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A cruising area described as worldwide deserves a close look at the small print. Zone lists, conditions for the storm season and rules on where the boat must be berthed often narrow it down again. Look for hurricane and cyclone exclusion clauses, for months that are blocked and for a higher excess during the season. Even without such clauses, normal diligence is still expected of the skipper.

The logbook is a condition worth knowing about. Some policies require one once the boat moves more than 300 nautical miles from its declared position, and a claim can be reduced if the loss happens away from the position you reported. Keeping the log meets the duty and gives you the record that counts afterwards. Crew is the next dividing line: many contracts demand a minimum crew and reduce payment if nobody else was aboard.

On older boats, the rig is where policies differ most. Several insurers exclude damage to the mast, boom and rigging, together with the consequential damage. After the hull, the rig is the most expensive part of an ageing yacht, so that single line in the wording can decide more money than any difference in premium. Yachts older than 25 years are also a frequent reason for refusal, so raise the age of your boat early.

What does a truly worldwide cruising area look like?

It has no zone catalogue, no storm season conditions, no geographical exclusions and no hurricane clause. If a policy says worldwide but contains any of these, the area is narrower than the word suggests, so read those sections before you plan the route.

Are months in the storm season excluded?

That depends on the wording. Look for hurricane or cyclone clauses, blocked months and a higher excess during the season. Where a policy has none of these, the usual diligence expected of any skipper still applies.

Does single-handed sailing make a difference?

It can. Many contracts demand a minimum crew and reduce the payment if nobody else was aboard when the loss happened. If you sail solo, ask your insurer whether it is accepted, whether it costs extra and whether every leg has to be reported.

Liability

Why third-party liability is the part most countries ask to see.

Hull

Agreed value, market value and what decides a hull claim.

Boat insurance in English

The clauses worth checking before you sign, in plain English.

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