Hey, I'm Taylor!
  • Home
  • About
  • Adventure
  • The States
  • International
    • Africa
      • South Africa
    • Caribbean
      • Antigua
      • Bahamas
      • Grenada
  • Travel Tips
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About
  • Adventure
  • The States
  • International
    • Africa
      • South Africa
    • Caribbean
      • Antigua
      • Bahamas
      • Grenada
  • Travel Tips
  • Contact

Tea N' Sea Travel

Adventure · August 14, 2019

What is Sailing Like? – Things They Don’t Tell You

I'm sure you've all seen it, at least on Instagram, YouTube, or some other social media platform: people enjoying sailing on a sea of crystal clear water, jumping into a shade of blue unlike anything you've ever dreamed about. Sailing is one of, if not my favorite ways to travel. I think everyone should experience sailing at least once in their life - even if only for a few hours. There's something so magical about being on the open ocean and being one with nature. The only sounds are the sea, the wind, and the occasional sail luff.

I grew up around the ocean and on boats, but sailing was kind of a new thing to me before I moved down to Grenada. I had sailed a couple times here and there, hopped on a HobeCat as a kid, but never realized that people sailed the world on their little floating homes. While in Grenada, I started to fall deeper in love with sailing from helping some friends with their boats, which led me to making a spontaneous decision to embark on a 1500+ nautical mile journey from the Caribbean all the way up to Rhode Island. Since that trip, I've lived aboard 3 different sailboats, work aboard a traditionally rigged tall ship, and have sailed roughly 4500 nautical miles. 

aerial view of a girl laying on the bow of a sailboat in the bahamas

I want to share some things about sailing (mostly long-distance passages, but really applies to any length of trip) that some of you may not know! This isn't going to be a sailing guide by any means, more of a "things you won't think about until it happens" thing. There's ups and downs, but the absolute bliss that you feel being one with the sea is completely worth it.

Daily Tasks Can Be Tough

The first of the five things you I'll be completely honest - it's not all sunshine and calm seas while you're out there. There's some things that make life a little more inconvenient than what you may be used to. Even the daily tasks you may be used to doing (cooking, cleaning, showering, etc) can be much more difficult at sea. 

Standing in the heat and trying to prepare a meal over a swinging stove in a galley (that's a kitchen for you landlubbers) with small portholes can make even the savviest of sailors feel a little queasy. I know I struggled with my appetite because I didn't want to be down below for long periods of time cooking over the hot stove. I started reaching for things that were easier to eat without preparation, like fruits and veggies (and Goldfish Crackers). That kept me satiated but I was definitely lacking protein (which is important!). Because of that (and other factors) I struggled a bit with fatigue during my waking hours (more on sleep later). 

Sorry for the Blurry pic, but just goes to show things aren't the most calm and stable while down below! Notice the stove on an angle? 

If you're someone that enjoys long, hot showers every day, be prepared to sacrifice those during a sailing trip, or while on a boat in general (especially long term). Most boats aren't equipped with a constant supply of fresh water like a hotel or home is, and if you're at sea, unless you have a water maker onboard then your fresh water rations are going to be limited since they need to be saved for other (more important) things like drinking water. To be completely honest, most of the time I decided to forego a true shower for a quick freshwater rinse in some cool water off the stern of the boat. I kept my hair in braids to avoid that "dirty hair" feeling, but really only took a true shower with shampoo and conditioner once or twice on our journey (no judgements allowed). You will feel salty constantly - even right after you shower or get it all off of you, it somehow sticks immediately again. Just embrace your inner mermaid and enjoy your cool water rinse!

Cleaning during a sail is necessary, but also kind of counter-intuitive. It sounds crazy to say it out loud, but it really is. Salt accumulates inside (and outside of course) so quickly at sea, so to prevent corrosion it's important to make sure you're wiping the salt off at least every few days. It becomes difficult at sea because you're fighting a losing battle. Everything has a salty feel to it, even right after cleaning. It really didn't bother me, but some people may find it unpleasant feeling humid or salty in their environment and on their skin at the same time. 

Want to see more daily boat life? Click here to Head over to Instagram for daily boat life and insights to what it's really like!

What is  there to Do?

Alright here it goes:

Sailing a long distance can get boring. There, I said it.

