motor yachts that can cross the atlantic

Crossing The Atlantic By Motor Yacht? Everything You Need To Know

A yacht can travel both the Pacific and Atlantic seas. A sailing boat or a motor yacht may span the Pacific and Atlantic seas. It’s preferable to have a tank large enough to store the amount of fuel you’ll be burning.

Not all yachts, however, are capable of undertaking these journeys. If you intend to sail across any of these seas, be sure you have an ocean-going boat as well as the necessary equipment and abilities.

Some yachts will not have enough fuel to make the journey and will be transported aboard specially constructed freighters.

In this essay, I’ll go over some of the key facts concerning yachts that you should be aware of before embarking on your journey.

How Long Does it Take to Sail Across the Atlantic?

Sailing across the Atlantic takes roughly 3-4 weeks, but if you’re lucky, use shortcuts, and have a speedy sailboat, you can accomplish it in two weeks. It might take up to a month if you don’t get enough wind for a week or longer. It’s critical to know the shortcuts, optimize speed, and have cross-Atlantic sailing expertise.

How Far Can a Yacht Travel?

In an 8-hour day, a powered boat of 35 feet in length can go over 200 miles at a speed of 25 knots. They can cover about 300 miles in a day at 35 knots. You can go thousands of kilometers if you have adequate gasoline or fill-ups.

Can a Yacht Cross the Atlantic Ocean?

A typical powered boat would require a tank with a capacity of roughly 5000 gallons of petrol and a fuel efficiency of 2.5 nautical miles per gallon to traverse the Atlantic.

This is based on a gasoline consumption rate of 4 gallons per hour at a cruising speed of 10 knots. Of course, this is at cruising speed. They can’t keep going at top speed for an extended amount of time (which would burn through the fuel faster).

The voyage (about 3,000 miles) would take 300 hours or 12.5 days at 10 knots.

Every year, sailing boats cross the Atlantic since the only fuel they use is to power generators that power aboard equipment.

When the weather isn’t cooperating, some fuel may be utilized to power the boat.A fast boat traveling at 25 knots takes roughly 4–5 days to cross the Atlantic Ocean. In a sailing yacht, though, it would take longer (which also depends on the winds).

We have a lot more information on which boat types are capable of crossing oceans. If you’re thinking of taking a boat journey across the oceans, this is a must-read.

Read more: Boat Fuel Tank Vent Open or Close (What to do?)

How Large Does A Boat Need To Be In Order To Cross The Atlantic Ocean?

To cross the Atlantic, you’ll need a boat that’s at least 30 feet long, whether you’re sailing or motoring. For safety and comfort, your boat should be at least 40 feet long. Although the experience of sailing or motoring across the Atlantic is vastly different, both require a boat of this size. If you plan on having a crew on board, you may need a boat that is much larger. Why do you need a 30 or 40 foot boat when you can cross the Atlantic with a lot smaller boat? The simple answer is that attempting to cross in anything smaller may be extremely risky and inconvenient. Here are a few reasons why you should get a boat at least this size:

Seaworthiness

You don’t want to be stranded in a tiny boat as the waves start to rise. In the Atlantic, boats significantly larger than 30 or 40 feet are often sunk due to bad weather.

If you go any smaller, you run the danger of being sunk in a storm. Make the mistake of assuming you can organize your vacation around the possibility of bad weather.

Storms may appear out of nowhere in the unpredictable Atlantic Ocean, and any vessel could be caught off guard, regardless of the season. Although not every 30 or 40-foot yacht is seaworthy enough to cross the North Atlantic, this size is a minimum need for ocean navigation.

Supply Storage

Even if you want to conduct as much open-ocean fishing as possible while crossing the Atlantic, you’ll need to have supplies. You should have enough food and drink for everyone in your crew to last the whole voyage.

Keep in mind that crossings can take longer than expected, so make sure you have adequate supplies to account for delays. You’ll need to reserve gasoline if you’re crossing in a motorboat or if you have a backup motor for your sailboat.

You may need a larger boat if you need to store a lot of provisions for your voyage. Too much weight can cause your boat to sink in the water, making even a seaworthy boat much less seaworthy. A boat that is too low in the water might be swamped by waves more quickly.

Before you load up your boat and set out on the water, be sure you know how much it can securely handle.

Comfort Of The Crew

Until you’ve spent a few weeks out on the open sea aboard a 30 or 40-foot boat, it may appear to be rather large. If you want to enjoy your passage, you’ll need a boat large enough for everyone on board to have their own space and stretch their legs at regular intervals throughout the journey. Even with a one- or two-person crew, 30 to 40 feet is required to achieve this aim.

Crossing The Atlantic In A Motorboat

You might be surprised to learn how much gasoline it takes to cross the Atlantic in a powerboat. Simply storing all of that fuel aboard your yacht can take up a lot of space.

Fuel should not be utilized for longer than 90 days in most cases. This should be enough time for you to cross the Atlantic, but it could not be. You may preserve fuel for up to six months or even two years if you use a fuel stabilizer or don’t mix it before use.

Fuel storage will require a large portion of your entire storage space. For the same journey, you could require a larger motorboat than a sailboat.

The advantage of crossing in a motorboat is that, while it may require more storage and gasoline, utilizing it instead of the wind for movement may make your route much more predictable. A speedboat can move in nearly any situation except particularly severe and inclement weather, but a sailboat must wait for the wind to be right to make headway. As a result, you won’t need as many resources to prepare in case you don’t arrive at your location on time.

Enjoy Your Crossing

It’s difficult to imagine a more thrilling experience than sailing the Atlantic Ocean on your own boat. You will most likely have a very pleasurable vacation whether what kind of boat you choose, as long as you choose a boat of at least 30 or 40 feet and plan wisely.

Crossing the Atlantic by Motor Yacht Routes

Crossing the Atlantic by motor yacht is a challenging but rewarding experience. There are a number of different routes that you can take, and the best route for you will depend on your experience, the type of boat you are sailing, and the time of year you plan to sail.

Here are some of the most popular routes for crossing the Atlantic by motor yacht:

The North Atlantic Route: This route is the most direct route across the Atlantic Ocean. It starts in Europe and ends in the Caribbean. The North Atlantic Route is generally the fastest route, but it can also be the most challenging. The weather conditions in the North Atlantic can be unpredictable, and there is a risk of encountering icebergs.
The South Atlantic Route: This route is less direct than the North Atlantic Route, but it is generally considered to be safer. The South Atlantic Route starts in Europe and ends in South America. The weather conditions in the South Atlantic are more stable, and there is no risk of encountering icebergs.
The Azores Route: This route is a good option for those who are looking for a more leisurely crossing. The Azores Route starts in Europe and ends in the Azores Islands. The Azores Islands are a group of volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. They offer a safe haven for yachts crossing the Atlantic, and they also offer a variety of amenities and attractions.

No matter which route you choose, it is important to do your research and plan carefully. You should also make sure that you have the proper safety equipment on board, and that you are familiar with the weather conditions and hazards that you may encounter.

Here are some additional tips for crossing the Atlantic by motor yacht:

Plan your route carefully. There are a number of different routes that you can take across the Atlantic Ocean. It is important to plan your route carefully and to choose a route that is appropriate for your experience and the time of year you plan to sail.
Check the weather forecast. It is important to check the weather forecast before you set sail. The weather conditions in the Atlantic Ocean can change quickly, so it is important to be aware of the potential hazards.
Have the proper safety equipment on board. It is important to have the proper safety equipment on board your yacht, including life jackets, flares, and a first-aid kit.
Be prepared for the worst. The Atlantic Ocean is a large and unpredictable body of water. It is important to be prepared for the worst, and to have a plan in place in case of an emergency.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable crossing of the Atlantic Ocean.

There are many different ways to cross the Atlantic by motor yacht. Some people prefer to go straight across, while others choose to sail along one of the great circle routes. There are also a number of different options for stopping along the way, depending on your preferences and needs. Here we will explore some of the most popular routes for crossing the Atlantic by motor yacht.

Setting sail from the United States to Europe is an amazing adventure. While it’s possible to fly across the Atlantic, there’s something special about taking a leisurely journey by motor yacht. Here are some popular routes for crossing the Atlantic by yacht. The most popular route for crossing the Atlantic by motor yacht is from Newport, Rhode Island to Cowes, England. This route takes advantage of the prevailing winds and currents, making for a relatively easy journey. The trip can be done in as little as two weeks, but most people take four to six weeks to enjoy all that this amazing voyage has to offer. Another popular route is from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Porto Santo in Portugal. This longer journey takes advantage of the Gulf Stream, which helps push yachts along at a good clip. Most people take three to four weeks to complete this voyage. No matter which route you choose, crossing the Atlantic by motor yacht is an incredible experience that you’ll never forget!

Crossing the Atlantic by Motor Yacht Routes

Credit: godownsize

What are Some Good Motor Yacht Routes for Crossing the Atlantic

There are many motor yacht routes for crossing the Atlantic, but some are better than others. The best route depends on the time of year, the weather conditions, and the boat’s speed and range. One good route is to start from Portugal or Spain and head west to the Canary Islands. From there, you can continue west to Cape Verde and then turn north towards the Lesser Antilles. This route takes advantage of the prevailing winds and currents in this part of the world. Another option is to start from Bermuda and head east towards Puerto Rico. This route is shorter, but it can be more difficult because of the strong trade winds that blow from east to west across this part of the ocean. Which route you choose will also depend on your destination. If you’re headed for Florida or the Gulf Coast of the United States, starting from Bermuda makes more sense. But if you’re headed for Europe or Africa, starting from Portugal or Spain is a better option. No matter which route you choose, crossing the Atlantic by motor yacht is an adventure that you’ll never forget!

