The usual time to cross the Atlantic is November to February, after hurricane season and with the trade winds. From the Mediterranean we like to hop from Gibraltar to Casablanca, then Tenerife, then west to Guadeloupe. That is about 3,800 nautical miles in total. To prepare you need a proper boat check, spare parts, food and water, and a way to communicate offshore.
We plan to start our circumnavigation in the Mediterranean, so we have looked at a lot of routes and starting points. Our current favourite is Malta, because our catamaran has its home port here. But let's start with the route. We always like Gibraltar. It is not far from there to the trade winds, and we can easily hop from Gibraltar via Casablanca and Las Palmas to Tenerife.
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| Leopard 42 | (c) Leopard Catamarans |
Sailors have dreamed of crossing the Atlantic for centuries. Some do it for adventure, some for new places, some just because they love to sail. For many it is a rite of passage. So how do you do it safely? This guide covers the best time to go, how to prepare and the most common routes.
Best time for the Atlantic passage
Timing matters a lot. The best time to go is between November and February. That is when the trade winds blow, and they make the trip smoother. Avoid the hurricane season from June to November, because the weather can be unpredictable and dangerous.
Starting points
Many people start the Atlantic passage from the Gibraltar area. Popular spots include these.
La Línea de la Concepción: Just north of Gibraltar. A good stop to get ready and pick up last-minute supplies.
Ceuta: A Spanish town on the North African coast, across from Gibraltar. Another good place to start, with a mix of European and African culture.
Choosing your route
There are a few well-known routes across the Atlantic. Which one you take depends on where you start, where you want to go and the time of year.
The traditional route
You start from the Canary Islands or Cape Verde and use the northeast trade winds to push you west to the Caribbean.
The northern route
Many sailors leaving from Northern Europe take this one. You sail via the Azores and then head west.
Our route, 3800 nm
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| Our relaxed route |
Our way to start the Atlantic crossing is from Gibraltar to Tenerife, with a stop in Casablanca. Here is a short overview.
Gibraltar to Casablanca, Morocco
Departure Point: Gibraltar sits at the entrance to the Mediterranean. Fill up with fuel, buy provisions and check all your systems here before you head out into the Atlantic.
Route: Leave Gibraltar and sail southwest out of the Strait into the Atlantic. The route is fairly simple, but watch out for the heavy shipping traffic going in and out of the Mediterranean.
Arrival Point: Casablanca is a major port in Morocco and a good place for a short stop. You can anchor a bit outside and take the dinghy into the port for customs.
Casablanca to Tenerife, Canary Islands
Departure Point: Before you leave Casablanca, check the weather windows and any currents or conditions that could affect your sail to the Canary Islands.
Route: Head southwest. Depending on the weather, you can stay close to the coast for shelter or go further out to use the main winds. The North Atlantic High drives the weather here. Because it turns clockwise, the wind mostly comes from the north or northeast, so this is a downwind route.
Arrival Point: Tenerife is the biggest of Spain's Canary Islands and a popular stop for boats getting ready to cross the Atlantic. It has good marinas and anchorages. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the port most people use.
Tenerife, Canary Islands to Guadeloupe, Caribbean
We use this route because we leave from Europe and arrive in Europe. As Europeans, that is the easiest way to handle customs and immigration.
Departure Point: Start from a marina like Marina Santa Cruz or Puerto Deportivo Radazul. Make sure the boat has food, fuel and is in good shape for the long passage.
Weather tip: Check the forecasts and make sure you understand the North Atlantic High and any low-pressure systems that are forming.
Initial Route Heading Southwest: Head southwest from Tenerife. At first the goal is to go south until you reach the latitude of the Northeast Trade Winds, which blow from the northeast.
Catching the Trade Winds: At around 20°N you will usually start to feel the Northeast Trade Winds. From there you turn more to the west. The trades should push you steadily towards the Caribbean. How strong they blow and from where will shape most of your route.
Approaching Guadeloupe: As you get closer to the Caribbean, start aiming for the north of Guadeloupe. Guadeloupe has two main islands, Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre. Pointe-à-Pitre, the main town and port, lies between them and is a popular place to check in.
Arrival Point: Guadeloupe, Caribbean. Pointe-à-Pitre is a good place to make landfall, with facilities for international yachts. Follow all customs and immigration rules when you arrive.
Keep watching the North Atlantic weather. Be extra careful with any sign or forecast of tropical storms or hurricanes, especially in the hurricane season from June to November. Depending on the boat, the weather and the route, the crossing usually takes 14 to 21 days. Still, pack food for longer in case of light winds or other delays. The North Atlantic Current and its eddies can affect your passage too, so check the current charts.
Things to keep in mind
Weather Windows: The weather can change a lot with the season. Usually the best time for this route is autumn, so you are ready to cross the Atlantic in late autumn or winter.
Currents and Tides: The Canary Current flows southwest and can help you on your way to the Canary Islands.
Hazards: Watch out for fishing nets and fishing boats, especially off the coast of Morocco.
Duration: It depends on your boat's speed and the conditions. Gibraltar to Casablanca takes about 2 to 4 days, and Casablanca to Tenerife about 5 to 7 days.
Always carry up-to-date charts and check the weather often. Safe sailing!
Preparation and safety
- Vessel Inspection: Make sure your boat is seaworthy. Check the hull, rigging, engine and all your gear. Take spare parts, especially extra ropes, v-belts for the generators and engines, tools and screws. These small things can make the difference between a relaxed passage and a stressful one.
- Stock Up: You will be at sea for a long time. Stock up on food that keeps, water, diesel, medicine and other basics.
- Setup a NAS: Yes, it sounds old-school with Netflix and co. But you can't stream during a passage. Starlink might be an option, we haven't tested it yet. We use a Synology NAS with a media server and copy all our DVDs and CDs onto it, so we have something to watch and listen to for weeks. And yes, we still buy DVDs and CDs, just to have some with us.
- Route Planning: Always carry an up-to-date chart and plan your route. GPS and radar are a must, but you also need traditional navigation tools and you need to know how to use them. Always keep nautical maps at hand and know how to work with them.
- Communication: Make sure your radio works and think about getting a satellite phone. We always carry two satellite phones (rugged, IP65 rated) and / or an IridiumGO!. Starlink Maritime is also a good choice.
An Atlantic crossing can take from 3 weeks to a month, depending on the weather, your boat and the route. For well-prepared sailors it is usually safe, but it is a long time at sea, so be ready for anything. Check the boat often, stay in contact and keep an eye on the weather. That keeps you safer.
Before you go
The Atlantic crossing is still one of the big dreams for sailors. It is the trip of a lifetime, but good preparation and knowledge come first. The ocean deserves respect. Bring the right gear, know what you are doing and keep a calm head, and the Atlantic will give you memories for life. Safe sailing!
Related reading on this blog. See provisioning for four weeks under sail, an offshore medical kit, and what marine navigation buoys and buoy lights mean.