And no, I don't mean just being at sea for a whole day. I'm talking a few days at sea, through the night, nonstop sailing. There's only so much to do in a space that's limited to a few square feet of space. So what do you do when your daily schedules have kicked in and there's no one to keep you occupied? (It's important to note that while you are on watch, it's important to be alert and aware of all the surrounding waters). These tips are useful for the downtime you may have! 

Read! Books will be your friend, whether about sailing so you can learn, or novels to bring you on another adventure in your mind, books help to pass the time between watches. I highly recommend a physical book over an E-reader, iPad, or other electronic reading device for a few reasons: 

  1. They are great gifts to exchange with other travelers! While this may not be your first thought, it's a great way to bond with other travelers/sailors/nomads/locals, etc. 
  2. The artificial light from the electronics can destroy your night vision. Utilizing a red light helps to preserve night vision so that you are better equipped to see at night. I highly recommend avoiding any artificial light after sunset or before sunrise, but if you have to use it, make sure it is a red light! 
  3. They don't utilize the boat's batteries to charge, don't run the risk of being destroyed (and losing the entire story) if they get splashed, and physical books hold more sensory association to further immerse yourself in the story!

Not everyone is big into reading, but it's a great way to pass the time! 

Games with your crew members can be a lot more exciting than you would think! On my sail from the Caribbean to Rhode Island, our little crew of 3 played Cards Against Humanity more than once, and even with only three of us, we had such a fun time playing! Maybe it was because we were sleep deprived, but everything seemed so much more amusing than playing on shore! Sailing with. my partner, he and I loved playing Rummikub or Uno! Find some card games, board games, hand games, etc., that you enjoy now, or enjoyed as a kid. You'd be surprised how much fun they can be as an adult! 

playing ukulele while sailing

Music! Sing, dance, learn to play an instrument - depending how long your voyage is, there is always time for music! From a couple hour day sail to a week long ocean voyage, music can make you feel "human" again. You may find yourself enjoying songs you've never heard before, or have never liked before. If you have an instrument (like my new Ukulele), all this down time is a good time to learn to play it! You may not be a musical wizard by the end of your voyage, but you can share a new skill with other travelers and sailors that you meet! After all, music is a universal language! 

Can't tie a knot? Tie a lot! - An old saying that holds true to everyone that walks onboard a vessel. If you're unsure of tying knots, practice them! Try them with both your dominant hand and non-dominant hand, try them backwards, upside down, with your eyes closed. You'll be surprised how quickly you can pick them up after you've tied them wrong a hundred times (and trust me, you will). Knots are super important in any boating endeavor, so if you have the down time and some extra line, try tying knots you don't know! 

Watch Schedules & Sleep

What the heck is a watch schedule??? 

For those of you who don't know, a watch schedule is the time allocated to each crew member to keep watch - or look out for other vessels, squalls (storms), wind changes, waves, dolphins, random floating debris, etc. Boats may have an autopilot, but that doesn't mean that the vessel is safe from everything. Squalls, or little storms at sea, can appear out of nowhere, with gusting winds and strong rain. Even with autopilot, it's important to know when you need to adjust the sails, change your heading, turn on radar, etc. It can be the difference between a comfortable sail and a dangerous sail. Your autopilot just holds your heading, it doesn't account for changing conditions, so having a human to watch the environment is super important! 

With that being said, watch schedules can vary wildly. Some people that sail solo do nearly 24 hour watches, with 15 minute naps here and there, while a larger crew may have a rotating watch and get a full night's rest every night at sea. My experience is with a rotating watch, of 3 hours on watch, followed by a 6 hour break. This watch schedule made it fair for the entire crew (of 3), so no one person had the hard watches, while others had the easier/daytime ones. We were constantly rotating, which made getting on a sleep schedule extremely difficult. Some people sleep great at sea - I felt like I needed to be semi-conscious in order to help if something went wrong. 

Sleep is so important, regardless where you end up falling asleep! Just make sure you're alert for your watch! 

I had some of the best sleep I've ever had in the cockpit of the boat. Laying out in the warm fresh air, on the low side of the boat, just listening to the wind and ocean as we sailed by. It was a much more enjoyable sleep than being down below in the hot cabin. The dreams you'll have as the boat rocks you to sleep are amazing.

But with that watch schedule, and my changed appetite - fatigue hit me way harder than I ever imagined it could. I of course, was awake for my watches, but staying awake was difficult at times - even with copious amounts of caffeine. It was like my body knew I needed about 24 hours worth of deep sleep to try and readjust, even though we never actually switched time zones. 