What are Some Things to Consider When Planning a Motor Yacht Crossing of the Atlantic

When planning a motor yacht crossing of the Atlantic, there are a few things to consider. The first is the route. There are two main routes- one via the Canary Islands and one via Bermuda. The Canary Islands route is shorter, but has more potential for bad weather. The Bermuda route is longer, but generally has better weather. The second thing to consider is provisioning. A motor yacht uses a lot of fuel, so you will need to make sure you have enough onboard to get you across the Atlantic. You will also need to have enough food and water for everyone on board, as well as any emergency supplies that might be needed. Finally, you will need to consider the weather. This is especially important if you are taking the Canary Islands route. Check the forecast before you set sail and be prepared for any potential storms that could come your way. With some careful planning, a motor yacht crossing of the Atlantic can be a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

What are Some Hazards to Be Aware of When Crossing the Atlantic by Motor Yacht

When crossing the Atlantic by motor yacht, there are a few hazards to be aware of. First and foremost is the weather. The North Atlantic is notoriously stormy, and even in summer there can be strong winds and waves. It’s important to check the weather forecast before setting out, and to have a plan for what to do if conditions start to deteriorate while you’re at sea. Another hazard is pirates. While piracy is more commonly associated with the waters off Somalia and Indonesia, it does still happen in some parts of the world, including the Caribbean Sea and parts of South America. If you’re planning on sailing through any areas where piracy is known to occur, it’s important to take precautions such as hiring armed guards or sailing in convoy with other boats. Finally, there are also political risks to consider when crossing international waters. Tensions can flare up suddenly between countries, and if you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time you could end up getting caught in the middle of a diplomatic incident or even being detained by foreign authorities. Again, it pays to do your research before setting sail and to have a contingency plan for what to do if things go wrong.

What are Some Tips for Making a Successful Transatlantic Crossing by Motor Yacht

When making a transatlantic crossing by motor yacht, there are a few key things to keep in mind in order to have a successful trip. First, it is important to have a well-equipped and well-maintained vessel. This means having all the necessary safety equipment on board and making sure that everything is in good working order before setting out. Secondly, it is crucial to have an experienced crew who knows how to handle the boat and the conditions at sea. Thirdly, it is important to plan your route carefully, taking into account weather patterns and currents. Finally, be prepared for anything and always err on the side of caution when at sea.

Atlantic Crossing in a 2019 Motor Yacht Lagoon 630

There are many ways to cross the Atlantic by motor yacht, but there are three main routes that are most popular. The first route is from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean. This route is popular because it offers good weather and sailing conditions. The second route is from the Azores to Bermuda. This route is popular because it avoids bad weather and has good sailing conditions. The third route is from Newfoundland to the United Kingdom. This route is popular because it offers great scenery and wildlife watching opportunities.

Related: How Long to Cross the Atlantic by Motor Yacht

Best Yachts for Transatlantic Crossing: Our Selection and Advice for 2023

motor yachts that can cross the atlantic

Sailing across the Atlantic is more than just an item on a bucket list for sailors. It’s how you get your boat to new horizons, whether to cruise the Caribbean islands or explore the waters around Europe. It’s a big undertaking and requires serious planning and a solid sailing vessel. You can cross the Atlantic by yourself, with a rally of like-minded racers and cruisers, or as part of a highly competitive race. But no matter how you go, the choice of a good sailing yacht lies at the foundation of a safe and enjoyable crossing.

What does a boat need for a transatlantic crossing?

If you choose to do your transatlantic crossing with a rally or race, you’ll have to meet a stringent list of required equipment and safety checks. That’s easier because you have the lists right in front of you, and a team of inspectors to check your work. Preparing for a crossing with just one boat, the captain has to take all the responsibility and know what to check.

Sailing across the Atlantic is a serious undertaking, and you will sail out of range of shore-based rescue and into rapidly changing and possibly severe weather systems. You will have several thousand miles of nonstop sailing and may be at sea for several weeks.

What you must have

Any boat sailing across the Atlantic needs solid construction and a sound rig, a reliable auxiliary engine, and enough stores for food and water for the crew. That’s a bare minimum. Every boat needs to be checked from stem to stern to make sure systems are reliable, many older boats can certainly make this trip, and not every new boat is suitable.

Some tiny boats have crossed the Atlantic, so minimum size isn’t a requirement. What successful boats have in common is a solid hull and rig, with reliable sails and systems.

Most transatlantic yachts have a lot more

You can cross the oceans with a lightly equipped boat with few conveniences or extra safety gear, but most do not. A few things to look for on your boat include:

An EPIRB satellite rescue beacon .
Long range communication devices, such as satellite phones and single sideband radios.
Certified life raft with space for all crew on board.
Storm sails
Storm safety gear such as drogues or sea anchors.
Access to up-to-date weather forecasts and reports.

Do not head offshore without these

The list of required equipment for races and rallies is exhaustive, and many of the requirements are exacting and expensive. No one is enforcing compliance when you sail on your own. But there are a few things you should not head offshore without.

A reliable auxiliary engine. If the wind dies and you need to dodge bad weather, this can be a lifesaver.
Access to good, current weather information.
Reliable sails. Have all sails inspected by a sailmaker for wear and damage before setting out.
A life raft. If you run into serious problems and lose your boat, this is your last hope for rescue.
Spare parts and tools for common repairs.

Read also: 10 Sailing Myths And Bad Advice You Shouldn’t Listen To

What experience do you need to do a transatlantic?

A transatlantic crossing is a major sailing milestone for experienced sailors. The north Atlantic is no place for new sailors and beginners, unless they’re with competent and experienced crew or a qualified captain.

If you’re thinking of a transatlantic crossing on your own, you’ll need experience with multi-day, nonstop passages. Sailing offshore is twenty-four hours a day and nonstop, there’s no place to park. Experience with night sailing, standing watches, navigation, provisioning, and basic engine and system troubleshooting are all a must.

Read also: Five Easy Beginners-Friendly Sailing Trips And Destinations

Chartering a yacht – a great option for less experienced sailors.

Charter fleets make seasonal moves from Europe to the Caribbean are an excellent way to get offshore sailing experience. Charter companies provide a captain and first mate, but you can reserve a spot and fill the roles of a full crew member, standing watch and sailing far offshore.

Many boats are also available for charter in cruising rallies, races, and deliveries. You’ll need to hire a captain with the needed offshore experience, but you may come away with enough experience to skipper your own yacht the next time.

The best yachts for a transatlantic crossing

There are many yachts which are suitable for a transatlantic passage. Some will be less expensive, some will be more comfortable, faster, or better suited to you, your experience, and your budget.

NEEL 51: Fast and easy to sail trimaran

The NEEL 51 is a fast, comfortable trimaran suited to a smaller crew. It’s spacious, but easy to handle while putting up double digit speeds and 200+ mile days. Trimarans can be a little more sea-kindly in waves and chop than catamarans, and don’t heel hard like monohulls. A protected helm station gives great protection offshore and good visibility, and there space on board for plenty of crew and guests.

The racing version of the NEEL 51 is built with lighter materials, and features a larger rig to project more sail area for more speed, while still affording the same luxury and comfort at anchor.

More info about our Neel 51 available for charter

Outremer 5X: High-speed catamaran sailing

The Outremer 5X offers top tier performance and comfort in a single passage. Sustaining double digit speeds with east, the Outremer 5X is one of the fastest cruising catamarans on the market. Outremer is known for both performance and quality, and your transatlantic trip will be fast and safe.

With four different helm stations, she’s a sailing boat foremost. It’s designed for a small crew, even when tearing up the ocean on a fast passage. With options for three or four cabins and a cockpit that can fit a dozen people, she’ll be as comfortable when you arrive as she is fast on passage.

Hallberg-Rassy 57: Sturdy monohull with elegance and speed

Hallberg-Rassy builds tough cruising yachts, and the 57 is no exception. While monohulls don’t put up the blistering speeds you’ll find in multihulls, the Hallberg-Rassy 57 is no slouch and can log 200 mile days. Most offshore sailing and cruising is done in monohulls, and blue water sailors love their stability and seakindliness across all conditions.

The Hallberg-Rassy 57 has generous accommodations, and loads of capacity for gear supplies. The deck layout is clear, and lines and controls are laid out for easy use with a small crew. With a performance design by German Frers, the 57 sails well on all points of sail.

There are many choices for the best boat for you for a transatlantic crossing. No matter which boat you choose for your transatlantic and how you go – on your own, or on a charter – preparation is key. Your boat needs to be equipped with a full range of safety gear, and checked from top to bottom so you know your sails, hull, and engines will get you where you’re going.

Read also: The Caribbean To Mediterranean Sailing Routes: How To Cross The Atlantic Eastward

Can Superyachts Cross The Atlantic?

Superyachts are some of the most formidable private vessels on the ocean, but are they capable of crossing the Atlantic Ocean?

Superyachts can definitely cross the Atlantic – some with absolute ease. There are routes from the United States to Europe that stretch for just over three thousand miles, a distance which some superyachts can swallow up in no time. They’re also big enough to handle any adverse Atlantic weather.

Read on to learn more about superyachts and their dominance over the world’s oceans.

Set Sail On The Sea In Your Superyacht

If you’ve got tens of millions of dollars laying around doing absolutely nothing, why not invest in a superyacht? They’re perfect for exploring the world, especially if you want to do so in what is essentially a floating mansion.

There are few things more lavish or extravagant than a superyacht. They’re regularly seen in the world’s most luxurious resorts and harbors around the world and are almost exclusively reserved for society’s elite.

