how long to cross atlantic by sailboat

How Long Does it Take to Sail Across the Atlantic? (With Maps)

I'm checking my map here, and I'm just curious: how long does it take to cross the Atlantic? In this article, I'll answer the question for the most common sailing boats and routes.

So there's a short and a long answer. If you want the short answer, here it is:

How long does it take to sail across the Atlantic? The Atlantic takes about 3-4 weeks to cross. If you're fast, take shortcuts, and get lucky, it can be done in about 2 weeks. If you're out of luck and are without wind for a week or more, or use a slow ship, it can easily take up to one month.

It really depends on how you plan to travel, what type of ship you're sailing, its size, and -of course- your skills and speed. So there you have it. It takes three weeks. But why ? If you're in the least like me, you're not at all satisfied with this answer. You'd want the long and detailed answer. If so, read on.

How Long Does it Take to Sail Across the Pacific?

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Why does it take three weeks, how to cross the atlantic, how hard is it to sail across the atlantic, what are trade winds and how do they work, related questions.

Of course, there are multiple possible routes. For sailing, however, it is advised to make use of the tradewinds (read on for details). The easiest route from East to West follows Portugal - The Canary Island - Cape Verde - Windward Islands. The total distance of this journey on a map is about 6,800km.

A boat rarely sails in a straight line. It most likely will cover more distance due to a curved or S-shaped journey. A good rule of thumb is to add 15-20% on top of the theoretical distance. In real life, you'll travel about 8,000km. This comes down to about 20 days of sailing in good weather .

Please note that sailers prefer to speak of distance (nautical miles), rather than time. You never know what the weather brings. A Nautical Mile is exactly 1.1508mi or 1,852m.

Want to know how far a sailboat can sail in a day ? Check out my other article on the average sailing distance in different conditions (new tab).

Well, I don't suggest you go and cross the Atlantic after reading this article. Sailing open seas is for experienced skippers. I'm including this part to give you a detailed idea of how to do it, and what the journey consists of.

There are two main routes , from east to west and from west to east.

• The Southern passage (which is east to west)
• The Northern passage (which is west to east)

You'll see that both of these routes seem like enormous detours (which they are), but they are the most forgiving sailing route and have worked for over centuries. The routes are dictated by the trade winds. I'll explain them further on.

The Southern passage (east to west)

You first need to reach the port of departure. If you travel from Europe to the Americas, you want to sail South-East. Your port of departure will most likely be the Canary Islands, offshore from Western Sahara. Then you will set sail to Cape Verde, offshore from Dakar. Or you'll sail directly to the Windward Island in the Carribean.

The distances of this route are:

• Portugal to the Canary Islands - 750NM (5-7 days)
• Canary Islands to Cape Verde - 850NM (5-8 days)
• Canary Islands to Windward Islands - 2700NM (16-21 days)

This brings your total travel distance around 4000NM and travel time between three and four weeks.

Quickly learn how to use a boat compass with my short beginner's guide here (new tab)

The Northern passage (west to east)

First, you need to reach Bermuda, serving as your port of departure, since it has the best westward winds. Mostly you'd be sailing from somewhere in the Carribean to Bermuda. Then you will set sail to the Portuguese Azores, and from there you'll set sail to the Portuguese coast, and then your final destination.

• Carribean to Bermuda - 850NM (5-8 days)
• Bermuda to Azores - 1900NM (14-17 days)
• Azores to Portugal - 700NM (4-8 days)
• An additional 3-10 days to reach your destination

Your total sailing time will again be between three and four weeks, though this journey will take a bit longer that the westward journey.

Avoiding the hurricane season

Timing also plays an important role in the planning of your journey. Your main concern is to avoid the hurricane season, which lasts from June to November. Most boats leave in November, arriving just in time for Christmas. But the trading winds are stronger in January, making for a faster crossing.

Want to see a handy map with the best sailing season across the globe? Check out my article on sailing seasons here (opens in new tab).

Some info on the Atlantic Ocean

The crossing of the Atlantic is quite a journey. It's the seconds largest ocean in the world, after the Pacific. It covers about 41 million square miles, which is 20% of the Earth's surface. Conclusion: it's big, and you want to be smart about it.

In short: it's as hard you allow it to be.

Sailing across an ocean can seem pretty daunting. I haven't done the crossing myself (yet), but from what I understand, it's actually pretty dull. Bluewater sailing is mostly long stretches of blue, in light airs, cruising at 5 knots. So, in general, it's not super hard.

However, it can get pretty lonely at times. Being alone for 20+ days, with nothing but water and air, can take a toll on you mentally. Most sailors agree that this is the most difficult part of crossing the Atlantic.

It does take some nerve to cross an ocean. Open sea can get quite rough, and when it does, the waves are higher and the winds blow harder than anything you're used to inland.

You should be prepared for these kinds of changes. The most important thing is that you're able to quickly take down a reef. So you should have a simple rig, that allows you to adjust to sudden changes in weather.

If you don't have the experience necessary to deal with heavy weather, you could make (fatal) mistakes. You need to have the confidence that you are in control of your sailboat.

If you want to get into sailing, I recommend you read my article 9 Ways to Learn to Sail for (Practically) Free here .

Also, make sure to bring enough fuel.

How much fuel should you actually carry? It's easy to calculate . Find out how in my article on fuel usage here (opens in new tab).

But what about storms? - A solid boat with a good, capable crew can deal with almost any kind of weather.

I think that if you have the knowledge, experience, and proper gear, it's not difficult. However, if you're unprepared, inexperienced, and unsure about your own capabilities, the great blue could get the better of you.

Luckily our ancestors from the sixteenth century and up were plenty smart. They found the Atlantic had very reliable 'wind roads', which they could use to relatively safely sail to the Americas. These are called trade winds , and they're so useful precisely because they're very predictable. Each new season we can be sure the trade winds bring us to the land of the free. And so they have been used by merchants for many centuries.

In the North Atlantic, only the east-to-west blowing winds are trade winds.

The reason they are called trade winds isn't at all obvious

You might think that, since we've used them for trading so much, so we'd call them after the trade. But it's actually the other way around. The word derives from the Late Middle English trade , which means path or track. The winds were first called trade winds, and then we've named our commerce after them . In the eighteenth century, the word trade comes to mean 'commerce'.

So how do these trade winds work?

In the dead center of the Atlantic basin, there's a large area of high atmospheric pressure. We know it as the Azores High, and it stretches all the way to Bermuda. Hot air rises in tropical regions below, after which it cools at higher altitudes, and comes down near the poles. This indefinite transaction creates wind.

Because of that, there's a dead zone in the center of the Atlantic, where there's or no wind at all, or hurricanes. The reason the winds are so predictable, and nearly always blow in the same direction, is due to the rotation of the earth (this is called the Coriolis effect). The current also moves in this direction, creating a comfortable ride.

If we line up our routes with our trade winds, you'll notice they line up perfectly.

You can learn more about the prevailing winds and their origins in this excellent article at Yachting.com.

My Favorite Beginner Cruising Gear

For passages like these, you need sound navigation gear. It doesn't have to be expensive. Here are my top 3 items:

• Chartplotter: Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 74cv (check current price at Amazon )
• Compass: Ritchie Navigation Explorer (check current price on Amazon )
• Backup GPS: Garmin Strike 4 (check current price on Amazon )

For more details on each one, head over to my recommended gear section .

How long did the Atlantic crossing use to take? In 1492 it took Columbus two months to cross the Atlantic. In the 18th and 19th century, it still took on average six weeks. If weather conditions were bad, it could take up to three months.

So why are we faster now? The wind hasn't increased (or maybe it did, how can I possibly know?).

Why does crossing the Atlantic take less time nowadays? It's mostly due to improved sailing technologies; the shape of the hull, the overall efficiency of boats, and, of course, improved navigation techniques. And sailing boats nowadays use an engine to keep going once the wind lays down. Which, you can imagine, will make quite the difference.

I really enjoyed reading this article and learned a few things. Maybe one day I will embark on such a journey. :)

Great Easy text! Thank you so much! I am thinking and reading about this journey a long time.. I might do it.. nice article!!

James Hospedales

Enjoyed your article, which I read because I need to cross the Atlantic but don’t want to pay the carbon cost to the planet. The future of sustainable tourism and travel will have to return to using these ancient “tracks”. This will be among the messages of EarthMedic.

Roy cumming

Good information and written so a novice can understand it.

I have never sailed in my life but I am planing to learn and go from Florda to Batumi, 🇬🇪 Georgia. Great article btw!

John Bowman

Great article really put in terms a beginner sailor can understand, especially the Trade winds. You have a great site and I enjoy reading everything

Cool Breeze

Thanks for sharing. My Pake and I enjoyed sailing and spent never enough time on the water. My family is originally from Marrum and Holwerd. I look forward to one day sailing across the Atlantic.

I really like your blog posts and wondered if there is any chance to get in touch either via e-mail or https://yachting.com/en-gb/ to cover/share some of the content and cooperate?

Many thanks for considering my request. :)

Martin Richardson

I’m a healthy/fit retired person that has dreamed of taking on a challenge of a trans Atlantic sail East to West. What a great tale it would be to buy a sailboat in France and sail it back to the States. My sailing experience has been mostly in the BVI’s.

My question is: Since I don’t possess the necessary skills, how would one go about hiring a experienced skipper to make the trip with me.

Michael Hearns

Thanks so much, very informative, I will be reading again…

Great article.

Very enjoyable read! I would like to cross myself but my other half wants to go the other way!

“The most important thing is that you’re able to quickly take down a reef.” Usually we say, “to reef” or “put in a reef”. This made it sound like you’re actually taking OUT a reef. Or shaking out a reef. Which is what you do when the wind lightens a bit. :)

Wooo! [email protected] this massage keep it up.

it is so inspirational

Hugh Tetley

There is some good information in your article, but also some heavy errors. I have done multiple Atlantic crossings since the 1950’s. The worst error is that you don’t have you own crossing experience, which means you are only relaying second hand information. Reliance on electronics is only for fools. You mention GPS and back up GPS. The only back up is charts and a compass .. if you keep sailing west, then eventually you are going to reach land. I sail with a fifty year old Shipman 28 and all I ever use are charts and compass. Not even a sextant .. and I’m still alive. It is essential to have knowledge, tools and materials to do repairs. Ocean crossings create a lot of wear and tear, particularly with sails. Now, there are far too many spoilt idiots in supermarket level boats, especially catamarans of dubious quality and suitability who give up (and cry about it on social media) or need to be rescued.

Romin de Globein

I totally agree with Hugh Telley. All second hand info and assumptions from a writer with no experience. Too much pretty this and pretty that. Living in Nederland i’ve never seen the “great lakes” of Friesland.

Leave a comment

You may also like, how long does it take to sail around the world.

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How Long Does It Take To Sail Across The Atlantic?

You've probably been dreaming of sailing across the Atlantic your entire life and now you're at a point where you've started planning for it. Well, this will be one of the greatest if not the greatest expedition on your sailboat. This is undeniably a sail of epic dimension and so you should be well prepared. Here are a few points to help you make this once-in-a-lifetime voyage.

Whether in the trade winds or back to Europe, sailing across the Atlantic is, without a doubt, is one of the biggest adventures and feats in sailing. Generally, it requires years of planning and preparation but one of the many questions that might be lingering in your mind is; how long does it take to sail across the Atlantic ? Believe it or not, crossing the Atlantic isn't as difficult as many people always imagine. For many sailors, the imagination of the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean is the most intimidating factor. But with a degree of sailing experience and with a proper sailboat that can make the voyage, sailing across the Atlantic shouldn't be so demanding.

Sailing across the Atlantic takes about 3-4 weeks but you can cut it down to two weeks if you get lucky, take shortcuts, and your sailboat is fast. If you're without proper wind for a week or more, it can take you up to a month. It's important to know the shortcuts, maximize speed, and have the experience of sailing across the Atlantic.

You obviously need to be well-informed about the voyage before setting sail. This article will, therefore, tell you everything you need to know about sailing across the Atlantic. It will tell you how to plan the voyage, the best time to sail , how to use trade winds to your benefit, the appropriate boat size for this voyage, and the level of difficulty to expect.

Table of contents

The Best Time to Cross the Atlantic on a Sailboat

While it can take about three weeks to sail across the Atlantic Ocean, it would only be wise if you anticipate that you'll spend at least a month out there on your sailboat. In most cases, you'll be exposed to changing weather for the entire period, so it's very important to know when to sail.

You should also take into consideration the trade winds. Keep in mind that trade winds can change direction depending on the season so it can either hinder your voyage or help you sail along smoothly.

That being said, the best time to sail across the Atlantic is between November and February. You may be wondering why it's appropriate to sail during the coldest months of the year. Believe it or not, the Atlantic is warmer during this period with water temperatures reaching 82.9 degrees Fahrenheit during winter, so you won't be shaking and shivering.

Another reason why you should sail between November and February is that hurricanes are less prone so it's a lot safer to set sail during this period than other periods of the year. Needless to say, sailing during hurricane season can be deadly and it isn't the right way to test your sailing skills or faith.

Again, the trade winds are most likely to be in your favor if you sail between November and February. The Easterly winds and Mid-Atlantic trade winds will let you sail with more ease during this period.

How to Cross the Atlantic

It wouldn't be a great idea to start planning for your sail after reading this article unless you're an experienced sailor. The truth of the matter is, you may not even know that there are routes that you need to take. There are two main routes: sailing from east to west and from west to east.

These routes may seem enormous but they're the most forgiving and sailors have used them for centuries since the days of Christopher Columbus. Let's get into the details.

The Northern Passage (West to East)

Like any other route, this route is dictated by the trade winds and you, of course, want the trade winds to work in your favor. The first thing that you have to do is to reach your port of departure. If you're sailing from the Americas to Europe, you'll have to reach Bermuda, which generally serves as the point of departure for sailors sailing from the Americas to Europe.

The idea of departing from Bermuda is based on the fact that it offers the best windward winds. In essence, you can sail south to the Caribbean and then to Bermuda. You should then set sail to the Portuguese Azores, after which you can sail to the Portuguese coast and then to your final destination.

Here are the expected distances.

• The Caribbean to Bermuda - 850NM (5-8 days)
• Bermuda to the Azores - 1900NM (14-17 days)
• The Azores to Portugal - 700NM (4-8 days)
• It may take you an additional 3 days to reach your destination.

Keep in mind that this voyage will take a little bit longer than the westward voyage.

The Southern Passage (East to West)

Just like when sailing eastward, you'll first have to reach your port of departure. The best way to make this voyage is by sailing South-East, so the best port of departure should be the Canary Islands just offshore from Western Sahara. You should set sail to Cape Verde just offshore from Dakar, Senegal before sailing windward to the Caribbean.

Here are the distances that you'll cover.

