How big of a sailboat do you need to sail around the world?

Answer 1

This is a great question. Many people believe you need a large vessel to sail the oceans, as a bigger boat is a safer boat. This isn't really true. Many sailors have circumnavigated the globe in small sailboats. Robin Knox-Johnston did it in a 32 foot ketch in 1968, back before GPS, EPIRB's and satellite telephones existed. Of course he was by himself. Singlehanded circumnavigations are clearly for those who are intrepid, experienced and don't mind spending the better part of a year all by their lonesome.

Most people will want a crew of at least three other people if not more and that requires a larger boat, especially to make the trip in comfort. More important, vastly more important than the length of the boat is the quality of the build. It must be a boat with an Ocean A rating. This means it can go offshore for an extended period and hold up to winds greater than Force 8 on the Beaufort Scale.

The other key factor is tank capacities and storage space. You need to carry lots of food, fresh water and supplies and you need to carry a lot of fuel so that when you wind up in irons you can start the motor, instead of winding up adrift in the middle of an ocean.

It is also a commonly held belief that heavier displacement boats fare better in rough seas. It's actually the opposite. Lighter displacement boats don't bottom out as hard when they're riding down waves so they actually tend to handle better in choppy water. Also lighter displacement means faster and that allows you to use the approach "A fast passage is a safe passage". The less time you are out there exposed to the weather, the safer you will be. Of course that's where the large boat really comes in handy; for the gain in speed you get from the longer waterline.