Best Small Sailboat Voyages

Best Small Sailboat Voyages | Life of Sailing

Last Updated by

Jacob Collier

August 30, 2022

Everyone appreciates the allure of owning a small sailboat. Let's take a look at some of the best small sailboats for voyages.

A good cruising sailboat is essential whether you're sailing from one coast of the United States to the other or planning a trip around the world. However, not all sailboats are built to survive the open water's rough seas and strong winds. Thus, it’s important to know which sailboat you should take on a voyage.

Some of the best small sailboats for voyages include the SnowgooseProut 37, Corbin 39, Vancouver 42 Tayana, Nordic 40, and 34th Pacific SeaCraft.

So much of the charm is based on the possibilities and the sense of awe that comes with owning such a vessel. Even those who have no desire to sail can appreciate the appeal of going on a voyage on a small sailboat.

After conducting research and speaking with some of our experts, we have carefully put together this guide to help you learn more about the best small sailboats for voyages.

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5 Small Sailboats for Voyages

Some boats may perform admirably when following the shoreline, but sailing far beyond the horizon is a whole different beast. This article will explain what to look for in a small sailboat and which boats you should consider purchasing. There are hundreds of excellent options available; these five are simply a few of the best.

There are so many wonderful sailboats out there that it may seem tough to choose the correct one. Even with the above recommendations on what to look for in a boat, there are nearly unlimited options. Fortunately, this article is here to assist you. This section has a wide range of cruising sailboats at varying pricing points. Which one is ideal for you will most likely be determined by a combination of personal choice and financial constraints. While none of these boats are cheap, they are less expensive than some of the other options available.

SnowgooseProut 37

Look no further than the ProutSnowgoose 37 if you're looking for a reliable sailboat. The numerous hulls of this huge catamaran provide enhanced stability andwidth. It's simple to drive, has good handling, and enough space. There are bigger catamarans available, but none are as capable as this one. It's designed to be sailed over great distances in challenging weather. Its fiberglass hull makes it light and agile while still being strong. Although it is an older model, it will serve you well. Since it is British-made, finding one in the United States can be difficult. You’d do well to jump at the chance to buy it though if you do find one.

Corbin 39

The Corbin 39 is a beautiful sea sailing yacht. It's an extremely unusual yacht with a long and eminent  history. Merely a handful of these boats were finished in the factory plant; the large quantity was assembled by the boat's owner and sold as kits. Due to the manufacturing procedure, the inside of this model can be very different.  The interiors are all works of craftsmanship and art created by the owners. This implies that before purchasing  a boat, you should thoroughly inspect it from the inside and out. Since they were marketed as a package, the exterior, particularly the hull, is likely to be identical from boat to boat.

This could be the boat for you if you don't mind having to modify the interior. The Corbin 39 is a great vessel with a wide deck that is suitable for transporting several passengers. You'll have to spend more money on modifications or changes, but the yacht itself is wonderful.

Vancouver 42 Tayana

Stumbling across one of these sailboats won't be a challenge, as several were built, but keep in mind that they were built about 40 years ago. A few models, although not many, were produced in the early 2000s. The cast iron ballast on this double-ended hull cruiser ensures that it can resist even the most extreme weather conditions.

This boat is robust and tough, but not particularly fast. This is not the boat for you if you want to go fast. The hull is fiberglass, so you know you're getting a strong boat, but the iron ballast makes this boat hefty and difficult to steer. Depending on how old the model you're looking at is, this double sail cruiser can cost anywhere from $80-$100,000. The older ones are a little less expensive, but they are a little worse for wear.

Nordic 40

This 40-foot cruiser is a vessel that can do it all. This is the one for you if you're searching for a decent middle-of-the-pack option. It performs everything well, but excels almost exclusively in size. The Nordic 40 is quite huge for the price, so you'll definitely get your money's worth here. This ship is robust, light, and maneuverable. It can go rapidly and agilely across the water in a little breeze, but it can also withstand more challenging situations. This could be the boat for you if you want a cruiser that can be used for more than just sailing. The extra size implies extra living space and storage. It has decent sized sleeping quarters, plenty of counter space, a huge fridge, and a fantastic shower.

34th Pacific SeaCraft

If you're seeking the ideal cruiser for you and your significant other, the Pacific SeaCraft 34 is the boat for you. It has a strong fiberglass shell and can go at reasonable speeds. Although the 34 is significantly smaller than some of the other models, it still has lots of storage, six and a half feet of headroom, and is simply gorgeous to look at. This sailboat is extremely well designed; its displacement of 13,500 pounds makes it robust and stable in the water without sacrificing maneuverability.

A Cruising Sailboat

Sailboats designed for long-distance cruising are known as cruising sailboats. They are far larger, stronger, and more stable. A typical little sailboat, such as a wayfarer, is a very substantial vessel—good quality, ideal for beginners, really safe, and reasonably priced.

