Choosing a bluewater sailboat: what to consider?

1. How many crew members will sleep aboard?

Your needs will differ if you are looking for a solo sailboat or a boat to travel as a family. The number of cabins and the interior space will therefore be important, to make sure everyone gets the desired level of comfort.

2. What is the best size of sailboat for ocean crossing?

We know that a liveaboard sailboat’s size has an impact on the quantity and variety of equipment (for greater autonomy when living at sea) but also on her nautical capacities: seaworthiness, average speed on long passages, etc.

3. What features to consider in a bluewater cruiser?

In order to have the best sailing yacht to cross the oceans, you need to take a look at the options you want to add to the standard specification: sail plan, davits for a dinghy and solar panels, etc.

4. What training according to my sailing experience?

If you are currently choosing a bluewater sailboat, you might be wondering: shall I get some training to increase the level of safety – for my crew and myself – in some technical areas: mechanical, electronics, passage planning, etc.? Our sister company GLS offers various training sessions in many areas.

5. What maximum weight on my yacht?

What is the acceptable overall weight that I should consider, to control the boat’s displacement? Provisioning, electronics, options, etc. The longer the yacht, the greater this weight can be.

In the RM Yachts range, some models have natively been designed as bluewater cruising sailboats (transatlantic, ocean crossing, round-the-world tour, expedition, etc.). Namely the RM1180 and RM1380.

This does not mean that our smaller monohull yachts (30ft to 35ft) are not capable of doing the same, but their dimensions and volumes will necessarily limit the number of crew members and the overall weight that can be embarked on your offshore sailing journey.