Blue water routes
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The blue water routes or sailing routes over the oceans are the routes that sailing ships and sailing yachts in particular prefer when crossing the seas. Since the beginning of global seafaring , records have been kept of which routes are traveled at which time of year and which weather conditions have been encountered. This can be used to create monthly or annual maps for the best wind but the lowest probability of severe storms along a route. Together with the seasonal ocean currents, this results in some clearly preferred routes to cross a particular ocean . The majority of blue water sailors choose these paths, which have been explored and documented by generations of seafarers , for a partial or complete circumnavigation of the world along the so-called barefoot route .
Classically, circumnavigations of the world begin in northern Europe, in northern Germany ( Wilfried Erdmann ), in southern England or in Les Sables-d'Olonne in France (e.g. the Vendée Globe regatta ) - although any other port is of course possible.
General
This article is mainly concerned with the routes sailing ships choose when they want to cross the oceans. For merchant shipping, considerations about wind systems and currents play a subordinate role today, because thanks to powerful machines they almost always come up against it. The average speed of a freighter is at least 15 knots , modern freighters reach 25–30 knots. In contrast, cruising yachts rarely reach speeds of more than about 12 knots , depending on their size, see hull speed . And this only in good wind conditions and shallow seas.
Sailing yachts can cover long distances independently, but are dependent on wind. Strong winds or high waves can be dangerous for them. The wind should also come from aft directions if possible, because crossing against the wind means that at least one and a half times the distance must be covered. In rough seas it may no longer be sensible. Only large motor yachts can carry enough fuel to cross an ocean. They drive as slowly as sailing yachts because the high consumption rules out planing .
The distances between the possible ports of arrival and departure are given in nautical miles , the usual unit of length in seafaring. A circumnavigation of the world adds up to at least 21,600 nautical miles, that's just over 40,000 kilometers.
Atlantic
The Atlantic crossing is the historically most important ocean crossing since Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492 and subsequently trade with America (and Africa) flourished. The preferred routes across the Atlantic have historically also favored the Atlantic triangular trade : The "goods" could not only be shipped profitably, but also quickly and with relatively little risk.
Westward
From Northern Europe, the first stage leads across the Biscay to Galicia , then along the Portuguese west coast to the south and with the first big stroke of about 700 nm to the Canary Islands , with a possible stopover on Madeira . From the Mediterranean , Gibraltar is often the last continental European port before the Canary Islands.
The actual Atlantic crossing begins from the Canary Islands. Depending on the position of the trade belt, you will first sail a little further to the southwest in order to encounter the constant northeast trade winds between about 15 and 20 degrees north latitude . The southern route leads close to the Cape Verde Islands , so that a stopover is possible there. Depending on the route chosen, you have to cover between 2660 nm (northernmost route) and 2900 nm (via Cape Verde). The destination is usually the islands of Antigua or St. Lucia in the Lesser Antilles . The travel time is November to March, the best time usually December or January. In the period between June and November the risk of tropical cyclones is relatively high, so that one tries to avoid this time. These data were created on the basis of the empirical measurements and records mentioned at the beginning and are of course no guarantee for a carefree crossing.
Every autumn, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers starts in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria , a regatta whose main objective is to safely accompany the participating yachts across the Atlantic. The organizers check the safety of the yachts before the start and pass on information about the weather and other dangers to the ships on the way.
In addition to the "standard route" above, which around 98% of all sailors are likely to take for the Atlantic Passage, there are a few others. The central route from the English Channel and the drop-off port of Falmouth to Nova Scotia , Newport or New York was the usual one for passenger ships. That was also the route the Titanic took before it sank forever in the Atlantic. Sailors only choose this course if they absolutely have to. For apart from the headwind with which you expect increased here must is the Gulf Stream counterclaims and it needs before Newfoundland with fog or icebergs are expected.
The Vikings - according to today's research, Erich the Red discovered America and not Christopher Columbus - for centuries traveled even more northerly routes, via Iceland or Nuuk in Greenland to Newfoundland. In summer, these routes can also be used by suitably equipped sailors, as easterly winds can be expected here again. However, the weather and ice conditions are still very different from those on the Passat route.
East
For the journey from the Caribbean or the North American east coast back to Europe, most routes lead via Bermuda and the Azores . In spring (March / April / May) you set out from the US east coast or the Caribbean islands, where you spent the winter, and sail around 900 nm (from Miami or Antigua) to Bermuda.
The second important stop that many yachts make is the Azores. In Horta is the Peter Café Sport , the most famous restaurant in the world among sailors. The best route to get there is not clear. You will find predominantly westerly winds and the Gulf Stream pushes from behind, but longer periods of calm can also be expected. The best time for this trip is in May, with cyclones between June and November to be expected. The last part of the journey from the Azores to the European coast or the Mediterranean follows in July or August. If you want to go to Northern Europe, you still have to fight with north winds for a certain time when the Azores are high , which is why you can go to the Portuguese coast first .
