What are the must-have accessories for a “bluewater” cruise, their average price, where best to invest your pennies.
their own boat for long sailings.
Navigare necesse est (to sail is necessary) said Gnaeus Pompey, a Roman military man and politician from the time of Julius Caesar.Today, the phenomenon of those who decide to embark on long sailings is growing steadily. But you need to be fully equipped: what accessories do you need for a “bluewater” cruise, and which ones should you prioritize if you have a limited budget? Coming to our aid is the monumental study that our British colleagues at Yachting World conducted using as a sample the 258 boats participating in last year’s ARC (2,700-mile Atlantic crossing, from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to St. Lucia, for cruising boats): interviewing the owners, they came up with a cost table broken down into expenses for navigational preparation (and safety: many products are mandatory if you want to participate in the ARC), on-board comfort, electronic instrumentation and facilities.
THE “RECOMMENDED”
These are, of course, indicative values and related to the purchase of new products with a view to safe and comfortable sailing without compromise: the shipowners interviewed also gave indications of what they think is indispensable if you want to give up your moorings for a long time.
Such as desalinators, satellite systems, sails for sailing to carriers (such as the Parasailor) or for breezes (Code O type), safety devices. Also according to the study, “green” energy systems, are growing over the traditional diesel generator: hydro generators, solar panels and wind turbines, coupled with a large battery pack are in high demand.
Shade on board and protection from spray are other important factors to consider when you want to sail a lot: biminis, awnings, and wrap-around sprayhoods are going for the most among “grinders.” Especially the latter, they allow a safer and more serene experience of the cockpit, which thus becomes an “extension” of the below-deck square.