So learn from my mistakes regarding sleep: don't try and stay up during your breaks, even if it is mid-day. Your rest can be the difference between feeling confident and safe, or unsure and dangerous. Make sure your diet stays balanced. It's amazing how greatly diet affects our bodies and I definitely realized it during both 5 day sails. No amount of caffeine can make up for a balanced diet and adequate hydration and rest. Trust me, you'll thank me in the long run when you finally reach shore and don't have to sleep for 18 hours straight and miss an entire day of exploring! 

It's Not All Sunshine and Rainbows

Remember that fun little thing I mentioned earlier called a squall? Yeah we're going to talk weather, and it's truly, not all sunshine and rainbows, or sunsets and Mai Tais - especially if you're sailing for multiple days. 

Squalls can come out of nowhere out on the open ocean. This storm was a little more predictable when my boyfriend and I went sailing for the day, but we still got stuck in it with no good way back to shore (except through it). 

A huge part of sailing is being aware of the weather before you leave. Is there a huge storm approaching? What's the wind doing? Another huge part of the weather on the ocean is the possibility of spontaneous weather changes. A squall can roll in from the horizon, pour buckets of rain down, pick up wind speeds to 30+ knots, and then all of the sudden float away in the sky like nothing ever happened (but trust me, your soggy hair and clothes will prove otherwise). Sometimes weather is unavoidable, or more drastic than planned. Crossing the Gulf Stream once we got close to New England was a shock to the system. We went from warm tropical air to cold fog that didn't lift for a few days after we had docked in Rhode Island. Being prepared and aware of weather changes are really important, and is something you should be aware of if you've never spent time on (or near) the water.

While you may not need to be planning your trip around the weather (that's the captain's job), it's important to be aware of the weather and what it's doing. Making adjustments confidently will make sure everyone stays safe and has an enjoyable trip!

Post-storm dip after being freezing on our sail through that storm! Even in the best foul weather gear, the weather can still take a toll on you!

It's Surreal

It may sound like most of what I've written are negatives, but that's definitely not the case or my intention! Sailing, even for a few hours, is an incredible experience, rain or shine. There's something truly incredible about being on the water, with no sound of the engine running, and getting to truly experience the magic of the world. 

Sunsets have a different kind of magic at sea, it's hard to describe until you see it in person.

Just gaining a new skill and learning a variety of new things every day builds you up as a person. It's amazing how much you can learn and how quickly you can pick things up when you are thrown head first into it. I went into a huge sailing journey with very little sailing experience, and walked out feeling far more confident in my abilities. 

There's so many incredible experiences you may not think about when you embark on a sailing journey. Seeing dolphins never get old, especially when they come play under the bow of the boat. The millions of different shades of blue that shine as the ocean dances in front of your eyes makes you realize that blue is the most beautiful color in the world. Watching the sky is incredible. Clouds come and go, in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. Sunrises and sunsets have a different kind of magic when they're reflecting off the waves. Since there's no ambient lighting, imagine the darkest night you've ever experienced, and throw a billion stars in the sky. Believe it or not, I even saw bioluminescence, so it was like the entire world was twinkling with stars from above and below. 

Want to read about one of my favorite destinations I've sailed to? Check out this Bimini, Bahamas guide!

Like this post? Don't forget to pin it! 

What it's like sailing

Click an icon below to share!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Related

Posted In: Adventure · Tagged: adventure, nautical, ocean, ocean travel, sail, sailing, sailor, Travel, travel tips, traveler, world explorer

Want to learn more about sailing and tropical destinations? Welcome aboard!

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

    Built with ConvertKit

    You’ll Also Love

    Tropical Vacation Packing List: 10 Eco-Friendly Essentials
    How to Avoid Seasickness While Sailing
    sunset overlooking english harbor on the caribbean island of AntiguaThe Best Things to Do in Antigua: Ultimate Travel Guide

    Comments

    1. Uncle Robbie says

      August 15, 2019 at 4:47 am

      I absolutely loved every moment of your memories in this writing… very informative and exciting at the same time, I truly felt like I’d just taken a wonderful sail up the coast…

      Reply
      • Taylor Nicole | Tea N' Sea Travel says

        September 3, 2019 at 5:06 pm

        Thank you! Love getting to share my experiences, and I love that I could let you slip into my memories a bit!