But that's not going to cut it at sea for very long. The wayfarer has been used to sail all the way to Norway from the United Kingdom. However, it has also been done in a kayak. Just because you can doesn't mean you should or would want to do so if given the chance.

A cruising boat is designed to be livable for extensive time periods between landings. Cruising usually refers to a multi-day trip. In actuality, it might last much longer. Reid Stowe sailed his 70-foot schooner for over three and a half years on his own. This is a hypothetical situation; no one lives on their boat for that long, but it illustrates the possibilities.

To be able to spend so much time on a boat, it must be of sufficient size to satisfy all of your needs. A sailboat can technically be classified as a cruising sailboat if it can accommodate you for a few days. Cruising sailboats may typically reach the speed of ten knots. This is required in order to go from one land to another before supplies run out. This is merely a practical criterion for being "classified" as a cruising sailboat.

What makes a sailboat suitable for long-distance travel?

A sailboat that is able to travel for several days without stopping on land is recognized as a cruising yatch.It must meet specific requirements in order to be regarded as a good choice. Your sailboat must be capable of not just making the route but also doing it safely. When choosing an ideal sailboat for cruising, keep the following points in mind:

Stability

A yacht that is not steady is not appropriate for cruising. When traveling for several days, you will almost certainly encounter severe waves and perilous conditions. You'll be in trouble if you don't have a boat that can withstand these conditions. The width and hull type are important indicators of stability. If a boat has numerous hulls or a very wide hull, it is likely to be highly stable.

Size

The larger the boat, not just for stability but also for comfort, the better. If you're going to be stuck on your boat for several days, having as much space as possible is a smart idea, whether you’re on the deck or in the cabin. If you're locked inside for several days due to terrible weather, every extra square foot you have will come in handy. When it comes to the number of people you can bring on your trip, the space you have and the number of people on board matters a lot. Obviously, everyone would demand plenty of space to move around and require their own sleeping quarters.

Strength

Strength is important. A strong hull will help you in surviving even the toughest situations. Some boats may not have strong support in the hulls, while others do. If you had to choose, you should go with the earlier option. Strength indicates the total manufacture of the boat, not just the equipment used. The sail is more prone to come down if the boat does not have a sturdy mast. Without a sail or mast, a sailboat is far more likely to capsize.

Storage

The boat's capability to sail long distances is restricted not only by its sturdiness and strength, but also by how much storage it contains. If you intend to cruise for seven days, you will require seven days' worth of provisions.

You won't be able to make the trip if your boat does not have the essential storage. A larger boat does not necessarily mean it has greater storage space.

Experience

More than anything, having an experienced skipper makes a sailboat appropriate for cruising. There is a significant difference between sailing for several days and sailing for several hours. Before you consider if your boat can make the journey, make sure you are capable of doing so.

What is it about long-distance sailing that individuals find so appealing?

There's something romantic about being able to travel by water wherever and whenever you want. Longer journeys are far more thrilling than shorter ones. The opportunity to cruise from state to state is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that few individuals in the current day have. Getting around used to require sailing from country to country. Everyone now travels by plane. Sailing connects individuals to their ancestors in a manner that no other mode of transportation can. There are new lands to discover for ourselves, not for our countries. It's not the same as seeing a location after reading about it, hearing about it, or watching a documentary about it.

The thrill of exploration and discovery is unparalleled. Who hasn't fantasized about traveling around the world? The majority of people will never achieve it, yet the dream lives on. Long-distance cruising is, above all, thrilling. The rush of adrenaline from the perilous journey into open waters is simply thrilling. When out at sea, whether racing or cruising at your own leisure, there is always a sense of risk. It's something that some people seek, but it's not for everyone.

Is long-distance sailing risky?

Long-distance sailing is romantic, adventurous, and liberating, but it is also one of the most dangerous activities you can engage in.

When you're cut off from the rest of the world and out at sea without the assistance of people on land, the danger is enormous. You have no idea what will happen, or what could go wrong. There is always the possibility of calamity, no matter how experienced, skillful, or fearless you are. There are steps you can take to improve your chances. Being an excellent sailor is one thing; having the best cruising yacht is another. A great sailboat does not have to cost millions or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some are significantly less expensive than you would think.

Cruising Sailboats

Hopefully, you've gained a better understanding of what to look for in a sailing cruise yacht. There are so many amazing options on the market that the ones listed above are only a start. You will not be sorry if you take the time to choose the appropriate boat for you. Because purchasing a cruising yacht is such a large investment, you must be certain of your decision before proceeding. Good luck in your search for the ideal cruiser!

Best Small Sailboat Voyages
Jacob Collier

Jacob Collier

Born into a family of sailing enthusiasts, words like “ballast” and “jibing” were often a part of dinner conversations. These days Jacob sails a Hallberg-Rassy 44, having covered almost 6000 NM. While he’s made several voyages, his favorite one is the trip from California to Hawaii as it was his first fully independent voyage.

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