on top. It will be constructed of wood so as round as I can get the design. @PAR By 16' sea do you mean 16' deep? I was under the impression a majority of the sea is well over 1000' deep.  

Ali3, the best thing you can do now is stop looking for a design. Yep, stop, you're nowhere near where you need to be, for an intelligent decision on this particular subject. What you need now is sailing experience, lots of it on all kinds of boats, especially in deep water when possible. With this experience comes a whole new list of things, you'll want and need in a design. This is a constantly evolving process and it's based on experience. The things you think you want now, will become quite silly when you look back in a few years. I'm not trying to insult you, but based my recommendation on your questions and assumed understanding, of life at sea in a small craft. BTW, the average depth of the oceans (globally) is about 2.3 miles (over 12,000 feet). A 16' sea refers to the height of the sea and again, until you've been in a sea bigger then you are long, you don't know fear and difficult (to say the least) sailing.  

Stumble Senior Member

Ali3, I hate it when Par beats me to it. But to reiterate. There are very small boats that are capable of safely doing an ocean crossing. But they tend to also be relatively expensive, often multiples the price of a larger boat that can also safely cross an ocean. An open 6.5 for instance in decent shape sells used for upwards of $60,000. Where I can think of any number of 35-40 foot boats that are also ocean capable for less than 30. So unless you have a specific justification for a small boat (records, racing class, ect) there really isn't a financial justification for going small. And small boats are much less comfortable than a large boat, and not necessarily easier to sail. In addition to following Par's advice, either buy, or go to your local library and check out Chapman's http://www.amazon.com/Chapman-Piloting-Seamanship-Small-Handling/dp/0688148921 . Then read it through twice from cover to cover. It is without doubt the most informative book on seamanship, and while an expert might disagree with some of it's content, it is an exallent primer for new boaters ( I own 3 copies).  

CatBuilder Previous Member

The main thing (other than staying dry and upright) is being able to carry enough food and water to live for an ocean crossing. That's really the only requirement. It's not about the size, exactly, when looking at very small boats. It's about the ability to survive the crossing. EDIT: Agree with PAR. Stop looking and start reading first.  

I've often wondered why people want to go so small on ocean passages. I can understand the record attempts, but other wise . . . I like to drink my beer rather then wear it, which is what you do in a small boat once off the continental shelf. Motion sickness will affect everyone, even the most seasoned skipper if it's violent enough. The smaller the boat, the faster the motion becomes so violent, that you can't do anything except hope you'll die quickly. Do yourself a big favor and rent a boat. Take it into deep water and see if you can function for an afternoon. Make sure you eat lots of greasy food before you go and drink heavily in route. This will quickly show you what happens and since the boat is rented, someone else will have to clean up your multiple messes.  

Submarine Tom Previous Member

Safely? ali3 said: ↑ What would you consider the smallest size boat that could safely travel around the ocean? Assuming of course the structural integrity of the boat is ideal for its size and form factor. Click to expand...

Ike Senior Member

PAR put it about as succinctly as possible. Stop looking and go sailing. Learn first, dream later. During my 34 years with the US Coast Guard I lost count of the people the USCG pulled out of the Atlantic and Pacific who were doing what you want to do, but had no idea of what they were getting into. The one I remember most clearly, because I was involved, was the Greek fellow who bought a 23 foot sailboat and was going to sail home from Cape May, New Jersey, USA to Greece. He had never sailed a boat and never been to sea. He did not have a clue. We talked him into selling the boat and buying a plane ticket. Once you have gained some experience and learned "the ropes" (by the way that comes from the days of sailing ships) then you can think about doing it. By then you will have some idea of what is involved and what it's like to go out to sea in a tiny boat where you can't see over the next wave, let alone what's ahead of you.  

@PAR & Stumble I understand you're only trying to help. The reason for the smallest size possible is simply space restrictions. I don't have the means of building a huge boat and transporting it to the coast. The smaller it is, the easier it will be to store during construction and move upon completion. Furthermore I think I confused most of you by using the word "sail" in the topic title. This will not be a sailboat. It's going to be more of a yacht/houseboat with hybrid battery/gas motors. Plenty of solar panels of course to charge the batteries and the gas is mostly an emergency reserve sort of thing. @CatBuilder I have plenty of compartments designed into my current drafts. Food storage won't be a problem. @Submarine Tom Well I wouldn't want my vessel thrown around by most the waves I'll encounter like a rag doll. Anything that can take a beating and not flip over so easy. @Ike I don't have the luxury of going on a dozen sailing expeditions to get my bearings. Having never maned or operated a boat, my plan is to take a couple of trips out on a one and a few free diving lessons. I intend to test out the ship in a few lakes and rivers before taking it to the ocean. Even then I'll make a series of short trips before anything over 1 week. Thank you all for your advice.  

