As a lifelong sailor approaching my 60th year, with over 25,000 miles under my belt and countless hours spent aboard a variety of boats, I’ve come to appreciate the nuances of blue water cruising. The term “blue water boat” is often thrown around in sailing circles, but what does it truly mean? When it comes to selecting the right vessel for ocean voyages, there are more variables than the average sailor might consider. The boat is undeniably important, but it is the sailor who will make the final call on whether a journey succeeds or fails. That said, it’s crucial to examine the elements that define a blue water boat—numbers, design, and requirements—and to appreciate that some modern racing boats, such as Open 40s and IMOCAs, challenge the traditional criteria for blue water readiness.
What Is a Blue Water Boat?
At its core, a blue water boat is one that’s designed to sail long distances in open ocean conditions. These vessels must be capable of handling rough seas, high winds, and extended periods offshore, often without access to land or quick support. But how far offshore? Typically, blue water sailing refers to voyages more than 50 miles from land, where the challenges of open ocean conditions come into play. Many people use the term blue water boat to describe and define an ocean passage-making vessel. You can sail from Maine, USA, to the Abacos Bahamas completely in blue water and not make an “ocean passage”. Don’t even ask me about the Mackinaw Race and the weather conditions they see on the Great Lakes. The discussion will go on and on.
While there’s no universally agreed-upon definition, a blue water boat generally meets a set of specific metrics and requirements that ensure safety and comfort over long distances. These boats need to be tough, reliable, and self-sufficient.
Key Requirements for Blue Water Boats
- Hull Strength and Construction
A blue water boat needs to have a sturdy hull, capable of handling rough seas and the wear and tear of long passages. Traditional monohulls such as the Hans Christian 48 or the AMEL Super Maramu are classic examples of boats designed for blue-water cruising. These boats are constructed from strong materials like fiberglass or steel, and they are built to endure the stresses of ocean waves and storms. The hull should be watertight and resistant to corrosion, particularly if you plan on extended offshore passages.
Example: The Hans Christian 48, a well-regarded blue water cruiser, has a solid fiberglass hull designed for strength and durability. The boat’s full keel adds stability, making it ideal for long ocean crossings. Similarly, the AMEL Super Maramu, known for its spacious interior and reliable systems, boasts a hull built to handle challenging conditions. Some authors and pundits talk about having to have a keel-stepped mast and an integral (not bolt-on) keel. The Hans Christian has a deck-stepped mast, and the Amel has a bolt-on keel. Boats are, if anything, compromises.
- Self-Sufficiency
Blue water boats need to be equipped with systems that allow them to be self-sufficient for extended periods. This includes water makers, solar panels, wind generators, and sufficient fuel storage for long passages. Food storage and power generation are also key factors for the modern blue water sailor. When sailing off the beaten path, you can’t always depend on a port stop to restock. As systems have gotten cheaper and better, allowing for redundancy or easy repair, manufacturers have started providing fewer allowances for water to be carried internally to the boat. Fuel on just about any boat is a challenge, with the obvious cruisers’ choice of putting jerry cans of fuel on the rail. Putting the environment at risk in weather and the fuel at risk in remote locations that may have petty theft issues. - Safety Features
Safety equipment is a critical consideration for any blue water boat. These boats should have advanced navigation systems, life-saving gear, and communication equipment like satellite phones, EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons), and AIS (Automatic Identification System). In addition, boats should have storm sails, reefing systems, and secure deck arrangements for handling extreme weather conditions. This area is where redundancy and off-line backups are a good idea. One lightning strike and you may have holes in the boat, no way to call for help, and be rattled by the aftermath of the thunder. Just as a point about your chances of being hit by lightning. We’ve had two lightning strikes. - Handling in Heavy Weather
Blue water boats must be capable of handling heavy weather and big seas. This includes having a strong rudder, reliable sails, and a rig designed to survive gusty winds and rough seas. Features like deep cockpits, high freeboard, and protected helms can make a huge difference in keeping the crew safe and comfortable.
For example, the Vancouver 34, another renowned blue water cruiser, has a reputation for strong weather-handling ability, with its long keel designed to reduce heeling and provide stability in challenging conditions. Our Moody 46 has a fairly high freeboard (not as high as some), but the center cockpit gives a great view of the horizon and a feeling of safety. Personally, I don’t like open transoms, but that is a bias. The issue with the center cockpit for us is that Sydney’s multiple sclerosis has progressed, and her ability to board the boat and enter the cockpit (a gymnastics event for most) has become an issue. All the great things about being at sea have resulted in a bit of a comedy show when at anchor or the dock.