At the highest end of the spectrum, superyachts come in sizes that rival some small hotels and boast price tags of hundreds of millions of dollars. They come equipped with state of the art technology, and they’re often made with the finest materials and sumptuous fittings.

If you don’t want to buy one, you can lease them from numerous brokers that specialize in yacht rental. However, going down that route will still cost you around a quarter of a million dollars a week – at least.

Ultimately, superyachts are intensely unique, with each one differing dramatically from the next. They’re designed and built on a case-by-case basis, a process that often features architects, interior designers, and engineers.

This is why some superyachts become incredibly prolific, with ‘fans’ actively trying to spot them when they’re out around the world’s oceans. For example, yacht hunting is a common activity in places like Monaco, Sardinia, Portofino, Saint-Tropez, and Abu Dhabi.

There’s little restriction surrounding the piloting of these superyachts, and they’re more or less open to travel wherever they so desire. Of course, this means they’ll sometimes have to contend with some of the world’s biggest oceans.

In this article, we’re going to discuss superyachts crossing the Atlantic Ocean. However, if you’d like to find out whether superyachts can cross the gargantuan Pacific Ocean, you can do so here .

Advance Across The Atlantic

While the Atlantic Ocean might seem like a daunting thing to cross, it’s actually an extremely common thing to do. Every day, hundreds of vessels make the crossing, including cargo ships, passenger liners, and military vessels.

This traffic also includes numerous superyachts, ferrying wealthy passengers and owners from Europe to the United States. Alternatively, they could be traveling from the Caribbean to Africa, or Canada to the United Kingdom.

It’s ultimately up to the owner where the superyacht travels, and as long as they have enough fuel in the tank, the Atlantic doesn’t pose much of an obstacle. It is a long crossing, true, but they’ll be doing it in some of the most luxurious circumstances possible.

It can take anything from ten days to three weeks to successfully navigate the Atlantic Ocean. If the conditions are fair and the ship’s course doesn’t have to be altered too much, the journey will be much faster.

There are some superyachts that can make the crossing on a single tank of fuel, without breaking a sweat. At the higher end of the spectrum, this includes the Azzam , one of the largest yachts in the world with a value of almost half a billion dollars.

Azzam is powered by enormous and economical engines that produce a cruising speed of around eighteen knots. It’s such a huge superyacht that one hundred people can comfortably live aboard, all at the same time.

Quite simply, it’s one of the most luxurious and opulent vessels in the world, with a drastic amount of amenities and technology. Before Azzam was launched in 2013, more than four thousand people were involved in her construction.

This is just one of a few superyachts that can cross the Atlantic with ease. In fact, there’s a whole category of superyacht built to travel extremely long distances.

They’re known as ‘explorer’ yachts, and they’re specially designed to travel in the more adverse conditions, and across the widest oceans. The best example is the Octopus , a 126-meter superyacht with a value of three hundred million dollars.

If you’re going to cross any super-wide ocean paths, there are few better ways to do it than in one of these vessels.

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Can Yachts Cross The Pacific & Atlantic Oceans?

Both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans can be crossed in a yacht. You can cross the Pacific and Atlantic oceans on a sailing yacht or a motor yacht. It would be best to have a big enough tank to hold the amount of fuel you expect to burn.

This being said, not all yachts are capable of making these trips. If you decide to cross either of these oceans, you’ll want to make sure you have an ocean-faring yacht as well as the equipment and skills needed to make the trip.

Some yachts will not hold enough fuel to complete the trip and will typically be shipped on freighters designed for this.

In this post, I’ll go over some of the important facts you should know about yachts before you decide to make your voyage:

Table of Contents

Category “A” Yachts Are Ideal For Open Oceans

Yachts are categorized into four main categories.

These categories range from A to D, and they determine what type of waters the yacht was built to navigate.

Category “D” Yachts

A category D yacht is only rated for inland or sheltered coastal waters.

You can use them on lakes and rivers and even protected harbors.

They’ll do well as long as the waves don’t reach heights of over 4 feet.

Category “C” Yachts

A category C yacht is rated to be used inshore.

This means that it can head away from the protected harbors, but it shouldn’t go very far. Large bays and lakes can be navigated, and the boat can take on waves up to 8 feet high.

Category “B” Yachts

A category B yacht is designed to go offshore.

It can handle strong winds and waves of up to 13 feet.

While you probably wouldn’t want to do an ocean crossing in this vessel, it might be able to handle one of the weather stayed calm for an extended period of time.

One of the issues a category B would have is that it might not be built to be self-sustaining for the length of time needed to cross an ocean.

Also, it wouldn’t be able to hold up in the event of an extreme foul-weather event.

Category “A” Yachts

On the other hand, Category A boats are designed to sustain themselves for long voyages like a crossing of the world’s oceans.

They are made to withstand rough weather and storms so you won’t get lost in the middle of the Atlantic or Pacific.

They are longer than 40 feet and can take on waves of up to 23 feet. These boats can also take on strong winds of at least 47 knots.

They have weather systems and advanced computers that help you calculate and master the long trip of crossing the biggest seas.

Who Determines How A Yacht Is Categorized?

The manufacturer or boat builder will initially determine which category the boat should fall under.

However, this shouldn’t be the only determining factor.

To ensure that the yacht is actually built correctly for trips over the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, it should be certified by the International Marine Certification Institute.

When you’re looking to buy a yacht, make sure it has been rated by this institute. You can do this by looking for a certification plaque that will be mounted on the bulkhead.

Your Motor Yacht Should Be Able to Carry 1.5 Times The Amount of Fuel You’ll Need

Sailing yachts are often better suited for longer ocean crossings. One of the main reasons for this is that they can sail themselves for an indefinite amount of time.

This being said, you don’t have to own a sailing yacht to cross the Atlantic or the Pacific. A large motor yacht can potentially make the trip as well if it is designed for it.

How Much Fuel Is Needed To Cross The Atlantic & Pacific ocean?

For a medium-sized yacht, you should expect to have at least 500 gallons of fuel (2000 liters), unless you have sails.

If you are motoring in a big yacht, you will need more than that. You should bring 1.5 times the amount you expect to burn.

The motor yacht will need to be able to hold more than enough fuel for the trip, though.

This is because strong winds and currents can drastically increase the amount of fuel needed to complete a voyage. For this reason, many veteran sailors say that you should bring about 1.5 times the amount of fuel you think you’ll actually need to complete the voyage.

Remember, running out of fuel in the middle of the ocean is a whole lot different than running out of fuel while cruising up the coastline.

You may not see anyone for days in the ocean, and even if you do, they probably won’t be able to tow you back to shore.

Remember the boating flag rules if you travel abroad .

How Long Time Does It Take To Cross The Atlantic & Pacific Seas?

It will take around 20 days or more to cross the Atlantic ocean and potentially much more if you are using your sails instead of the motor.

Depending on the weather conditions, it can take significantly longer to cross the Pacific ocean with a large yacht with a strong motor.

These are very general numbers.

They will vary a lot according to how much fuel you are willing to burn. The faster your motor, the more fuel you will burn. You can also cross the oceans with a yacht with sails.

This will save fuel but be slower because of the boat’s characteristics and since you are much more dependent on the weather conditions.

You May Need to Upgrade Some of Your Systems

It takes a significant amount of time to make an ocean crossing.

During this time, you’ll need to meet your food, water, and energy requirements. You’ll also need to navigate the boat continuously.

Modern technology makes meeting these needs much easier.

In addition to having good navigation equipment, here are some systems you may want to consider upgrading to make life easier on the ocean.

Your water maker.
Your power generation systems.
Your freezer.
Your autopilot.

Water Makers

A watermaker will give you the ability to make your own potable water throughout your journey.

This cuts down on how much freshwater you need to pack and makes your yacht more self-sufficient.

This is important for a trip as long as crossing the Atlantic or Pacific sea.

Remember, your freshwater needs aren’t just restricted to drinking water. You’ll need fresh water for bathing, cooking, and for washing your yacht off as well. Most yachts will need daily cleanings as saltwater can quickly take its toll on a yacht’s decks and make the windows difficult to see through.

Power Generation Systems

A yacht can generate its own power using the sun, the wind, and the water.

They do this through the use of wind turbines, solar panels, and hydro-generators.

Wind turbines can create an impressive amount of energy in high winds. However, most people will want to travel downwind, which reduces the amount of power that the wind turbine can generate.

Solar panels work great on sunny days while the panels are angled towards the sun.

The drawback is that they do not work nearly as well when they’re shaded, and every day is not a sunny day while out on the water or land for that matter.

Hydro-generators, on the other hand, can generate power 24 hours a day. This is because the water’s movement powers them, and since you’ll be traveling day and night, you’ll always be generating energy.

The only drawback is that a hydro-generator does not produce a lot of energy at one time, and on sailboats, they will slow you down.

What Is The Best System to Use?

The best power generation system is a system that makes use of all of the technologies available.

Your energy requirements during an ocean crossing can be extremely high. Not only this but yachts, in general, tend to need more power than other vessels.

Add a hydro-generator, a wind turbine, and some solar panels to your system, and you’ll have power day and night whether your crossing wide-open expanses or anchor at one of the islands along the way. Larger sailing and power yachts also will typically have a diesel-powered generator or gen-set.

This one might be obvious, but you’ll need to pack a lot of food for your voyage.

Increasing the size and number of freezers you bring with you will increase the amount of meat and fruit you can bring.

Of course, you could skip this step and go with mostly dry foods instead. But honestly, what yacht owner wants to subsist on a daily diet of rice and beans?

Autopilot Systems

Your yacht will be moving at all times, and someone or something will need to be navigating it.

Autopilot systems make navigation easy and make an ocean crossing much less taxing.

