Crossing the Atlantic under sail is a lifelong dream for many sailors. This sailing trip makes that dream a reality, covering approximately 2,800 nautical miles from Gran Canaria to Guadeloupe in the Caribbean. We deliberately set sail later in the winter, after the major regattas have ended and we can expect quieter harbors.
Because thorough preparation is the foundation of every Atlantic crossing for us, this sailing trip begins with two days of training in the Canary Islands. Our usual training day with man-overboard drills, as on all our sailing trips, is followed by another day dedicated entirely to maneuvers with the gennaker. This way, we set sail as a well-coordinated crew and embark on the long voyage safely and with confidence.
On the Atlantic, we tack downwind with the gennaker, sailing as actively as possible. Under gennaker, the SY Imagine is fast, and that's precisely what makes this crossing such a fun and exhilarating sailing experience. Day and night, the watches alternate, and the crew steers, trims, and jibes around the clock. After a short time, a solid routine of watches, sleep, and life on board develops. For almost three weeks, we live together as a crew in close quarters, far from land. This camaraderie is a unique challenge and, at the same time, one of the most rewarding experiences of this sailing trip.
For the crossing, we expect strong trade winds from the northeast to east, which will carry us westward with wind and waves. With each day at sea, it will get warmer until the Caribbean lies ahead. With strong trade winds, we anticipate 18 to 20 days at sea. We have also deliberately planned for lighter winds and have allocated additional days as a reserve. Together with the two training days and the check-in and check-out days, this results in a considerable 27 days. This timeframe is part of responsible planning and eliminates any time pressure on us while crossing the Atlantic.
Because we expect to arrive earlier than planned, we'll have time to enjoy the Caribbean. We deliberately chose Guadeloupe as our destination. Just off the coast lie islands with palm trees and white sandy beaches, where we'll anchor after crossing the Atlantic. And there's plenty to discover on land in Guadeloupe as well. A more beautiful end to an Atlantic crossing is hard to imagine.
