Long-distance voyaging, such as that across oceans and between
far-flung ports, can be considered the near-absolute province of the
cruising sailboat. Most modern yachts of 25–55 feet long, propelled
solely by mechanical powerplants, cannot carry the fuel sufficient for a
point-to-point voyage of even 250–500 miles without needing to
resupply; but a well-prepared sail-powered yacht of similar length is
theoretically capable of sailing anywhere its crew is willing to guide
it. Even considering that the cost benefits are offset by a much reduced
cruising speed, many people traveling distances in small boats come to
appreciate the more leisurely pace and increased time spent on the
water. Since the solo circumnavigation of Joshua Slocum
in the 1890s, long-distance cruising under sail has inspired thousands
of otherwise normal people to explore distant seas and horizons. The
important voyages of Robin Lee Graham, Eric Hiscock, Don Street
and others have shown that, while not strictly racing, ocean voyaging
carries with it an inherent sense of competition, especially that
between man and the elements. Such a challenging enterprise requires
keen knowledge of sailing in general as well as maintenance, navigation
(especially celestial navigation),
and often even international diplomacy (for which an entire set of
protocols should be learned and practiced). But one of the great
benefits to sailboat ownership is that one may at least imagine the type
of adventure that the average affordable powerboat could never
accomplish.