Bring a backup autopilot system or spare parts for your existing system so that you can make any repairs necessary to keep it working throughout the entire trip.

Fail to do this, and you’ll find that the crew has to spend a lot more time navigating and a lot less time enjoying the journey.

Remember, it takes more than 20 days, at least, to cross the Atlantic ocean.

Your Crew Should Have Ocean Crossing Experience

It is possible to make an ocean crossing by yourself, but it isn’t recommended.

This is especially true if you’re making the crossing on a yacht.

The reason being, a yacht is going to be larger and more difficult to manage alone than a small sailing craft would be to manage alone.

For this reason, you’ll probably want to hire a crew or bring along plenty of friends or family members that can help you make the trip. At least one person on the crew should have some experience making an ocean crossing.

This person’s knowledge could prove invaluable both before and during the long trip. You and your other passengers should also have some experience with long passages so that you all know what to expect.

Trade Winds Will Dictate Your Voyage

You might think that you can easily shorten the time it takes to cross the Atlantic or Pacific oceans by making it a more direct one.

Unfortunately, this isn’t true, and your route will largely be dependent on trade winds.

What I mean by this is that you’ll end up traveling in a direction that follows the prevailing winds, so you are mostly traveling downwind. This reduces the stress on your boat, makes the ride more enjoyable, and even makes it quicker.

Final Thoughts

Many people have crossed the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans in yachts and many other types of watercraft.

Some experience and adequate preparations are important for a safe adventure.

If you’re planning on making the trip on your yacht, make sure you have the right boat for the job, the right crew for the journey, and the right technology to make everything simple and easy.

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Crossing the Atlantic on a Yacht in Comfort

Experienced cruisers often discover Kadey-Krogen Yachts because they begin to search for yachts capable of crossing the Atlantic. If one searches the listings for Transatlantic boats for sale or contacts a broker with a very specific request to hear about yachts that can cross the Atlantic, they’re bound to discover plenty of superyachts, and some custom trawlers, and, of course, a selection of our models that are built to take on long bluewater cruising legs such as one takes on for an ocean crossinig.

Those who are more serious about open-ocean crossings begin to think about the best time to cross the Atlantic west to east and also consider provisioning, crew, a timetable, potential destinations, and all the factors, large and small, that enter into this exciting equation.

Lessons Learned in more than two years of cruising in Northern Europe

Journey from Rhode Island to Ireland Via the Azores

Yachting World

Digital Edition

The best route for an Atlantic crossing? It depends when you go

Belinda Bird
May 29, 2015

Sailor and meteorologist Chris Tibbs advises go south for comfort and safety; go north for speed

Weather is a large part of any Atlantic crossing: deciding when to go, which route to follow and the sails to carry. The main consideration is to avoid the hurricane season from June to November, so most yachts leave in late November to arrive in time for Christmas, although the tradewinds in January are often stronger.

However, it is human nature to push boundaries and some crews always leave early to get a longer season. The earlier you leave, though, the more important it is to stay east before committing to a westerly course. Late hurricanes generally develop to the west, making a passage via the Cape Verde islands more attractive. It shortens the time in potential hurricane areas and offers an escape route south as hurricanes rarely track south of 10°N.

Flexible sailplan

During a typical crossing, the tradewinds will be Force 4 or 5, with some lighter periods and a few days of winds of 25-plus knots. A flexible sailplan is necessary to take account of the changing wind strengths – there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The most common sailplan is goosewinged, with most skippers carrying a specialist downwind sail for when the wind goes light.

Because squalls are common and can have gale-force gusts on the leading edge, it is important to be able to reduce sail quickly. Boats with only asymmetric spinnakers tend to struggle in strong downwind conditions and I would always carry a whisker pole to pole out a headsail as well.

Sailing hot angles may work for a lightweight flyer, but it adds a lot of distance. For a heavier cruising boat it is hard to gain the increase in speed to compensate for the extra distance. Once hull speed is reached, shorter will always be faster. ( See our feature on the best yacht for an Atlantic crossing )

North is fastest

With well-established high pressure, a direct (that is, northerly) route is usually fastest, staying far enough away from the high to keep the wind, but minimising distance. However, the less established the high is, the greater the chance of a mid-Atlantic trough or low developing, giving adverse winds. In this case a more southerly route is better.

Racing boats often take the northerly route and the faster the boat, the more likely this will pay off. However, it runs the risk of meeting depressions which develop mid-Atlantic.

These should not be underestimated and the potential gain of passing north of a depression must be balanced against the risk that it could deepen and track across the route. The route is also more prone to a northerly swell.

The southerly route, on the other hand, offers lower risk, with steadier tradewinds and less chance of an uncomfortable northerly swell.

When does the engine go on?

I like to arrive with at least one-third of my fuel left for safety. Others will put on the engine when the wind drops and call in at Cape Verde to refuel if necessary. The choice of route may also depend on fuel capacity and a crew’s willingness to use the engine.

A mid-Atlantic trough giving 24-48 hours of light wind is not unusual and can be motored through to keep on schedule. Yet for some crews, the engine is only for emergencies and a more southerly route will reduce the risk of light winds. Neither route is right or wrong. They are just different ways of sailing in what may be very different boats.

I have sailed across the Atlantic over 20 times and no two times have been the same. There can be a great deal of variation and weather forecasts are important. There needs to be some flexibility in the route to take account of forecasts and how they change over time. I like to pick up weather charts from NOAA and also GRIB files.

So, the default options are: go south for comfort and safety; go north for speed. Most boats take a more middle route, depending on the forecast.

Chris Tibbs is a meteorologist and sailor with over 250,000 miles at sea, including three circumnavigations and six speed records. He is a lecturer to ARC crews and provides routeing services.

See also: 15 things you need to know when planning an Atlantic crossing

This is an extract from a feature in the November 2014 issue of Yachting World

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This $12 million yacht looks like a spaceship and can cross the Atlantic twice on a single tank — see inside 'Adastra'

A sleek, lavish megayacht fit for a Bond villain, called "Adastra," has hit the market for $12 million.
Thanks to its efficient shape and lightweight construction, the yacht can cross the Atlantic twice without refueling and boasts a total range of around 11,500 miles.
Adastra has a master bedroom, two guest cabins, and room for six crew members.
Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

Some people can't simply settle for a regular, run-of-the-mill superyacht like all the other millionaires and billionaires — they need something a bit flashier to set them apart from the crowd.

For those people, there are yachts like Adastra , a sleek, custom-built trimaran that's currently on the market for a cool $12 million.

The extravagant vessel — which looks less like a yacht and more like something out of "Star Wars" — is built for exploration, according to Burgess Yachts , which has the boat listed for sale. Due to its streamlined shape and lightweight construction, Adastra can travel across the Atlantic twice over without needing to refuel. Plus, Adastra's unique design means it can venture into shallow harbors and get up close to islands, unlike most traditional yachts.

But this multimillion-dollar yacht is built for pleasure, too — it sports multiple sunbathing areas, a diving platform, a lavish main room, three cabins for guests, and space for six crew members.

See inside Adastra:

Adastra, a spaceship-like megayacht fit for a Bond villain, has hit the market for $12 million.

Commissioned in 2012 by shipping tycoon Anto Marden at a cost of at least $20 million, according to Robb Report, the trimaran yacht was built to cover vast distances and cross oceans.

Source: Robb Report

Thanks to its efficient shape, lightweight construction, and 15,000-liter fuel capacity, Adastra boasts a range of 10,000 nautical miles, or roughly 11,500 miles.

That means the 140-foot ship can cross the Atlantic twice over without having to refuel, and its owner has done just that, he told Robb Report.

Plus, the yacht sits less than four feet below the water line, so it can venture into shallow harbors where traditional yachts can't.

After spending several years cruising the globe aboard Adastra, Marden is ready to sell the head-turning vessel and give more attention to his other yacht, he told Robb Report.

To keep passengers comfortable on long journeys, Adastra is every bit as luxurious as it is capable.

Inside, there's a main living space with a wraparound lounge area ...

... and panoramic windows.

The yacht features lots of custom materials — including lightweight oak cabinetry — to decrease weight and improve fuel efficiency.

Behind the lounge, there's a full dining area ...

... complete with a kidney-shaped wood table and a pair of skylights.

Toward the back of the interior, there's a sofa and a bar area.

Below deck, there's a master suite that spans the full width of the hull.

The master bedroom has a private full bath and desk.

In total, Adastra sleeps up to nine guests ...

... along with six crew members.

There's a second full bathroom below deck as well.

The helm station has seating for two, and is raised up above the rest of the yacht.

On the aft deck, there's teak flooring and a couple of lounge areas ...

... including a full dining setup for meals outside.

The back of Adastra sports a large diving platform and has room for two "tenders," smaller boats for recreation and for getting to and from port.

A sliding door at the front of the main saloon gives way to a covered lounging area on the bow.

Plus, there's a tanning area with bean bags for catching some rays. If all that sounds appealing and you've got a spare eight figures sitting around, this may be the yacht for you.

Main content

How To Cross the Atlantic, Routes and Timelines

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Before the time of ocean liners and airplanes, crossing the Atlantic used to be a great adventure that took a long time to complete. Nowadays, it’s very different; it’s still a great adventure, but the time it takes to complete has changed.

Here’s how long it takes to cross the Atlantic on various types of boats.

Looking at this table we can clearly see that the time it takes to cross the Atlantic has decreased exponentially. Some big developments were of course the steam engine that allowed for bigger and much faster ships to travel the Atlantic while also bringing a lot more cargo.

If we look at the Sailboats in this list, we can see that the more hulls you have the faster it goes (if you want to know more about how that works, check out this article)

There is not a significant difference in time to complete between the catamarans and the trimarans in the short run, but in a circumnavigation of the world, the difference can be huge.

