Canaries - Caribs. Transatlantic

Experience Level

Experienced level

Event languages

Start point

Tenerife

End point

Tenerife

Route description

Sailing from the Canaries to the Caribbean: an ocean adventure

The transoceanic passage on a sailing yacht is not just a journey, but a real test of the spirit, a team, working with the ocean wind and unity with nature.
From the Canary Islands to the Caribbean — about 2,700 nautical miles, which is about 2-3 weeks on the way, depending on weather conditions.

Let's take a look behind the scenes of such a transition: what awaits you on board, how life is organized and how the watches are carried out.

Life on board: harmony in a confined space
Life on a yacht during the transition requires adaptation. Here are the key points that make life comfortable:

Food and Nutrition:
Products are carefully planned and purchased before the start. Preference is given to long-lasting products: cereals, canned food, pasta, dried fruits and nuts. Fresh vegetables and fruits are taken in limited quantities — they come first.
A simple but nutritious meal is usually prepared on board. The watch, which is not busy managing the yacht, is engaged in cooking for the crew.
Drinking water is an essential resource. A certain daily limit is allocated for each crew member so that it lasts until the finish line.

Sleep and rest:
Sleeping places are usually arranged in cabins or bunks in the cabin.
Sleep is divided into short intervals between shifts — from 3 to 6 hours. It takes getting used to, but it allows you to maintain morale and efficiency.

Hygiene:
The water on the yacht is limited, so the shower is rarely taken, often with sea water. Wet wipes are used.
Simple things like clean clothes and dry clothes become especially important in ocean conditions.

Daily schedule:
Every day is a mix of work, leisure and general activities. The skipper can arrange a daily briefing where the day's plan, weather and tasks for the team are discussed.
Keeping watch: the heart of the sea crossing
Watch mode is the key to successfully crossing the ocean. The time is divided into shifts so that the yacht is under constant control.

Shift schedule:
Shifts are usually divided into 4-hour shifts, for example: 00:00-04:00, 04:00-08:00, and so on. Some teams use 3-hour night shifts to lighten the load.
The shift schedule is "rotational": those who keep watch at night will work at a different time the next night in order to evenly distribute the loads.

Off-duty work:
Regular inspection of the sails, rigging and hull of the yacht. This is an important part to prevent breakdowns along the way.
Cleaning on the yacht: salt water and constant humidity require order.
Route planning: analysis of the weather forecast, course correction to get into the trade winds.
Weather and its role in the transition
The main time of the transition takes place in the zone of trade winds — steady winds blowing from the northeast in this region. However, there may be areas of calm or storms, and the skipper works out the route in advance to minimize the risks.

The moments that make the transition unforgettable
Starry nights: far from the coast, the sky is strewn with millions of stars, and the Milky Way becomes really bright.
Dolphins and whales: In the open ocean, marine life accompanying a yacht can often be observed.
Team unity: Transition creates a powerful sense of cohesion. Joint watches, laughter, conversations and work create a real family on board.
Completing the Transition: A Caribbean Tale
When the yacht approaches the Caribbean, the first outlines of the islands on the horizon evoke indescribable emotions. Ahead — turquoise water, white sand beaches and bright colors of the tropics. But the main thing is the feeling of victory over the ocean and over oneself.

Sailing from the Canaries to the Caribbean is not only a challenge, but also an incredible experience that will stay with you forever.

Prepayment amount %

50

Prepayment is made without additional charges

Included in the price

The nearest airport to the start point

Tenerife South Airport (TFS)