Set Sail

To depart on a voyage, or more literally to hoist and trim sails for sailing.

Historically the phrase referred to setting a vessel’s sails as part of getting under way. It now commonly describes the start of any sea voyage, including one made by a powered vessel.

Before departure, the vessel should be prepared for the intended passage, with crew briefed, equipment secured and weather, tide, route, fuel and harbour requirements checked. The idiom itself does not describe those planning steps.