A monohull on the other hand is slower, this is mainly due to the amount of drag this type of hull has.

This table compares different types of boats under the same conditions and adds an airplane as a point of reference.

Transatlantic Crossing in Record Time

Here are the records for the fastest crossings of the Atlantic in a Sailboat.

The 2880 Nautical miles(5330 Km) long route starts at Ambrose Light in New York and finishes on an imaginary line between Lizard Point and Ushant of the coast of England

As you might have noticed, there aren’t any numbers for catamarans since the classes are divided between monohulls and multihulls. Since trimarans (three hulls) are faster than catamarans (two hulls), there is no real point in racing a cat.

What you also may have noticed are the ridiculously high speeds these boats are doing. Bear in mind that these are racing boats optimized for speed and made to smash world records.

There’s a big difference between the 28 knots a racing trimaran will make and the 9 knots a cruising catamaran will.

What Type of Sailboat Do You Need To Cross The Atlantic?

Crossing the Atlantic can be done in almost any sailboat or ship. As a matter of fact, it has already been done in small rowboats and open catamarans, so everything is possible.

If your question is what boat should I use to get a somewhat comfortable and safe trip, well, then we have something to talk about.

Choosing between a monohull or a multihull has more to do with personal preferences. Some people really like the stable platform of a catamaran, and others dont think it’s a real way of sailing and wants to be heeling over to its side to fully get that true sailing experience.

For me? Catamaran every day, speed, and comfort, but I’m also not a purist sailor in any way. I’m an adventurist, and the boat is merely a way to experience adventures.

The size I would say matters, bigger usually means it’s safer and can handle bigger waves, although it might be harder to handle on your own I something happens to you or your crew mid-sea.

Most people seem to cross the Atlantic with a boat in the 35 -45 ft spectrum, which fulfills both requirements!

If you are interested in digging deeper into what sized boat you should get, check out my article on Best Sized Catamaran for Ocean Sailin g

Other aspects you might consider are the size in terms of space onboard , how many people are you doing the passage with, the more people, the easier operating the boat will be. This assumes you have a well-trained crew that you know well.

And what are you going to do once you get there, is it the end of your trip or is the beginning. If you’re doing everything just to cross the ocean and then get someone else to bring it back, that’s one thing. But if its the start of a long adventure, the requirements are different. You are going to want more space for scuba gear, and other toys.

I do think the most important aspect is that you have a seaworthy boat that it’s capable of withstanding weeks on end with sailing in many times rough conditions.

This means that your equipment spent has to be the most expensive and handy, but it needs to be in good condition, and you need to be able to handle your great in every weather.

What Gear Do You Need to Cross the Atlantic?

Not including your average stuff when sailing, such as life vests, etc. There are some great that you might not be on your everyday say m still that could be of high importance during such a formidable sail as this.

Emergency food
Satellite coms
Storm drogue (want to know what it is and how it works, read this)
Spare parts(tiller, sails, etc.)
Entertainment

Different Routes to Cross the Atlantic

Westward route: europe to the caribbean.

According to Jimmy Cornell, a well-known sailor and circumnavigator that has made his own research on the subject, Las Palmas is one of the biggest ports of departure for sailboats crossing the Atlantic.

Around 75’% of the sailboats that arrive in Las Palmas on the Canary Islands will depart for an Ocean crossing.

Getting to The Canary Islands, you should not be in a hurry; there are many very beautiful places en route. No matter where you are coming from this is a good stop well worth a visit.

Coming from the north of Europe, you have France, Spain, and Portugal. Entering from the Mediterranean, you have Italy, Croatia, Greece, and so many other interesting places that you shouldn’t miss unless you’re on a very tight schedule.

Once you reach Las Palmas, you can either go straight towards the Caribbean island of Barbados, or you can do a stop along the way at Cap Verde.

Planing a Stop on Cape Verde

A stop at cap Verde makes sense in many ways; for one, it makes the transatlantic trip more manageable by dividing it into two sections.

The second reason is that it gives you the possibility to stock up on fuel and water that you might have used more than you thought. Since Cap Verde is well developed when it comes to receiving boats doing this type of passage, there is no technical expertise on the island.

From Cap Verde, you can also take a direct flight to Portugal and onwards if the need arises.

Even though you might not plan to stop here, the recommendation is to at least plan your sailing, so you pass close to the islands, so if something happens, you can head to Mindelo port and fix it.

Another good reason why you would go close is that the further south you go, the better chance you will have of catching those sweet tradewinds that will take you safely and enjoyably to the warm waters of the Caribbean.

Westbound Route On a Catamaran

Sailing west is the preferred option for any sailor and especially if you are on a boat that doesn’t sail perfectly upwind, such as a catamaran.

Sailin g west and using the tradewinds is perfect on a catamaran, the sail will be faster and more comfortable than a monohull of the same size.

Looking at the 2019 ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers), a 55ft french catamaran outclassed the 65 ft professionally sailed monohull with a 10-hour lead. All this while doing yoga on board, something that I can promise was not happening on the monohull.

The stable platform of a catamaran with the wind on your stern makes sailing west on a transatlantic passage perfect for Catamaran.

Eastbound Route: The Caribbean to Europe

Coming back to Europe, I would argue that the same principles are still valid: to stop at or pass by islands close enough to have the option of going into port if need, and using the tradewinds to your advantage.

Considering this, most people leave the Caribbean from Tortola, Britsh virgin islands, or St Marteen. These make great starting points for the eastward journey since they are the last point where there is plenty of fuel, spare parts, and food for the long and sometimes arduous trip back to Europe.

Though it is not necessary, many sailors make a halt at Bermuda; this is a good start to fix anything broken or wait for the right weather before your head on to the next part of your trip.

The Azores, the same goes here, you can skip it, but staying close to it adds safety and comfort if needed, and I would also stop by just to enjoy the islands. It’s a beautiful place and good for a few days of low-intensity cruising.

If you still have some energy left after the trip from Bermuda, one option is to head for a place called Horta. The place is well remembered for its hospitality towards sailors heading towards Europe.

Once you have refueled on diesel and energy, it is time to head for northern Europe. This is usually done by sailing north until the 45th latitude and then heading east.

When is The Best Time to Cross The Atlantic

Choosing a route has a lot to do with your intended purpose of the trip, are you going for a speed record, then going more north might be an option, and accepting the risk might be ok for you and your crew.

If you are going west but more interested in doing it safely and are able to spend a little more time out at sea, then the southern routes mentioned above with a departure date around November and December.

Going west on your way to the Caribbean, you’ll notice the days are getting warmer and longer; this is because going west, you also travel south towards the equator where the days and nights are equally as long be it summer or winter.

This weather window is to avoid the hurricane season in the Caribbean that ends in late November, these are the main risk and must be considered in your plan.

What Is The Best Route For an Atlantic Crossing

Taking into consideration the information above with trade winds, the possibility of breakdowns, and the collective knowledge of the area.

The best route for a westbound Atlantic crossing is from Las Palmas (on the Island of Gran Canarias) to Barbados Via Cap Verde. The best route going east is from St Marteen to the Azores Via Bermuda.

This is, of course, based on the assumptions we have discussed above, and it might not apply to your skillset or aim of the crossing.

Can You Cross the Atlantic Single Handed?

You can definitely cross the Atlantic on your own (short-handed). As a matter of fact, many do every year. Of course, this demands more of the sailor since there is nobody to ask for advice or to help while underway.

Neither is there anyone that will help you with handling sails or maintenance while underway; because of this, it is more dangerous and more difficult to solo sailor sail short-handed as it is also called.

The usual way is to either bring a crew of your own, recruit a crew from the port of exit, or find one online via crewseeker.net.

Is Transatlantic Passages Dangerous?

Sailing in big oceans is never a hundred percent safe. This is why it is an adventure if it was absolutely safe, where would the attractiveness and the excitement lie?

Looking at the data, there aren’t many accidents happening, and of those, there are even fewer that are deadly or leave the crew injured for life.

There are also ways to make it safer; we have discussed boat size and crew skills; other route selection factors are vital. It might not be the quickest to cross the Atlantic, but the southern route seems to be a safer bet.

Prepare yourself, your crew, and the boat, and the chances for accidents will still be there, but they will be small and manageable.

How Lonely Is Crossing The Atlantic?

Spending two to three weeks in the middle of the ocean can definitely be lonely, but it can also be the absolute opposite. If you’re sailing with a crew, you will share the same small space with everyone else, always bumping your elbow. If the weather is rough, you may all be a little tired, which also adds to the group dynamics.

But even if you would get sick and tired of your crew, there are ways to call back home. You might have a Satellite phone, which is expensive by the minute but a lovely way to hear the voice of a loved one back at land. Much better than a text message through Email.

Sending emails has been a pretty straightforward process since the SSB radio started to be utilized. This type of radio is very simplistic and has good reception up to thousands of miles .

The nice thing with this radio is that it allows for data traffic, which means not only are you able to receive weather updates, but you can also contact your family through Email.

Can You Get Rescued If Something Goes Wrong?

Yes, there might not be a coast guard or anything nearby, and you might be way out to sea, but there is help to get. Since every ship is listening to some set of frequencies, usually, the first step is to call for a Mayday on that channel.

If you’re not getting anyone’s attention, then they might still see you on the AIS, Automatic Identification System, which makes anyone around you know where you are.

Many times the crossing is done together with a lot of other vessels; this gives comfort as they might also be able to help in case of emergency.

If all this fails, you probably also will have your EPIRB, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon , which is a gadget that can be activated through certain triggers such as water, tilt angle, or manually activated.