• Portugal to the Canary Islands - 750NM (5-7 days)
• The Canary Islands to Cape Verde - 850NM (5-8 days)
• The Canary Islands to the Caribbean - 2700NM (16-21 days)

So Why Does it Take about Three to Four Weeks?

In addition to the fact that the total distance of this journey is about 6,800km, a sailboat never sails in a straight line. The voyage is general S-shaped or curved so you'll cover more distance than the normal 6,800 km. In other words, you'll most likely cover 8,000 km, which may take you up to three weeks in good weather and an additional one week if the weather and the winds are working against you.

And because you never know what the ocean and the weather might bring, it only makes sense to talk about distance in nautical miles and not based on time. There are, however, several factors that come into play when crossing the Atlantic on a sailboat.

For example, the type of boat you are using will influence your traveling speed. Generally, sailboats may reach 10 knots which is just about 11.51 MPH. Besides the speed, your location may also be a huge factor. For instance, you may have to cover a greater distance if you're traveling from California than if you're traveling from California.

How to Use Trade Winds to Your Advantage

Trade winds typically come from the southeasterly direction if you're sailing in the southern hemisphere and may tend to push you towards the equator. On the other hand, it may come from the northeasterly direction and can push you along the equator if you're sailing in the northern hemisphere.

Keeping in mind that voyaging through the Atlantic Ocean will hugely depend on how you effectively use reliable road winds. These trade winds are very predictable, which can make them quite useful for your voyage. At the center of the Atlantic basin, there's an enormous area of high atmospheric pressure. This area is known as Azores High and goes all the way to Bermuda.

The trade winds are predictable since they blow in the same direction due to the earth's rotation or what some may refer to as the Coriolis Effect. The currents also move in the same direction with the winds, thereby offering comfortable sailing.

What's the Ideal Sailboat for Crossing the Atlantic

The world's record for the smallest sailboat to ever cross the Atlantic was set in 1993 by a sailor named Hugo Vihlen. The boat named Father's Day measured only five feet and four inches. But if you're sailing for the first time, it wouldn't a really good idea to try replicating Father's Day. In essence, your sailboat shouldn't be less than six feet at it may be too dangerous out there. With that in mind, the best sailboat to cross the Atlantic should measure at least 30 or 40 feet long to be able to withstand the stormy weather and the rough waves and winds. Here's a list of the best cruising sailboats , all of which would do just fine crossing the Atlantic.

In addition to the size of the sailboat, there are other important factors that you should take into consideration. For instance, the design, stability, condition, build quality, the number of crew and the size of holding tanks are other important factors to consider. The sails should be durable and you should be able to control them without any difficulty, especially when there's an emergency.

When it comes to choosing a boat, go for a sailboat with a fixed keel as it works much better than sailboats with suspended rudders. Instead of going for a sailboat with more than one hull, you can go for a mono-hulled sailboat. The idea here is that a sailboat with several hulls can be very difficult to control when the weather becomes bad. The fact that you want to put more focus on your route should mean than you avoid anything that can distract you, so a mono-hulled sailboat might be the best way to go.

Some of the models that can be perfect for this voyage include Albin 27, Vancouver 28, Dufour 29, Westsail 28, and Cape Dory 28. These are exceptional sailboats that have huge reputations when it comes to sailing across the Atlantic.

What You Need

Let's be very honest here, crossing the Atlantic on a sailboat isn't about pointing your sailboat east or west and start sailing. You have to be a skillful sailor, gain experience, and prepare for the voyage. The most important thing is to get informed, plan, and attain some experience.

Here are some of the things that you should do.

• Have a budget
• Create a timescale for the voyage
• Pick on the most appropriate route
• Choose your crew
• Make sure that the crew is skilled, self-sufficient, and experienced

If you're planning to sail solo, you have to keep in mind that the risks are higher because you'll be all alone out there on the ocean and have to keep watch at all times. You'll also have to be self-sufficient and have the ability to self-rescue. We, however, believe that this is not the type of voyage that you should go solo. Find a crew and let them be by your side on this journey.

The Right Clothing for the Voyage

When it comes to crossing the Atlantic, it's a good idea to always pack light without compromising your safety. This voyage will take you through a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions so you have to pack accordingly.

Here are some of the things that you must have for this voyage.

• Boots and trainers
• Two sets of foul weather gear
• Running shorts
• 1 full mid-layer and 1 fleece
• 2 long sleeve t-shirts
• 2 full sets of thermals
• 1 short sleeve t-shirt
• 4 sets of gloves
• 3 pairs of warm socks
• 3 pairs of light socks
• Travel towel
• 2 sets of sunglasses

So How Hard is it to Sail across the Atlantic Ocean?

You're probably still wondering whether or not it is hard to sail across the Atlantic . The truth is; sailing across the Atlantic won't be the same for everyone so it's tough to say whether or not it's going to be tough for you. For experienced sailors, they may find it a lot easier to sail across the Atlantic even if they've done it, thanks to their level of experience. On the contrary, a beginner may find it quite challenging and may have to gain some experience by sailing in their neck of the woods before even thinking of trying crossing the Atlantic.

Additionally, you should have a sturdy boat with durable and easy-to-use sails and have a GPS, as well as all the accessories such as a Watermaker . More importantly, have an experienced boat and make sure that everybody is self-sufficient and contributes to making the voyage.

Sailing across the Atlantic Ocean is, without a doubt no mean feat. While it's very challenging, it's an attainable one and perhaps a dream for every sailor out there. The key is to get informed, preparing, planning your route, choosing the right crew, gearing up for the voyage, and learning how to use the winds to your advantage. You should also make sure that the time is right and the sailboat is of appropriate size and well-fitted for the voyage.

Bon voyage!

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Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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How Long to Sail Across the Atlantic?

Learn how long it takes to sail across the Atlantic, optimal routes, and essential tips for potential travelers eyeing this thrilling ocean adventure.

Do you dream of hopping aboard your sailboat, sailing across the ocean, and getting away from it all? It might sound like something out of a movie, but many people share this goal. But it’s a big endeavor that takes lots of planning, especially knowing how long it will take you to sail across the Atlantic.

It takes an average of 21 to 28 days to sail across the Atlantic Ocean on a sailboat. If conditions are favorable, you could do it in two weeks. However, it could take one month or a month and a half if the wind isn’t on your side. A cruise ship could cross the Atlantic in 6 to 8 days.

Many factors influence how long a transatlantic adventure will take you, including weather, your boat, and your sailing skills. If you’re curious, you can start learning more about this ocean adventure right here.

How Long Does It Take To Sail Across The Atlantic On A Sailboat?

On average, you can expect to spend three to four weeks sailing across the Atlantic Ocean on a sailboat.  However, if everything goes right and the wind is favorable for the duration of your journey, you could do it in two weeks.

But this is assuming you are an expert sailor. It also assumes you have a  fast and reliable boat  (the average sailboat has top speeds of 10 miles per hour or 8.69 knots). Also, you likely would know some shortcuts and only plan to make a few stops.

You also need preexisting knowledge of the Atlantic and what it takes to sail across it. This feat is certainly not one you jump into and try. It takes lots of preparation, information, and skill.

Expect The Unexpected When Sailing Across The Atlantic

On the flip side, even if you’re experienced, various situations can add time to your journey.  If the wind isn’t going your way for several days, it could extend your trip a week or more. In some cases, you might spend closer to 40 days sailing across the Atlantic.

You also must always figure out what to expect, as anything can happen on the open sea. Therefore, you can plan around an average of 21 to 28 days, but expect it to take longer. In other words, plan and pack supplies as if it were going to take you at least one month.

How Long Does It Take To Cross The Atlantic At 20 Knots?

If you’re traveling at 20 knots, roughly 23 miles per hour, you could cross the Atlantic in 12.5 days under favorable conditions.  One knot  is equivalent to moving one nautical mile or 1.151 miles per hour.

The Atlantic Ocean is approximately 3,500 nautical miles at its widest point (roughly 6,800 kilometers). However, you will not travel in a precise straight line when sailing. Instead, you will travel from one point to the next, making more of an S or zig-zag pattern.

Therefore, you will likely travel slightly farther than 3,500 nautical miles. Depending on your route, you’re more likely to travel between 4,300 and 4,700 nautical miles. Furthermore, you need to add time for breaks and stops.

How Long Did It Take To Sail Across The Atlantic in 1942?

Christopher Columbus sailed westward across the Atlantic, from Spain to the Bahamas, in 91 days starting on August 3, 1942.  He was trying to find a direct route from Europe to Asia, but he was unsuccessful.

He would later make three more attempts over the next ten years, none of which would lead to Asia. Instead, he visited places like Hispaniola, the Americas, and he reached Panama on his last voyage in 1502.

Where To Cross The Atlantic

Two primary routes for crossing the Atlantic are the Northern Passage (west to east) and the Southern Passage (east to west).  To cross the Atlantic, you must first plan out your route. Sailors have used the Northern and Southern Passages for centuries, and many believe them to be the most manageable routes.

The Northern Passage

The Northern Passage takes you west to east and takes slightly longer than the Southern Passage.  Precisely how long it takes you depends on the weather, your boat, and the tradewinds.

Typically, you would first need to reach the Caribbean, then sail to Bermuda. Bermuda is a popular port of departure for those sailing from the Americas to Europe.

From Bermuda to the Caribbean is 850 nm, which would take about 5 to 8 days. Next, from Bermuda, sail to the Azores, which is 1,900 nm and could take up to 17 days.

Then travel another 700 nm to Portugal in roughly 4 to 8 days, and head to your final destination.  This route is approximately 3450 nm, not including your route to get to Bermuda and then to reach your final destination. Overall, the trip would likely take between 27 and 38 days.

The Southern Passage

The Southern Passage goes east to west and lasts an average of 26 days.  Once again, you first need to sail to your port of departure, the most popular of which is the Canary Islands. People usually travel from Portugal to the Canary Islands, which is 750 nm and takes 5 to 7 days.

Next, sail to Cape Verde, which is 850nm and takes 5 to 8 days. From Cape Verde, you can continue to the Caribbean. This is the longest leg of the journey, at 2,700 nautical miles, and can take 21 days.

Once you add the distance from the Caribbean to your final port, you will travel over 4,300 nautical miles.

Keep in mind these are common routes, but you need to consider where you are going and plan. There are specific routes to take when crossing the Atlantic, and heading out without a plan will doom you before you leave port.

What Size Boat Would You Need To Sail Across The Atlantic?

Most sailors recommend a boat that is at least 30 feet long to cross the Atlantic, but 40 feet is ideal.  The smallest boat to cross the Atlantic was only 5 feet, 4 inches long. Hugo Vihlen sailed it across the ocean in 1993, taking 115 days.

The boat was named  Father’s Day . It was his third attempt in 1993 (he had also tried in 1968). The boat was 5 feet, 6 inches on the first two attempts. Hugo cut two inches off the boat before setting out for the third time.

Every year, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers is a favorite event for many sailors, with over 200 boats participating. The event involves going 2,700 nautical miles across the Atlantic. Boaters travel from Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia.

The  boat requirements  to participate state that boats must be at least 27 feet long and have a minimum two-person crew. However, most boats that enter are closer to 38 feet long. Depending on the weather, the ARC suggests 18 to 21 days for this voyage if you’re on a 40-foot-long boat.

Can A Yacht Cross The Ocean?

A large superyacht could cross the ocean if it has the proper range, but smaller yachts likely cannot.  It all depends on how many nautical miles the vessel can handle before needing more fuel.

Many superyachts could handle the voyage easily, following specific routes and with the proper preparations. For example,  the Azzam , the largest yacht in the world, is over 550 feet long. It can also reach top speeds of 33+ knots.

If the yacht can’t handle the necessary fuel load for the journey, it won’t be able to make it. Therefore, some people end up shipping their vessels across the ocean via specially-designed freighters.

How Long Does It Take To Cross The Atlantic On A Cruise Ship?

A cruise ship could sail across the Atlantic in 6 to 8 days in good conditions without any stops.  A standard cruise ship travels at 20 to 25 knots; the average cruise ship is roughly 1,000 feet long.

However, a transatlantic cruise actually lasts much longer, typically about two weeks. This longer duration is because of the itineraries, which include stopping at different ports along the way.

When Is the Best Time To Sail Across The Atlantic Ocean?

The best time to sail the Atlantic is between November and February when the water is warmer, and there's less chance of hurricanes.  The trade winds are strong, between 15 and 25 knots, from late November through December.

This is the timeframe the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers recommends sailing (they use the southern route). When January approaches, the trade winds will grow stronger, up to 30 knots, when the high over the Azores moves further south.

These winds can make it difficult for recreational sailing. Therefore, keep this in mind when you plan your route. Sailing south of the Azores could be preferable instead of going across during this time.

What Do You Need To Sail Across The Atlantic Ocean?

You need sailing experience, knowledge of the ocean and routes, a reliable boat, expert skills, and proper supplies for a transatlantic trip.  It takes a lot more than a dream and an adventurous spirit to make the trip successfully. In fact, setting out with little to no experience or planning could even be a fatal mistake.

You also want a knowledgeable and reliable crew to come with you. You’ll need enough food and supplies (think medical, basic toiletries, etc.) for everyone. If you plan to fish to supplement your food, you’ll need fishing gear, and so on.

You also need a budget.

How Much Does It Cost To Sail Across The Atlantic?

Sailing across the Atlantic Ocean is expensive, quickly adding up to over $50,000 or more if you rent the boat.  Putting one price tag on this adventure is hard since so many factors go into the total.

Even with your own boat, you could spend $50 to $500 daily on fuel, depending on your boat’s size and motors. There are also costs for food, supplies, boat insurance, docking fees, and more. Docking fees can range from as little as $60 to over $1,000.

For your food, estimate between $20 and $50 per day per person. Once you start factoring in your insurance and other supplies, you can see how it adds up fast.

What If You Rent A Boat?

Of course, if you don't consider yourself a sailor but want to have the experience, you could hire an expert to handle the sailing. Whether it's on a sailboat or you  charter a yacht , this will add significantly to your bottom line. Leasing a yacht capable of crossing the Atlantic could easily cost you almost a quarter of a million dollars per week.

If you don’t have your own sailboat and choose to rent one, it could cost you about $1,000 to $1,200 a day. This price range would be for a boat around 30 feet long. You're looking at even more if you need to hire a captain.

Another option, if you’re willing and able, is to look for larger vessels about to make the trip. If the crew is shorthanded, you might be able to join for only a small fee to cover your food costs. If you attempt this, make sure the captain and crew you choose are experienced.

Sailing across the Atlantic could be the adventure of a lifetime if you prepare for it and know what you are doing. The voyage can take anywhere from two weeks to two months, depending on your experience, the weather, water conditions, and your boat. Typically, the larger the vessel, the easier your crossing will be.

The going recommendation is to use a sailboat at least 30 feet long, but 40 feet long is better. Cruise ships that average 1,000 feet long and go 20 to 25 knots can make the pass in 6 to 8 days. Superyachts could also easily cross the Atlantic if they can handle enough fuel for the trip.

