De Canarias al Caribe: Cruzando el Atlántico a Vela
The Atlantic Trade-Wind Route
Sailing from the Canary Islands towards the Caribbean is one of the classic Atlantic passages. The route covers roughly 2,700 nautical miles, although the final distance depends on the departure port, the chosen Caribbean landfall and the course shaped by the weather.
Rather than sailing in a straight line, the crew follows a suitable weather window and searches for the established northeast trade winds. Some passages include Cape Verde, while others continue west from the Canaries. The precise route can only be decided with the current forecast, the condition of the yacht and the skipper’s judgement.
Weeks at sea create a rhythm that is entirely different from a coastal cruise. Watchkeeping, sail changes, meals, maintenance and weather checks structure each day. Between those tasks come long horizons, night skies, wildlife encounters and the shared experience of moving across an ocean under sail.
Canary Islands
A common departure area for final preparations and the start of the westbound passage.
Cape Verde
A possible stop on a more southerly route, depending on the voyage plan and conditions.
Caribbean Landfall
The destination varies with the yacht’s operational route and the planned season ahead.
When Do Atlantic Crossings Take Place?
Westbound passages are generally planned after the Atlantic hurricane season, often between late autumn and early winter. There is no single guaranteed departure date or fixed wind pattern: each crossing depends on a suitable weather window and can be delayed or rerouted.
Ocean Ad-Ventures does not operate Atlantic crossings on a frequent or fixed schedule. They may become available when a yacht needs to reposition between operating areas. That makes each opportunity special, but it also means that dates, route, duration and available places can only be announced once the operational plan is confirmed.
Important: Never book non-refundable travel based on an estimated ocean-passage date. Offshore departures and arrival dates must remain flexible.
Preparing the Yacht and Crew
An ocean passage demands a different level of preparation from an island cruise. Before departure, the yacht, rig, sails, engines, steering, communication systems and safety equipment must be checked for the planned voyage. Provisions, drinking water, spare parts and emergency procedures also need to account for additional days at sea.
Preparación de la tripulación
Everyone aboard needs a clear understanding of watch routines, life-jacket and harness use, emergency procedures and their responsibilities on the yacht. Previous offshore experience may be required for some passages, while other crossings may accept motivated guests with less experience. The final crew selection always depends on the yacht, route and skipper.
Mental preparation matters too. Living in a small team for an extended period requires patience, flexibility, cooperation and a willingness to participate in everyday life aboard.
Download the Atlantic Crossing Preparation Guide
La vida diaria durante la travesía
Ocean life is shaped by the needs of the yacht rather than a holiday timetable. Every passage is different, but several routines are likely to become part of the experience.
Watchkeeping
Day and night watches ensure that someone is monitoring the course, sails, instruments, weather and surrounding traffic at all times.
Shared Meals
Provisioning is carefully planned and the crew shares responsibility for cooking, cleaning and making the most of fresh and stored ingredients.
Time Offshore
Reading, music, games, conversations and quiet time fill the hours between watches, meals and practical work aboard.
Safety and Navigation at Sea
GPS, satellite communication and modern forecasting provide valuable support, but they do not replace seamanship. Safe ocean sailing depends on proper preparation, conservative decisions, reliable equipment, continuous watchkeeping and a crew that understands the procedures aboard its particular yacht.
Communication and Weather
Offshore communication and forecast access depend on the equipment installed aboard, its coverage and prevailing conditions. When available, satellite connectivity can support weather downloads and essential messages, but guests should not treat an ocean passage as a guaranteed environment for normal online work.
Route Decisions
The planned course may change as new forecasts arrive. Avoiding unsuitable conditions and protecting the crew and yacht take priority over maintaining a timetable or preferred landfall.
Interested in Sailing With Us?
You do not need to wait for an Atlantic crossing to experience life under sail. On our regular cruises, you can take the helm, help trim the sails, learn the basics of navigation and anchoring, or simply relax while the crew takes care of the yacht. Participation is always adapted to the route, conditions and your level of experience.
Find out more about practical participation, documenting nautical miles and the different ways to enjoy the journey on our Sailing With Us page.
Join the Atlantic Crossing Waiting List
Our Atlantic crossings do not run on a regular schedule. If you would like to hear from us when a future passage becomes possible, send us your details, sailing experience and general availability. We will contact the waiting list once a route and provisional dates are confirmed.
Joining the waiting list is non-binding and does not reserve or guarantee a place. Any future voyage remains subject to the yacht’s operational plans, weather, safety requirements and final confirmation.
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