The Role of the Sailor: Comfort Levels and Experience
It’s important to note that the comfort and confidence of the sailor often matter more than the boat itself. Every sailor has a different level of tolerance for risk, discomfort, and challenge. Some sailors may feel comfortable in a smaller, faster boat like an Open 40, while others may prefer a more traditional, comfort-oriented yacht like an AMEL Super Maramu.
As sailors age or face challenges, such as health issues (like my wife’s battle with cancer), comfort becomes even more critical. The sailors’ physical condition and experience—combined with the boat’s design—determine how well they can endure long voyages. If you’re planning on sailing for months at a time, a boat that’s easy to handle, comfortable in rough weather, and has ample living space becomes crucial. For example, a spacious center cockpit design, like that of the Moody 46, allows for better protection from the elements and is ideal for long-distance cruising. We added a full surround and made the cockpit one of the most pleasant places to be, regardless of weather. If it was a hard top it would be perfect (and have more solar).
Racing Boats: Challenging the Rules of Blue Water Sailing
Now, let’s take a moment to consider some of the modern boats designed for high-performance racing, such as the Open 40s and IMOCAs. These boats have earned a reputation for ocean crossings—often racing through the Roaring 40s, where they face some of the most challenging conditions on Earth. They are explicitly used as blue water sail boats.
Open 40s and IMOCAs: Built for Speed, Not Comfort
While these boats are capable of ocean crossings, they don’t always meet traditional blue-water boat standards. Open 40s and IMOCAs are designed for speed, with cutting-edge technology and lightweight construction aimed at minimizing drag. These boats can sail at incredible speeds, making them competitive in races like the Vendée Globe. But this speed comes at a cost: they often lack the comfort and self-sufficiency that are essential for cruising long distances.
What Makes Them Different?
- Minimal Living Space
Open 40s and IMOCAs are built with a focus on performance. They are typically spartan, with limited living space and minimal amenities. While they are capable of withstanding heavy seas, interior comfort is often sacrificed for speed. For a sailor embarking on a long journey, this lack of comfort and space can be a significant drawback. A video of Cole Brauer (singlehanded around the world record holder) being tossed around the inside of her Open 40 during a storm gives a good idea of the difference between a racing boat and a cruising boat. - Fragile Construction
These boats are designed to be light and fast, which often means they are more susceptible to damage from harsh conditions. The high-tech materials used in their construction are optimized for racing performance, but they don’t always offer the same robustness as boats built specifically for long-term cruising. Fragile might be the wrong word. Though a few have literally come apart at sea, the reality is that they just don’t have the longevity of purpose-built cruising boats. Race boats are run on the ragged edge of failure as purpose-built race boats. Cruising boats have built-in safety margins to keep them operating for a long time. - Weather Handling
While Open 40s and IMOCAs are designed to handle rough weather, they are not built for the prolonged exposure to severe conditions that traditional blue water cruisers are. These boats are typically racing in short, intense bursts rather than enduring the grueling conditions of a long ocean crossing or blue water passage. There is also the difference between racing point A to point B and hauling the boat out versus anchoring that wicked fast machine out in the tropical sun.
Cruising Catamarans: Stability, Space, and Speed for Blue Water Sailing
Everybody wants to talk about catamarans. Except for when it comes to cost. When it comes to blue water cruising, catamarans have gained significant traction due to their unique advantages in certain conditions. Unlike monohulls, catamarans offer greater stability and space, which makes them attractive for long-distance sailors. Catamarans like the St. Francis 50, Antares 44, Lagoon 45, and Leopard 45 are popular choices among those seeking a more spacious and comfortable experience for ocean crossings. There are a lot of manufacturers who build different boats and styles, and we’ve cruised on several but wanted to keep things simpler.
St. Francis 50: A Larger, Stronger Blue Water Cruiser
The St. Francis 50 is a larger version of the popular St. Francis catamaran line, designed specifically with blue water cruising in mind. This boat offers exceptional space, with a generously sized cockpit and saloon, making it ideal for long voyages where comfort and functionality are key. The strong hull construction ensures durability in rough conditions, and the high bridge deck clearance reduces wave slamming, improving stability during rough weather.
One of the standout features of the St. Francis 50 is its self-sufficiency systems, which include energy-efficient solar panels, watermakers, and high-capacity fuel tanks. This makes it a perfect choice for sailors looking to spend extended periods offshore. The St. Francis 50 has a wide beam, providing ample living space, and the catamaran’s dual engines offer excellent maneuverability and reliability.