Once activated, it sends an emergency signal at different frequencies and relays the information back to shore for someone to come help you.

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

OCEAN CROSSINGS

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Can A Yacht Make It Across The Atlantic? (Factors To Consider)

When it comes to crossing the Atlantic Ocean, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The type of yacht you choose, the route you take, and the conditions you face will all affect how long it takes you to make the crossing.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the factors you need to consider when making the decision to sail across the Atlantic.

The First Question You Need to Ask Yourself Is What Type of Yacht Is Best Suited for an Atlantic Crossing?

There are a few different options, and the best one for you will depend on your experience and budget. If you’re a beginner sailor, you may want to consider a smaller boat that is easier to handle. If you’re an experienced sailor, you may want to go for a larger boat that can handle rough seas.

Once you’ve chosen the type of yacht, you need to consider the route you’ll take. The best way to cross the Atlantic is usually via the Cape Verde Islands or South America. These routes are shorter and more direct, which means that your sailing time will be shorter. However, these routes are also more challenging, so it’s important to choose one that you’re confident you can handle.

How Long Can You Sail a Yacht Across the Atlantic?

This will be determined by a variety of things, including the size of your yacht, the route you take, and the weather conditions. Most yachts can make the crossing in about two weeks, but it’s important to be prepared for rough seas and possible delays.

Assuming twenty days at 12 knots per day, a yacht crossing the Atlantic can travel 2,880 nautical miles at an average speed of 14.5 knots (nautical miles/hour).

This number assumes no stormy conditions can slow down your voyage west across the Atlantic Ocean, however, if the sailing time is extended due to rough ocean waters or winds preventing you from reaching every mile at its fastest sailing rate.

How Much Fuel Do You Need to Make It Across the Atlantic?

This will vary depending on the size of your yacht and the route you take. On average, you’ll need about 100 liters of fuel per day to make the crossing. Note: Fuel consumption at a speed of 15 knots will be increased during emergencies thanks to going at full throttle.

How Long Can Your Yacht Sail Without Refueling?

The average cruising yacht can sail for about three weeks without refueling. However, this can differ depending on the yacht’s size and engine type. The weather should also be taken into account. The Atlantic is a notoriously windy ocean and can be treacherous in the winter months.

-Make sure you have a good weather forecast and are prepared for rough seas.

-Make sure the sails are in good condition, the hull is clean and free of barnacles, and the engine is well-maintained.

-Finally, you need to make sure your yacht is in good condition.

How Do You Choose the Right Boat for Your Atlantic Crossing?

The trip can be made by several different types of vessels. The most popular are sailboats. Sailboats are the best choice for those looking for a more leisurely crossing. They can sail with the wind and don’t have to rely on engines to get them across.

This makes for a more enjoyable crossing, but it also means that the crossing can take longer. If you’re looking for a quicker crossing, you may want to consider a powerboat. Powerboats can make the crossing much faster, but they can also be more difficult to sail.

Another factor to think about while selecting a boat is its size. For a crossing of this length, you’ll want a boat that’s at least 30 feet long. This will give you enough room to sleep, eat, and store your belongings. You’ll also want a boat that’s stable in bad weather. A boat that’s too small or too unstable could be dangerous in rough seas.

Finally, you’ll want to think about the type of sailing you’ll be doing. If you are doing a lot of sailing, you’ll want a boat with a good autopilot. If you are mostly motoring, you’ll want a boat with a good engine.

How Many Sailors Do It?

The number of sailors who make the crossing every year varies, but it’s estimated that about 1,000 yachts make the crossing each year.

Across the Atlantic, there are many sailors that complete the voyage in a motor yacht. In order to make it across, the yacht must have enough fuel capacity, and the time of year must be right. The ocean can be a harsh place, so a sailing yacht is not always the best option.

How Do You Set Sail Across the Atlantic?

The process of setting sail for an Atlantic crossing can be daunting, but it’s not as difficult as it seems. The first step is to double-check that you have all of the necessary supplies, including food, water, fuel, and spare parts. Once you’re ready, you can set sail for the open ocean.

The weather can be a major factor in deciding whether or not to set sail
You’ll want to make sure you have enough fuel to make the trip
It’s important to make sure your yacht is in good condition and is properly equipped for the journey

How Big Does a Yacht Have to Be to Cross the Atlantic?

There is no one definitive answer to the question of how big a yacht must be to make a successful transatlantic crossing. The size of the yacht, its draft, the number of crew and passengers, and the weather conditions at the time of the crossing will all be factors in the success or failure of the voyage.

That said, a yacht that is too small may not have the stability or range required to make the journey, particularly in rough weather. A yacht that is too large may be unwieldy and difficult to manage in tight quarters or in choppy seas.

In general, a yacht that is at least 50 feet long with a draft of at least six feet will have the stability and range to make a successful crossing. However, experienced ocean sailors may choose a smaller or larger yacht depending on the conditions they expect to encounter.

Many yachtsmen opt to cross the Atlantic in a catamaran, which is more stable and has a greater range than a monohull yacht. Catamarans also tend to be faster than monohulls, making them a desirable option for longer crossings.

How Far Can You Travel on a Yacht?

While most yachts can only travel about 500 miles per day, there are a few that can travel up to 1,000 miles per day. Yachts can also travel from the Mediterranean to the United States. The longest route for a yacht is the Great Circle Route. This is a route that goes around the world.

Yachts can travel up to 25 knots (29 miles per hour). This is the cruising speed for most yachts. The speed of a yacht depends on the wind and the waves. The wind can push a yacht in the direction that it is going. The waves can help a yacht move forward.

There are many things that a yacht captain needs to know before they set sail. They need to know the weather conditions, the winds, and the waves. They also need to know the route that they are taking.

Can a Yacht Survive Through Rough Seas?

Yes, a yacht can survive through rough seas, but it’s important to choose the right boat and to be prepared for the worst. Ensure that you have enough food and water and fuel to make it through any type of weather.

However, you need to be prepared for all kinds of conditions. Headwinds can slow down yachts, and the middle of the ocean can be a lonely place.

Yachts need to be well-equipped for the journey.
They need to have sturdy hulls that can withstand the impact of waves.
Make sure they have strong masts and rigging.
Yachts need to have a good supply of food and water.
They need to have charts and navigational tools.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Sailing Across the Atlantic?

The pros of sailing across the Atlantic include getting to enjoy the wide ocean and seeing some of the world’s most magnificent vistas.

It’s difficult to beat the difficulty and adventure of sailing such a great distance. The ocean is also a great place to get away from it all, and there is a sense of freedom that comes with sailing on the open seas.

There are also a few potential cons to consider. One is the fact that weather conditions can be unpredictable, and storms can pop up quickly. Navigation can also be difficult in open water, and there is always the possibility of running into trouble.

Another consideration is the distance itself. The 3,000-mile Atlantic passage from Europe to the Americas is arduous, and it might take weeks or even months to complete.

In the end, whether or not to sail across the Atlantic is a personal decision. Those who are drawn to the challenge and adventure of such a voyage will likely find it an unforgettable experience. However, it’s critical to be aware of the hazards and to be prepared for the worst.

How Many Yachts Make the Crossing Every Year?

The number of yachts that make the crossing every year varies, but it’s estimated that about 1,000 yachts make the crossing each year.

The journey typically starts in late summer, when the westerly winds are strongest. It’s a great experience to motor across the north Atlantic, and many boats have successfully completed the crossing.

The weather can be a major factor in deciding whether or not to set sail.
You’ll want to make sure you have enough fuel to make the trip.
It’s important to make sure your yacht is in good condition and is properly equipped for the journey.

How Long Does It Take to Make the Crossing?

On average, it takes about two weeks to make the crossing, but it can take longer if you encounter bad weather.

The journey can take longer if the yacht anchors in harbors, but this can also add to the cost of the trip. The bluewater sailing is a beautiful experience, but it is important to be aware of the weather conditions and to have sufficient supplies on board.

How Much Does It Cost to Make the Crossing?

The cost of making the crossing will vary depending on the type of yacht you choose and the route you take. However, on average, it costs about $5,000 to make the crossing.

Making a crossing from the US East Coast to Europe on a yacht can be a costly and time-consuming proposition. The main costs are fuel, food, and berthing. There are several ways to reduce the costs.

Using a solar panel to power the boat can reduce the need for fuel.
A bigger boat will also provide more space for provisions, and sailing on a freighter can avoid the need for berthing fees.
The main challenge is the distance.

What Are the Dangers of Sailing Across the Atlantic?

The dangers of sailing across the Atlantic are storms, rough seas, and pirates. It’s critical to be ready for the worst and have a strategy in place in the event of an emergency. Sailors must be aware of the risks of sailing in open water, and they need to be prepared for the challenges they may encounter.

One of the biggest dangers of sailing across the Atlantic is the weather. Sailors need to be prepared for all types of weather, from storms to high winds to hurricanes. They also need to be aware of the weather patterns in the area they are sailing in, and they need to be prepared for the possibility of encountering bad weather.

Another danger of sailing across the Atlantic is the ocean itself. The ocean is a huge and unpredictable area, and sailing through it can be dangerous. Sailors must be aware of the risks of sailing in open water, and they need to be prepared for the challenges they may encounter.

What Type of Yacht Is Best Suited To Make It Across The Atlantic?

The type of yacht that makes it across the Atlantic depends on where you want to go. If you’re going to Europe, you should consider buying a yacht that has been built specifically for ocean crossings. These yachts are designed to withstand rough conditions and make crossing the ocean easier.

