Over a thousand nautical miles of open Atlantic lie ahead of us as we sail from the Azores to Ireland. The entire passage across the North Atlantic measures around 1,300 nautical miles. Anyone looking for true offshore sailing and a challenge will find it here.
Our sailing trip begins in Horta on Faial, where breathtaking volcanic landscapes and lush vegetation await us in the middle of the Atlantic. While we wait for a favorable weather window for the passage, we'll take a few days to explore the island. Our stay coincides perfectly with whale season. In spring, large whales migrate north past the Azores, and with a bit of luck, we'll be able to observe them. Temperatures rise steadily at this time of year, welcoming us with pleasant spring weather.
For the long leg, we expect approximately seven days non-stop at sea. The North Atlantic can be challenging depending on the season and wind direction, but it can also offer peaceful stretches. The weather will primarily determine how this leg unfolds. Heading north, we will leave the influence of the Azores High and sail into the area where low-pressure systems dominate the weather in the North Atlantic. Depending on the location of these lows, this can also mean strong winds, to which we will respond responsibly. We will decide together on board, using weather navigation, when we set sail, which course we choose, and how many days we will spend at sea.
In good conditions, we experience the full potential of the SY Imagine and get a lot of speed out of the yacht. During the multi-day leg, we sail around the clock using a watch system, in which each crew member contributes equally according to their skills. They fairly share sleep, cooking, and work on deck, and several watch leaders distribute responsibilities among the watches. This quickly establishes a pleasant routine of watches, navigation, and life on board.
Shortly before Cork, just one day's journey away, we are rewarded after several days at sea with the sight of the world-famous Fastnet Rock with its iconic lighthouse.