No matter in what vessel you attempt to cross the Atlantic, you’ll need to follow specific routes. Sailing across requires careful planning, expert skill, and enough supplies to cover you for at least one month.

Tobi Miles is a University of Florida graduate turned globe-trotting culinary explorer and digital nomad expert. As the founder of "Bytes & Bites," he combines his passion for international cuisine with practical advice on remote work, inspiring others to experience the world through food and cultural immersion. With 32 countries under his belt and a knack for uncovering hidden culinary gems, Tobi is redefining the intersection of work, travel, and gastronomy for a new generation of adventurers.

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Journey Across the Atlantic: How long Does it Take by Sailboat

Published by sail on january 14, 2023 january 14, 2023.

The Atlantic Ocean is a vast expanse of water that has fascinated sailors for centuries. Crossing the Atlantic on a sailboat is a challenging and rewarding experience that can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on various factors. In this article, we’ll explore the best time to cross the Atlantic on a sailboat, how to cross the Atlantic, why it typically takes about three to four weeks, and what the ideal sailboat for crossing the Atlantic is.

The Best Time to Cross the Atlantic on a Sailboat

To Europe: The best time to cross the Atlantic on a sailboat is a complex topic and depends on a variety of factors. One of the most important considerations is your destination. If you’re planning to sail to Europe, the best time to cross the Atlantic is during the summer months, from May to September. During this time, the weather is typically more favorable, with calmer seas and more consistent winds. This makes it an ideal time for sailors of all skill levels to make the journey.

To Caribbean or South America: However, if you’re planning to sail to the Caribbean or South America, the best time to cross the Atlantic is during the winter months, from November to April. This is because the trade winds are stronger during this time, making for a faster and more efficient sail. Additionally, during the winter months, the Atlantic is typically less crowded and the risk of tropical storms is lower. For experienced sailors, this can be an ideal time to make the journey.

Another important factor to consider is the type of sailboat you will be using. Larger sailing yachts and catamarans may be better suited for the journey during the summer months, due to their stability and comfort. While smaller sailboats and monohulls may be more suitable for the journey during the winter months, due to their agility and ability to handle stronger winds.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the Atlantic Ocean can be unpredictable and weather patterns can change quickly. Sailors should always monitor weather forecasts and be prepared for any eventuality. Additionally, it’s important to have a well-equipped boat, a detailed plan, and a good understanding of navigation and safety procedures.

To put it short, the best time to cross the Atlantic on a sailboat depends on a variety of factors such as your destination, sailing experience, and the type of sailboat you will be using. It’s important to consider these factors when planning your journey and to always be prepared for any eventuality. With the right preparation, knowledge and mindset, crossing the Atlantic on a sailboat can be a truly exhilarating and rewarding experience. It’s important to research and understand the weather patterns and seasonal changes, as well as the trade winds, so you can plan your journey accordingly. It’s also essential to have a well-maintained and equipped sailboat, as well as a detailed plan and a good understanding of navigation and safety procedures. With the right preparation and mindset, you can make your dream of sailing across the Atlantic a reality, no matter what time of the year you choose to embark on this adventure.

How to Cross the Atlantic: Tips and Strategies

Crossing the Atlantic on a sailboat requires careful planning and preparation. Before setting sail, you’ll need to consider various factors such as your destination, the weather, and your sailing experience. You’ll also need to make sure your sailboat is in good condition and properly equipped for the journey. Some of the key things to consider when crossing the Atlantic include:

• Weather: It is essential to check the forecast for the entire journey before setting sail across the Atlantic. This includes monitoring weather patterns, wind direction and speed, and any potential storms or inclement weather that may arise. By planning your route accordingly, you can avoid any dangerous weather conditions and ensure a safer and more comfortable journey. It is also important to have a plan B in case of any unexpected weather changes.
• Navigation: Proper navigation is crucial when crossing the Atlantic on a sailboat. Make sure to have all necessary navigation equipment such as a GPS, charts, and compass on board. It’s also important to have a good understanding of navigation techniques and to stay updated on any potential hazards or changes in the sea conditions. Navigation is the key to a safe and successful journey across the Atlantic.
• Safety: Safety should be a top priority when crossing the Atlantic on a sailboat. Make sure to have all necessary safety equipment on board, such as life jackets, flares, and a properly equipped first aid kit. It’s also important to know how to use all the safety equipment and to have emergency procedures in place in case of any unexpected events. It’s also important to have a reliable means of communication in case of emergency.
• Food and water: Crossing the Atlantic can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, so it’s essential to stock up on enough food and water to last the entire journey. This includes non-perishable food items, fresh fruits, and vegetables, as well as a water filtration system or water maker on board. It’s also important to have a plan for food and water in case of any emergency.
• Communication: Communication is a vital part of any sailing journey, and this is especially true when crossing the Atlantic. Make sure to have a reliable means of communication on board, such as a VHF radio or satellite phone, in case of emergency. It’s also important to have a plan in place for communication with friends and family on land, as well as staying updated on any potential hazards or changes in the sea conditions.

Why it takes Three to Four Weeks?

Crossing the Atlantic on a sailboat typically takes about three to four weeks. This is because the distance between Europe and North America is roughly 3,000 miles, and the average sailing speed for a sailboat is around 5-7 knots. However, the actual time it takes to cross the Atlantic can vary depending on various factors such as weather conditions, the route taken, and the type of sailboat used.

Another reason for the time frame is the safety factor, sailors need to be prepared for any kind of weather and sea conditions, and also need to have a plan B in case of any emergency. Hence it’s always better to take more time and be safe than to rush and put oneself in danger.

Importance of Boat Selection for a Transatlantic Journey

The ideal sailboat for crossing the Atlantic will depend on your sailing experience, budget, and preferences. Some sailors prefer a traditional sailboat, while others prefer a sailing yacht or catamaran. A catamaran is an ideal choice for crossing the Atlantic as it offers more stability and space compared to traditional sailboats. Catamarans also have a shallower draft which allows them to access anchorages that are not available to monohulls.

Sailing Yachts are also a great option, they offer more luxury and comfort and are better suited for long-distance sailing. They are also equipped with more advanced navigation and safety equipment which makes them a safer option. Learn more about suitable sailboats here!

Traditional sailboats are also a good option, they are generally more affordable and are better suited for experienced sailors who enjoy the challenge of sailing a more basic vessel.

In conclusion, crossing the Atlantic on a sailboat is a challenging and rewarding experience that can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. The best time to cross the Atlantic depends on your destination and your sailing experience. To cross the Atlantic safely and efficiently, it’s important to carefully plan and prepare, choose the right sailboat for the journey, and be prepared for any unexpected events that may arise. With the right preparation and mindset, you can make your dream of sailing across the Atlantic a reality.

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• Digital edition

How to sail across the Atlantic and back

• Elaine Bunting
• March 8, 2021

Confined to quarters during the pandemic, many sailors are itching to slip their lines and sail for the sun. Elaine Bunting explains exactly how to break free and sail across the Atlantic and back

If your dream is sailing off into the sunset, making it a reality could be easier than you think

Just as the island of Hiddensee drew across the wake of the boat, Malin Andersson took up her camera and shot a video, writes Elaine Bunting .

When she looks at it now, a late summer scene from the Baltic coast of Germany, she remembers it as the instant she knew for certain she was right to think of leaving work to go cruising.

Malin and her partner Kaj Maass, both from Sweden and aged in their late twenties, met as students and formed a plan to take a year off before starting a family.

After years of scrimping, they bought a Bavaria 38 and renamed her Cross Ocean .

With the last tiny island of a summer cruise behind them, they began to prepare to sail across the Atlantic and back, and a year of adventure.

‘From then, we have never had a moment of regret about setting off,’ she says.

Each year, hundreds of yachtsmen of all ages sail across the Atlantic.

Some have only a few months of freedom, others plan to cruise indefinitely.

Their ambitions shape diverse choices in terms of boat design and preparations.

Here, we look at some of the biggest considerations if that is your goal, too.

What’s the right boat to sail across the Atlantic?

A good place to start might be with the question: can I sail across the Atlantic and back in the yacht I have now?

In most cases, the answer is yes.

Almost any well-prepared yacht of 30ft and upwards can tackle the downwind crossing, and indeed there is no reason why an even smaller boat can’t do it successfully.

People have crossed in Folkboats; the legendary American sailor Webb Chiles sailed across the Pacific in a converted 24ft dayboat, and some masochistic adventurers have crossed oceans in micro yachts not even long enough for them to stretch out in.

Two sailors I have repeatedly met over the years are Swedes Pekka and Barbro Karlsson.

They first crossed the Atlantic in 1986 in their 32ft Arvid Lauren-designed double-ender, Corona AQ .

Pekka and Barbo Karisson have sailed their 32ft double ender across the Atlantic multiple times over 30 years. Credit: World Cruising Club

Over the last 30 years, they have made multiple crossings back and forth, observing boats getting ever larger, even of the same LOA as theirs.

By comparison, theirs is dwarfed in every dimension, including beam and freeboard, yet it has everything this experienced couple need for living on board for six or more months every year.

So, really, it is a matter of cost, preference and expectation.

The big question is whether your current yacht is the best tool for the job given your budget.

Is it large enough for the crew you intend for longer passages, for the provisions, fuel and water?

A 35-footer might take 25-28 days to sail across the Atlantic from the Canaries to the West Indies.

Obviously, the longer and faster your boat is, the more stowage and water tankage you will have for less time at sea.

You might also ask yourself which parts of the adventure are the most valuable to you.

A solid yacht set up for bluewater cruising is a good option and can be sold once you return home. Credit: Tor Johnson

If you don’t intend to do the more arduous return home to Europe, maybe you don’t need a bigger, more expensive, more complex long-legged bluewater cruiser; you could consider shipping back – more on that option later.

If you intend to live on board for longer, then perhaps you will want more space, including for guests, greater comforts and faster passage times.

In that case, one solution might be to buy for the duration of the project a second-hand bluewater cruiser already well kitted out with the right gear, then sell her right afterwards.

‘I think that makes total sense,’ says Sue Grant, managing director of Berthon International, the well-known brokers specialising in bluewater cruisers.

‘The best thing you can do for a North Atlantic circuit is to buy from the guy who had the dream, had the money and didn’t go. A refit will always cost you more than you think.’

For a two- to three-season transocean cruise, Grant advocates stretching up to your next level, especially to a yacht that doesn’t need a big refit and brands with a strong residual value.

‘If you buy a high-quality Hallberg-Rassy or an Oyster then sell it you’d lose 10% of value but have three years for it.’

Buy a boat you will enjoy

While in the Azores in 2012 I met Stuart and Anne Letton, who were sailing their Island Packet 45, Time Bandit , back to the UK.

Their boat was brimming with sensible ideas for living aboard and I have kept in touch with them over the years as they are a wonderful source of thoughtful advice.

Since then they have sold the Island Packet , bought an Outremer 51 catamaran, sailed across the Atlantic again, and are presently in Indonesia having sailed across the Pacific.

In total, they have now logged a very impressive 60,000 miles.

Catamarans are increasingly popular thanks to their speed and space. Credit: Stuart & Anne Letton

‘Before we went cruising, I spent a lot of time looking at what would be the best, safest mode of transport. I wanted a proven, tough, sturdy, bombproof ocean cruiser, hence Time Bandit [the Island Packet], the “Beige Battleship”,’ says Stuart.

‘Having spent my sailing career racing performance dinghies and keel boats, this was something of a departure for me. It was safe. And a bit boring. However, the reality is you all end up in the same place, give or take a few days. With reflection, though, I’d say, buy a boat that will make you happy, one that reflects your sailing style and capabilities. We opted for slow but safe and used the safe features a handful of days in 10 years. Those were years we could have been enjoying more rewarding sailing.

‘Buy what you will enjoy, can afford and are able to keep running. Do the maths on running costs, rig, insurance and repairs, and work that into the budget.’

Asked about their ideas of the ideal size for a couple, the Lettons comment: ‘Generally I’d say bigger is better, but the costs are exponential. Personally, for two up, I think around 40-45ft feet is a good size: big enough to be safe and comfortable, small enough to manage.’

Tips on how to sail across the Atlantic from Stuart & Anne Letton

The couple own the Outremer 51, Time Bandit and have completed four Atlantic crossings and sailed 60,000 miles

Stuart and Anne Letton.

‘Being very well set up for dead downwind sailing is important, especially well thought-out preventers, fore and aft on the spinnaker pole and main boom.

‘An asymmetric or spinnaker will keep you moving in lighter air.

‘Save on gas with a Thermal Cookpot and get as much free power from water and sun as you can.

‘Trade in your trusty CQR or Bruce anchor for a spade or similar “new technology” anchor .

Is a bigger boat better for crossing the Atlantic?

Like the Lettons, I think 40-45ft is something of a sweet spot, offering the volume and tankage required for longer cruising, yet still manageable by a small crew.

Bigger has its advantages, even up to 55ft (above that the loads become too large to handle manually and maintenance is a massive chore for a family crew, requiring significant time and budget).

The waterline length and extra speed will be your friend, most of the time.

Speed is your ally in evading bad weather, and if you are sailing to a schedule.

The Witt family sailed around the world as part of the World Cruising Club World ARC

Karsten Witt and his wife, Sheila, circumnavigated in the World ARC in their X-55 Gunvør XL , and he says: ‘It was hardest work for the smaller or slower boats. They are at sea longer, therefore experience more and sometimes harder weather, arrive later in port, get more tired and have less time to make repairs and bank downtime.

‘I would always go for a modern boat that’s faster,’ he adds.

‘If you had a heavy 40ft cruiser you would miss weather windows. Other boats spend days battling headwinds because they were doing 6-7 knots upwind and they couldn’t point. We averaged 200 miles a day every day, so in five days were a long way away and in completely different weather.’

But you certainly don’t need a large or expensive yacht, just a well-prepared one.

Starting with the basics: safety gear, fire and gas installations, good sails with deep reefs, in date and inspected rig, winches and all machinery serviced, and power and battery systems upgraded if necessary, plus full inspection of keel fastenings and rudder, skeg and bearings.

After that, you really need to know how everything on board works, how you’d repair or service it and, if you can’t, how you would manage without.

Karsten and Sheila Witt and family enjoyed the extra pace and comfort of their X-55. Credit: World Cruising Club

Only after considering that is it worth adding complexity.

Multiple power generation systems, including hydro-generator and solar panels, watermakers, diesel generators and WiFi networks.

Mark Matthews is marine surveyor who ran Professional Yacht Deliveries for 12 years, a company that moves around 200 yachts and averages 350,000 miles a year.

When he made his own Atlantic crossing, it was in a 42ft production yacht.