The direct route from the east coast to Falmouth is also an option, but here, as on the opposite course off Newfoundland , there is a considerable risk of fog and ice. Courses even further north will again only be chosen by those who are aware of the dangers of the arctic waters.
South Atlantic
The South Atlantic is mostly left behind by cruising sailors because it is off the barefoot route. However, if you decide to round Africa south instead of driving through the Suez Canal, you also have to take the route across the South Atlantic. You can either go north along the African west coast towards Europe and thus close the circle, or cross the South Atlantic at the level of Brazil and sail north along the coast there into the Caribbean.
The South Atlantic is one of the safest seas on earth, because the frequency of storms is very low, and there are no tropical cyclones here - so far a single weather observation of a potential cyclone in the South Atlantic has been made. Only off the Argentine coast do stronger winds and gusts occasionally occur.
To the north and west
The first part, from the Cape of Good Hope along the west coast to Namibia, is relatively unproblematic except for the danger of coastal fog . The Benguela Current sets with up to 2 knots in the direction of travel and the wind comes mainly from the southwest. Most sailors then head for one or even both of the islands of St. Helena and Ascension in the middle of the Atlantic , because these are both in the Benguela Current, which leads to Brazil, and almost on the direct route to Europe. The current runs along as far as the Brazilian coast and the wind direction is usually aft. This enables fast crossings with the only disadvantage of large rolling movements while driving. This can put a lot of stress on the material and cause seasickness . The trip from Brazil to the Caribbean is possible all year round, provided that you stay south of the usual migration routes during the cyclone season. Venezuela and Trinidad, for example, can be called all year round.
To reach Europe from Ascension, it is recommended to take a route at about 25 ° West that leads directly to the Azores . The reason is that the Kalmenzone in the west is narrower and therefore less has to be motorized. To make up for the latitude of the Canary Islands or Cape Verde to the east is very uncomfortable because of the eastern trade wind that already prevails there. Even so, a longer stretch of upwind sailing can be expected north of the trade fair zone. At the height of the equator, the equatorial countercurrent sets east.
To the south and east
The route from the Canary Islands to St. Helena is a bit tedious as you have to sail a lot close to the wind. The recommendation is to stick to the African coast and only mark the course towards St. Helena in the Gulf of Guinea . To get to Cape Town from St. Helena, you usually have to cross intensively, because Cape Town is exactly upwind of the general wind direction. Storms in the South Atlantic can turn the wind direction southwest or northwest, which is helpful in this case. Because of the Benguela Current, which helps when traveling north, one should not move too close to the coast when traveling south.
From South America to Cape Town you can follow an almost direct route between 30 ° south (southern winter) and 37 ° south (summer). Electricity and wind then mostly come from astern, but the occurrence of Antarctic storms must also be expected. The risk of storms can be reduced by staying north of 30 ° south until you have crossed the prime meridian in an easterly direction. From Piriápolis in Uruguay to Cape Town you log around 3560 nautical miles. The remote but inhabited Tristan da Cunha archipelago is along the route.
Caribbean
After arriving in the Caribbean, you will usually take a break of a few weeks or months to carry out the necessary repairs to the ship and equipment. The recommended time to travel from the Windward Islands to the Panama Canal is between March and May. The direct route can be very stormy due to strong trade winds and high seas can make the crossing difficult. The route should not be underestimated, as it is over 1100 nautical miles to Colón .
From Florida you can either approach the entrance of the Panama Canal east or west around Cuba . However, on the eastern course in particular, it must be expected that you will have to cross the Passat for a long time . An interruption of the trip to Cuba is advisable. The route to Cuba or Florida can also be sailed in the opposite direction, whereas the choice of the direct east course from Colón to the Windwards is not recommended.
To get from the Atlantic to the Pacific (or vice versa), most ships take the Panama Canal . The passage is relatively expensive, but saves a lot of time and is by far the safest option. The alternative, a rounding of Cape Horn , is an adventure in itself and is only considered by experienced crews due to the almost permanently blowing storms there. The third option, a passage through the Northeast Passage, is definitely an expedition in itself and is only attempted by very few ships each year. It is only possible more and more frequently because of global warming .
Pacific
The Pacific Ocean is by far the largest of the world's oceans. The distances between the individual strokes are correspondingly large here. There are some islands along the most frequent routes, but some of them offer little protection, are difficult to approach due to shallow reefs and do not offer any infrastructure. Before casting off in the dreamy South Seas (as many people imagine), it is essential to stock up on the ship and organize important spare parts. For blue water sailors , the procurement of spare parts often fails not because of the costs, but simply because of their availability at the required location. At the time of sextant navigation , very precise handling of this instrument was necessary in order not to simply drive past the sometimes very small islands.
