A Guide to Buying a Bluewater Yacht
How to Find Your Dream Bluewater Yacht
Whether embarking on a global circumnavigation or embracing a complete lifestyle change, bluewater cruising remains an aspiration for many yachting enthusiasts.
The allure of extended ocean passages and the exploration of remote destinations with pristine waters is compelling. For some, the journey begins gradually, progressing from coastal cruising to offshore voyages before undertaking a first, highly anticipated ocean crossing.
But before you set sail, the most important decision you’ll make is choosing the right bluewater yacht for your journey. From our experience, matching sailors with the right vessel is about understanding your needs, style, and goals.
Here’s a guide to help you navigate that decision.
Set Your Goals
The first step is to define what “bluewater cruising” means for you. Try to be honest about your priorities – the right yacht for a quick weekend getaway may not suit a long multi-year voyage.
Ask yourself these questions to help you decide:
- Are you planning short offshore passages, seasonal cruises, or a full circumnavigation?
- Will you sail primarily with family, friends, or solo?
- How important are comfort, speed, and performance?
Performance vs. Comfort
Finding the right balance between speed and liveability is key to a successful cruising experience, and every sailor has different priorities. Consider whether fast passages or a more luxurious experience on board is more important to you and your crew.
Which of these takes priority for you?
- Performance-focused: Sailors who enjoy the thrill of performance cruising or long-distance racing may select a lightweight hull, an advanced sail plan, and advanced deck systems.
- Comfort-focused: For those who want a more relaxing sailing experience, a spacious interior, ease of handling, and luxury amenities may be top of the wish-list.
Monohull or Multihull
There’s a huge variety of monohull and multihull bluewater yachts on the market, but which type you choose will affect performance, space, and handling. Weigh up the various factors, including ease of docking, berthing availability, manoeuvrability, and onboard lifestyle.
Here are the typical differences:
- Monohulls – Typically offer deeper keels, strong offshore stability, and classic handling. Superb for traditional long-distance voyaging.
- Catamarans – Multihulls usually feature lots of living space, stability at anchor, and a shallower draft. Ideal for family cruising and remote anchorages.
Size
When spending lengthy periods of time at sea, the size of your yacht has a significant impact on everyday comfort, storage, and sail handling. From our experience, choosing the right size is about balancing your crew’s needs with your sailing ambitions.
Use this sizing scale to help narrow down your search:
- Small yachts (35–45 ft) can be easier to handle and maintain but may offer less living space and storage.
- Mid-size yachts (45–55 ft) strike a balance between comfort, maintenance, and performance.
- Large yachts (55+ ft) provide exceptional comfort, long-range capability, and often more sophisticated systems, but can be more complex and expensive to sail and maintain.
New Build or Brokerage
Whether purchasing new or pre-owned, we offer a broad portfolio of premium bluewater catamarans and monohulls, ensuring the perfect match to individual cruising goals and personal preferences.
- New – New bluewater yachts be customised to your specifications, incorporating the latest technology and comfort features.
- Brokerage – Used bluewater cruising yachts can offer excellent value and proven long-distance capability, with the benefit of previous owners’ real-world experience.
We work with a variety of market-leading yacht builders offering vessels well-suited for offshore passages:
- Lagoon Catamarans – Lagoon catamarans offer exceptional comfort, reliability and a stable platform for families and couples exploring the world under sail.
- Contest Yachts – Purpose-built for bluewater cruising, Contest Yachts combine structural integrity with exceptional handling and long-range capability.
- McConaghy Catamarans – Lightweight, performance-oriented catamarans by McConaghy combine cutting-edge materials, advanced technology, and contemporary aesthetics.
- Beneteau Sail – With a broad range of reliable long-distance cruisers and performance-driven sailing yachts, Beneteau offers something for every level of sailing experience.
- Brokerage Classics – Proven names like Oyster, Hallberg-Rassy, and Swan are popular for circumnavigations.
Upgrades and Refits
Even a brand new cruising yacht may require modifications for extended offshore cruising. From our experience, careful planning and quality craftsmanship make all the difference in creating a bluewater vessel that’s truly ready for life at sea.
Key upgrades include:
- Watermakers, generators, or solar power systems
- Robust rigging and sails
- Ocean-going safety equipment
- Extra onboard storage
- Air-conditioning and heating
Ready to find your bluewater cruising yacht?
In summary, choosing the best bluewater yacht for your adventures involves weighing up a mix of personal priorities, practical considerations, and expert guidance.
By understanding your goals, hull preferences, size needs, and preferred style of sailing, you can find a yacht that will serve you well for years of ocean cruising.
We’ve seen countless owners transform their bluewater cruising dreams into reality. If you’d like some guidance on how to find the right vessel to fit your lifestyle and aspirations, our experienced brokers are here to help.
