Charting Seas and Dreams: Jimmy Cornell’s Lifetime of Sailing Adventure & Essential Voyage Planning Insights

Jimmy Cornell: A Lifetime of Sailing Adventure

Jimmy Cornell is a legend in sailing; his name is synonymous with daring voyages, meticulous planning, and a deep respect for the sea. With three circumnavigations under his belt, including voyages to remote regions like Antarctica and the Northwest Passage, Cornell’s sailing career is a testament to his passion for adventure and commitment to safety and preparation.

Jimmy sat down with American Sailing for an interview before his online class on voyage planning. Cornell reflected on his remarkable journey and shared insights into the changing landscape of sailing, emphasizing the importance of voyage planning, safety, and adaptation in today’s maritime environment.

Voyage Planning in a Changing World

Cornell’s upcoming online class with American Sailing focuses on voyage planning in the face of climate change. Cornell explains, “One of the most noticeable phenomena is the gradual decrease in the regularity and reliability of trade winds, as witnessed by sailors on some of the frequently traveled ocean routes.”

Cornell emphasizes the need for careful planning and awareness of changing conditions to ensure safe passage in today’s maritime environment. Safety remains paramount in Cornell’s approach to sailing. He advises sailors to avoid critical areas during tropical storm seasons and to maintain a cautious mindset when planning voyages. By staying informed and vigilant, sailors can minimize risks while pursuing their sailing dreams.

“I wish to stress that caution lies at the heart of voyage planning, and by being aware of these changing circumstances, as well as the greatly improved reliability of long-term weather forecasts, it is still possible to plan a safe voyage even in these changing times.”

Jimmy Cornell

Common Misconceptions in Voyage Planning

Cornell dispels common misconceptions among sailors, stressing the importance of traditional navigation methods alongside modern technology. He advocates for using paper charts and pilot charts in voyage planning, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach combining old and new techniques.

“You cannot plan a long ocean passage on an iPad or iPhone screen. You need a small-scale paper chart to see not only the details of your planned route but also possible detours and alternatives”

Jimmy Cornell

Cornell’s book, “World Cruising Routes,” is a comprehensive resource for long-distance voyagers, offering invaluable insights into global sailing routes. Inspired by his own experiences, Cornell continues to update and expand the book to meet the evolving needs of modern sailors.

“When I started planning my first voyage, the only suitable voyage planning publication was “Ocean Passages for the World.” Its first edition was published in 1895, and even the latest 1973 edition was still focused on sailing voyages of the past, such as the clipper tea route from China to the United Kingdom or the grain and wool route from Australia to Cape Horn and beyond. On completion of my first round the world voyage I decided to write a book which I wish I had on that voyage myself. This is how “World Cruising Routes, now in its 9th edition, was born. I must admit that every other book that I’ve written since is still basically written for myself, be it “World Voyage Planner“, “World Cruising Destinations” or more recently the “Ocean Atlas.” All these books need to be constantly updated and that means that I have to keep abreast of any changes that may occur in global climate conditions.”

Community and Collaboration in Sailing

Cornell underscores the importance of community in the sailing world, drawing on his experience organizing sailing events like the ARC transatlantic rally. Beyond safety, these events foster camaraderie and collaboration among sailors, enriching the sailing experience and promoting mutual support.

“My initial intention was to bring together a group of like-minded people who happen to cross the Atlantic at the same time.” Cornell tells American Sailing, “There was, of course, also the important safety factor involved, when a large group of boats crossed the ocean at the same time. This made it possible to help each other in an emergency, which often happened and continues to happen.”

The community factor has continued to be an essential aspect not only of the transatlantic but also round the world rallies, as participants were (and continue to be) involved in scientific research programs while underway, and also in local community projects in the places visited.

Embarking on a First Voyage

Cornell offers simple yet profound advice for aspiring sailors embarking on their first long-distance voyage: respect nature. Drawing on a lifetime of sailing adventures, he encourages sailors to approach the sea with humility and reverence, knowing that their safety and enjoyment depend on Mother Nature’s grace.

Jimmy Cornell’s legacy extends far beyond his remarkable achievements. Through his writing, teaching, and advocacy, he continues to inspire a new generation of sailors to explore the world’s oceans with curiosity, courage, and respect. His online courses with American Sailing will introduce him to new sailors aiming to grow their sailing resume in the offshore world.

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Don’t Miss American Sailing’s Upcoming Online Class

VOYAGE PLANNING IN A CHANGING WORLD • HOSTED BY JIMMY CORNELL