‘We kept the original sail plan and sails and did not have a generator or other means of charging the batteries apart from the engine. We took bottled water to supplement the on-board tankage. We only invested in a secondhand satellite phone, jerrycans for additional fuel, fishing tackle, wind scoops for the West Indies and provisions for the crossing. We crossed from the Canaries to the West Indies in 17 days,’ he explains.

But if you are looking at a boat for the way back to Europe or outside the downwind routes of the tropics, maybe you should look at more conservative, heavier displacement types, he suggests.

A yacht for a one-way voyage?

The downwind Tradewinds crossing can really be tackled in any well-prepared boat large enough for your crew, so one way to look at an Atlantic circuit is to weigh up first how you feel about the way back home, and factor that into the cost equation.

A growing number of sailors spend the winter season in the sun, or several consecutive seasons between periods of work, then ship their boat back.

This on-off cruising lifestyle could be compatible with some remote working, so while extremely expensive in itself, shipping represents a trade-off that could be worth considering.

You may find a smaller boat adequate, especially if you are shipping it home. Credit: Neville Hockley

Minus requirements dictated by the longer, more windward crossing back home, perhaps you could go in a ‘one-way/downwind-only/island-hopping’ boat option.

That could be a much smaller boat, a lighter, simpler or more performance-orientated yacht.

A one-way voyage involves relatively short times at sea, possibly three weeks at most, and you might be able to manage without spending a fortune on equipment.

This year, Peters & May will be loading from Antigua, St Lucia and Martinique and have ships going into the Med, Southampton and other North Sea or Baltic ports.

Michael Wood, general manager of Peters & May, quotes typical prices of US$10,200 for a 32-footer and US$21,600 for a 41-footer.

Unlike a delivery service, shipping saves on the wear and tear from an Atlantic crossing, so is also something to weigh up.

Ready to go?

Typically, getting ready to go off for an Atlantic circuit or more needs a two- to three-year runway.

I have met people who have done it much quicker – I recently met an American family who only decided to go cruising last June and were in the Canary Islands with a brand new catamaran in November – but it is stressful, and you risk sailing away with a long list of warranty work needed, and jobs lists incomplete.

It might take most of a year to choose, trial and select the right boat, then you could spend the next year sailing from your home port, preparing, fitting new gear, testing and sea trialling everything and upping your knowledge level.

Kaj Maass and Malin Andersson, an engineer and a pre-school teacher respectively, bought their Bavaria 38 Cross Ocean in 2016 for €80,000 and lived on board for a summer and winter to increase their savings.

You’ll need space to store enough food for the crew – though choice in foreign ports may be limited. Credit: Kaj Maass & Malin Andersson

‘You don’t have to set off for several years right away, you could make the adventure in smaller parts,’ says Kaj.

‘We met several sailors who sailed for a couple of months, left the boat, flew back home, and continued later on. We adjusted upgrades, the time frame for the adventure, and saved during our day-to-day lives before setting off.’

Do make sure everything you fit for your cruise is well-tested and problems ironed out before you set out to sail across the Atlantic.

If you buy a new boat, expect lots of snagging.

Sorry to say it, but yards tend to put switches, filters and so on in silly places, and because yachts have relatively low volume sales, information about fitting or installation problems can take a while to circle back and be corrected.

Kaj and Malin replaced their engine for peace of mind. Credit: Kaj Maass & Malin Andersson

If you leave before inevitable glitches are corrected, you could spend days arguing with the boatbuilder or manufacturer about who is responsible and how they are going to get spare parts to you.

This quickly rubs the nap off a dream cruising life.

A year of home-range cruising will also allow you to gain all the knowledge and training you need, which should include essential maintenance know-how and medical and sea survival training (people tend to rave about the latter, interestingly).

It will also allow you time to prepare a manual about your boat, with info and serial numbers and specs of everything on board, which will pay you back handsomely if you need advice or spares.

Tips on how to sail across the Atlantic from Kaj Maass & Malin Andersson

The couple own the Bavaria 38, Cross Ocean and have sailed from Sweden to the Caribbean and back via the Azores

Malin hoists a courtesy flag as their Bavaria 38 makes landfall in St Lucia. Credit: Kaj Maass & Malin Andersson

‘You do not need that much. Less equipment equals fewer breakages.

‘We would never go without a windvane and we are definitely pleased with having a centre cockpit boat, which keeps you safe and dry in the centre of the boat, though the master cabin is worthless at sea.’

Go with the kids

There has been a big upswing in families taking a year or 18 months out from normal lives, to return later.

This seems to coincide with that point in an established, stable career where a sabbatical is possible, there is enough money to buy a boat for a special project, parents are healthy and the kids are not yet in the run up to major exams.

Most often, the sailing families I meet have children aged between five and 12.

Crossing an ocean with a family is entirely feasible. The Paterson family took part in the 2018 ARC on their Moody 471. Credit: World Cruising Club/James Mitchell

The obvious rewards for children spending every day with their mum and dad have to be weighed against the considerable extra work and commitment, though I have yet to meet a parent who regretted it.

In 2019, Russell and Kate Hall sailed across the Atlantic in their Hallberg-Rassy 46 with their boys, Hugo, 8, and Felix, 6.

‘Somebody said to us that living with kids on a boat for a year is like living on land with them for four years,’ Kate laughs.

‘It can be quite draining but it’s also part of the reason why we are doing this, so it’s the yin and yang.

Additional crew can help with sailing and school when you sail across the Atlantic. Credit: Erin Carey

‘There are jobs that require both of us and you have to rely on the children to keep themselves safe at times. They sleep really well on board and they go to bed at sunset and wake at sunrise, then they’re full of beans. You might not have had much sleep. It takes a while to adjust.’

The Halls concentrated on the basics of English and maths, and then tailored history or geography or science projects around places they were visiting.

This seems to work for most families.

Schools will usually provide a curriculum plan for time out, and there are a lot of distance learning and ‘school in a box’ courses for homeschooling children, such as Calvert and Oak Meadow.

‘My advice would be to be easy on yourself,’ advises Kate Hall.

Celebrating milestones can help bolster a young crew’s morale when you sail across the Atlantic. Credit: Erin Carey

‘We started with five hours’ schooling a day and then reduced that to two-and-a-half. Chill and relax; it all works out. There are always things to learn.’

If you are planning to sail across the Atlantic with kids, look at taking on extra hands to help with the sailing.

Also consider joining the ARC rally where in port you share a pontoon with all the other family boats so there are lots of other kids of different ages for yours to socialise with, as well as an organised daily kids club.

The friendships made between adults and children also often shape later cruising plans.

Seasons and routes to sail across the Atlantic

If you are planning on sailing across the Atlantic, don’t leave it too late to set off across Biscay – late August or September is pushing your luck from a weather point of view.

Ideally, make the most of the summer cruising opportunities travelling south through France, Spain and Portugal – these could be among the best parts of the trip.

Annually, the ARC rally leaves the Canary Islands in November, the ARC+ heading for Mindelo in Cape Verde first, and the ARC direct to St Lucia.

This is so that crews can be in the Caribbean for Christmas.

White sails can make a solid downwind sail plan if well set up with preventers and guys

It is early in the season for Tradewinds, though, and you may have to be prepared for a trough, a front, or calms – or all three – on the way across unless you wait until January.

Whether you cross early or not, my own personal preference would be to go via Cape Verde.

It’s a fascinating archipelago and culture, a place to re-provision or make repairs, and it breaks up the crossing.

It lengthens the time away and overall distance, as Mindelo is 800 miles south- west of the Canaries, but the leg south into ‘butter melting’ latitudes will then put you into almost guaranteed Trades, even in November.

From the Caribbean, you can then sail up to Florida via the Bahamas, or the US East Coast, or return to Europe via the Azores.

The routes to sail across the Atlantic and back. Credit: Maxine Heath

For the return to Europe, most cruisers generally strike out from Tortola in the British Virgin Islands or St Maarten, both good for provisioning, spares, chandlery and repairs, or head up to Bermuda and wait for a springboard forecast for Horta.

From here, crews will again wait to pick their timing to head across to Spain or Portugal or up to the UK.

According to Jimmy Cornell, author of World Cruising Routes , as early as March and as late as mid-May there are reasonable chances of favourable south-easterly and south-westerly winds on leaving the Eastern Caribbean.

The advice he offers is to track north-easterly towards the Azores and stay south of 30°N until 40°W.

For cruisers a southerly route is generally the preferable passage to choose, staying south of the Gulf Stream in lighter winds and taking on extra fuel and motoring if conditions deem necessary.

How much will it cost to sail across the Atlantic and back?

Cruising costs will depend on how you wish to live while cruising.

If you want to spend time in marinas, eat out regularly, hire cars, take tours and fly home occasionally, obviously that will be different to a more self-contained life on board at anchor.

As a guide, we asked Swedish couple Kaj and Malin to add up their costs to prepare for their trip and during the 14-month sabbatical.

Costs will be much lower where you can stay at anchor rather than berth in a marine. Credit: Kaj Maass/Malin Andersson

‘The budget for our trip was €80,000 to buy the boat, and €30,000 of upgrades,’ Kaj says.

The upgrades included a new engine, new standing rigging, a Hydrovane and satellite communications.

They dropped the rudder and the keel and reinforced the area around it.

Of the total budget, around €10,000 was spent on safety equipment.

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Their cruising costs were around €2,500 a month for the two of them, averaging out the most expensive parts of the journey from Sweden to the Canary Islands, when harbour fees were costing around €40 a night.

This would cover some eating out ashore and car rental for tours.

Over the longer term, a good rule of thumb is to allow 20% of the cost of your boat for running repairs to cover antifouling, sail replacement, servicing and, if you are leaving your boat to return home, you’ll need to factor in haul-out, storage and hurricane tie-downs.

If you plan to buy a boat, sail it back and sell it right after your trip, however, you may be able sidestep some ongoing costs.

Cutting the cord

Maybe you don’t have to wait until retirement to go cruising.

There is a strong argument for taking a career break (or breaks) and working for longer if necessary as it spreads the cost and reduces the risk of the big adventure never happening.

Additional offwind sails, like a furling Code 0, can keep the boat moving in light airs for more enjoyable sailing and to save fuel. Credit World Cruising Club

Around half of the people I meet on transatlantic rallies are taking sabbaticals and intending to return to the same post, or have quit a job.

Both options have become quite acceptable, and in some professions and countries sabbaticals are actively encouraged as a retention incentive.

‘Tell the world you are leaving,’ advises Kaj Maass.

‘Make sure you create some pressure on yourself to realise your dream. Involve your employer early on in the planning process. A modern employer will understand and respect your decision to explore the world and live out your dreams, maybe they even see a long-term benefit from the knowledge and experience you will gain from it and you can [negotiate] a leave of absence.’

Satellite comms add a level of safety and keeping in touch but can be costly. Credit: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

Those running a business may bring in a trusted general manager or step up a family member while they are away.

Keeping tabs on business while away is possible (though it can be expensive in satellite data) but it’s not something that generally works well on a day-to-day basis.

You do need to be able to cut the ties to enjoy cruising, not least because the cruising life comes with its own workload, from maintenance to laundry.

Long-distance cruising comes with its own workload and maintenance. Credit: Kaj Maass/Malin Andersson

‘Trying to mix work and pleasure compromises both,’ says Stuart Letton.

Before setting out, the Lettons brought their son in to run their web-based business supplying global brands with customisable marketing material.

‘While our business was under new management, it was still a struggle for me to let go. I can remember sitting in WiFi cafés from Spain to the Galapagos trying to blend cruising with work and, while it helped my conscience, I doubt the effort did much for work or cruising.

‘That’s not to say it isn’t possible. With good WiFi and satellite connections you really can work pretty much anywhere . But if you don’t need to, I’d cut the ties, burn the bridges and go. If you need to work, fine, just get your management team in place, communication systems properly set up and resourced, and go.’

It helps to set a deadline so you can realise your dream and sail across the Atlantic. Credit: Kaj Maass/Malin Andersson

However you plan to break free, what really helps is a deadline: a date that you are going set off, with a scene you can visualise to keep you motivated as you work through the preparations and demands of shore life.

Most preparations are really just logistics, and you’re probably already pretty good at that.

The bigger obstacle is often mustering the courage to leave.

I often hear cruisers describe hassles – one described cruising as the act of sailing from one place where you couldn’t get something fixed to another where you hoped you would – yet when I ask for their best advice it usually boils down to a simple prescription: just go.

Kaj Maass said exactly that when I asked him that question.

‘Just do it. Life is too short not to live out your dreams.’

To rally or not?

This is entirely a personal choice.

Advantages of the ARC , which is the best organised and biggest, are great seminars, preparation information and tools.

It’s also an ideal way to meet lots of fascinating, like-minded people, and is agreed to be good value despite costs.

It also gives you a departure date to hold yourself too.

For a first taste of ocean sailing, it can be reassuring and fun to join a rally to sail across the Atlantic, like the ARC. Credit: James Mitchell/World Cruising Club

Plus is has good parties and entertainment on tap to keep crew happy.

The cons would be its early crossing date for the Tradewinds season, large fleet size (though check out ARC+, which is smaller) or if you just want to be low-key and go it alone.

The Viking Explorers rally is one alternative, but not many others still run.

If you do your own thing, you will still find a wonderful cruising community anywhere cruisers other, and there is fantastic support across the world for independent voyaging through the Ocean Cruising Club.

Preparations for sailing across the Atlantic  – the basics

While in no way a comprehensive list of preparations, here are some jumping off points to think about when planning your voyage:

• Learn how to service and maintain your engine and key machinery, have a good set of tools on board. Video repair tips and techniques when you have technicians on board to refer to later.
• Have your yacht lifted, antifouled , stern gear serviced, and anodes replaced. Consider fitting a rope cutter . Also check steering systems and replace rudder bearings.
• Create a boat manual with all your procedures, equipment and the location of safety and medical equipment for crew to access.
• Fit an autopilot capable of handling your yacht in an ocean swell, fully laden downwind in 30 knots of breeze. Have a back-up if shorthanded, or two separate systems for redundancy.
• Have power systems checked and replace or upgrade batteries if necessary . If you upgrade batteries, consider if additional charging is necessary .
• Get first-class safety equipment for all crew on board.
• Have all sails serviced by a sail loft and consider double stitching all panels. With slab reefing mainsails, get a deep third reef.
• Set up a good boom preventer for downwind sailing on both tacks. That can be just lines and blocks but set up so you can gybe and switch preventers without leaving the cockpit.
• Check all running rigging and ensure you have adequate spare halyards set up before you depart. Think about chafe prevention.
• Choose your crew carefully. Make sure you are all comfortable sailing together and that roles are established well before you leave.

