Setting sail; putting out to sea or starting a voyage literally by launching a ship.
朝早く港で漁師たちの船出を見送った。
I saw off the fishermen setting out from the port early in the morning.
嵐の前に船出するのは危険だと判断した。
We judged that setting sail before the storm would be dangerous.
新造船の初の船出は多くの関係者が見守った。
Many stakeholders watched the maiden voyage of the newly built ship.
Figuratively, embarking on a new venture or starting something new—a metaphor for beginning a fresh phase or challenge.
大学卒業後、彼は海外での研究生活に船出した。
After graduating from university, he embarked on a research life abroad.
会社を辞めて個人事業を始めるのは大きな船出だ。
Quitting the company to start a private business is a major new beginning.