Related Articles
Do you want to know what is Blue Water Sailing? We have covered everything about this sailing/cruising method in this article. Plus, there’s a guide on B1/B2 visa requirements for Blue Water Sailing in the United States as well as the equipment you need…
Marine Terminology: What Is Blue Water Sailing?
- Different Types of Sailing in the US
- Offshore and Blue-Water Sailing Are Not the Same Things
- B1/B2 Visa for Blue Water Sailing in the US
- Equipment You Need for Blue-Water Sailing/Cruising
Blue Water Sailing is a term that refers to any attempt to span the deep-waters. However, that’s just the brief description to help you get your heads around the idea. Sailingyes will offer more insights into this broad topic in this paper.
In order to get a solid grasp of the blue-water sailing, you should get to know all other sorts of sailing/cruising beforehand.
Different Types of Sailing in the US
· Deep-Sea or Blue Water:
When a boater/sailor decides to span the oceans and leave a coastal region to reach another one in another country or continent, they are performing deep-sea or blue water sailing/cruising. Indeed, blue-water is a term that implies the role of oceans in such a practice. There’s a relationship between the water you’re navigating on and the land. The terms such as blue-water sailing indicate what method must be utilized and how the practice should take place. All the terms deep-sea, ocean or bluewater sailing refer to a procedure where one watercraft tries to span the open seas for a long time.
· Offshore:
When you don’t want to span the oceans, still sailing/cruising far from the lands, you’re performing offshore sailing. So, whenever your vessel is not visible to the naked eyes on the shore, you’re accomplishing this method. Experts of seafaring, however, suggest another indicating factor here. In their money, Coast Guard coverage may reveal whether the watercraft is offshore or not. According to this rule, you’re not sailing offshore as long as the Coastal Guard is protecting you.
· Local:
When you prefer to keep your vessel on calm and safe waters of rivers, lakes, and bays, you’re performing inland sailing/cruising. Most of the beginner seadogs prefer to spend their time on such waters due to the higher chances of having the least trouble.
· River Mouth:
This practice is like the previous one with the only difference being the location of the vessel. Indeed, during this method, the watercraft is near to where the river joins the sea. So, the chances of facing more complicated situations—such as unpredictable weather conditions—is bigger. This method is recommended to beginners who are ready to experience a higher level, before heading out on the open waters.
· Shoreline:
As the name reveals, when a boater keeps the charter close to the shoreline, coastal sailing is taking place. During this practice, the watercraft never leaves the coastal not being visible to the naked eyes on the land. (it’s just the opposite of offshore sailing/cruising).
Offshore and Blue-Water Sailing Are Not the Same Things
There are some learners and beginners who misinterpret these two concepts—although they are slightly different. We know that there is no definite classification to draw the line between them. Still, we can claim that the term “offshore sailing” refers to a situation where you can see the watercraft from the land while the Coast Guard is able to protect it. By contrast, the term “blue-water sailing” indicates a situation where the vessel spans the oceans and travels for a long time usually from one country/continent to another.
B1/B2 Visa for Blue Water Sailing in the US
The paperwork for starting a long trip on the US water territory might seem complicated. A sailor wouldn’t need any sort of pass provided that they are a citizen of the United States. However, if you’re a foreigner with another country’s passport, having the B1/B2 visa is required. B1 is a pass for temporary business visits, while the B2 is for touristic visits. And the combination of these two (B1/B2) offers both opportunities to the passengers.
It’s a documentation that allows people from other nations to spend 10 years on US water territory with the only limit being a 6-month allowance made for staying in each state. So, apply for this visa before heading out on the waters of this country.
“Have in mind that you’re not allowed to work in the states you’re residing in.”
Equipment You Need for Blue-Water Sailing/Cruising
-
A Blue Water sailboat or powerboat:
These vessels can survive the intense situations of the deep-sea and allow the boaters to span long distances with no need to rest. You can opt to get a sailor power Blue Water boat based on the needs and requirements. But we recommend consulting a professional before making any decisions on this. If your purpose is staying near the shoreline, get a production boat that suits the situations near the land. Don’t waste your money on buying a more expensive vessel.
-
Supplies/Stocks:
Since the nature of such a trip requires the travelers to stay on the water for a long time, you’ll need enough water, food, and necessary recourse to carry on the trip for several weeks—independently. Blue-water Sail/Power Boats have large tanks and big refrigerators that would ease the restoration processes for you. So, don’t worry about the extra weight or maintenance added to your to-do list.
-
Safety Kits and Tools:
This is the most important part of the preparation for such a trip. You shouldn’t forget that there will be no Coast Guard watching and protecting you. So, acknowledge your responsibility and get all the needed safety kits and tools prior to starting off the journey. Here’s an article on Emergency Beacons for Boats that will come in handy when considering safety gear options.
Reference (s):