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Better Sailing

Best Time to Cross the Atlantic by Sailboat

Are you dreaming of sailing across the Atlantic, and you’re now planning your sailing voyage? Well, go on and read this article so as to set sail for a lifetime expedition. There are a few things you should pay attention to before setting sail in order to get well prepared and organized. Whether in the trade winds or westerlies, sailing across the Atlantic is definitely one of the greatest adventures in sailing. Keep in mind that it takes a year for most sailors to plan and prepare for this long passage voyage. But an important question, among others, what the best time to sail across the Atlantic is? Below, you’ll find the answer to this question and to much more. And remember that with adequate sailing experience and a robust sailboat, crossing the Atlantic isn’t that difficult as many people think! Keep reading!

Plan and Organize Your Crossing

Weather is the most important factor when planning an Atlantic crossing. Furthermore, the route you’re going to follow, the time to set sail, and of course, which sails to carry; all these factors are crucial when it comes to planning the passage. Firstly, it’s essential to avoid the hurricane season that starts from June to November. Most sailors plan their voyage in late November with the aim of arriving nearly at Christmas. However, there’s a risk to this because, in January, tradewinds tend to be stronger, so it’s recommended to leave earlier. But, it’s more important to staying east before attempting a westerly route.

Late hurricanes tend to appear to the west, so a passage through the Cape Verde islands is a good option. This route shortens the time in possible hurricane areas and offers the advantage of going south. Hurricanes are not likely to appear south of 10°N. A typical crossing will probably have Force 4 tradewinds, some lighter periods, and a few windy days with 25-plus knots. So, you should opt for a flexible sail plan and adjust to the changing wind strengths. A functional sailplan is goosewinged in which most sailors carry a downwind sail for when the wind is lighter.

>>Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Sail Around the World?

Main Sailing Routes for Atlantic Crossing

The Northern Passage , i.e. from west to the east, is characterized by the trade winds which you want to work in your favor. So, if you’re sailing from the US to Europe, you’ll have to reach Bermuda. Bermuda forms the main departure point for most sailors that travel from the Americas to Europe. In general, Bermuda offers the best windward winds, and you could also sail south to the Caribbean and then to Bermuda. After that, most sailors tend to head towards the Portuguese Azores and eventually to the Portuguese coast. Some basic distances are: from the Caribbean to Bermuda (850NM), which takes from 5 to 8 days, from Bermuda to the Azores (1900NM), which takes from 14 to 17 days, and from the Azores to Portugal (700NM), which can take from 4 to 8 days.

The Southern Passage , i.e., from east to the west, begins from the Canary Islands. From the Canary Islands to Cape Verde (750NM), it will take you from 5 to 8 days. From the Canary Islands to the Caribbean (2700NM), it will take you from 16 to 21 days. Keep in mind that the hurricane season runs from June to November. Hurricanes are likely to develop on the western side of the Atlantic. They can also develop between the mainland of Central America and the Windward/Leeward Islands. So, departing from the Canary Islands in early November is a good choice. But, remember that the earlier you leave, the better it is to go south, i.e., from the Cape Verde Islands, before turning west. This way, if something goes wrong, you’ll have an escape route towards the equator.

Moreover, when sailing south to the Canary Islands, the earlier you leave Europe and get across Biscay, the better. The Portuguese winds offer a fast passage south to Lisbon and onwards to the Canary Islands. So if you choose this route, you shouldn’t leave in late summer. This is because southwesterly winds are likely to give you a hard time to the Canaries. Lastly, the worst weather observed in the Atlantic circuit was between Spain and the Canary Islands for boats that departed late in order to head south.

Information on Trade Winds

If you’re sailing in the southern hemisphere, then trade winds tend to blow from the southeasterly direction. This can be risky as they might lead you towards the equator. But, if you’re sailing in the northern hemisphere, then trade winds will blow from the northeasterly direction, thus leading you along the equator. The trade winds are the main force for the Atlantic crossing and are generally predictable due to the Coriolis effect.  This means that the Earth’s rotation causes air to blow towards the equator in a southwesterly direction in the northern hemisphere and in a northwesterly direction in the southern hemisphere. Also, the currents blow towards the same direction as the winds, thus offering comfortable sailing. Nowadays, the weather forecasts and communication systems have shown remarkable progress, but sometimes the weather can differentiate from the climatological averages.

Furthermore, keep in mind that where the strongest winds are detected will determine low pressure over Africa and how far south or north the Azores High is established. The Azores High is situated at the center of the Atlantic basin, goes all the way to Bermuda, and it’s also an area where high atmospheric pressure is found. In any case, when you begin your crossing, it would be great if you can stick with a direct route, but most of the time, you’ll have to head south to stay in the trade winds. For example, if you leave before the hurricane season but do not get too far north because winter and spring depressions are stronger in the north Atlantic. On the other hand, leaving early risks heavy weather conditions when you get north.

>>Also Read: How Long Does it Take to Sail Around the World?

How Long Does it Take to Sail Cross the Atlantic by Sailboat?

When it comes to crossing the Atlantic, you should know that a sailboat doesn’t sail in a straight line. The distance of this voyage is about 6,800km, and it’s characterized by an S-shape or a curve. That being said, the distance you’ll cover will be about 8,000 km, which will probably take you up to 45 days in good weather conditions or 55 days in case the wind and weather are not favorable. A rule of thumb is to add about 15 to 20% on top of the distance.

As you see, it’s much better to refer to distance with nautical miles instead of time. For example, the most common route starting from the Canary Islands is about 2,700NM. Another important factor for the Atlantic crossing is the type of boat you have. This will influence your traveling speed as well as the weather control. Lastly, nowadays, the improved sailing technologies, navigation techniques, and high-performance sailboats favor the Atlantic crossing significantly.

>>Also Read: Top Sailing Destinations In The World

The Bottom Line

Sailing across the Atlantic Ocean will take you about 3 weeks, but you should always add 10 days more. This is because weather conditions and trade winds vary, influence your planning, and depend on the season you’re traveling. So, what’s the best time to cross the Atlantic ocean? The most appropriate time is between November and February because the Atlantic is warmer at this time of the year. Moreover, hurricanes and squalls are less prone to happen, and the water temperature can reach 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Wave and swell forecasts also determine how far south to go to avoid the North Atlantic depression. Then again, everything depends on the route you’re taking, the type of your sailboat, and the weather. So, consider everything before setting sail as the Atlantic crossing needs thorough planning and preparation, but it will also be the best experience of your life!

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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How Long Does It Take to Sail Across the Atlantic? EXPLAINED

Sailing across the North Atlantic is probably the most common bluewater passage on the planet—but there’s still plenty of adventure to be had. Famous cruising grounds frame the Atlantic. From Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, and the Mediterranean on the eastern side to the fabulous Caribbean, Bahamas, and US east coast on the west side, the Atlantic has some bucket-list-worthy destinations for the voyaging sailor.

So how long of a journey is it, and how do you go about planning it? Here’s a look and how, when, and where to tackle when you’re ready to take on the North Atlantic.

Table of Contents

Westbound to the caribbean, departing from lisbon, portugal by way of the canary islands, eastbound to england, via bermuda and the azores, trade winds, gulf stream, winter storms, hurricane season, how big of a sailboat do you need to cross the atlantic, the caribbean, the bahamas, us east coast, northern europe, mediterranean, canary islands, navigating the atlantic, how many miles is it to cross the atlantic, and how long does it take.

We’ll look into the how’s and why’s in a moment, but for now, here are some rough numbers for some typical Atlantic crossings. We’ll assume an ordinary 40-foot cruising sailboat boat that plans passages at a conservative 6.5 knots.

Distance, Lisbon to Antigua (Lesser Antilles)—3,400 nm Time, assuming 6.5 knots average—21 days, 19 hours

Distance, Antigua to Portsmouth, UK—4,000 nm Time, assuming 6.5 knots average—25 days, 15 hours

These routes are for crossing the entire Atlantic Ocean—and there are stops along the way that most sailors will call on. The Canary Islands are a favorite stop and a great place to wait for the perfect weather before departing for the Lesser Antilles–some 3,000 or so miles to the west.

Headed eastward across the Atlantic, both Bermuda and the Azores represent waypoints along the way are our favorite ports of call. It’s just under 2,000 nm from Hamilton, Bermuda, to Horta in the Azores.

So longest leg going in either direction is about 3,000 miles, which means the longest legs are seldom more than 15 to 20 days. And most cruisers complete the Atlantic circuit over two years or more, so these long passages are few and far between for the typical voyaging sailboat crew.

Best Routes For Crossing the Atlantic

Like all of the world’s passage routes, the Atlantic routes have been used for centuries. The prevailing trade winds outline the general path.

The Atlantic’s primary driver of weather is the semi-permanent Bermuda-Azores High. Its name comes from its approximate geographic center—it is usually centered somewhere between 25 and 35 degrees north latitude.

In that area, the center of the high causes sinking, still air. It is not uncommon to become becalmed in this zone. The area is called the Sargasso Sea for the vast amounts of seaweed that float in the still currents.

It is also called the Horse Latitudes , as it is here that sailing ships could get stuck for weeks without making any progress. They’d wind up becalmed so long that eventually the crew ran low on water and would need to get rid of their cargo to save supplies—so they threw the horses over the side.

The Bermuda-Azores High airmass creates steering currents around the entire Atlantic basin. Winds flow clockwise around areas of high pressure in the northern hemisphere, so if you connect the continental coasts around the perimeter of the North Atlantic, you’ll have a rough idea of what the cruising routes look like.

If you’re starting in Europe, the route goes south to the Canary Islands off of the northwest shore of Africa. From there, it crosses downwind to the Eastern Caribbean. The most common landfall point is the island of Antigua, but you could steer for any of the destinations in the Lesser Antilles.

This route follows the “ southeasterly trade winds ,” which flow around the southern end of the high-pressure system.

From the Caribbean, boats typically follow the US east coast northward. From there, they can swing east toward Bermuda or continue north to Maine and Nova Scotia.

To return to Europe, the route follows the mid-latitude prevailing westerlies. These winds will push a boat toward the Azores and then onto Europe.

Along the coast of Europe, the high pressure provides north winds for the passage back to southern Europe and the Mediterranean.

Ocean currents play an essential factor in passage planning, as well. And the North Atlantic has a significant and powerful ocean current that must be considered—the Gulf Stream.

The’ Steam kicks north from the Caribbean Sea and threads the needle between Cuba and Florida before turning northbound. It hugs the coast of Florida and then curves toward North Carolina before heading out to sea.

The warm water carried from the Caribbean moderates northern Europe’s weather and keeps temperatures moderate. It’s has been described as one of the world’s most powerful and important currents.

For most of its length, the Gulf Stream flows at about 1.5 to 2 knots. But at certain spots near Florida, it reaches a maximum velocity of over 3 knots. The Gulf Stream is so strong in this part of the world that only fool-hardy sailors would ignore its effects on a passage. If you’re following the Atlantic circuit, the current represents an enormous speed boost.

But it’s also strong enough to kick up dangerous seas in some wind conditions. And in the North Atlantic, its warm water regularly creates or intensifies severe weather that boats will want to avoid.

Weather Hazards—When is the Best Time of Year to Cross the Atlantic?

Crossings of the North Atlantic must consider two crucial weather hazards to determine when they want to proceed. These two worst seasons frame the cruising seasons—leaving only small windows of optimal weather for safe passages.

In the winter months, the Bermuda High is more dramatically affected by fluctuations in the Jet Stream and upper-level winds. Cold fronts dig deep into the tropics, and with them, they drag low-pressure areas that often break off and produce strong gales at sea.

Winter gales can occur anytime in the cooler months but are most common from January until April. Gales most affect the northern latitudes and make the thought of any eastbound sailing untenable until the early summer.

In addition to high latitudes winter gales, variations in the Jet Stream and cold fronts can interrupt the typical trade wind pattern farther south.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 until November 30, but tropical weather systems have been recorded both before and after these dates.

The important thing to realize about Atlantic hurricanes is that they are cruisers, too—they ride the same prevailing winds around the Atlantic circuit that sailors like to. They commonly form as tropical waves and areas of disturbed weather off of the coast of northern Africa. Then, they follow the prevailing easterlies into the Caribbean basin, where they get wrapped up in northbound winds that steer them for either the US east coast or the cruising waters of the North Atlantic.

Crossings during hurricane season require some careful risk management. Strong and dangerous storms are rare until late July, with the peak months being mid-August through late September. Furthermore, some seasons are more active than others. Most cruisers wait until November before carefully setting out for the tropical latitudes.

When you look at the distances covered and the time at sea, it’s clear that crossing the Atlantic is one of the most intense bluewater passages you can undertake. Thrill-seekers have done the passage in boats under 10 feet—heck, some have even rowed across in rowboats.

But these aren’t your run-of-the-mill cruisers looking to see the world; they’re folks with entirely different goals. Most cruisers set sail in boats that are around 40 feet long.

The length of the favored cruising vessel seems to increase a little bit every few years. In the 1970s, Lin and Larry Pardey famously cruised from America to Europe on Serrifin, a Lyle Hess-designed 28-foot Bristol Channel Cutter. They cruised for decades and visited many countries, all without even having an engine onboard.

By today’s standards, even that journey leans to the “adventure seeker” category. But many of the Pardey’s requirements from their cruising boat remain true today. They should be salty sailors that can safely tackle any condition. They should be robustly constructed and safe in any condition.

If you’re interested in the sort of boats that can make the trip, don’t miss our article on the best bluewater sailboats .

North Atlantic Destinations to Think About

One of the reasons so many people ask how long it takes to cross the Atlantic is that there are fabulous cruising destinations everywhere a sailor looks. Unlike some other parts of the world, like the South Pacific, the destinations are more or less located around the loop course that a boat would have to take to sail across the Atlantic anyway. The result is that the concept of sailing a Northern Atlantic circuit makes the journey worth the extra effort.

Here are just a few of the destinations that lay around the Northern Atlantic Circuit. Of course, you could skip some or do them all. But there are an immense amount of places one can check out by sailboat in the Atlantic waters.

Of course, the poster-child of Atlantic cruising are the exotic islands of the eastern Caribbean. The Caribbean Sea lies between North and South America and is separated from the open Atlantic by a string of islands—the Lesser and Greater Antilles.

Those islands make up the cruising grounds of the Eastern Caribbean. Famous destinations include the Virgin Islands (US, British, and Spanish), St. Martin, St. Barts, St. Vincent, and Grenada. Nearly every island is an independent nation or an overseas territory or colony, meaning that cruising here is a diverse cultural adventure. All of the world’s languages, cultures, and customs blend in this laid-back and tropical melting pot.

Also of note is the coastal cruising grounds of the Western Caribbean. Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Panama are the primary attractions here. Many experienced cruisers liken the San Blas Islands in Panama as a little taste of the South Pacific.

The Bahamian archipelago lies in the Atlantic basin, not in the Caribbean as it is commonly associated. The chain contains more than 600 islands, cays, and islets, and its geographic area is as big as all of the nations of the eastern Caribbean combined. The Commonwealth of The Bahamas has been an independent country since 1973.

The US East Coast is home to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), a semi-inland route that connects many of the east coast’s cruising grounds. Florida marks the southern limit, with destinations like the Florida Keys, Tampa Bay, and Biscayne Bay.

