OCEAN EXPERIENCE - ATLANTIC WEST TO EAST

THE PROPOSAL

Crossing the Atlantic from West to East by sailboat, besides being much more challenging than the traditional trade wind route, is undoubtedly a life experience: a slow journey punctuated by the wind, coexistence with companions on board, and the absolute nature that surrounds us.

If you are dreaming of ocean sailing and are fascinated by the idea of an ocean crossing, the Atlantic crossing from West to East is an opportunity to participate in a unique experience! 

Aboard a Southern Ocean 62, a boat built to sail the oceans safely, we will depart from Martinique and, passing through the Azores, arrive at Burriananova in Spain. 

The proposal is divided into 3 legs:

LEG 1 - LE MARIN (MARTINICA) - PONTA DELGADA (AZZORRE) / 2'500 NM / 20 days

LEG 2 - PONTA DELGADA (AZZORRE) - VILAMOURA (PORTUGAL) / 900 NM / 10 days

LEG 3 - VILAMOURA (PORTUGAL) - BURRIANANOVA (SPAIN) / 600 NM / 9-10 days


LEVEL       Intermediate level - offshore sailing experience and adaptability is required

BOAT          Ocean 62

START PLACE      Le Marin – Ponte Delgada – Vilamoura

ARRIVAL PLACE   Ponta Delgada – Vilamoura – Burriananova

START DATE    29/04/2023

ARRIVAL DATE     15/06/2023


INCLUDED

 Skipper
 Galley
 Ports and buoys
 Fuel
 Gas
 230V power on board
 Dinghy with outboard

NOT INCLUDED

 Travel to and from place of start and arrival
 Meals ashore
 Travel cancellation insurance
  Everything not mentioned

THE PROGRAM

LEG 1 - LE MARIN (MARTINICA) - PONTA DELGADA (AZZORES) / 2'500 NM
Duration: approx. 20 days

Boarding for the west-to-east Atlantic crossing is scheduled for Saturday, April 29, 2023 in Le Marin, Martinique, where we will prepare the boat and instruction will be given on safety and shift management and life on board. We will depart from the 14th parallel north and the route will take us up to Faial, one of the islands in the Azores archipelago, at a latitude of 38º north. A course of about 2,500 nautical miles.
Normally up to 30º north latitude we will find prevailing east/northeast winds and this will cause us to sail upwind for several days, with the boat lurching and wet. The temperature will also change: we will start out in warm weather, and as we climb we will need to get warm clothing out of the bag. Along this route, disturbances are not uncommon, and having arrived around the 30th parallel we will normally be able to take advantage of their tailwinds from the southwest, grinding good miles to the northeast.

Depending on the weather conditions, after about 18 days we will sight the Faial Islands and Pico with its namesake volcano. After all these days at sea it is something indescribable to see land, especially if it is the first time visiting the place. The fatigue of having made it that far will be repaid by a magical atmosphere in Horta: from the dock with the backdrop of the Pico volcano where crews paint murals to the Peter Café Sport, the hangout for sailors passing through for more than 100 years, in which you can spend a cheerful evening.

From Faial we travel another 150 nautical miles or so to Sao Miguel, the easternmost island of the Azores. In Ponta Delgada we will have the opportunity to make the crew change quickly and easily, as flight prices are more affordable and the airport is next to the port.

LEG 2 - PONTA DELGADA (AZZORES) - VILAMOURA (PORTUGAL) / 900 NM
Duration: approx. 10 days

On Saturday, May 27, there will be embarkation in Ponta Delgada and then we will depart for Vilamoura (Portugal). What follows will be a peculiar route, where we will find a bit of everything: headwinds, headwinds against where we will be heading toward England and moments with becalms. I particularly remember a moment of becalmedness on this very leg, where at a certain moment we heard the unmistakable blowing of the whale near us. In a few moments we found ourselves with 5 whales around us, some within a couple of meters...something indescribable!

LEG 3 - VILAMOURA (PORTUGAL) - BURRIANANOVA (SPAIN)/ 600 NM
Duration: approx. 9-10 days

On Saturday, June 10, once the new crew is embarked, we will set sail with destination Burriana, Spain. A leg that at first glance seems quiet and with few miles, but in reality can prove challenging. We will get to realize this soon; as we approach the Pillars of Hercules the traffic will increase and it will be very important to be alert to ships and fishermen.

In addition to the heavy traffic, the Strait of Gibraltar has two characteristics: a venturi effect is created with easterly and westerly winds, as well as important currents are present. The time to make the passage will have to be well judged, because with easterly winds funneling into the strait and contrary current, it can be difficult to pass.

If the weather permits, we will stop in Gibraltar.

In the days to follow we will continue along the coast and from time to time, alternating with night sailings, we will stop in some port to rest until we reach Burriananova.

BOAT: Ocean 62 TILDA

Captain: Fabrizio Mancini
First mate: Luca Lafranchi

Note:
  • For leg 1 and leg 2 the CCS takes into account a maximum of 500 NMI
  • The program may still be subject to change

PRICES

In shared double cabin:

LEG 1 - Martinique - Azores (approx. 20 days) at 2'800 Euro/p.p.
LEG 2 - Azores - Vilamoura (approx. 10 days) at 1'400 Euro/p.p.
LEG 3 - Vilamoura - Burriananova (approx. 10 days) at 1'400 Euro/p.p.

Martinique - Vilamoura (approx. 30 days) at 3'800 Euro/p.p.
Martinique - Burriananova (approx. 40 days) at 5'000 Euro/p.p.

Prices are "ALL INCLUSIVE" and include galley (excluding alcoholic beverages), ports, buoys, taxes, diesel and gas.

WHAT TO EXPECT AS A CREW AND WHAT TO BRING ONBOARD

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Payment: a deposit of 50% of the total amount must be paid for the reservation, while the balance must be paid 60 days before the start of the activity itself.

Read the General Conditions here.

MORE INFORMATION
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