Planning a future at sea

[anymouse]

Someday within the next 10 years (I'm 20 now) I'd like to sail the Atlantic ocean from the US to Europe (probably Ireland) alone or with one other friend, What do I need? What kind of certificate, passport, or visa do I need? I'm just trying to get this down first before I REALLY start planning. I want to know what I need. Thanks guys!

[Svsilvergirl]

Prolly a boat would be a good start

[anymouse]

Originally Posted by Svsilvergirl

Prolly a boat would be a good start

What's a boat?

[skipmac]

Personal travel docs generally no different for boats than airplanes. Varies country to country whether you need a visa or not. Passport you need to go just about anywhere.

[sabray]

You have the sense of humor cross that off the list. Noonsite would be a good place to check on requirements for arriving

[RigelKent]

A US citizen with a passport can visit Ireland for 90 days without a visa. This is usually easy to extend.

Dun Laoghaire, on the east side, would be a great place to stay for visits to Dublin. Lots of sailboats there.

Ireland is not part of the European "Shengen" borderless travel zone however. So I imagine you would need to make separate arrangements for visits to the continent - likely a separate check-in?

[Charlie]

The boating certificates required are those required by where ever your boat is registered. US boat US requirements. No boating license currently required. You will probably need insurance once you get there. There are lots of good books and websites about how to "cruise" on a sailboat. I like Beth Leonard's bookhttp://www.amazon.com/Voyagers-Handbook-Essential-Guide-Cruising/dp/0071437657. I wouldn't spend too much time worrying about the entry requirements yet because they are bound to change in the next ten years.