Additionally, the entire US coast is lined with port towns and fantastic cruising opportunities. North Carolina’s Outer Banks and the Chesapeake Bay are rural, with many anchoring and exploring options.

Farther north, Long Island Sound and the Gulf of Maine are also popular destinations.

About 600 nm east of North Carolina lies the tiny island nation of Bermuda. This waypoint is a common stop-over point on an Atlantic circuit. For sailors continuing to Europe from points south, Bermuda’s location makes it a good stop before continuing to the Azores.

The volcanic Azore Islands are an autonomous region of Portugal. They lie 800 km west of that country in the middle of the Atlantic. Their unique position puts them perfectly in line with Bermuda and Europe for eastbound trips—so it’s no surprise that they’re a favorite stop along the way.

From the Azores, boats can head in any direction they like to the continent or UK.

Following the circuit clockwise, the first European landfall is somewhere around Ireland or Scotland. This is the gateway to the cruising grounds surrounding the North Sea and farther into the Baltic. The islands and rural routes around Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are of prime interest to most sailors.

Along the Bay of Biscay, the windward coasts of France and Spain are known for their rough seas and grueling passages. But continuing the Atlantic circuit through this section leads you to Gibraltar and the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. The Spanish islands, the French Riviera, Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey, are the primary cruising countries.

Heading West to the Caribbean from the Med, the Spanish Canary Islands are a prime waypoint that many boats enjoy calling on. In Las Palmas, you are likely to cross paths with many other sailors on the same route as yourself.

There are many reasons why someone would want to sail across the Atlantic. Compared to other parts of the world, the Atlantic has some of the most interesting and accessible bluewater sailing around. The destinations in the area are superb, but as any true salty sailor will tell you, the adventure is in the journey, not just the destination.

If you’d like to learn more about the passages described here, check out Jimmy Cornell’s World Cruising Routes . It is one of the best references for planning long voyages and ocean passages, and it describes all factors, including weather, currents, trip lengths, and times.

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

Crossing the Atlantic in a sailboat: the most famous crossings

Sailing the Atlantic in a sailboat is a feat that few dare to undertake. From meticulous planning to dealing with unpredictable sea conditions, we will discover what it takes to cross the Atlantic by sailboat and what are the best routes. Meteorology and weather is fundamental when planning a transatlantic voyage, it is also important to know what time of the year to go and what route to follow. If you would like to live the adventure of this oceanic navigation, but you have doubts about how this kind of voyages are, in this article we will try to solve all the questions as much as possible. To cross the Atlantic by sailboat, there are basically two routes available.

Route from East to West. Crossing Europe-America

This is the simplest route, as it is the usual route chosen by sailors to cross the Atlantic. It is easier to make this crossing, due to the distance among other things. This Europe-America crossing has a shorter distance so you will reach your destination sooner. Also, depending on the time of year you travel, it is much safer and you will enjoy a smooth and pleasant journey. The journey generally starts from Western Europe, being the most common departure from Spain or France , usually in the first days, most of the sailors make a stop in the Canary Islands, so you could also decide to leave from there. The destination when crossing the Atlantic by sailboat following this route is to end up in the Caribbean or in Central or South America . Another of the stops that is usually made would be in Cape Verde, African islands.

Th e weather conditions you encounter on this crossing are usually a bit more favorable than on the west-east route. However, you have to take into account the times of the year since there can be times of the year when hurricanes are quite common. That is why most expert sailors who make this trip do so in the winter months, between November and January. Despite being in December, the temperatures are very pleasant as we are in the Atlantic on our way to the other continent where at those times it would be "summer". Normally, the weather is usually exceptional , with an average of 26-27 degrees with constant sunshine and breeze, provided by the trade winds that blow strongly especially the first days of this voyage.

Route from West to East. America-Europe Crossing

This route is a priori, a little more complicated than the previous one. In principle the distance is a little longer and it can be a more difficult crossing due to the weather conditions that you can find. Normally, on this route the winds are usually quite strong. On the one hand, this can be beneficial since it has winds that favor navigation , but, on the other hand, in some seasons they can be detrimental due to the formation of anticyclones . This voyage can be longer, as there may be days with little wind, and they slow down the trip. It is therefore advisable to have sufficient supplies of food, water and gasoline in case the crossing takes longer than expected.

Due to the weather conditions that you can find when crossing the Atlantic by sailboat on this route, the most advisable to undertake your trip would be in the months of May to June. At that time the weather is quite pleasant and it is usually quite cool . The itinerary for this trip is usually as follows. Generally, the departure is usually from North America, New York or Newport would be good destinations. The route to follow would be to go to Bermuda , and then to the Azores , islands of Portugal. This route is usually taken because the conditions are usually more favorable than if you cross the Atlantic a little lower, closer to the equator, being cautious in case of hurricanes or tropical storms. In addition, you can stop to visit these spectacular destinations such as Bermuda and the Azores.

How long does it take to cross the Atlantic?

The duration of the voyage may vary according to different factors. First of all, as we have already mentioned several times, the weather , in particular the wind and sea conditions. A bad or good swell can slow down your trip, as can a lack of wind. On the other hand, a good wind (also favorable for sailing), plus a good swell can make the boat and your trip go more smoothly. Another factor that influences the duration of the voyage is the type of boat and its length. If the boat is larger, you will be able to sail faster. If you know the shortcuts, you could maximize the speed and if you also have the experience of sailing across the Atlantic, you could cross the Atlantic in less time. We are looking at a distance of between 3,500 and just over 4,000 nautical miles , depending on the route, departure and destination you choose to embark on such an adventure. In spite of these factors that we have just mentioned, generally sailing trips to cross the Atlantic can last between 15 and 30 days. It must be taken into account when planning the route and, above all, planning the weather, as the weather forecast is not usually so reliable with 1 or 2 weeks of difference.

It is necessary to be flexible in terms of dates and to have enough supplies to have sufficient safety margin. Also, remember to comply with all maritime safety regulations and requirements before embarking on a transatlantic crossing. Crossing the Atlantic by sailboat is a feat of courage, determination and passion for sailing. Whether you choose the majesty of the Azores Islands on the America-Europe Route or the lush tropical beauty on the other route.

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Atlantic crossing: When’s the best time to go?

• November 11, 2021

When it comes to an Atlantic crossing there are clearly defined weather windows. But how flexible can you be and what challenges are you like to face? Weather Guru Chris Tibbs reports.

An Atlantic crossing or Atlantic circuit has often been seen as a year-long adventure, crossing the ocean in late November or December to the Caribbean , with a return to Europe starting in May.

There are good reasons for this timetable, the overriding one being the hurricane season. This runs from the beginning of June through to the end of November. Hurricanes can happen outside of the ‘official season’, but they are rare – although the last few years have all seen named storms in May.

By departing towards the end of November, with the bulk of the crossing in December, we maximise the Caribbean season, often coming back to Europe after Antigua Race Week in May.

The Caribbean winter season now begins with two major events starting in January; the RORC Transatlantic Race, and for this year an additional January departure for the ARC. Both are scheduled to depart early January from Lanzarote and Gran Canaria respectively.

Not much to split them? Using reanalysis data and routing software the routes in green show late November departures and those in red January

Interestingly, for the actual crossing from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean, statistics show that the wind tends to become stronger as we get into January and February – so there may be some truth in the Christmas trade winds that we hear about starting to blow around Christmas and lasting well into the following months.

Article continues below…

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Chris Tibbs on a dream Atlantic crossing and a heavenly Caribbean winter

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When departing the Canaries the prevailing wind direction is from north through to east-north-east. These are the trade winds found on the eastern side of the semi-permanent high pressure which we know as the Azores high. The wind blows from this direction for 55-65% of the time with little variation from November to March. However, averages do not tell us everything and we do get a number of days when the Canaries are affected by low pressure passing close to the north.

Winter winds

This is important for a pleasurable passage; few people enjoy headwinds when supposedly on a downwind passage or race. Near the Canaries the wind is between south and west for around 10% of the time in December and higher at 14% in January. That is not a huge difference and the variability between years makes it hard to make firm predictions.

There are lots of statistics from different sources and although they roughly agree the older pilot charts and routing charts tend to indicate a higher incidence of trade winds, while winds derived from newer satellite observations show more variability.

Harry Scott leaving the Canaries.

When looking at reanalysis data we see an even greater variation in the wind patterns, and this is consistent with a greater variability in the weather which we expect with climate change.

Additionally, if the wind becomes south-westerly, the average strength tends to increase from November and December through to February. This is an indication of deeper winter depressions passing closer to, and affecting the Canary Islands.

On the way across there will remain a small chance of south-westerly winds which decreases the further south and west you get; mid-Atlantic adverse and light winds are generally linked to the tail of cold fronts splitting the Azores high or more rarely areas of low pressure.

When to go?

To compare conditions between months, I ran some weather routing for a late November and an early January departure. This was from the Canaries to St Lucia using 11 years of reanalysis data from 2010-2020 departing in late November and early January. By using the polars from a cruiser-racer production boat some of the results were quite surprising.

The earlier departures gave a greater range of routes with the January departures slightly closer to the direct route and to the south; this reflects the expected stronger winds (from historical data) with shorter courses following closer to the great circle route.

However, the main surprise came with the timings as the late November departures were on average 10 hours faster than the January ones. This didn’t make a great deal of sense because historical data, as well as anecdotal evidence from the Caribbean, suggested the later crossings should have stronger and steadier trade winds.

But by looking at the routes and weather patterns a little more closely, I found that on four of the January routes there was low pressure in the central and eastern Atlantic that was further south than usually expected and impacted on the first part of the route. This gave moderate to strong headwinds and a slow start to the passage which was followed by light winds until the trade winds filled in after the lows had moved away.

An unusually large low in January, completely disturbing the trade winds

So a January passage on a ‘good’ year should, given long term average conditions, be faster with stronger wind particularly on the latter part of the passage. But, rather significantly, there is a greater chance of low pressure affecting the Canary Islands and delaying the start if cruising, or giving a period of beating if racing.

Planning our sailing is rarely as simple as deciding a date on which we are leaving. Something that should be taken equally seriously is the weather expected on the passage to the Canary Islands. This is more important when heading south from the UK and north-west Europe, although it must also be taken into consideration when departing from the Mediterranean.

Head south early

The usual advice is to get south as early as possible, as an easier passage will be had in September rather than leaving it until November or December. If crossing the Bay of Biscay, once into September the likelihood of gales increases, as does the probability of south-westerly winds.

In September pilot charts indicate that gales in northern Biscay are likely 3% of the time, which increases to 7% in October and 9% in November. We also get a significant increase in south-westerly winds; this reflects the passing of lows to the north-west which tend to pass further south during autumn and winter.

Classic tradewind setup for an Atlantic crossing. Photo: TimBisMedia

There are some breaks in the weather as cold fronts rattle through veering the wind to the north-west and occasionally to the north. As the season progresses so does the likelihood that the Portuguese trade winds will fail, giving a beat south down the Portuguese coast only picking up the trade winds south of the latitude of Gibraltar.

As we’ve seen from the start of races from France in the autumn, there can be a high attrition rate before the yachts have even left Biscay. It’s not that you can’t cross Biscay in any month, but the later it’s left the longer the time between weather windows and the shorter the weather windows tend to be. This can lead us to make choices based on necessity rather than prudence.

Once south of Portugal we should get into the start of the trade winds – but we still need to watch for lows further south than normal.

While most yachts arrive in the Canary Islands having had a good sail, there are always a number that get caught out and end up beating for some of the way – usually yachts that have left it late and are on a tight schedule. This is also true for yachts leaving the Mediterranean and it’s not uncommon for yachts to have to wait in Gibraltar for strong westerly winds to diminish.

Whether intending to start your transatlantic in November or wait until later, I prefer to see boats south of Biscay well before the end of September and would not be far behind if leaving from the Med.

A crossing in January will generally have stronger winds, but there’s a greater chance of headwinds particularly when getting away from the Canary Islands. Whenever you decide to cross, getting to the Canaries early is important and the later you leave it to get south the more chance there is of having to wait for a weather window.

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The Caribbean to Mediterranean sailing routes: how to cross the Atlantic Eastward

Countless boats sail the transatlantic route from the Caribbean to Europe each year, but you should not take navigation lightly because it must endure disturbances from the west moving east for up to 15-20 days. The traditional sailing ship path is called either an arch approach or possibly a stop in Bermuda simply to exit the trade wind system and enter the perturbations zone, where there would be enough wind. Let’s dive deep to know the sailing routes from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean.

Why crossing the Atlantic from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean isn’t the same as the Mediterranean to the Caribbean?

By early summer, the Caribbean’s prime season is winding down, pushed out by a barrage of large regattas. Then, when summer returns to the northern latitudes, the workers return home.

While most people concentrate on traversing the Atlantic from Europe to the Caribbean, the journey back to Europe or the east coast of the United States is as or perhaps more significant. The return trip may be more difficult, but it is also more diverse, and you should begin arranging for it as soon as you decide to go on a season abroad. The return path is well-traveled but presents a different situation than the way out. As a crew travels northeast, the days will grow longer, but temperatures will drop, and the climate can be highly variable and occasionally challenging. What should you consider while preparing your crew and yacht, and what is the ideal route and strategy?

The Azores High or the Bermuda High dictates the wind direction and the weather in the Atlantic.

Winds from the east are blowing against the south side of the high, which has the power to push tropical systems further west. From the eastern Atlantic to the Caribbean Sea or even over to the Gulf of Mexico, these easterly winds can carry them. That implies the Bermuda high’s effects are so profound that a hurricane may proceed in any direction—westward toward Louisiana, eastward toward the East Coast, or anywhere in between.

Taking the same route as the Mediterranean to the Caribbean (or a very direct line) would mean sailing upwind against tradewinds.

The weather window to cross the West to East is much shorter and more volatile than East to West.

The predominant winds in the northern hemisphere, more especially in the United States, blow from west to east in accordance with the rotation of the Earth. As a result, storms follow the jet stream in that same direction, making the weather very volatile. Thus, we get a very short window to travel in this direction.

Your chances of navigating very calm waters are high around the Azores High

The air is circulated clockwise by the high-pressure block of the Azores High, which behaves anticyclonically. Due to this movement, African eastern waves are pushed away from coastal West Africa and into the Bahamas, Central America, and the Caribbean, along the southern edge of the Azores High. Therefore, the chances of navigating very calm waters are high around the Azores High.

The best routes to cross the Atlantic from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean

Use our Sailing Distance calculator here

The weather plays a significant role in determining when to set sail, the route to take, and which sails to bring. The primary priority is avoiding the storm season from June to November. Hence, most boats depart in late November to arrive before Christmas, even though the tradewinds are typically stronger in January.

