How Long Does It Take to Sail Around the World? Records, Routes and Real-Life Challenges ⛵🌍

Davide Ramponi
vor 1 Tag
4 Min. Lesezeit

My name is Davide Ramponi, I am 20 years old and currently training as a shipping agent in Hamburg. On my blog, I take you with me on my journey into the exciting world of shipping. I share my knowledge, my experiences, and my progress on the way to becoming an expert in the field of Sale and Purchase – the trade with ships.

Crew roles needed to sail around the world time: captain, engineer, cook, and deck crew around a ship on a world map background.

If there’s one question that sparks the imagination of sailors, dreamers, and adventurers alike, it’s this:"How long would it take to sail around the world?"

It’s the ultimate maritime benchmark—a journey that tests endurance, skill, planning, and perseverance. From solo races at breakneck speeds to leisure circumnavigations that span years, round-the-world sailing captures a special kind of magic.

In this post, I’ll break down the fastest circumnavigation records, explain what factors really affect the time it takes, and explore the experience of a global voyage. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just starting to dream of your own ocean odyssey, you’ll find inspiration—and practical tips—right here.

Record Breakers: The Fastest Sailings in History 🏁🌐

Let’s start with the extreme end of the spectrum: those who didn’t just sail around the world—but did it as fast as humanly possible.

🏆 Fastest Circumnavigation (Crewed)

Record: 40 days, 23 hours, 30 minutes
Vessel: IDEC SPORT (trimaran)
Skipper: Francis Joyon (France)
Year: 2017This record, part of the Jules Verne Trophy, shattered previous times and remains the fastest circumnavigation by sail—without stopping, without assistance, and with a crew.

🧭 Fastest Solo Circumnavigation (Unassisted)

Record: 42 days, 16 hours, 40 minutes
Sailor: François Gabart (France)
Year: 2017
Boat: Macif (maxi-trimaran)Gabart sailed entirely alone at incredible speeds, navigating storms and technical failures without external help.

🌎 First Solo Circumnavigation

Sailor: Joshua Slocum
Year: 1895–1898
Duration: 3 years, 2 monthsSlocum’s voyage aboard Spray marked the first solo circumnavigation in history. His journey was more about adventure than speed, but it paved the way for countless others.

Reality Check: How Long Does It Really Take to Sail Around the World? ⏳🗺️

If you’re not chasing world records, how long can you expect a round-the-world sailing trip to take?

🛥️ Average Cruising Time

Solo or couple crew: 2 to 5 years
Family cruisers: Often 3 to 7 yearsMost cruising sailors don’t just sail—they stop, explore, and wait out seasons. That’s part of the magic.

✈️ Fast-Paced Circumnavigation (Without Racing)

Sailing continuously, with a small crew: 12 to 18 monthsThis is possible if you minimize stops, plan ideal routes, and use performance monohulls or catamarans.

What Affects the Duration of a Global Sailing Trip? 🌤️🌍

There’s no fixed timeframe. These factors will decide your pace:

1. Type of Vessel

Multihulls (e.g. catamarans, trimarans) are faster, lighter, and better suited for speed records.
Monohulls are slower but often more stable in heavy seas—common among cruisers.

2. Weather and Ocean Currents

Trade winds, doldrums, hurricanes—they all shape the route.
Most sailors follow the "Coconut Milk Run"—a route using trade winds from the Caribbean to the South Pacific.

3. Route Choice

Eastward around the globe is easier, following prevailing winds and currents.
Westward means sailing into the wind, which is slower and tougher.

4. Stopovers

Want to explore the Galápagos? Hike in New Zealand? Wait out monsoons in Thailand?
Every stop adds time—but also depth and joy.

5. Experience and Crew Size

A solo sailor will face longer rest periods and slower repairs.
A crewed boat can sail in shifts, making 24/7 progress.

The Adventure Itself: What’s It Like to Sail Around the World? 🌊⚓

Sailing around the world is not just a test of skill—it’s an emotional, mental, and physical journey. Here’s what most sailors experience:

🧭 Navigational Challenges

Storms, reefs, pirates, and gear failures are all real risks.
Long ocean passages can mean weeks without seeing land.

🧘‍♂️ Mental Endurance

Solitude can be peaceful—or isolating.
Weather delays, provisioning problems, and equipment breakdowns can test your patience.

🌅 Incomparable Rewards

Sunrise in the open ocean.
Friendships with fellow sailors in remote anchorages.
The sense of accomplishment when you cross your wake—the mark of a true circumnavigation.

Tips for Future Ocean Adventurers 💡🧭

Dreaming of your own round-the-world journey? Here are some practical takeaways:

1. Plan for Flexibility

The sea doesn’t follow your schedule. Allow buffer time for delays, weather windows, and repairs.

2. Invest in Your Vessel

A seaworthy, ocean-capable boat is a must.
Equip it with redundant systems, self-steering gear, and long-range communication tools.

3. Learn Weather Routing

Tools like PredictWind and Windy are essential.
Know how to read GRIB files and plan safe passages.

4. Join a Rally (or Not)

Events like the World ARC offer safety in numbers and logistical support.

Great for first-timers.
Less flexible than going solo.

5. Prepare for Bureaucracy

Visas, customs, cruising permits—it’s part of the voyage.
Use online tools like Noonsite to stay updated.

Why the Round-the-World Dream Still Inspires 🌟🌐

In a world of satellites, supersonic jets, and instant communication—why does sailing around the world still captivate us?

Because it’s one of the last great human adventures.

It’s personal: Every journey is unique.
It’s timeless: The ocean doesn’t care about your watch or Wi-Fi.
It’s a return to fundamentals: Wind, water, and willpower.

For many sailors, circumnavigation isn’t about speed. It’s about freedom, exploration, and self-discovery.

And for those watching from shore—it’s a reminder that some dreams are still worth chasing, one nautical mile at a time.

Conclusion: One Ocean, Endless Horizons 🌍🧭

Whether you’re reading about record-breaking trimarans or dreaming of crossing oceans at your own pace, round-the-world sailing is more than a trip—it’s a story of human perseverance, curiosity, and courage.

Let’s recap:

The fastest sail around the world took just over 40 days.
Most cruising sailors take 2 to 5 years, savoring the journey.
Your route, vessel, weather, and mindset will shape the experience.
It’s not just about sailing—it's about living a life filled with sunrises, solitude, storms, and stories.

Are you planning your own ocean adventure—or just fascinated by the idea? Which part of a circumnavigation excites or scares you most?