Ocean crossings Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans

Mini Ocean Voyages

You will be sailing out of sight of land and running a full watch keeping rota day and night. You will not be crossing the full ocean but these small ocean passages are great introductions for a full ocean crossing.  

If you want a taste of ocean sailing and get a tan, then we have several 8-14 day blue water passages. In the Autumn we have vessels heading South from Europe to their winter season sailing grounds like Canaries, tropical Cape Verde and the Caribbean.  You don’t have to do the green bit in the English Channel.  With cheap flights you can usually join in Spain, Portugal or the Canaries and skip straight to reliable sunshine, blue seas and flying fish.

Trade Wind Trans-Atlantic Crossing to the Caribbean

Traditionally ships from Europe sailed South down the edge of Europe to the coast of Africa ‘until the butter melted.’ Setting off from the Canaries or more ideally Cape Verde, they were at the right latitude to cross the Atlantic to the Caribbean in the NE trade winds.

This perfect point of sailing a ‘broad reach’ offers a great way of eating up the miles day after day. The constant winds create an impressive long ocean swell, so look out for flying fish launching themselves into the air from crest to crest.

Around the World

Atlantic and Pacific voyages on Tecla

Learn about the big adventures on Tecla

FAQs for Ocean Voyages

Can beginners join ocean crossing voyages? Yes, beginners are welcome on ocean voyages. These passages provide an excellent introduction to blue water sailing with full watch-keeping and offshore experience. You’ll learn navigation, sail handling, and life at sea from professional crews. Mini ocean passages of 8-14 days are perfect for first-time ocean sailors, while longer crossings suit those ready for the ultimate sailing adventure. No previous experience required.

What’s a Trans-Atlantic crossing like? Traditional Trans-Atlantic crossings follow the historic route: sailing south to the Canaries or Cape Verde at the right latitude to catch the Northeast trade winds across to the Caribbean. The constant winds create a perfect broad reach for eating up miles day after day. You’ll experience impressive ocean swells, flying fish launching from crest to crest, potential whale and dolphin sightings, and the satisfaction of crossing an entire ocean under sail.

How long do ocean passages take? Mini ocean passages typically last 8-14 days, perfect for those wanting a taste of blue water sailing with reliable sunshine. Full Trans-Atlantic crossings from the Canaries or Cape Verde to the Caribbean take approximately 2-3 weeks depending on conditions and vessel. Longer expeditions like around-the-world voyages are completed in multiple legs, with each leg ranging from 2-4 weeks of sailing.

What’s daily life like on an ocean passage? You’ll adapt to a full watch-keeping rota sailing day and night out of sight of land. Life develops a rhythm of watches, meals, sleep, and time on deck. You’ll learn to read the weather, handle sails, steer, navigate, and become comfortable with the constant motion of the ship. There’s time for reading, stargazing, wildlife spotting, and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow crew as you share this unique experience.When do ocean crossing voyages depart? Ocean crossings follow seasonal weather patterns. Autumn voyages head south from Europe to the Canaries, Cape Verde, and Caribbean as vessels reposition for winter. The classic Trade Wind Trans-Atlantic crossing window is November through January. Spring sees return passages from the Caribbean back to Europe via the Azores. Mini ocean passages are available throughout the year on various routes.

World Map Courtesy Wikipedia

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