However, it is like humans to test the limits; some crews always depart early to extend the season. The sooner you go, however, the more crucial it is to maintain an easterly trajectory before deciding on a westerly route. Late storms from the west make a route through the Cape Verde islands increasingly appealing. It reduces the time spent in possible storm zones and provides a southern escape route since hurricanes seldom track south of 10°N.

Most sailing routes try to cross the Atlantic above the Azores-Bermuda High and head to the Azores islands.

Early in the season, low-pressure systems are more likely to be located further south; if you head north, you’ll often encounter headwinds north of the Azores. As summer draws near, low-pressure systems have a tendency to drift further north, and the Azores High widens, resulting in lighter winds as you approach the Azores.

The arch route going around the north of the Azores high straight to the Azores (Horta): the fastest and most reliable route

A yacht undertaking the west-to-east trip will eventually be overtaken by at least one front, and perhaps more, due to weather systems spinning off the US East Coast that can produce lows and frontal systems that can stretch well south. Therefore, the goal is to catch and ride favorable winds as far as possible. To do this, most boats head for the Azores to halt before choosing the best time to continue on to Spain, Portugal, or up to the UK.

The two stops route: head first to the Bermudas, then to the Azores

The most well-liked launching places are St. Maarten and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands; both are conveniently located and suitable for provisioning, spare parts, chandlery, and repairs. However, many crews stop at Bermuda on their way to or from the Caribbean, and this is a particularly wise move if the wind patterns alter three to four days out. Crews can rest, replenish supplies, have fun in Bermuda, and wait for favorable weather to start the next leg.

Going directly into the North Atlantic High straight to the Azores: a potential route for cruisers and yachts with plenty of fuel only

For cruisers, it is typically preferred to travel in a southerly direction, staying south of the Gulf Stream in light winds and adding extra fuel and motoring as needed.

What are the best Caribbean islands to cross the Atlantic from West to East?

One of the most well-liked launching points is Tortola in the British Virgin Islands or St. Maarten because of its convenient locations, chandlery services, and superior provisioning. However, several crews make a stopover at Bermuda, which is an excellent choice if the prevailing winds alter three to four days before reaching the Caribbean. In Bermuda, crews may rest, resupply, explore the island, and await a window of favorable weather conditions for the next round.

Read also: BVI Hurricane Season – Everything You Have to Know

What is the best time of the year to cross the Atlantic from the Caribbean to Europe?

Some people consider an Atlantic crossing or circuit to take a full year. It starts with a trip from Europe to the Caribbean in late November or early December and the yacht circle back in Europe in April/May to start enjoying the Mediterranean again summer time.

There are valid reasons for this schedule, the most important being the hurricane season. So this spans from the start of June until the conclusion of November. Hurricanes can occur beyond the ‘official season,’ although uncommon; yet, the previous three years have all had named storms during May.

What does your yacht need to have to cross the Atlantic from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean?

You should include essential spares, like pump and autopilot components. Moreover, replace any you may have used after your Atlantic voyage. Spare parts transportation to the Azores may be challenging and time-consuming.

A thorough inspection of the rigging before departure is required. Your standing and running rigging will have already traversed thousands of bright, salty miles. Likewise, the returning transatlantic trip will need you to remain days at a time on a single tack, so anticipate chafing on sheets and halyards. A skilled rigging inspection could be well worth the investment. However, if you perform it yourself, examine every piece.

In addition to bringing additional gasoline in jerry cans or flexible tanks, don’t forget to stock up on engine fuel filters and Racor water separator filters to prevent fuel supply difficulties. On most crossings, you seldom use the engine. But, when the wind is low, it’s excellent to push through a wind hole and get into the wind on the other side; more gasoline offers you more alternatives. Consider purchasing a portable transfer pump since wrangling funnels and pouring fuel at sea are filthy and cumbersome tasks.

Read also: 10 Sailing Myths And Bad Advice You Shouldn’t Listen To

How long does it take to cross the Atlantic from West to East?

On average, you will spend between three and four weeks sailing across the Atlantic Ocean. However, it is possible to finish in two weeks if you are fortunate, find shortcuts, and have a speedy sailboat. If there is insufficient wind for one week or longer, it may take as long as a month.

How hard is the sailing experience of crossing the Atlantic eastward?

Before setting sail across the Atlantic Ocean, you should be knowledgeable of and well equipped for the following circumstances and dangers:

• A lengthy travel
• Large waves
• severe weather, such as hurricanes (depending on when you set sail)
• Collisions involving cargo ships and vessels

How experienced do you have to be to cross the Atlantic from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean on your own?

Crossing the Atlantic requires a solid, well-equipped vessel and a great deal of sailing expertise and talent. You will require expertise in weather forecasting, awareness of weather conditions, and familiarity with charts and course planning.

Can you charter a yacht for a transatlantic sailing trip from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean?

Transatlantic voyages are not just unique but also exhilarating experiences altogether. For many sailors, crossing the approximately 2,850nm (Canaries) – 3,200nm (Western France) distance across the Atlantic is a “must do experience of a lifetime.” It is an amazing yacht charter journey of a lifetime. The most seasoned, daring, and keen sailors are invited to participate in this yacht charter experience if they want to challenge themselves or just go on a brand-new sailing adventure. After an Atlantic crossing, we can surely say that yacht charters are no longer the same. Take advantage of these exclusive yachting vacation packages right away.

You can pick the yacht charter as sailing catamarans between 40 – 62′ or sailing yachts between 40-65′. You can visit a range of amazing destinations such as Saint Thomas, Saint Martin, Barbados, Portugal or even Spain.

Read also: Five Easy Beginners-Friendly Sailing Trips And Destinations

The Caribbean to the Mediterranean sailing route is lengthy. But it is worthwhile to those who complete it to the other side. The pleasure and feeling of success you will feel after completing the crossing will more than compensate for the months of planning and the difficulties you will undoubtedly encounter on the way.

If you are planning to traverse the Atlantic, good luck!

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How Long Does It Take to Sail Across the Atlantic? – Answered

Written by J. Harvey / Fact checked by S. Numbers

There is an adventurer in all of us. How we choose to indulge that feisty part of us is what makes us unique. For the consummate sailor, it probably involves sailing across an ocean.

Traversing the entire expanse of the Atlantic is no mean feat. Often, that desire manifests itself in a question, “How long does it take to sail across the Atlantic?”

Well, the short answer is don’t expect it to be the same for everyone. On average, it should take a month, depending on the route, vessel’s speed, and weather. More experienced sailors can cut that back to a little more than 20 days.

Table of Contents

Different Voyage Lengths in the Atlantic Based on Vessel Type

1. the size of the boat, 2. wind speed, 3. sailing skill, 4. weather and ocean conditions, 5. departure location, 6. port stops, 1. bermuda (western starting point or northern route), 2. canary islands (eastern starting point or southern route), here’s a glimpse of an actual voyage, 1. prepare yourself and bring only skilled hands with you, 2. provision for at least 4 weeks, 3. check the record of disasters, 4. don’t delay completing your journey.

How long to sail across the Atlantic? Consider the ship or boat you’ll be using first.

• For average monohulls that span 30 to 40 feet, the Atlantic can be crossed within 3 to 4 weeks. This time can be cut shorter depending on the route taken, weather conditions, and sailing skills.
• A longer, more modern yacht may be able to complete a transatlantic voyage in 2 to 3 weeks. Those who take frequent trips between the Canary Islands and the Caribbean can say as much.
• The time to cross the Atlantic by ship will normally be 7 days for a single trip. This figure is based on the cruising time of ships that make transatlantic voyages like the Queen Mary 2.
• Considering the engines powering such vessels, they may even be able to cut that voyage time by half.
• Some individuals also consider crossing the Atlantic alone logistics. That’s definitely plausible and what’s even better is that the level of luxury you can enjoy on freighters can rival those of cruise ships.
• If you’re considering this option, it may take you anywhere between 10 to 22 days.
• Naval ships like aircraft carriers and warships like corvettes will undoubtedly be able to cut transatlantic sailing time to just 3 to 4 days. As far as sailing goes, those are undoubtedly the fastest.
• Did you know that sailboats as small as 5 feet can also cross the Atlantic? Obviously, it will take a significantly longer time, but it’s possible!

Based on historical data, the person who managed to do that had to sail for more than 100 days. 

Factors That Affect Voyage Time

The fact that there’s no static duration for any journey across the Atlantic is because a lot of factors come into play. I’ve listed down everything that affects voyage time as follows.

It’s common knowledge that boat length is directly proportional to its speed. That being said, expect a 50-foot catamaran to sail across the Atlantic faster than a 30-foot monohull or anything smaller.

If the monohull can cover 100 miles a day, the larger catamaran or a trimaran may be able to achieve twice that coverage.

When sailing the world’s oceans, you will need to take advantage of trade winds. These winds blow 15 knots on average, but their directions and strength change every season.

Just because I was able to pinpoint an exact figure doesn’t mean that you’ll enjoy that exact wind speed all throughout your journey.

I’ve talked with old salts that can attest to having only an average of 5 knots to 8 knots when doing a solo transatlantic expedition. Expect the same variance to apply to most voyagers.

When crossing the Atlantic, it’s best to be highly experienced in sailing first. This rings true for the people you take with you, as long voyages can have a profound effect on anyone, and most certainly on novices.

Incidentally, you may want to know the solid proof that sailing skill matters the most when sailing across the ocean. You don’t need to look further than the magnificent achievement of Hugo Viglen who was able to cross the Atlantic by boat in 115 days. The best part is he did it on a 5-footer!

How long to sail across the Atlantic if the weather’s on the calm side? You can complete the trip within the usual time frames I’ve mentioned above.

Typically, sailors choose to set sail between November to February when the routes are warmer. Others will say the perfect time is between April and May.

Anything beyond that may raise the chances of facing storms and hurricanes, which are natural forces you clearly don’t want to mess with.

The wind speeds and waves may get tricky – if not outright dangerous – to get the hang of if you’re dealing with inclement weather. This is why I recommend you sail only during the ideal seasons.

Where you choose to set sail will significantly affect sailing across the Atlantic time because there are locations where windward winds are noticeably better. Based on historical data, if you’re departing from the west, it’s best to choose Bermuda as a point of departure.

While some sailors can manage yachting across the Atlantic without stopping in various ports, plenty of people can’t. Any kind of stop you do, regardless of how long it takes, will lengthen the total passage time.

Sample Transatlantic Passages

To give you an overview of how long it will take a transatlantic crossing, I’ve outlined the time it takes from point A to point B and so forth in the popular Bermuda and Canary Island routes.

• Sail the Caribbean to Bermuda (takes around 5 to 8 days).
• Then, head to Azores from Bermuda (takes roughly 14 to 17 days). This is the longest stretch of the crossing.
• Finally, from the Azores you can dock in Portugal (takes around 4 to 8 days).
• Start from Portugal then sail to the Canary Islands (takes 5 to 7 days).
• Afterward, from the islands, turn your vessel in the direction of Cape Verde (travel time is between 5 to 8 days).
• From there, you can now make the transatlantic crossing to the Caribbean or any available port in Brazil (takes around 16 to 21 days). The southern Cape Verde crossing is generally considered as the shortest route.

Add the number of days up, and you’ll likely arrive at a more accurate estimation of how many days to sail across the Atlantic. Take note that these timeframes don’t factor in any port stops you do.

Which of these routes is the safest? Well, based on most of the sailors I’ve asked, the Cape Verde passage is less risky than the Bermuda one.

Incidentally, do you know the total distance that these trips will take? Roughly, it’s around 6,800 nautical miles in a single voyage, which is undoubtedly a monumental achievement for any sailor!

If you want to get a glimpse of a transatlantic crossing, there are videos on Youtube that I can heartily recommend. The following two-part series was done by a solo sailor:

It took him 23 days in total to complete the trip on his 28-foot sailboat. This proves that if you know how to play your cards right, this trip will be a cinch every time.

I personally know skippers and sailors who have done this trip more than 30 times! To me, departing within the safest weather windows is the key.

It’s well worth the watch since the video serves as a visual journal of what the entire experience is all about, what conditions to expect, and a clear testament that nothing is ever certain in ocean voyages.

Essentials to Take Note When Sailing Across the Atlantic

Whether you’re planning on completing this ocean excursion yourself or are simply curious about the entire scope of the voyage, it won’t hurt to know what sailors keep in mind when crossing vast oceans like the Atlantic.

What’s sure is that if you’re attempting to do it, plan ahead for months. I recommend you gain solid sailing experience as well. Learn to condition yourself in taking longer sailing expeditions, for instance.

Long ocean voyages are reserved for those who are used to the challenges of unpredictable marine environments. These endeavors require discipline, willpower, and patience, so it’s always best to team up only with a professional crew, assuming you won’t be sailing solo.

For instance, be prepared to have less-than-optimal sleep on a daily basis. I’m talking about facing the possibility of getting only three hours of restful sleep some nights because you have no choice but to be tossed here and there by strong waves.

Be open to the advice of others, including the ones I gave here, but, ultimately, you should use your own judgment.

Keep a stock of necessary food, drinks, clothing, and medicine that will sustain you for the entire estimated length of the trip. If you have a larger vessel, you can obviously go beyond that.

The point is, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If worse comes to worst, don’t hesitate to call for help and rescue.

(Which, mind you, is not exactly uncommon if you check the entire record of disasters in transatlantic passages alone). That being said, we come to the next point.

This is not to strike fear in you but to give you a sobering idea that what you’re trying to undertake is not at the least a minor endeavor.

Checking the records should also tell you the months that you should avoid, assuming you can’t sail during the safest window I mentioned above.

I can say the same for when you’re trying to sail across the Mediterranean or the Pacific because you’re far less likely to encounter stormy or generally bad weather this way.

Keep in mind that delays will also take a toll on your boat. This rings true when it comes to the maintenance and repairs you may need to do upon completing your passage.

To summarize all the points above, it will take you at most 4 weeks to sail across the Atlantic Ocean on a traditional sailboat. Other vessels may shorten or lengthen that duration, depending on their size.

Numerous factors affect sailing time. Equally myriad considerations need to be done in order to safely complete it.

Now that you know the answer to your question, “How long does it take to sail across the Atlantic?” Do you still have the guts to earn this once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment?

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Catamaran Across the Atlantic: Times, Routes and Dangers!

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For many, the idea of sailing across the Atlantic in a catamaran and spending the summer sailing around the Mediterranean or Caribbean sounds like the ideal form of retirement. While cruising the open sea is certainly an adventure of a lifetime, you need to have an idea of the amount of time your voyage will take so you can stock up adequately and plan ahead. So, how long does it take to cross the Atlantic with a catamaran?

Crossing the Atlantic Ocean with a catamaran normally takes three to four weeks. The exact duration of your voyage may vary depending on wind speed and patterns, the path you take, and the speed of your catamaran.