        Reply
    2. Stephanie says

      August 19, 2019 at 7:55 am

      Great honest article about sailing. I definitely agree that physical copies of books are better than e-readers!

      Reply
      • Taylor Nicole | Tea N' Sea Travel says

        September 3, 2019 at 5:07 pm

        Thank you! I try to be open and honest with what I post! Glad to have another book lover!

        Reply
    3. Amy says

      August 24, 2019 at 1:54 pm

      Damn, I don’t think I could do this! I think it’s just day trips for me. 🙂

      Reply
      • Taylor Nicole | Tea N' Sea Travel says

        September 3, 2019 at 5:07 pm

        It’s definitely not for everyone! Day trips are still great too though!

        Reply
    4. Vanessa Shields says

      August 24, 2019 at 2:08 pm

      What an awesome post! I used to sail a lot with my ex and really miss sailing. It’s my dream to sail various islands around the world. It’s definitely a lot of work and love your honesty and great tips! 😁

      Reply
      • Taylor Nicole | Tea N' Sea Travel says

        September 3, 2019 at 5:08 pm

        Thank you! I love sailing, I’ve definitely been bitten by the sailing bug, fortunate my boyfriend owns a sailboat!

        Reply
    5. Disha Smith says

      August 25, 2019 at 7:16 am

      Wow!! What an exciting adventure. I don’t think I’m brave enough to do this, but good for you! I loved reading about your sailing adventures. 🙂

      Reply
      • Taylor Nicole | Tea N' Sea Travel says

        September 3, 2019 at 5:09 pm

        Thank you! It was an awesome experience! I’ll be posting more blog posts soon, and hopefully have some more sailing posts in the future!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Next Post >

