What Direction Is Best To Sail Around The World?

Sailing Around The World: Why East To West Is Best

Sailing around the world is no small feat and requires careful planning and preparation for a successful voyage.

While there are many possible routes, one of the most popular and advantageous ways to sail around the world is from east to west, often referred to as the “Coconut Milk Run” across the Pacific Islands.

This article will explore why this route is so popular, what other routes are available, and what you need to consider when planning your own round-the-world voyage.

Explaining Why Sailing East to West is Best

The Coconut Milk Run, or east-west route, is one of the most ideal ways for sailors to circumnavigate the globe due to its favourable trade winds and conditions that make it easier for boats to travel in this direction than any other way around the world.

This route starts in Hawaii and goes through a number of islands in French Polynesia as well as Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Australia before ending in New Zealand or back in Hawaii depending on which way you choose to go.

Describing The Coconut Milk Run

The Coconut Milk Run has become an iconic sailing route for sailors who want a leisurely trip around the world with plenty of time for sightseeing and exploring new places in between stops along their journey.

This route has been made popular by sailors who have shared their experiences online and passed on their knowledge about which islands have great restaurants or beautiful beaches worth visiting during a break from sailing.

Many sailors also opt to stay at one of these islands for a few days before continuing their journey around the world.

The Advantages Of The Route

One of the main advantages of this route is that it takes advantage of generally favourable trade winds throughout its entire duration that make it easier for boats to travel in this direction than any other way around the world.

These trade winds are strong enough that they can help push boats along quickly even when there isn’t much wind on land or in other parts of the ocean that would otherwise slow down progress significantly if travelling in an opposite direction around the world from west-to-east instead.

Additionally, because this route goes through some particularly gorgeous islands in French Polynesia such as Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea and more that are known for their incredible beauty and unique culture, it provides an opportunity for sailors to explore some amazing places while still making good time on their trip around the world.

Trade Winds And Favourable Conditions

Not only do these trade winds provide an advantage when it comes to speed but they also provide more consistent wind patterns which helps reduce fatigue from constantly changing wind directions throughout a voyage which can add up quickly over long distances.

Additionally, since this route follows a northerly latitude line all along its course it avoids many areas with strong currents that can slow down progress significantly compared with travelling further south or north where currents tend to be much stronger.

Other Sailing Routes Around The World

While travelling from east-to-west may be one of the most popular routes when sailing around the world there are still plenty of other options available depending on how much time you have available or what type of experience you’re looking for during your voyage.

Some sailors prefer travelling north or south first before heading west as these routes often provide more opportunities for exploration but come with additional challenges due to colder climates or longer distances respectively.

Others prefer starting out in Europe before heading west across both oceans since this typically provides more variety when it comes to cultures visited along your journey.

Finally, some people opt for an even more ambitious circumnavigation by going all the way down south first before heading back up through both oceans again towards Europe.

Advice On Choosing The Right Route

Ultimately choosing which route you should take when sailing around depends entirely on your own preferences and circumstances including how much time you have available and what kind of experience you’re looking for during your voyage.

If you’re looking for an exciting but manageable trip with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing then travelling from east-to-west may be your best bet due its favourable trade winds and stunning destinations along its course such as Tahiti or Bora Bora.

However if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous then perhaps exploring further north or south first before heading west could be an interesting option that provides some unique experiences not found along other routes such as visiting remote Arctic regions or Antarctic waters.

Preparing For Round-The-World Voyages

Regardless of which route you decide upon there are still certain preparations that need to be made prior to setting out on any round-the-world voyage including stocking up on enough supplies such as food, water and fuel; ensuring all navigational equipment is working properly; familiarising yourself with local customs; developing emergency plans; getting all necessary visas; etc.

Additionally having a good understanding about weather patterns along your chosen route will also help ensure smoother sailing by allowing you better plan ahead based on expected wind speeds throughout different times of year.

The Benefits Of Sailing East To West

As previously mentioned one of the main benefits of travelling from east-to-west when sailing round-the-world is taking advantage favourable trade winds that make it easier than any other direction around the globe.

Additionally because this route follows a northerly latitude line all along its course it avoids many areas with strong currents that can slow down progress significantly compared with travelling further south or north where currents tend to be much stronger.

Finally travelling east also means taking advantage longer days due nightfall occurring later throughout summer months which allows boats more time during daylight hours which can potentially save significant amounts fuel used at night whilst attempting circumnavigate globes circumference at higher speeds during day light hours than would otherwise possible at night without risk running aground unseen rocks reefs.

Potential Challenges Of Sailing East To West

Despite many advantages associated with traveling eastward there also potential challenges need taken into account prior setting off any round -the -world voyage such being pushed further off course by strong opposing currents encountered sea encountering strong headwinds against prevailing easterly trade winds reducing overall speed journey increasing likelihood running out fuel earlier planned .

Additionally slower speeds caused headwinds against prevailing easterly trades will increase total length taken complete journey .

Conclusion

In conclusion , whether planning sail round -the -world , choosing right direction important part preparation process .

While there are many options available , one most popular advantageous ways sail globe remains traveling eastward through Pacific Islands often referred Coconut Milk Run.

This article explored why this particular route seen optimal choice providing access stunning islands while taking advantage generally favourable trade winds , avoiding stronger currents encountered further north south while still providing opportunity explore unique cultures experienced different climates .

Ultimately though choosing right direction ultimately depends individual preferences circumstances . Taking into account advice discussed here should help ensure smoother sailing whichever direction choose go .