Choosing Our Route: Why We Decided on the Westward Path

One of the most critical decisions in planning a circumnavigation is choosing which direction to sail around the world. After extensive research, weather analysis, and consultation with experienced circumnavigators, we've decided to sail westward. Here's why.

The Westward Route Advantages

Sailing westward offers several key advantages for our planned timeline and crew experience level:

Favorable Seasonal Weather Patterns

The westward route aligns perfectly with global weather patterns and seasonal windows:

Fewer Weather Risks

The westward route generally involves less exposure to severe weather systems and tropical cyclone activity when timed correctly with seasonal patterns.

Route Breakdown

Our planned route will take us approximately 25,000 nautical miles through some of the world's most beautiful sailing destinations:

1. **California to Panama** - Pacific Coast sailing at its finest

2. **Panama Canal Transit** - A bucket list experience for any sailor

3. **Caribbean Island Hopping** - Perfect for building ocean passage confidence

4. **Atlantic Crossing** - The classic trade wind passage

5. **Mediterranean Explorer** - Rich history and protected waters

6. **Red Sea and Indian Ocean** - Exotic destinations and unique cultures

7. **Pacific Return** - The final push across the world's largest ocean

Timing is Everything

The success of our route depends heavily on timing. We've planned our schedule to:

Learning from Others

We've spent countless hours talking with sailors who have completed circumnavigations, studying their routes, timing, and lessons learned. The consensus among westward sailors is overwhelmingly positive about this route choice.

James Rodriguez, First Mate