Atlantic Crossing taking in Bermuda and the Azores

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

Setting Sail from Martinique

Your voyage begins in Martinique, an overseas department of France. This lush island is renowned for its sugar plantations, which produce some of the finest rum in the Caribbean. It would be rude not to taste it, really!

Martinique is a fascinating place, particularly for sailors. The island is a popular stop for transatlantic crossings on all sorts of vessels, and Le Marin has one of the largest marinas in the region, making it a great location for boat-spotting. Traditional ‘Yole’ racing, a unique form of sailing with local wooden boats, is a key part of Martinique’s maritime culture, and fantastic to watch if you get the opportunity.

On stepping aboard Twister, you’ll be greeted by the friendly professional crew and have time on your first evening to settle in, get to know your fellow sailors over dinner, and receive a safety briefing from the Captain. The next morning it’s time to set sail!

Along the Way

The trade winds will carry you North to the picturesque island of Bermuda. This leg of the voyage is over 1200 nautical miles, allowing plenty of time to get into the swing of life on board!

Bermuda, with its pastel houses, British influences, and famed pink beaches, is a tropical paradise waiting to be explored. Don’t miss the chance to visit the awe-inspiring Crystal Cave or dive into the coral reefs that surround the island.

Continuing your journey, the ship will ride the long waves, with the wind at her back. It’s the perfect opportunity for lively conversations, reading, or simply admiring the sea’s power. Swimming in the deep ocean, far from land, is a unique and exhilarating experience. Keep an eye out for tunas chasing flying fish – a real spectacle. You will also have the chance to learn the art of sail trimming, as you help the crew make the slightest adjustments to Twister’s rig to make the absolute most of the wind.

Land ho! After a long and rewarding sea journey of over 1800 nautical miles, the sight of the Azores archipelago greets you. Known for its dramatic landscapes and whale-watching opportunities, the Azores is a true gem. Tradition dictates that you join the ship’s crew and head to Café Peter Sport for a gin & tonic and paint a stone on the harbour wall to commemorate Twister’s arrival.

And then, on to the European mainland! You still have a nice stretch of sailing ahead of you. Twister smells her home port in the distance and sails at breakneck speed toward the English Channel! On reaching the continental shelf, the waves change, and the temperature drop is a reminder that the ship is getting closer to home. At this point, after a considerable time at sea, it is easy to imagine how sailors must have felt in the old days when they were almost home again after a voyage of sometimes more than a year. But you’re not there yet! This wind takes you first to an English or French stopover. Here you celebrate having crossed the ocean. An achievement to be proud of!.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

Throughout the voyage, expect pleasant temperatures and favourable winds. The winds usually cooperate, but this is a serious ocean voyage, and you should be prepared for the possibility of potentially rough conditions, particularly in the Western Approaches to the Channel and up the Dover Strait.

A NOTE ON VOYAGE DESCRIPTIONS

On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best and safest sailing routes for the forecast. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described above, but when it comes to sailing, you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description provided is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or prior experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. As such, the scheduled joining ports, routes, activities and/or destinations may be altered. Due to the complexities of weather systems, this may be at very short notice. 

HANDS ON HOLIDAYS

Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail.

SAILING STYLE & LIFE ON BOARD

We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.

What to pack for a sailing adventure aboard Twister

What is Included:

• All meals and soft drinks aboard
• All safety equipment, including lifejackets and harnesses.
• Your bunk, bedding and a towel

What is Not Included:

• Travel to and from your voyage
• Personal travel insurance (see our advice on Travel Insurance)
• Alcohol- drinks are available to purchase on board- consumption is always at the discretion of the Skipper, and is never permitted whilst the ship is underway.
• Waterproofs - sets are available to hire: make sure to discuss this with the ship's team before you arrive.

What to Bring

YOUR PASSPORT! Along with any other required travel documentation. Please read the joining instructions you receive from the Ship carefully to ensure you have everything you need.

• Please, no valuable jewellery or other valuables, unless you have got specific travel insurance to cover it.
• Waterproofs - see above.
• Hats for sun and cold weather.
• At least two sets of warm clothes - layers e.g. tracksuit bottoms, shirts, fleece jacket, wool jumpers, thick socks, and neck scarf. It can get cold at sea even in mid summer.
• Swim suit and suntan lotion.
• Flat shoes with a good grip e.g. trainers or sailing deck shoes. Sailing boots or wellies are also helpful.
• All terrain type Sandals are great for dinghy trips ashore – but you do need shoes which protect your toes for sailing.
• Camera, binoculars, sketchbook, a relaxing read, a musical instrument, pack of cards, magic tricks...
• Any medication, spare spectacles. Seasickness tablets or pressure-point wrist bands (talk to your pharmacist)
• Your own logbook if you'd like to keep track of your sea miles.
• Tech chargers (along with adaptors for European sockets) and waterproof cases for any electronics. A rechargeable battery pack for your phone / camera can be really helpful.

N.B. BOATS HAVE LIMITED STORAGE SPACE SO PLEASE PACK AS LIGHTLY AS POSSIBLE. Don't use a rigid suitcase or a bag with a rigid frame. Soft bags are much easier to fold up and stow.

Voyages on Twister