Affordable Ways to Sail Around the World

If you’ve dreamed of sailing around the world but thought it would cost a fortune, think again. If you have prior sailing experience or you’ve worked as a waitperson or cook, you could line up a paid gig on a private boat or charter. Hospitality, sailing or mechanical backgrounds are always helpful, but boat owners and operators are often willing to hire entry-level staff and volunteers.

Websites like Crewfinders.com, FindaCrew.com, GlobalCrewNetwork.com, WorkOnABoat.com and WorkOnAYacht.com will link up potential employees with boat owners and captains. Jobs range from deckhand duties and cooks to waiters and nannies; positions are available all over the globe. Some positions are paid while others are volunteer opportunities. Either way, the biggest perk to these gigs — paid or not — is a free trip to an exotic locale, with transportation and accommodation provided.

Want to learn how to sail and see the world at the same time? American Sailing Association (ASA) allows students to take courses on the high seas, getting hands-on experience aboard a sailboat and eventually earning their certification. Trip costs include instructions, accommodations, most provisioning, land transfers and sponsored events. ASA has sister schools throughout the United States and in various locations overseas. Even though the sailboat is the classroom, ASA guarantees students can do lots of exploring and enjoy themselves once they’ve anchored down abroad.