Well then, one piece of advice, make sure you give a "float plan" to someone you trust and who will miss you, that can tell the USCG where to look for you. I am not being sarcastic. I am being serious. First, a powerboat as small as you are talking about will not have the capacity to carry enough stores and fuel for an ocean crossing. Second a "houseboat" would not survive offshore except on the most calm day. You should be looking at designs for offshore trawlers or cruisers. Definitely not houseboats. Experience is not something to be lightly dismissed with a couple of trips. I know people who have been on boats all their life on inland waters, but would not consider going off shore without adequate training and experience. I have seen waves that washed the decks of ships over 300 feet long, and large sailing vessels who completely disappear between waves (yes you couldn't even see the top of the mast) Unless you have been out there in all kinds of weather you have no idea of what you are getting into. I have been offshore in a 26 foot open boat traveling from one ship to another, and it was awe inspiring, and that was on a fairly nice day with seas of about ten feet. Fortunately for me and the other half dozen person on board it was being operated by an experienced boat coxswain. Well I wouldn't want my vessel thrown around by most the waves I'll encounter like a rag doll. Anything that can take a beating and not flip over so easy. Click to expand...

Again Ali3, do your self a big favor and take the free Power Squadron courses. Talk to the folks there, (who are only there to help) about your ideas. When the laughing stops, consider the investment in the few offshore courses they offer as well. Right now you're asking if you can preform an appendectomy on yourself and the answer is yes, but you literally haven't the faintest idea how to do it without bleeding to death during the attempt. Trust me, once you get some sea time, you'll look back at the quality of these questions and comments from yourself and see them as the folly we do. Simply put, you are currently grossly naive about the realities of life aboard and at sea. You can learn this yourself, but it takes a long time. Conversely, if you'd like to speed this up a bit, you can take some offshore boat handling courses or beg rides in other peoples yachts. Lastly, do some simple math and calculate how many gallons of fuel you'll need to travel from A to B in your wildest dream passage. With this number in hand, see how many ~15' boats can hold that much fuel. Frankly you could fill a 15' boat to the rails with fuel and still not have enough to cross the Atlantic, but what do I know.  

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Ali3, I really hate repeating Par so I will add some specific issues I don't think you fully understand. Your idea of an electric powerboat is not possible, and there are a number of threads here discussing it, but the short answer is that you need something like 100lbs of batteries for every lb of diesel they will replace. Now to do a trip across the Atlantic figure you need a range of 4,000 miles. A small boat will motor at about 4kn/hour. And burn about a gallon an hour on the engine. So to travel across the Atlantic you need to carry 1,000 gallons of fuel, which equates to around 7,000lbs of diesel fuel, to convert tht to batteries you would then have to carry 700,000lbs of diesel to replace the diesel fuel. While these numbers seem ridiculous, just keep in mind that diesel has an energy density more than 100 times that of batteries. You could try to use solar panels to generate the power you need instead of using battery storage. But that same small motor is going to be something like a 10kw motor... Now if you are using 10kw/hr over 24 hours you will need to generate 240kw/hr over the course of the day for propulsion. Since most solar panels only generate for 8 hours in 24, you will need a solar panel rated at over 750kw to power your little engine. In short it doesn't work, and solar panels don't help much. The only realistic way to cross oceans in a small boat (less than 25 foot) is under sail, or with a tremendous amount of money spent on a record breaker or some sort. As for building a small boat because it is easier to transport... It costs a few thousand dollars to move a large boat by trailer. This likely wouldn't even cover the cost of the food for such an undertaking. It is a poor place to try and save money. In addition a small boat makes everything harder. Everything must be highly engineered and thought out because there is no room for error, or for extra gear to make life enjoyable. I have a friend who races in the Open 6.5 circuit. When he leaves he has exactly one pair of shorts, and one shirt with him. He weighs the water on board, and the food, and the toothpaste. Because there just isn't room for extra anything. What you intend is a wonderful trip, and experience, but living through it should not be left up to chance. Again please spend a few years (yes years) learning about how to approach this safely. Crossing an ocean on a small boat is an imminently dangerous activity, it can be done, but to do it safely is not even close to the same thing as taking even a week long cruise. It is a major undertaking and even life long sailors have been killed attempting it.  

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