The coconut tour
The section of the " barefoot route " that leads across the South Pacific is also called the "coconut tour" ( English coconut milk run ). The Marquesas ( French Polynesia ) are approached from the American west coast , but ideally not on a direct route. Since you have to cross the Kalmenzone , experience has shown that you first drive a little further east to 05 ° N, 150 ° W, in order to then cross this low wind belt with a south course. From Panama, many yachts make a stopover on the Galapagos Islands to marvel at the wildlife there. Then the route also heads west to the Marquesas. Equatorial currents in the Pacific are tricky. The south equatorial current sets in the vicinity of the equator to the west. Its two countercurrents north and south of it are the Equatorial Countercurrent and the South Equatorial Countercurrent. The latter in particular is difficult to predict, both in terms of the exact position (the information varies between 5 ° N and 10 ° S) and in terms of strength, especially in the years of El Niño . In the northern winter (November to May), tropical cyclones can be expected in the entire South Pacific. Due to the huge fetch in the Pacific, these are extremely dangerous for yachts and most sailors therefore get to safety in Australia , New Zealand or the Solomon Islands before this time . From Balboa in Panama to Academia Bay in the Galapagos it is 950 nm, from there to Taiohae on the Marquesas another 2960 nm.
From Marquesas or Papeete ( Tahiti ) to the south-east of it, you can approach the actual “dream destinations” in the South Seas : Tahiti itself, Bora Bora , the Cook Islands or the Christmas Islands . These are located within a radius of "only" around 1000 miles. French Polynesia with the Tuamotus is, however, a treacherous area with many reefs and atolls , unpredictable currents and uncertain nautical charts . Marquesas to Tahiti: 760sm; Papeete (Tahiti) to Rarotonga (Cook Islands): 590 nm; Rorotonga to Vava'u (Tonga): 810 nm; Vava'u to Suva (Fiji): 420 nm.
The journey continues further west via Tonga or the Fiji Islands to either New Zealand or, north of it, via Vanuatu or New Caledonia to Australia . From Neiafu on Tonga to the Bay of Islands in the north of New Zealand it is another 1200 nm, from the Fiji Islands via New Caledonia to Brisbane the log counts 1480 nm.
In large parts of the South Pacific, the cyclone season lasts from November to May, so it lasts all of southern summer. The danger is greater in the center than in the far east on the Chilean coast, but it can never be ruled out. However, winds that are sometimes very changeable are always to be expected. Sometimes you have to take a close look at the global wind systems before departure in order to catch the ideal departure date. Despite today's possibilities, the weather forecasts are no guarantee of good weather, because the crossings take far too long - reliable forecasts several weeks into the future are utopian. In total, the route between the Panama Canal and the Australian west coast covers around 8,000 nautical miles. In a Etmal of average 120-140 nautical miles (depending on boat size ) the journey takes at least 50 to 70 days - with no breaks.
East across the Pacific
Most of the routes in this area can be sailed in both directions. From New Zealand traveling eastwards you should rather stay south and sail in a curve to Raivavae or Rikitea , so as not to get too much in easterly winds. However, this increases the risk of storms and it is colder too. If you want to go east and around Cape Horn , you can count on constant spacing winds in the south westerly wind belt - but often at gale strength. The following also applies to the entire Southern Ocean: There are practically constant westerly winds, the storms are very frequent and very heavy. Since there are no more land masses south of around 50 ° south (Cape Horn is lonely at 55 ° south), storms and the wave systems they generate can move unhindered around the globe and transport enormous energies. Only very few dare to sail in these latitudes, even fewer dare to sail westwards here, i.e. against the wind. Wilfried Erdmann was one of the few who dared this venture.
North pacific
The North Pacific has long been neglected by sailors because the dream destinations, many of them envisioning, are the deserted islands and white beaches of the south. Of course there are also interesting destinations in this ocean that can be reached. Off the American coast, these are initially the islands of Hawaii , on the west side in particular Japan . The Alëuts are already very far north, but together with Alaska they are still worthwhile destinations if the crew doesn't shy away from slightly cooler temperatures. The entire American west coast also offers many opportunities for discovery. The Bay of San Francisco is one of the most interesting sailing areas in the world and a crossing under the Golden Gate Bridge is particularly impressive.
The wind systems in the North Pacific favor a journey westwards south of about 30 ° north in summer. The currents also set mostly westward south of about 25 ° north. Between May and November, however, hurricanes can also be expected east of about 130 ° to 140 ° west. The route back is then preferably done further north, but fog is to be expected in the northeast, between Japan and the Alëuts.
