Enter crew, distance, speed and the boat's hourly fuel consumption to get fuel, water and meals for the passage. Results are for planning; the boat's real consumption and the day's conditions come first.
For non-stop sailing with watches, enter 24 as daily hours.
Rules behind the numbers
Fuel
Motoring time × hourly consumption, plus at least 30% reserve. Measure consumption on the boat's own passages; adverse current and headwinds increase it. On a sailing yacht the wind may be less than expected, so do not set the engine share too low.
Water
In hot weather each person needs at least 3 litres of drinking water a day. With cooking, washing up and limited washing, plan 8-10 litres a day. Even with a watermaker, carry drinking water in bottles in case it fails.
Provisions
Add one spare day to the planned days. For night watches bring easy food, hot drinks and snacks. Choose part of the food to keep without refrigeration in case the fridge fails.
Leg planning
Set hours under way per day so each leg ends in daylight. For shelter and fuel between legs see routes and departure timing and fuel stops.
Related guides: Passage planner · Coastal map · Cape passage board · Sea conditions · Routes and departure timing · Provisions, water and fuel calculator · Fuel stops · Safe anchorages · Harbours
This guide supports passage and delivery planning; current official charts, pilot books and forecasts come first. The skipper makes the departure call on the day's forecast. Information as of September 2026.