As complex as sailing is in itself, taking a voyage across the open ocean on a sailboat at the mercy of the wind is even more complicated. Read on to learn more about the complexities of sailing across the Atlantic on a catamaran, how fast you are likely to travel, and more.

Table of Contents

The Voyage Across the Atlantic

One of the largest challenges people face when sailing is finding consistent wind blowing in the correct direction. Wind patterns are one of the main determinants of navigable sailing routes.

After hundreds of years of sailing across the Atlantic, multiple routes have been discovered, but not all are deemed navigable. Generally, sailors tend to favor these two routes: 

• The Southern Passage . This route involves traveling east to west from Europe and Africa to North and South America. It starts from Portugal or Canary Islands off the coast of Northern Africa to the Windward Islands of the Caribbean.
• The Northern Passage . With this route, you travel west to east from the Caribbean to Portugal. You start at the island nation of Bermuda, sail north the Portuguese Azores, and then east to Portugal’s shore. 

These routes are based on a series of consistent wind patterns known as the trade winds. Each spans approximately 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 km), with each nautical mile spanning approximately 1.15 land miles (1.85 km). 

However, it is generally advised to add approximately 15-20% of the theoretical distance traveled because sailors often need to adjust course to match the wind. That brings the real distance of the voyage to about 4,700 nautical miles (8,704.4 km).

The Impact of Catamaran Speed and Time Spent Traveling

Covering 5,000 miles (8,046.72 km) on a sailboat takes a significant amount of time. While the speed of your catamaran is arguably the biggest determinant of the duration of your voyage, the amount of time you’re willing to be on the move also factors in.

Some people limit their sailing speed during the night, while others cruise at constant speeds. The number of hours you are sailing per day will greatly impact how quickly you cross the ocean. 

As for the speed, catamaran’s can max out at around 15 to 20 knots, with some of the fastest hitting speeds of 60 knots. However, the average speed for most sailors is about 5-9 knots. Knots are the nautical equivalent of miles per hour. Moving at the speed of 1 knot means that you are moving 1 nautical mile per hour (1.85 kilometers per hour).

If you were to travel at a speed of 7 knots for 24 hours, you would travel about 170 miles. However, most people move slower than that, meaning you’re likely to cover less than that distance in a day.

The daily range of your catamaran may also factor in. Most catamarans can easily cover 100 nautical miles (185.2 km) per day. That range largely depends on the wind speed and direction, as well as whether you engage the engine. The farther you can travel in a day, the shorter your voyage will be.

What does all this mean for your sailing time? In a phrase, you can control most of the variables.

If you decide to sail your catamaran at 7 knots every day for 24 hours, you will get across the Atlantic in about 24 days (a little more than three weeks).

If you decide to travel at that speed for less time, or go slower or faster for different amounts of time, your voyage duration will change accordingly.

Potential Challenges of Crossing the Atlantic by Catamaran

Having understood the length of the voyage and how much time it may take to complete, you’re probably wondering whether there are other difficulties you might encounter. It’s a valid concern, too, because challenges can significantly increase the time you take to cross the Atlantic by boat.

As far as difficulties go, the most critical ones have to do with the weather conditions. Things like storms and rough waters can not only affect your voyage duration, but also your safety.

The good news is that most decent catamarans can take on almost any form of weather with a solid crew at the helm. As long as you are not sailing the Atlantic during a hurricane, your voyage won’t be too bad. With light air and beautiful scenery, crossing the Atlantic can be a phenomenal, hassle-free experience.

But if you are underprepared or do not have the skills to sail, crossing the Atlantic by catamaran will be incredibly difficult.

Storms on the open ocean are nothing like what they are on land, and the wind and waves will be significantly larger than you might have ever seen. 

It can be psychologically draining if you are alone in the open ocean. So in addition to making sure that you have the correct supplies and skills, you’ll want to bring a crew or a few friends for company.

Traveling across the Atlantic by catamaran will take anywhere between 21 and 31 days. This can be longer or shorter depending on the speed of the catamaran and the number of hours you sail a day.

Should you decide to cross the ocean by catamaran, be sure that you have the equipment and skills for such a voyage . Hire a crew if you need to, or at least find someone to help and company. Once you do this, you can enjoy your smooth sailing!

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Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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Sailing an ocean on a Small sailing vessel

Many privately owned sailing vessels cross the Atlantic to spend a sunny sailing season either in the Mediterranean or Caribbean or as part of their around-the-world voyage. It is a big deal for them and attracts all sorts of seamen and women: young ‘pirate’ dudes who have escaped the rat race, adventure couples, retirees, families, groups of friends, and single older sailors.

The largest share of the captains is between 50 – 65 years old. It's the group that has the time and money resources to sail. All sorts of nationalities make the crossing, with the French and Swedish seeming to dominate the fleet.

By crewing on a small sailing yacht, you'll be involved with every aspect of seamanship and sailing. You will learn a lot for sure. Many boats choose to stop in Cape Verde or the Azores, and often don’t have tight schedules.

Boats come in all sorts of shapes and materials. Hulls are made from steel, wood, aluminium, and today mostly of fibreglass. 90% of the boats crossing the ocean is bigger than 36ft, with most of them measuring around 44ft. (14m).

A smaller yacht could also be perfectly ocean-worthy. I've seen boats of 26 ft. crossing the pond. Some adventure people row across the Atlantic. In 2017 someone even Stand Up Paddled (SUP) across the Atlantic. Being on any boat is a luxury compared to that.

Six people (out of 100) I interviewed in my book crossed the Atlantic on a boat smaller than 36ft. and all of them would like to do it again. This year we also have Nadiem, Ocean Nomads member who'll sail across in his little sailboat.

Both monohulls and catamarans cross the Atlantic. Catamarans are generally faster, more spacious, and rock less. On the flip side: they can flip!  If  they do, it’s a major challenge to come up again. Don’t worry, this is extremely unlikely. Having seen hundreds of boats planning, preparing and making the crossing, I estimate that roughly 70% of the boats that cross are monohulls.

With Ocean Nomads we sometimes have small liveaboard sailing vessels looking for crew in the network to sail across, or members recommend a vessel from their networks.

In our brand new Ocean Nomads Crew Course , I share all the tips and tricks for finding and securing a safe sailing vessel with which to sail as crew. Eco & Adventure style. Proper preperation makes all the difference for a happy, safe and meaningful voyage.

Sail with me & Ocean Nomads in Greece in 2024! Level up your sailing skills and make ocean people connections accelerating your sailing journey. 4 vessels, 11 days, 30 nomads! Learn More. 

Sail across the Atlantic on Superyacht

Many larger yachts cross the Atlantic as a ‘delivery’, where a boat needs to be taken from point A to B. Boats have to be moved across the ocean for a new charter season, for the private owner who will hop on board again on the other side, or because someone bought it on the other continent.

Usually, paid and professional crew do these types of deliveries. As an amateur crew member, you can be a cheap extra set of hands.

A yacht is a ‘superyacht’ when it is over 24 metres (79ft.). These are  big yachts. They often have generators running every day to keep fridges and freezers going. They load up thousands of litres of fuel and water, and are less dependent on the wind.

As such, there is less risk and generally more comfort. These trips often run on a tight schedule, so there won't be much flexibility for stops along the way (like in Cape Verde or the Azores). In most cases, there will also be more people on board (five-eight people compared to three-five on smaller vessels).

Crossing on a big boat like this is faster, less adventurous, and more comfortable. The crew are often younger, and some live and work permanently on the boat. Many of them have crossed the Atlantic Ocean numerous times and are therefore less excited about it than the average ‘yachtie'.

Timelines are tight and there’s often not time for island exploration. Usually, you are expected to work hard. Also, it's not unusual that superyachts don't even use the sails to prevent damaging, and have the sails tip /top for when the owner comes on board.

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A transatlantic on a charter yacht.

If you would rather not have the pre-crossing adventure or spend too much time searching for a boat, and/or if money is not an issue, you can book a charter ocean passage. Charter trips are organised on all sorts of boats: small, big, monohulls, catamaran, and racing boats.

Numerous racing yachts cross the ocean reaching boat speeds up to 35 knots! In addition to professional crew, spots are sold and you can sign up for a wet and speedy adventure guaranteed.

A charter trip costs between €2,000 and €10,000. An organized trip like this could be advantageous if you’re on a tight schedule. It’s more likely to leave on the planned date.

At the same time, the time schedule could be a disadvantage. What if the weather window is not ideal to leave? In many cases, though not always, everything is taken care of such as provisioning and cooking, so you wouldn’t have to figure out much yourself.

Charter organisations need to comply with a lot of safety requirements and check ups to legally carry out the voyage. This assures some safety but still you need to do your homework if it's a safe ride.

Another consideration of booking this type of passage is that you won’t know your shipmates. When you search the adventurous way, you have the opportunity to meet the other sailors before you commit to joining the crew. On a chartered passage you’re stuck with whoever else has booked the trip, even if you don’t like them.

With Ocean Nomads we work together with SV Twister and have the following Atlantic Crossings planned .

Sailing the Atlantic on a Tall ship

Every year, numerous tall ships sail across the Atlantic, like the Stad Amsterdam or Oosterschelde, and this year also SV Twister :) .  Sailing across on a large traditional boat is spectacular. Many young people work on the tall ships. You could either try that or buy yourself a passage.

I wrote the above in my book, a friend of SV Twister reached out to me. Long story short, last  year 2022/2023 I, with Ocean Nomads, organizing a trip across the Atlantic, Caribbean sea, and back across the Atlantic , and I now experience this way of sailing across also. You can join this trip in 2025 .

Update! We're back from the Atlantic. And we made a film about it:) Here is a the film about Sailing the Atlantic with Ocean Nomads. My 5th Atlantic crossing.

Travel the Ocean with a Sail Boat Ferry

There are no sailing ferries (yet), although boats are being built for this purpose. At the time of writing, Voyagevert is conducting feasibility studies to construct the fastest and largest sailing catamaran for a ferry service as a sustainable alternative to flight for transatlantic travel. Also Fair ferry is looking into it.

A transatlantic on a cruise ships

Another kind of ferry are the cruise ships. More and more cruise ships cross the Atlantic to do the season on the other side. They need relocation and spots on board are sold as ‘repositioning cruises.' It's often cheaper than airfare and your house rent combined. One option that is cool, is ‘ Nomadcruise ,’ an Atlantic crossing for entrepreneurs and digital nomads.

These floating cities are not an environmentally friendly way to cross. It takes around eight days and a lot of noise to cross with a cruise ship. Data on emissions is remarkably difficult to find. Some sources state that an average cruise ship at sea emits more, and less filtered, smoke than one million cars combined each day.

In a one-week trip, a large cruise ship generates ten backyard swimming pools of blackwater (raw sewage) and 40 more swimming pools of greywater (water from sinks, baths, showers, laundry, and galleys). It also generates large volumes of oily bilge water, sewage sludge, garbage, and noise.

Sail Across the Atlantic on a Cargo ship

More cargo ships cross the Atlantic than sailboats. This is a non-sailing ship option that can take you across. Cargo ships usually rent out a few cabins to passengers. This costs a few thousand euros. Travelling with a cargo vessel can be a good alternative if you want to cross the ocean, don’t like sailing, and do not want to fly. Prepare to be surrounded by engine noise. Crossing on a cargo would take one to two weeks. Depending on the weather, cargo and size, cargo vessels run between 15-25 knots . 

There are also  sailing  cargo Atlantic crossing possibilities out there. ‘ Tres Hombres ‘ is a 32 metres Schooner transporting traditional goods like rum and chocolate between the Caribbean and Europe. Timbercoast is a 1920 built 43.5m Schooner that transports goods like coffee and gin. Both ships welcome crew on board helping out with this sustainable way of transporting goods.

My ocean sailing preference

“What kind of boat are you joining?” This was the first question most people asked me when I told them I was going to cross the Atlantic Ocean by sail. At the time, I knew nothing about boats, and thought “Does it matter? I just want to make the passage!” Having sailed across on five completely different boats across the Atlantic, I know now that the type of boat determines large part of the experience.Not just because of the boat, but because of the tasks and people involved with that type of boat.

My preference is to crew on a smaller monohull sailboat of 40-44ft – basic but adventurous and on these boats, I've met the coolest captains. Monohulls are more fun to sail. It's easier to ‘feel' the boat as opposed to a catamaran. It's kind of like a scooter versus a quadbike.

Smaller boats generally allow for more exploring and socialising time around the harbour- since there's usually less work to be done. This is the adventurous way of travelling by sailboat where you go with the weather and with others as excited about the adventure as you. I sailed as crew on these kind of sailboat for years ( Here is a video summary of my story ).

At the end, it's the people who make the trip! In my survey amongst 100 Atlantic ocean Crew & Captains who have done it, almost everyone answered to the question: “what would you do different, if you'd go again?” “I'd take more time to find the right vessel, with like minded and value sharing people.

Finding a boat is the easy part, finding the right and safe vessel aligned with your vibes and values, is the main challenge. With Ocean Nomads we now created a toolkit to help you dip your toes into the ocean nomads lifestyle , happy, safe, and meaningful.

How to find a sail boat ride across the Atlantic?

Here’s what I and ocean nomads have created for you to help you get out there, happy, safe, and meaningful.

It’s that time of the year again when many head south and west to follow the sun, catch the tradewinds, and realize ocean dreams.

Travelling an ocean on someone else’s sailing boat, or taking a stranger on board is not a straightforward endeavour. To be ready to expect the unexpected, careful investigation and preparation is essential. Four Ocean Crossings and 30.000 Miles of boat hitchhiking on dozens of vessels, as well as organizing crew for +10 different trips now, I figured out a few things, and keep learning:).

Here are the latest waypoints to help you on an ocean adventure, fun & impact:

• We’ve created resources and mini-courses on Sailing across the Atlantic, Offshore crew packing lists, Ocean crew preparing tips. Provisioning with minimum waste, Veggie recipes, Zero waste nomad life, and ocean education information. But the real value is the network you can tap into, find answers, connections, and support to make the ocean adventure dreams real.

• Because of that we can create way real value and attract real dedicated members only who are serious about making dreams real. 

NEW in 2024! The Sailboat Travel Crew Prep course.

I help you transition from being new to sailboat travel to a confident crew member securing a position safe, soon and sustainable. All my sailing lifestyle crew tips condensed into one pack. 

Ps. If any of the above has helped you, I'd love to hear so! Make a comment, leave a review on @oceanpreneur or @oceannomads.community, fill out the big Atlantic Ocean Crew survey

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On which boat have you crossed or would you be most exciting to cross the Atlantic?

Hi! My name is Suzanne. I'm here to excite and guide you into slow travel adventures, in tune with nature. 🗺️+15yr Fulltime Adventurer by Sail & Van 🧜‍♀️⛵️🚐✨🏕️

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The best appropriate boat is about 30 to 40 feet long. In case you using a smaller boat, there is a possibility that it may not withstand harsh weather conditions and ocean currents.

thank you so much for this cool article.

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