Bluewater solo sailing is not for the faint-hearted. It takes a lot of courage, skills, and determination to navigate the open sea alone. Although solo sailing has its own set of challenges, bluewater solo sailing can be extremely daunting.
If you’re surmising about the difficulties of bluewater solo sailing, the hardest part would undoubtedly be the solitude. Sailing alone in the vast ocean for days, weeks, or even months is a challenging mental ordeal. Bluewater solo sailors have no crew to rely upon, no one to share their experiences with, and no backup for emergencies. The solo sailor is solely reliant on themselves to maintain the ship, navigate the course, and overcome any obstacles.
Moreover, solo sailors must be prepared for everything. The sea is unpredictable, and storms can arise in a matter of minutes, making it difficult to anticipate and prepare for. Bluewater sailing is also subject to various technical issues that cannot be easily remedied without assistance from others. Mechanical failures, unpredictable weather, and navigational challenges are just a few of the many difficulties that solo sailors have to deal with alone.
One of the most substantial challenges of bluewater sailing is the lack of sleep. Solo sailors must finish normal sailing duties and always be alert, looking out for hazards, and in the event of an emergency, he/she has to remain vigilant. It’s imperative for bluewater solo sailors to stay awake and alert for long periods due to the profound impacts it can cause on safety.
Lastly, the physical strain of solo sailing can be exhausting. The solo sailor is working a lot harder than a crew in a sailing voyage. The physical demands of handling sailboats and equipment, combined with the lack of rest, can take a tremendous toll on the body.
Bluewater solo sailing is not only an adventure but a test of one’s limits. The mental, physical, and emotional aspects required in undertaking an ocean journey solo sets sail under the best of conditions, but when met with challenging situations, it can be intimidating. If solo sailors can muster the courage to overcome their fears, embrace solitude, and focus on their goals, the reward of being able to complete a solo trip can be life-changing. However, the hardest part of bluewater solo sailing is accepting the reality that you are truly alone in the open sea.