go to sea
The Spanish phrase 'hacerse a la mar' is an idiomatic expression, not generally translating word-for-word into English. In context, it often means 'to set out to sea' or 'to embark on a journey', often implying a voyage by sea. The literality of 'hacerse a la mar' conveys the action of making oneself become part of the sea, capturing the spirit of a seafaring journey. It can also be used in a figurative sense to signify the start of a big endeavor or adventure in a broader context than maritime specifically.
After the storm, the fishermen decide to go to sea.
In this scenario, 'hacerse a la mar' means that the fishermen are deciding to sail or go out to sea, after the storm has passed.
If I want to cross the ocean, I must go to sea soon.
In this phrase, the speaker is expressing a need to 'hacerse a la mar' or 'go to sea', in order to accomplish the goal of crossing the ocean.
The pirates, fearless, decide to go to sea in the middle of the night.
Here, 'hacerse a la mar' is used to describe the pirates' fearless decision to sail or go out to sea during the nighttime.