Antares 44: A Modern Catamaran with Blue Water Credentials
The Antares 44 is another example of a cruising catamaran designed for ocean crossings. Formerly PDQ, the Antares brand continues to stand out in the blue-water sailing community. Its robust construction and high-performance sailing characteristics make it an excellent choice for those who want to test their limits in blue water conditions. The boat is well-equipped with a strong rigging system, autopilot, and powerful steering systems, ensuring it can handle long passages with ease.
The Antares 44 also features a spacious interior, which includes comfortable living areas and extensive storage capacity—key elements for sailors embarking on extended cruises. Its shallow draft offers access to shallower coastal areas that may not be navigable by deeper-hulled monohulls. While catamarans like the Antares 44 come with higher initial costs, their fuel efficiency, ease of handling, and reliability make them excellent long-term investments.
Lagoon 45: A Popular Production Catamaran for Ocean Cruising
The Lagoon 45 is one of the most well-known and widely recognized production catamarans in the cruising world. Its balance of performance, comfort, and space makes it a popular choice for blue water sailors. The Lagoon 45 is designed for extended offshore cruising, with a solid construction and highly efficient hull design that makes it an excellent performer in both light winds and rough conditions.
The large saloon and flybridge of the Lagoon 45 provide a comfortable space to relax and enjoy the journey, while the spacious cabins and ample storage allow for easy long-term cruising. It is also equipped with dual engines, which provide excellent maneuverability and safety, especially when navigating challenging conditions. For many, the Lagoon 45’s accessibility as a production boat, combined with its blue water capabilities, strikes the perfect balance between cost and performance.
Leopard 45: Versatile, Comfortable, and Capable
The Leopard 45 is another popular cruising catamaran known for its versatility and comfort. Leopard’s reputation for quality construction and performance is evident in the Leopard 45, which offers large living spaces, ample storage, and excellent seaworthiness. With a strong rigging system and dual engines, it’s capable of handling ocean passages while providing comfort in all conditions.
One of the distinctive features of the Leopard 45 is its separation between living spaces and technical systems, meaning sailors have a spacious and clean interior, separate from the operational parts of the boat. It also features large hatches, offering light and ventilation, which is an important consideration for extended cruising in tropical climates. The modular layout allows for flexible use of space, making it a great option for sailors looking to live aboard while also maintaining an efficient sailboat.
The Upsides and Downsides of Catamarans
Cruising catamarans like the St. Francis 50, Antares 44, Lagoon 45, and Leopard 45 offer many advantages, but they also have some trade-offs compared to monohulls. Their wider beam provides increased living space and stability, but it may also make them more challenging to navigate in narrow channels or crowded marinas. Furthermore, maintenance costs for catamarans are typically higher than those for monohulls due to the complexity of their dual-hull systems.
Despite these trade-offs, the combination of comfort, stability, and space has made cruising catamarans an increasingly popular choice for blue-water sailors. They are especially suited for sailors prioritizing comfort and living space over raw performance and speed. For some, the trade-off in maneuverability is more than made up for by the ease and comfort of extended cruising.
Addressing Criticisms of Popular Production Catamarans: The Case for Leopard 45 and Lagoon 45
While boats like the Leopard 45 and Lagoon 45 remain popular within the cruising community for their space, comfort, and ease of handling, it is important to recognize that they have not been without their criticisms—particularly with regard to build quality and durability.
Build Quality Concerns
Some owners and industry professionals have raised concerns about build quality in certain production lines, particularly in regard to the use of materials and construction methods that might not always align with the more rugged demands of true blue water cruising. For instance, there have been reports of gel coat blisters, delamination, and structural issues that have been flagged during long-term use.
However, these issues are often tied to specific production batches, maintenance practices, and ownership experiences. Many of these concerns are part of the broader debate between mass production boats and custom-built boats. It’s worth noting that Lagoon and Leopard have taken steps to address these concerns, with both brands improving their construction practices and offering warranty support for defects.
Performance vs. Comfort: A Trade-off for Many Sailors
For sailors who prioritize comfort over speed or ultimate performance, boats like the Leopard 45 and Lagoon 45 offer significant advantages. However, for those seeking a boat specifically designed for tough ocean crossings or who place performance in heavy weather as a top priority, some of the criticisms may carry more weight. These boats are designed with comfort in mind, offering spacious saloons, multiple cabins, and an easier-to-handle layout, but they may not always deliver the same ruggedness or longevity expected from boats like the Hans Christian 48 or AMEL Super Maramu. It is pretty easy to see a bunch of these boats are crossing oceans right now, and Leopard will often tell you how all their boats used to be delivered wet (sailed) from South Africa to the USA. We are basically juggling with our priorities and thinking more than we are doing anything else. It’s all about the biases.
