Imagine setting sail into the unknown, the horizon ahead, and the wind filling your sails. The freedom of the open ocean beckons, but today’s cruising is far different from the journeys of sailors just two decades ago. As we’ve charted new waters, technological advancements, shifting cultural norms, and evolving environmental awareness have transformed the way we cruise. For those of us who’ve lived and sailed aboard boats for years, the changes are profound. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a newcomer to cruising, it’s clear that this lifestyle has evolved in ways that are hard to ignore. Sailing through the ages is not just about getting from one point to another—it’s about how we interact with the ocean and how technology and society shape our journeys.
The Rise of Automation in Cruising
For me, one of the biggest changes in cruising has been the shift to automation. When I first began cruising, navigating by compass and manual charts was the norm, but today, our boat’s autopilot does a lot of the work, allowing us to focus on other aspects of sailing. I still remember the first time I handed over control to the autopilot, realizing how much more manageable long passages had become. What about you? What’s been a pivotal learning moment in your cruising journey?
For decades, sailing was synonymous with hard work, physical skill, and constant vigilance. The tools available for navigation were rudimentary compared to what we have today. In many ways, cruising was as much about the sailor’s ability to adapt to unpredictable conditions as it was about the vessel itself. However, in the last 20 years, many sailors have found themselves grappling with balancing the allure of tradition with the necessity of modernization. Traditional skills, such as celestial navigation and manual logbooks, now seem quaint next to GPS systems and automation, leaving some sailors feeling overwhelmed by new technology. My sons and I all know how to do a noonsite with a Sextant. We’re getting better and doing a star site reduction, but we’re a long way from being experts. The cruising lifestyle has changed, but not all sailors are ready for the tech leap, nor do they always understand the environmental impact of their choices.
Finding the Balance Between Tradition and Modernization
In my own journey, the challenge has been integrating new technologies like AIS (Automatic Identification System) and satellite communication into our cruising routine while still honoring the age-old traditions of sailing. I remember my first use of MARPA (Mini Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) and how that seemed to be a game changer. At times, I felt like the boat was less a reflection of our skills and more a product of modern convenience. Have you struggled with embracing technology in your cruising lifestyle? How did you balance these two worlds?
So, how do we embrace these changes without losing what makes cruising special? It’s all about finding the balance between modern advancements and the traditions that have always defined the cruising lifestyle. Here are a few ways sailors are adapting to these changes:
Automation and Navigation Tools
Autopilot and GPS have drastically improved the efficiency and ease of long-distance cruising. For those still wary of technology, start small by using a chartplotter and gradually incorporate autopilot. A phone or an iPad can serve as a chartplotter in many cases. We have a helm and nav station chart plotter with various other instruments. It’s really a bit overkill but it works for us.
Sustainable Cruising Practices
As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, eco-friendly cruising has gained momentum. Solar panels, wind generators, and eco-friendly cleaning products can reduce a boat’s carbon footprint. In the distant past of my youth people would throw fuel barrels over the side when they were mostly empty. So many things were far from good stewardship of the environment.
Safety Standards and Training
Modern boats are equipped with advanced safety equipment, such as EPIRBs (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons), life rafts, and advanced life vests. Familiarizing yourself with these technologies and attending safety courses is essential. We have DSC based AIS personal locator becaons and someday when money aligns with desire we’ll get full blown GPS eipirb versions.
Adapting Liveaboard Culture
Today, the liveaboard lifestyle has evolved to include both full-time cruisers and part-time voyagers. Advances in onboard technology—like high-speed internet—allow sailors to stay connected while on the water. Many people live on their boats while working during the day time. Some work multiple jobs.
Sydney and I have integrated a lot of these solutions, especially when we modified our boat for short-handed sailing. Automation has been crucial, and it has allowed us to focus on enjoying the journey rather than being constantly on alert. Do you use any technologies that have transformed your sailing experience? What’s one solution that has made cruising easier or more sustainable for you?
Real-Life Examples of How Cruising Has Changed
Consider the transformation in safety standards: When I first started cruising, we didn’t have the robust safety measures available today. Safety was largely up to the sailor’s judgment and training, but now, it’s a mix of personal responsibility and high-tech equipment. Just last year, I was reminded of the importance of safety when we had to rely on our AIS and VHF during an emergency situation when a young family was sinking off the Georgia coast. The quick response and rescue could not have happened without that piece of technology.
Example 1: Avoiding Disaster with GPS and Radar
A seasoned sailor I met in the Bahamas shared how his reliance on GPS and radar saved him during a near-miss with a freighter in heavy fog. Technology allowed him to navigate safely, even when visibility was nearly zero. You don’t want to ever think the chartplotter or RADAR are reality. They are just representations of reality. They can be wrong so you need to keep a watch. In my case I’ve used all of the available tools like AIS, Radar, radios, and more to navigate in difficult situations. I still kept a look out on the bow.
Example 2: Eco-Friendly Sailing in Action
Another sailor shared their experience of adapting their boat to be more eco-friendly. With solar panels and a wind generator, they’ve been able to minimize their reliance on fossil fuels, making their cruising more sustainable and in tune with the environment. Even running air conditioners in the marina, they don’t need to plug in their boat is basically self-sufficient year-round.
My Own Experience with Modern Navigation
One of the most memorable examples for me was the first time we had to use our boat’s autopilot in a critical situation. It was a tough passage, and the boat was being tossed around by unpredictable weather. I had a crew member in the autopilot I had to keep an eye on but allowed me to do other things. The autopilot kept us steady, and we could focus on monitoring the other systems. More importantly, while short-handed, I could still do systems (bilge, engine, etc.) checks, and I could still keep up on other than navigation risks without sacrificing safety. What’s a specific instance where modern technology made a significant difference in your cruising experience?
The Future of Cruising
As cruising continues to evolve, it’s clear that the blend of tradition and modern technology will shape the future of sailing. Whether it’s using GPS for navigation, embracing sustainability practices, or relying on advanced safety equipment, the way we cruise today is vastly different from how sailors navigated the seas 20 years ago. The challenge now is to adapt while still honoring the spirit of adventure that has always defined the cruising lifestyle. So, as we sail into the future, let’s keep sharing our experiences and insights to help the next generation of cruisers learn from the lessons of the past.
I’d love to hear about your experiences with how cruising has changed over the years. Have you embraced technology, or do you still prefer the old-fashioned way of sailing? Share your thoughts or your own story in the comments below!
Book Recommendation: “The Long Way” by Bernard Moitessier
This book is a timeless read for any sailor, combining elements of traditional sailing with a philosophical outlook on life at sea. Moitessier’s narrative will resonate with anyone who’s wrestled with the balance between technology and the pure joy of sailing. His journey reminds us that cruising is as much about the internal journey as it is about the external one.