In summer, the intertropical convergence zone is between 10 ° south and 10 ° north, i.e. at about the same level as the Christmas Islands and the Marshall Islands, which are part of the Coconut Passage (see above). A journey further north thus avoids these weak wind zones.
Southern Ocean
The Southern Ocean is the most dangerous area in the world for ships (see section "Eastward across the Pacific"). The fastest non-stop circumnavigation of the world is possible along the pack ice belt , because here there is the shortest route that leads around the world without being interrupted by land (the pack ice of the northern hemisphere has not yet shrunk so much that the paths are reliably open are). Despite the danger of storms, some sailing ships set course for the Antarctic Peninsula from South America in the southern summer . B. to Deception Island . Expeditions to South Georgia are only possible by ship. There are now also cruise ships in this area.
Indian Ocean
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There are essentially three routes from Southeast Asia ( Australia , Sumatra , Indonesia , Thailand ) west across the Indian Ocean , depending on how you want to circumnavigate Africa. The south course begins in the north or northeast of Australia and first leads to Cocos Keeling in the middle of the ocean. Mauritius or La Réunion are on the way to Madagascar , but you can ignore them on the way to Durban or Cape Town ( South Africa ). If you want to go to Central Africa, for example Kenya , you can steer a little further north from Cocos Keeling and reach your destination via the Seychelles .
The northern way, via Sri Lanka and the Indian southern tip, leads to the Red Sea . The route through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal is the most direct connection to the Mediterranean and thus back to Europe. Unfortunately, this route passes the Horn of Africa in Somalia , where the risk of piracy is very high. Yachts therefore have to weigh the risk of pirates against the much longer route of circumnavigating Africa. Anyone who decides on the route through the Gulf of Aden to the Suez Canal should contact the responsible authorities. Various states operate warships to secure this route, which is important for world trade, and the EU is represented with Operation Atalanta .
In the Indian Ocean, the large wind systems must be carefully considered if you do not want to experience an uncomfortable crossing with a storm or permanent headwind. The monsoons are particularly prevalent in the north. In January, the northeast monsoon blows around India, which is comparatively cool and dry and is therefore ideal for a sailing trip. In July the monsoon turns to the south-west and brings with it considerable, torrential precipitation with often over 7 Beaufort wind strength. It is also humid. In the time in between, it's mostly hot. Storms through low pressure areas are rather rare in the Indian Ocean. The cyclone season here runs from April to December. Most cyclones occur in the Bay of Bengal - around 2 per year, plus around 5–6 weaker cyclones.
Further south, between about 5 ° and 25 ° south, the southeast trade wind blows all year round . In the South Indian Ocean, severe cyclones occur all year round, but more often in the southern summer. The ocean currents in the northern Indian Ocean are influenced by the monsoon, so set westward in January and eastward in July. The south equatorial current at around 10 ° south also sets to the west, the countercurrent is somewhere in between depending on the season.
Mediterranean Sea
For the circumnavigator, the Mediterranean is the connection between the Suez Canal and the Strait of Gibraltar . After all, the entire route covers 2000 nautical miles, with lots of stopovers possible, especially in Greece , Italy and Malta . Due to the confusing security situation as a result of the Arab Spring and the ongoing refugee crisis in the Mediterranean , it may be advisable not to sail too close to the African coast in order not to be mistaken for a smuggled boat.
The large surrounding land masses and the average high temperatures cause very regular land-sea wind systems, according to which you can often even set the clock. However, in certain areas these are so strong that they should not be underestimated and can easily reach 6 Beaufort.
literature
- Rod Heikell, Andy O'Grady: Blue Water Routes: Trip Planning - Weather Routing - Landfall ; Edition Maritime; Hamburg 2014; ISBN 978-3-89225-711-0 ; Original edition under the title Ocean Passages & Landfalls, Cruising routes of the world by Imray.
Individual evidence
- ↑ WOR 1 Living with the seas - a report on the state of the world's oceans . 2010. Accessed December 9, 2019.
- ↑ Blue water routes, page 50
- ↑ Blauwassersegeln, pages 135f
- ↑ cf. Sebastian Pieters; Around the world at eight meters ; Aequator Verlag; Karlsruhe 2015; ISBN 978-3-95737-003-7 ; Pages 64ff
- ↑ Blue water routes, p. 55
- ↑ Blauwasserrouten, page, 253; http://www.boatingsf.com
- ↑ cf. Offers from special travel agencies, e.g. B. http://www.kontiki.ch/reisen/sommer/antarktis
- ↑ Blue water routes, page 342
Web links
- Pro navigator's tips on how to use the ocean's currents for an offshore advantage ( English ) Yachting World. June 5, 2018. Retrieved June 6, 2018.