The Sailor’s Responsibility
Ultimately, the ability of any boat to withstand the rigors of blue water sailing comes down to the sailor’s expertise andmaintenance practices. Sailors must weigh their boat choice carefully, not just based on initial impressions but with an understanding that all boats—regardless of brand—require consistent care and upkeep to ensure they stay reliable over time.
In addition to regularly addressing maintenance needs, sailors who choose boats like the Lagoon 45 or Leopard 45 must also consider whether the boat’s design aligns with their cruising style, weather conditions, and duration at sea. These boats may require extra attention to certain areas, such as hull integrity or rigging, but they are certainly capable of blue water voyages when maintained properly.
Acknowledging the Spectrum of Choices and the Reality of Compromise
It’s essential to view boats like the Lagoon 45 and Leopard 45 as part of a spectrum of choices for blue water sailors. While some might opt for boats with a proven legacy of durability—such as the Hans Christian 48 or AMEL Super Maramu—others might choose a more modern production boat for its comfort, ease of use, and efficiency.
Both types of boats can be viable for blue water cruising, but they come with different advantages and trade-offs. The key is recognizing that the sailor’s experience, coupled with proper preparation, is just as crucial as the boat’s construction.
The Perspective of Insurance Companies
Another critical element when considering a blue water boat is insurance. Insurance companies often have strict guidelines for insuring vessels that will be used in offshore or blue water conditions. Boats designed for high-performance racing, like Open 40s or IMOCAs, may have trouble meeting these guidelines, as they are not typically intended for long-term ocean cruising.
What Does This Mean for the Average Sailor?
When choosing a boat for blue water sailing, it’s essential to consider both the boat’s capabilities and your own. Are you prepared to handle a high-performance racing boat like an Open 40, or do you need something more comfortable, like the AMEL Super Maramu? Do you want to take on the challenges of racing conditions, or would you rather focus on safe, enjoyable, and well-equipped cruising?
The boat’s design is just one part of the equation. Ultimately, the experience and mindset of the sailor will play a significant role in how well the journey unfolds. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor like me, having sailed for decades, or a newcomer eager to take on the world’s oceans, understanding these differences will help guide you to the boat that best fits your needs. Health, strength, agility, and more come into play with various boat choices. People sail around the world with no arms, so it is always possible to do more with less. However, the boat has to be adaptable to those kinds of changes or issues.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Blue Water Boat
In conclusion, choosing a blue water boat requires more than just assessing its size or technical specifications. The right boat depends on your comfort level, experience, and personal preferences. Boats like the Hans Christian 48, AMEL Super Maramu, and Moody 46 are excellent examples of traditional blue water boats, designed for safety, comfort, and long-distance cruising. Meanwhile, boats like the Open 40s and IMOCAs may be suitable for racing in extreme conditions but are not ideal for long-term cruising.
Remember, the sailor’s experience matters just as much as the boat’s design. Every sailor has a different threshold for comfort and risk, and what works for one person might not work for another. But with the right boat and mindset, the open ocean is yours to explore.
Are you ready to set sail on your own blue water adventure? The world’s oceans are waiting, and the choice of boat is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of discovery.
Book Suggestion: The Voyager’s Handbook: The Essential Guide to Blue Water Cruising by Beth Leonard
As someone who has spent decades sailing and living aboard, I highly recommend The Voyager’s Handbook by Beth Leonard. This book is a definitive guide for anyone serious about blue water sailing, whether you’re preparing for your first ocean crossing or looking to refine your long-term cruising plans. Leonard provides an in-depth look at everything from boat selection and outfitting to self-sufficiency at sea, making it an invaluable resource for sailors who want to understand what truly makes a vessel and crew blue-water ready.
What sets The Voyager’s Handbook apart is its pragmatic approach. Leonard breaks down essential concepts like boat design, heavy weather tactics, provisioning, and even the mental and emotional aspects of long-term cruising. Her experience mirrors many of the lessons I’ve learned firsthand: the right boat matters, but the sailor’s mindset, preparation, and adaptability ultimately define success at sea.
If you’re looking for a book that balances technical knowledge with practical wisdom—especially for those planning extended offshore voyages—this is the one to read.