    Travel Tips: Accommodation Safety

    One of the most emotional experiences I’ve ever One of the most emotional experiences I’ve ever had. I came out of the water in tears. The sounds these young males made completely runs through your core more than any concert I’ve ever been to. Looking into their eyes was like connecting with a soul much wiser than our little human souls could ever hope to be. It was a moment I’ll never forget and a moment that is likely one of the most spiritual I’ve had yet. 🐋*All activities conducted and permitted through @asso_oceania and @nani.travels#moorea #oceania #whalewatching #humpbackwhale #bucketlistadventures #frenchpolynesia #frenchpolynesianislands #adventuretravel #ecotravel #oceantravel #islandtravel #tropicaltravel #oceanvibes
    Would you visit this remote tropical island that’s 600 miles from the closest land mass?? 🌊The island of Bermuda is a beautiful island located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Although sometimes considered to be a part of the Caribbean, it is in fact 900 miles north of the Caribbean Sea!This little hidden cove is just off of Horseshoe Beach, Bermuda’s famous pink sand beach. The sand glitters in the sunshine and there are little particles of pink corals, making the sand shine with a pink hue.Have you ever been to Bermuda? 🇧🇲#bermuda #islandtravel #visitbermuda #bermudatriangle #pinksandbeach #tropicaltravel #tropicalbeach #tropicaldestination #adventuretravel #ecotravel #saltyluxepresets #saltyluxe #theinfluencerbootcamp #saltyvibes #islandvibes🌴 #islandtraveler
    Do you prefer summer or winter? I’ll give you on Do you prefer summer or winter? I’ll give you one guess as to what I prefer 🌴Seeing everyone’s skiing and snowboard pictures, snowy mountain tops, and cozy winter vibes are great, but I can’t help but have a longing for the sun. Winter and I aren’t the best of friends.Stick me in the heat with a palm tree to lounge on or under and I’m a happy camper. Even better if there’s a little shallow ocean water to relax in under the palm fronds. 🏝️#tropicalvibes #summervibes #islandvibe #coconutpalm #islandtravel #islanddestination #frenchpolynesia #mooreaisland #tropicaltravel #tropicalisland #tropicaldestination #beachtravel #femaletravelblogger #tropicalsoul #islandgirls #tahitibeach #mooreaisland
    Do you want to know the best place to stay in Gran Do you want to know the best place to stay in Grand Cayman?! 🌴⬇️Boggy Sanda Beach Club is PERFECT for families, group trips, or lovers of the finer things. Each unit is unique, but comes with:
🛏️ 5 bedrooms to accommodate all your guests comfortably
👩🏼‍🍳 A huge kitchen with new appliances, all the cookware you need, and a perfect entertaining space
🏖️ A private beach area stocked with paddle boards, umbrellas, palm trees, chairs, and the perfect views of the Caribbean Sea
🌴 a Pool with hammocks under the palms, grills, and even lounge beds
🌅 A rooftop terrace on every building, furnished and perfect for watching the sun set over the Caribbean, or for entertainingAnd honestly so much more! I was amazed walking into the unit for the first time, and almost wanted to stay in every room! The luxurious design and amenities were incredible and the privacy of the property was a great escape from the hustle and bustle of some of the big resorts. Would you stay at Boggy Sands?!#grandcayman #luxuryvacation #luxurycaribbean #luxuryrental #caribbeanvacation #caribbeanvacationrentals #caymanvacation #grandcaymanisland #caribbeantravel #luxurytraveler #luxuryaccommodation #tropicaltravel #tropicalparadise
    Life’s been one heck of a journey so far. 2022 w Life’s been one heck of a journey so far. 2022 was definitely not my year, but cheers to new adventures to come and to 2023!#adventuretravel #tropicaltravel #2023goals #2023travel #caribbeantravel #islandtravel #oceantravel #grenada #grandcayman #moorea #frenchpolynesia #caribbeantravel #islandtravel
    Never did I think I would take a group trip, but t Never did I think I would take a group trip, but this view was absolutely my favorite of 2022.💕I joined @saltyluxe and so many other amazing people on the trip of a lifetime to Mo’orea, at a time I desperately needed deep, soulful healing. Truth be told I didn’t even feel excited until I was on the flight to LAX to make the connection to French Polynesia. For 11 days I truly felt loved, cherished, and like I could be myself again after so long.Every experience on this trip was meaningful. From the planned activities like helping plant corals with the @coralgardeners learning traditional Polynesian dance, swimming with whales, and so much more, to every little interaction that was shared. I’ll never forget these amazing people and how much they touched my life. Sitting in the bottom of a yellow boat talking about life, sharing a room with someone that felt like a sister, long talks under the stars, and just so many in between moments felt like a gift from the Universe.Which brings me to this moment. This view. We had been watching the dancers perform a beautiful show with the prettiest backdrop in the world. And in one moment they all grabbed one of us to dance together. It was a moment when the world slipped away and we all shared this euphoric moment of happiness that led us to dancing into the sunset together, full of giggles and life, and also of tears to have to say goodbye to our new family. It’s a moment I will never forget.Mo’orea, you’ll always hold a special place in my heart. ❤️#moorea #mooreaisland #frenchpolynesia #saltyluxe #grouptrip #saltyluxeretreat #tropicalparadise #soultribe #travelfriends #tropicaltravel #polynesianislands #bestviewof2022
    DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN SEE WATERFALLS IN THE CARIBBE DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN SEE WATERFALLS IN THE CARIBBEAN?! 💦My favorite Caribbean island of Grenada offers so much, from white sandy beaches to beautiful seas, and even numerous waterfalls! Each offer something unique, but four of my favorite waterfalls in Grenada are:
-Annandale Waterfall - perfect for a short trip from the resorts, this is one of the closest falls to the city of St. George’s and the most accessible with paved walking paths and a gorgeous garden-Concord Falls - easily accessible falls with paved stairs and a gorgeous drive up the coast. Perfect shallow swimming pool with a series of multiple falls if you want to adventure on a hike-Mt. Carmel Falls - probably my favorite of the falls, and Grenada’s tallest waterfall standing 70 feet tall!-Seven Sisters Falls - a cascade of 7 unique waterfalls, with the most popular one shown in my photo. Enjoy a tropical hike and spend the day swimming in the pool below the falls!Which waterfall sounds like one you’d like to visit?!#grenada🇬🇩 #puregrenada #grenadawaterfall #annandalefalls #sevensisterswaterfall #mtcarmelfalls #concordfalls #tropicalvibes #tropicaltravel #islandtravel #visitgrenada #caribbeantravel #adventuretravel #caribbeandestination #islanddestinations #caribbeandestination #caribbeanvacation #femaletraveler #caribbeanisland #tropicaldestination #tropicalisland

    Copyright © 2023 Tea N' Sea Travel · Theme by 17th Avenue

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled

    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

    Non-necessary

    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

    SAVE & ACCEPT