Look at the size of the yacht before you buy it. Bigger yachts are safer and more stable than smaller ones.
Consider the length of the yacht. Longer yachts are safer than shorter ones.
Check if the yacht has an engine room. This is important because engines can fail during storms.
Look at what kind of sails the yacht has. Some yachts have sails that are made of canvas, while others use metal sails. Metal sails are stronger and last longer than canvas sails.

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Just do it! My family will never forget crossing the Atlantic in our 40ft motorboat

Top stories

When a devastating stroke left Philippe Guglielmetti in need of a wheelchair, he refused to abandon his ambition to cross the Atlantic on his own boat, crewed by his two sons…

“Don’t think about it too much, just do it,” says Philippe Guglielmetti, his thick French accent still clearly identifiable a decade after moving to the US. “The more you think about it, the more reasons you will find not to do it.”

He’s talking about his decision to cross the Atlantic ocean on his own 40ft motor boat – a major achievement in itself but one that’s verging on the superhuman for someone who struggles to cross his own bedroom without help.

Then again, Philippe is used to ignoring what he should or shouldn’t be able to do – the very fact he’s still alive is something of a miracle given the catastrophic stroke he suffered in 2014. “Statistically I should be dead,” he says, “that’s what the doctors told me. Now they want to study me to find out why I’m not!”

Philippe was only 50 years old when his life changed forever mid-way through a taxi ride in Paris. “I had read about illnesses that affect people in their 40s and recognised the symptoms straight away. I told the driver to take me to the hospital and explained to the doctors I was having a stroke.”

Sceptical as the doctors were about this self-diagnosis, a scan confirmed his worst fears. Philippe was placed in an induced coma and ended up spending six weeks in a French hospital before being deemed well enough to fly back to the US for further rehabilitation.

The initial prognosis was not good. He couldn’t walk, he struggled to speak, he’d lost fine control of his hands and he suffered from debilitating double vision that left him dizzy and unable to judge distances.

The only thing that kept him going was his determination to carry on living life to the full. That and the promise of a Japanese toilet!

“I know it sounds crazy but the thing I was most worried about was not being able to go to the loo on my own. When my wife Florence suggested we buy a Japanese toilet that could wash my bottom for me, it was a life-changing moment.”

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It’s a telling insight into how much life has changed for Philippe since that fateful day. He’d been a keen boater since childhood, learning to sail an Optimist dinghy from a young age and accompanying his parents on their modest sailing yacht near their home in the South of France.

But while his parents made a point of never using the engine unless they absolutely had to, Philippe always yearned for the powerful motor yachts he saw blasting past them. “I remember thinking that one day when I am an adult, I will have a fast motor boat like that,” he says.

It took him a while to achieve it but having started a successful IT company in his early 30s and selling it for a tidy sum six years later, he didn’t just buy a boat, he bought an entire shipyard.

At the time ACM was a well-respected French builder of small to mid-sized motor boats but struggled to make much of an impact beyond its home market. Philippe spotted an opportunity to expand its reach by building larger, more luxurious boats under the dormant Arcoa brand and bought the company.

He built a new factory in Brittany, relaunched the Arcoa brand as a builder of stylish lobster-style boats up to 62ft and enjoyed considerable success until the financial crisis of 2008.

An offer from a wealthy French retail magnate to buy the company proved too good to turn down so he sold up and moved to the US to launch a new business in 3D printing. It was during a sales trip to Europe in 2015 that the stroke hit.

Getting back on his feet

The road to recovery was long and painful but whatever damage it had wreaked on his brain’s ability to control his body, it hadn’t touched his cognitive function.

That same entrepreneurial spirit and lust for life that had brought him success in business now provided the drive and motivation to get back on his feet. The first goal he set himself was inspired by a small orange toy his wife Florence had placed on his bedside table at the hospital in Paris.

It was a 3D-printed model of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco which he’d brought with him as a sales prop. He decided there and then that he was going to walk across the bridge unaided.

It took months of intensive rehabilitation and bloody-minded determination to start walking again but sure enough he delivered on his promise to walk across the bridge.

With that first hurdle safely negotiated, his thoughts now turned to another crossing, on an altogether bigger scale. Ever since his time at the helm of ACM, he’d dreamed of crossing the Atlantic on his own boat but had never found the time or opportunity to do it.

Now he had both, even if his physical disabilities meant it would be a lot more complicated. As ever he refused to let that put him off.

“It was feasible, I knew I could do it, I just needed the right boat and the right people to help me. Of course a lot of people advised against it but like anything in life, if you overthink it, you’ll find reasons not to do it.”

The first step was to get back on the water. As his teenage children were into waterskiing, he decided to have a go at driving the family ski boat.

“My fine motor skills aren’t that good but you don’t actually need super fine control to steer a boat so it was OK.”

When the family moved from California to Biscayne Bay, Florida in 2020, he went one step further and bought their own seagoing boat, a Yamaha 275SD jet boat , on which he could hone his close-quarter docking skills.

Now his transatlantic plans could really start to progress. Originally he’d scheduled it for May 2023 but another cruel twist of fate forced him to reconsider.

Cerebellar atrophy, a gradual degeneration in the area of the brain controlling coordination, meant he was starting to lose his sense of balance. Although his legs and arms still had the strength, he could no longer walk without hanging on to something.

Another setback

Many people would have given up at this point, but instead of scrapping his transatlantic plans, Philippe decided to bring them forward by a year while he still had the physical ability to cope. That just left the small matter of finding a boat to do it in.

“You need three things for a successful crossing,” Philippe tells me. “The right boat, the right weather and the right crew. Given my budget of around $500,000, there were only two boats that had the necessary range and the seakeeping – a Selene 43 or a Nordhavn 40 .”

In December 2021 he found a 2001 model Nordhavn 40 for sale which, while lacking some key equipment for an ocean crossing, was in pristine condition. He snapped it up for $345,000 and set about preparing it for the challenge ahead.

Philippe’s Nordhavn 40 prepares for relaunch after modifications

This involved replacing the defunct wing engine with a 30hp Yanmar and replacing the transmission with a new ZF gearbox, overhauling the main 105hp John Deere engine, adding a stern thruster, upgrading the electronics and hydraulic steering, installing a new Simrad remote autopilot, and fitting an oversized joystick that would allow Philippe to bring the boat alongside using his hand rather than his increasingly unresponsive fingers.

In an ideal world he would also have swapped the paravane stabilisers (bird-shaped steel foils suspended from long outriggers that glide through the water either side of the boat) with active fin stabilisers.

However, a combination of limited time, money and supply chain issues soon put paid to that. Besides, a two-day sea trial to bed in the new gearbox and test all the systems proved that the paravanes, while crude by today’s standards, were at least simple and effective.

New Yanmar wing engine fitted while electronics were upgraded too

Mods and crew

Just as important as the technical upgrades to the boat were the physical adaptations needed to cope with Philippe’s disabilities.

His physical therapist specified where to place the nine new grabrails that would enable Philippe to support himself on the short journey from his cabin to the wheelhouse and heads, where he’d installed another Japanese toilet. “I even took a spare pump for it – for me it’s even more important than the engine!”

With a new departure date set for June 2022, Philippe now turned his attention to the crew. He quickly identified that it needed to be people without a rigid schedule who could adapt to the changing timelines dictated by the weather.

Matthieu gets to work in the galley

Students would be ideal and who better to have than his own children? His two sons Maxime and Matthieu, Matthieu’s girlfriend Abi, a colleague of Florence called Adélaïde and their neighbour Dominique.

The crossing would be split into three legs: Miami to Bermuda; Bermuda to the Azores; and the Azores to Portugal, with crew coming and going but with Philippe staying on board the whole time. “I was the captain as I had the experience of running boats but they had the physical ability to do whatever needed doing,” explains Philippe.

The crew would each take three-hour stints at the helm, including Philippe, albeit with someone always on hand to offer help if he needed any physical assistance.

Philippe takes a break from helming duties in the saloon

Philippe, Maxime, Dominique, Adélaïde and Jeanne left Miami on 29 May and before long were being buffeted by 30-knot winds, making it impossible for Philippe to safely negotiate the stairs down to his cabin. He settled down for the night on the saloon sofa instead.

“The first two days were pretty exciting but after that it’s just water, water, water. We read a lot, I thought a lot. I wanted the crossing to be a special moment in life, you only do it once, so make the most of it.”

Other than rougher than expected seas, the journey to Bermuda passed smoothly. Jeanne and Dominique left the boat to be replaced by Matthieu and his girlfriend Abi.

Departure day from Miami in May 2022

With both his sons now on board it was time to tackle the longest leg across the heart of the Atlantic ocean. Once again things started well enough, other than the expected seasickness, which affected almost everyone for the first few days.

However, about a week into the crossing and hundreds of miles from land, they spotted a worrying movement in the mast supporting the outriggers. The constant pressure from the paravanes had taken its toll on the two forward shrouds supporting the mast and the bolt securing the starboard one had worked loose.

With the swell already 3m high, they couldn’t risk raising the paravanes or trying to make running repairs so they had no option but to keep plugging on and hope that the one remaining shroud would hold out.

As the day went on the creaking and groaning got worse and worse until the mast itself started to bend. The crew could only look on in horror as the whole mast collapsed onto the aft deck, sending ropes, wires and paravanes hurtling into the sea around the boat.

Initially the propeller seemed to have escaped without getting tangled so they secured the mast as best they could and for three hours limped slowly onwards, listening intently for any noise that might signal all was not well.

When the inevitable happened, Philippe ordered the gearbox to be put in neutral while the crew set about taping a GoPro camera onto a long boathook to try and see what was going on under the boat. A stray section of rope had got wrapped around the propeller.

The mast had to be secured to the aft deck after collapsing

Keep calm and sit it out

“For me it wasn’t a big deal,” says Philippe, “I’d already experienced rope around a propeller twice before and I knew the swell was due to drop in a couple of days so I told everyone we were going to sit it out until it was calm enough for someone to dive in and cut the rope.”

