OSRS Sailing Speed Guide | How to Move Faster at Sea
© gamerblurb.com | Published on 11/25/2025 at 11:46 PM CST (USA)
Speed is everything when you’re out on the water. In Sailing, your movement rate decides how fast you complete charting, salvage, or trawling runs. Here’s how ship speed works and how to push it to the max.
How Sailing Speed Works
Every boat in Sailing has a base speed stat. You control this speed manually at the helm using the up and down arrows on the navigation interface. Higher-level boats move faster, but also require better handling and crew coordination.
Ship speed is affected by your sail state, crew, wind bursts, and certain upgrades. You can even move in reverse, though it’s slower than forward movement.
Boosting Ship Speed with Wind
While sailing, you’ll occasionally see gusts of wind swirl around your sails. When this happens, click to trim the sails for a 12-second burst of speed.
If you have a Wind Catcher facility installed, trimming the sails gives half XP but generates a wind mote. You can later release that mote for a big Sailing XP boost.
Managing these gusts properly lets you chain together speed bursts across the sea, cutting down your travel time dramatically.
Boat Types and Base Speed
Each boat tier moves faster than the one before it. Here’s a simple comparison of their relative movement speeds.
| Boat Type | Level Required | Relative Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Raft | 1 | Very Slow |
| Skiff | 15 | Slow |
| Sloop | 50 | Moderate |
| Brigantine | 70+ | Fast |
| Frigate | 90+ | Very Fast |
Each upgrade not only boosts raw speed but also improves handling, stability in hazardous seas, and travel efficiency during charting tasks.
Sailing Speed Boosts and Crew
Crewmates can affect ship speed through their Helmsmanship stat. Assigning the right sailor to your helm adds noticeable movement gains. Items, ale buffs, and even kegs can also help.
| Boost Item | Effect on Speed | Extra Info |
|---|---|---|
| Whirlpool Surprise | +2 Invisible Sailing Boost | Also improves crew Helmsmanship |
| Horizon’s Lure | +2.5% Sailing XP | Indirectly increases travel efficiency |
| Kraken Ink Stout | +1 Sailing Level | Increases chance of random encounters |
These drinks can be stored in a Keg facility onboard your ship. Keep one active during long voyages for consistent boosts.
Environmental Effects
Strong winds, ocean hazards, and ship damage can all influence speed. Damaged hulls slow travel, while hazardous seas like the Shrouded or Forgotten Oceans reduce maximum speed unless your ship has specific upgrades.
If you’re hit by a hazard or storm, repair your boat immediately or risk crawling through the ocean at a snail’s pace.
Speed Tips
Always trim sails during gusts for the full 12-second boost
Upgrade to higher-tier hulls as soon as possible
Build a Wind Catcher for controlled bursts and bonus XP
Keep your ship repaired to maintain top speed
Avoid Burbs in the water or they’ll reduce your speed
Use crewmates with high Helmsmanship for better control
Drink a Whirlpool Surprise or Horizon’s Lure before long travel
Final Blurb
Ship speed is the heart of efficient Sailing. Trimming your sails, assigning the right crew, and keeping your ship in good shape all stack up to save serious time. Once you master wind bursts and helm timing, even the longest voyage starts to feel fast.
FAQ
What affects ship speed most
Your sail state, ship tier, crew stats, and environmental hazards.
Can I move in reverse
Yes, but reverse speed is slower than forward sailing.
Do gusts spawn randomly
Yes, and trimming your sails during them gives a temporary speed burst.
Does ship damage slow you down
Yes, a damaged hull reduces your top sailing speed.
What’s the fastest boat right now
The Frigate, unlocked around level 90 Sailing, is currently the fastest vessel.
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