Around the world in a sailboat: which boat to choose?

Whether with family or friends, a round-the-world sailing trip is always an unforgettable experience. Knowing that it will structure your daily life for several weeks, what criteria should determine your choice of boat? Sailing performance, comfort, crew – we take a look at everything you need to know to make the right choice.

If you’re planning to sail around the world, choose the boat that best suits your sailing style and the weather conditions you’re likely to encounter.

There are lots of different boats on the market, so how do you choose the one that’s right for you? There are differences between boats designed for racing and those more suited to long cruises. Experienced sailors generally have a preference for one type of boat or the other, but if you’re new to the world of sailing, it can be hard to know where to start.

For example, catamarans are more comfortable and faster downwind, but monohulls are faster upwind.

What type of boat should I choose?

In this article, we’ll look at the different types of boat to help you make your choice. Most holidaymakers opt for one of these three types of boat when they set off around the world:

• Monohulls are generally slower than other types of boat, but they are also cheaper to build and can therefore be a good option for those looking to buy their first yacht.
• Multihulls are generally faster than monohulls, as they have several hulls that allow them to move through the water more quickly. They are also considered to be more stable than other boats, which is ideal if you’re worried about getting seasick in rough waters.
• Among multihulls, catamarans are probably the fastest yet most stable boats. They can reach impressive speeds! On the other hand, they are not necessarily suitable for beginners, as they are quite difficult to manoeuvre at first.

Is a catamaran the best possible choice?

Sailing around the globe in a sailing boat is a dream for many people. But what type of boat should you choose? We know that catamarans are recommended for pleasure sailing. But are they really the best vessels for this kind of adventure?

It really depends. Catamarans offer greater stability, visibility and comfort, and can accommodate more people and equipment. They are also less prone to swell movements, which means you can sail safely with less fatigue.

What’s more, catamarans generally have more living space than monohulls of the same tonnage. They can therefore accommodate more people on board and carry more equipment. Catamarans generally have a more spacious cockpit than powerboats, which is ideal for enjoying the good weather and the view. As an added bonus, some models have an aft platform, so you can enjoy a special relaxation area.

Catamarans are therefore very popular for long crossings or for sailing around the world with family or friends.

A question of price, safety and/or lifestyle

Sailboat rental in Nice

Obviously, your pace of life on the boat will depend on a number of things. Are you a sporty person or do you prefer to laze around? Some prefer to anchor in port every evening, while others enjoy the freedom of dropping anchor offshore.

When it comes to their wallet, yachtsmen often have a limited budget, which influences their choice. Don’t forget that monohulls are cheaper to buy (or charter) and maintain than a catamaran. Similarly, a pleasure sailboat is cheaper to buy than a motorboat.

As far as safety is concerned, the fittings are important: make sure the boat has a good mast, sails and ropes. Also, choose a boat with a solid hull.

Finally, the number of crew members is important: a sailboat can accommodate several people, but you also need to take into account the number of passengers on board and the total capacity of the vessel.

Whatever your selection criteria, don’t hesitate to ask friends and family for help. Also, compare as many models as possible before buying a boat.