Title: 
Ocean Passagemaking

Word Count:
253

Summary:
Ocean passagemaking hints and tips


Keywords:
passagemaking,sailing,boating,cruising


Article Body:
Passagemaking is growing worldwide and the South pacific is seeing a large increase in interest much the same as Europe has over the last couple of years.

Passagemaking is long-distance cruising, coastal passagemaking is near shore, ocean passagemaking is offshore, on either the ocean or a large lake. If Passagemaking is to be included in your boating future then you will need to consider a well designed and built powerboat or sailboat, this is serious business, and a well-designed platform is essential.

It is important, and PRUDENT, to have a boat that is comfortable to SAIL, and to live aboard WHILE sailing, if passagemaking is it's mission. Most passagemaking is downwind where a slightly heavier bow is of benefit. The only limit to sail passagemaking is water and food capacity and your own abilities, the slower, more seaworthy power boats have the same limitation.

If long distance cruising is new to you, you need to take a hard look at your qualifications. You will need to learn advanced sailing, celestial navigation, cruising and passagemaking skills BEFORE you cast off.

An ideal way to improve your skills from daily sails is to do coastal hops to the next port down the coast. Once you've mastered the overnight or weekend cruising adventure, you'll be ready for the whole new world of extended passagemaking.

Long distance cruising is a spiritual phenomenon and is, afterall, a learning experience and lifestyle so why not live it to its fullest. Offshore passagemaking is what every sailor aspires to master.