The Costs of Solo Sailing Around the World: With Real Numbers!

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Imagine stepping aboard your sailboat and setting off into the sunset to begin a solo sailing trip around the world. Sounds both nerve-racking and amazing at the same time, right? But before you step aboard, you should spend some time fully understanding how much it costs to solo sail around the world.

It costs between $600-$2,000 per month to solo sail around the world. The exact figure depends on the sailboat used, its amenities, and what the itinerary looks like. It’s also noteworthy that the above estimate doesn’t include the cost of purchasing the boat.

The rest of this article will talk more about the costs of solo sailing around the world, including fixed costs like the sailboat itself and monthly variable costs, such as provisions, excursions, moorage, and marine fuel.

If you are interested in the costs of living on a catamaran but not necessarily circumnavigating, then this article about how much it costs to live aboard a catamaran is made for you!

Table of Contents

Fixed Costs When Solo Sailing Around the World

The first step is usually finding your boat, you may have to look all over the planet.

Before you can set sail, you’ll need to have a well-functioning sailboat that’s equipped for a worldwide journey and special liveaboard boat insurance. Purchasing a used sailboat is usually cheaper than buying a new one, but you’ll also need to account for any necessary repairs or upgrades.

Buying a Sailboat

Solo sailors will want to purchase a boat that is small enough that they can successfully sail it on their own, but still large enough to have room to live without feeling cramped.

The sailboat represents the highest initial cost when considering a sailing trip.

One of the most significant factors in how much a sailboat cost is its size. Smaller boats, such as those used by solo sailors, will cost much less than larger vessels that require a crew. A solo sailor can typically sail a boat on their own up to 40’, according to a study I did. Boats larger than that often require at least one other person to be sailed safely.

Small, used solo-sized sailboats can be found for as low as $10,000 and go up from there. Cheaper boats may require a lot of repair work to make them fully sea-worthy or need lots of new equipment. Most blue-water single-handed sailboats will cost between $30,000 to $50,000.

Insurance

When you’re living aboard your sailboat and traveling the world, you’ll need to make sure to have liveaboard insurance instead of recreational insurance. This particular type of insurance will cost more if you’re sailing internationally as compared to sailing in local waters.

Liveaboard insurance for international travel will cost around 1-3% of the boat’s value per year.

Here’s an article I wrote where I discuss the costs of boat insurance on a catamaran.

Variable Monthly Costs When Solo Sailing Around the World

Maintenance tends to an underestimated cost

In addition to the fixed cost of the boat and insurance, there will also be costs that vary each month based on travel distance, geographic location, and personal preference.

Ongoing Maintenance and Repairs

Set aside at least 10% of the cost of the boat annually for repairs and maintenance. Boats require lots of regular maintenance and repair work to keep them running safely on the water.

Repairs can include everything from minor cosmetic repairs to make the boat look nicer to expensive engine or communication center overhauls. Additionally, marine parts tend to be more costly than land-centric construction materials.

Fuel

Plan for fuel costs of at least $100 per month, plus a cushion to account for unexpected increases.

The cost of marine fuel will depend on where in the world you are refueling your sailboat. Fuel is usually cheaper in Europe and more expensive in Asia and Latin America. However, fuel costs can also shift suddenly depending on the global market. In addition to marine fuel, you’ll also need propane for cooking.

Food and Drink

Food costs will likely run from $100-$200 per month for a solo sailor.

Just as on land, provisioning your sailboat can be done very cheaply if you are willing to eat more processed foods and buy in bulk. If you have special dietary needs or are a picky eater, it will probably cost more to stock up on food and water.

You’ll also want to consider how long you’ll be at sea between ports. Perishable food will need to be eaten first, leaving boring canned goods as the only remaining option. The most significant limit to how much perishable food you can bring on board is available refrigeration space.

On-Land Excursions

On-land excursions can range from $0 for those who skip them entirely to any amount imaginable.

If you want to save money while solo sailing you can limit how much you spend during on-land excursions. This includes limiting special activities that are often available in or near ports, such as scuba diving or zip lining, as well as curbing how much you spend eating out.

Luckily, on-land activities and restaurants may be cheaper in international ports than in most US cities. Minimize your expenses by choosing local restaurants and cafes over global chains.

Moorage and Marina Fees

Monthly moorage fees range from $550 to $750 per month. Daily rates can run from $10-$300 per night.

Liveaboard moorage is typically more expensive than recreational moorage. The actual moorage fees will vary greatly depending on location and the length of time you plan to remain in one marina.

Visas and Administrative Fees

International visas can be completely free of cost up to several hundred dollars. They are only needed to go on land.

Depending on where your travels take you and your country of citizenship, you may need to pay for international visas or pay other administrative fees if you wish to go on land. You don’t have to pay any fees to enter an international harbor, and you can receive services without leaving the ship.

Miscellaneous Communication and Entertainment

Depending on your needs, you’ll likely spend between $100-$200 per month on the internet, communication, and on-ship entertainment.

It can be a challenge to stay connected to others when you’re in the middle of the ocean. Look for global plans that can use both WiFi and cellular data, and consider a signal booster to increase your range.

Summary of Costs

Let’s look at a quick summary of these costs. Don’t forget that the final numbers will vary greatly depending on where you’re traveling and your preferences for the provision and amenities you’d like available onboard your sailboat.

Boat Purchase: $30,000-$50,000
Insurance: $1,800 per year

Maintenance and Repairs: 10% of boat cost
Fuel: $100/month
Provisions: $100-$200/month
Excursions: $0 – Sky’s the Limit
Moorage and Marina Feeds: $550-$750/month

International Visas: $0-$300
Miscellaneous (Internet, Communication, Entertainment): $100-$200/month

One of the best ways to learn more about what your sailing costs might amount to is to check out the experiences of other solo sailors.

Sailing Malou focuses on the cheapest way to sail around the world in this video:

Final Thoughts

Going on a solo sailing world tour can be a fantastic adventure, and it doesn’t have to be extremely expensive. Purchasing a boat will be the highest fixed cost, and most other costs will vary depending on where in the world you are and your personal preferences. Expect to spend somewhere between $600 and $2,000 every month on a worldwide solo sailing trip.