Not surprisingly, his wife Florence was less laid back about their predicament. “I called her to let her know it wasn’t a problem. Yes, we were adrift in the middle of the Atlantic and I was stuck in a wheelchair but we were OK.

“Of course she was worried and started calling everyone she could think of. And I can tell you, in the middle of the Atlantic everyone wants to help you. I even had a phone call from the captain of a big ship offering to come and help us.”

Once the swell had died down Maxime was able to dive in and cut the rope from the propeller and let the paravanes drop into the depths

Listening to Philippe relive the experience with a big smile on his face and his relentlessly upbeat tone, you get the impression he actually relished the challenge. “You know, it’s funny, talking about it now, it’s good that we were stuck in the middle of the Atlantic. If nothing had happened it wouldn’t have been an adventure!”

After two and a half days adrift with the boat at the mercy of the wind and waves, the swell finally started to subside and Maxime was able to dive under the boat and free the propeller.

They then unscrewed the remaining shroud, allowing the paravanes and shrouds to sink to the bottom of the ocean. “It was a long few days but it’s better to spend a couple of days drifting in the ocean than for the ocean to be your grave,” muses Philippe breezily.

Rollercoaster ride

Now the question was whether to carry on to the Azores or return home to Bermuda. “If it was safer to go back and abandon the attempt I would have done it, but it was no more dangerous to carry on to the Azores so that’s what we decided to do,” reasons Philippe.

Without any form of stabilisation from the jettisoned paravanes to limit the movement, the boat rolled wildly from side to side in the 3-4m seas, regularly dipping the portholes below the surface and sometimes seeing the water come right up to the bottom of the saloon windows when the occasional bigger 6m wave passed every 30 minutes or so.

While the rugged Nordhavn was designed to take it, the constant motion made life on board even more difficult, particularly for Philippe, who could no longer risk moving up and down the companionway except for obligatory trips to the bathroom.

Philippe kept a cool head when the chips were down

Instead he spent most of the time holed up in the wheelhouse barricaded between the sofa and the liferaft to stop him sliding around on the floor. It was a bruising experience both mentally and physically but one which brought the crew even closer together.

Philippe is effusive in his praise: “My sons were so good to me, it was fantastic to share this with them. In 40 years time they will still remember this experience together.”

Looking back, it also gave Philippe the chance to put his seagoing experience to good use. “When the sea is beautiful everybody can be a good captain, when it’s not going to plan that’s when the real character comes out. Thankfully, everybody trusted me and respected my decisions.”

Safely alongside in Horta, the Azores

His calmness paid off and on 25 June, after 17 days of being rolled around like a tea towel in a washing machine, they finally made landfall in Horta, the Azores, having covered two thirds of the way across the Atlantic.

That still left one final leg of their journey to reach mainland Europe and complete their Atlantic crossing but with a chance to get the boat properly checked over, the engine serviced and another change of crew, it felt like the worst was over.

Philippe had originally planned to make Portugal his first port of call before heading north to Southampton and re-crossing the Atlantic in the other direction but with a return journey now out of the question due to the missing paravanes he re-routed to Barcelona in Spain where he could have the Nordhavn lifted onto a ship and transported back to Miami.

The final furlong

Despite enduring 45-knot winds and an epic 12-hour stint at the helm when passing through the busy strait of Gibraltar, the rest of the journey passed relatively uneventfully for Philippe and his crew.

They finally made landfall in Tarragona, a few miles from Barcelona, on 12 July some 44 days and 4,300nm after leaving Miami, making Philippe the first wheelchair user to cross the Atlantic by motor boat.

Philippe is justifiably proud of his transatlantic achievement: “I did it, I did it, I crossed the Atlantic ocean. I am proud to show what is possible when you are disabled. If you have an accident in your life, you don’t need to stay in your bedroom, you can still set challenges and achieve them.”

Philippe celebrates their arrival in Tarragona

As for what comes next, Philippe is still undecided but the chances are it won’t involve his current boat. “When I suggested to Florence that we take it through the Panama Canal to Hawaii, she said, ‘Are you looking for a divorce, do you want a divorce?’

“So no, it won’t be on this boat but I will find something and it will involve a crossing. I have some ideas but I can’t share them yet, my wife will kill me!”

One thing’s for sure, Philippe isn’t done yet and once he finds the right opportunity, this inspirational Frenchman will embrace it with all the same enthusiasm and planning as his Transatlantic challenge – but without too much thinking!

First published in the March 2023 issue of MBY.

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Can Yachts Cross the Pacific? Here’s What You Should Know

Crossing the Pacific Ocean on a yacht is a thrilling adventure that many sailors dream of taking.

With its vast expanse of open blue waters, few things can compare to the beauty and excitement of such a journey.

But before you embark on this grand adventure, there are some important considerations to make.

In this article, well cover the details of what it takes to make a successful voyage across the Pacific, including planning and preparation, the size and type of yacht needed, weather and sea conditions, emergency situations, necessary supplies and provisions, and the rewards of such an undertaking.

So, if youre wondering if yachts can cross the Pacific and what it takes to do so, keep reading to find out!.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Yes, yachts can cross the Pacific Ocean.

It is a lengthy journey that typically takes between two to three months, depending on the size and speed of the yacht.

There are several routes to take, such as the Panama Canal, the South Seas, or the West Coast of North America.

Before attempting the voyage, it is important to be well prepared and to have a reliable vessel with experienced crew.

Can Yachts Cross the Pacific?

Crossing the Pacific Ocean can be a daunting task for even the most experienced sailors, but with the right planning, preparation, and supplies, it is possible for yachts to make the journey.

The type and size of the yacht, as well as the route chosen, will determine how long the crossing will take.

Generally, it can range from a few weeks to several months.

The first step to undertaking such an endeavor is to research the route.

One should take into account the conditions of the sea, the weather patterns, and the availability of ports and safe harbors.

It’s also important to be aware of any potential hazards, such as pirates or military zones, that could put the yacht in danger.

Additionally, it’s essential to have a plan for emergency situations, such as engine failure or medical emergencies.

Once the route has been planned out, the next step is to make sure the yacht is equipped with all the necessary supplies and provisions.

This includes food and water, spare parts, navigational equipment, and safety gear.

It’s also important to make sure the yacht is in good condition, with all systems functioning properly.

Experienced sailors should also be on board who are capable of handling the boat in a variety of conditions.

Finally, the yacht must be prepared for the voyage itself.

This includes securing any loose items, checking the weather forecast, and setting a course.

All of these steps are essential for a successful crossing.

Once the journey is complete, the accomplishment of crossing the Pacific Ocean is well worth the effort.

The memories that are made and the feeling of triumph will be treasured for years to come.

Planning and Preparation

When it comes to crossing the Pacific Ocean in a yacht, planning and preparation are key.

While the journey is possible, it is a demanding one and requires a great deal of forethought and preparation to ensure a successful crossing.

It is important to consider the size and type of yacht being used, as well as the weather, sea conditions, and emergency situations that may arise.

Experienced sailors are best suited for the challenge, as they have the skills and knowledge to navigate the Pacific and prepare for any potential hazards.

It is also important to have the necessary supplies and provisions for the voyage, including food and water, fuel, spare parts, navigational equipment, and other emergency items.

Additionally, a detailed plan should be made that outlines the route, expected stops, and any potential risks or challenges that may be encountered along the way.

By taking the time to carefully plan and prepare for the voyage, those undertaking the challenge can ensure they have the best possible experience crossing the Pacific.

With the right guidance and preparation, the journey can be a rewarding one, and the feeling of accomplishment and the memories made along the way make the effort well worth it.

Size and Type of Yacht

The size and type of yacht are important factors when it comes to crossing the Pacific Ocean.

Smaller vessels, such as sailboats and catamarans, are better suited to shorter trips, while larger vessels such as superyachts are better suited for crossing the ocean.

The type of yacht chosen should be based on the size of the crew, the desired speed of the journey, and the amount of comfort desired during the voyage.

When choosing the right yacht for the trip, it is best to consider the type of yacht that will provide the most stability in rough waters.

Monohull yachts can be more stable and have more draft, making them better suited for deeper waters, while catamarans are more stable and have less draft, making them better suited for shallow waters.

Additionally, it is important to consider the type of hull that will provide the best performance in the prevailing winds and currents of the Pacific Ocean.

The size of the yacht is also an important factor to consider when crossing the Pacific Ocean.

Larger vessels can carry more supplies and provisions, making them better suited for longer trips.

Additionally, larger vessels are able to carry more crew members, which can be beneficial in emergency situations.

For shorter trips, smaller vessels may be more suitable due to their lighter weight and ease of maneuverability.

For those looking to cross the Pacific Ocean, careful consideration should be given to the size and type of yacht that will best suit their needs.

With the right type and size of vessel, an enjoyable and safe journey can be had.

Weather and Sea Conditions

When preparing to cross the Pacific Ocean by yacht, it is important to take into account the weather and sea conditions that you may encounter on the journey.

The weather can be highly unpredictable, with sudden changes in wind speed, direction, and storm systems that can come and go quickly.

It is important to plan ahead and be prepared for any potential storms that may arise.

Additionally, the sea conditions can change rapidly, with waves ranging from calm to high swells.

The swells can make navigating the yacht more difficult, so a good understanding of ocean currents and navigation techniques is essential for a successful crossing.

It is also important to be aware of the potential for strong currents that can take the yacht off course, as well as other vessels in the area that may pose a hazard.

Finally, ensure that the yacht is equipped with the necessary safety equipment and that all crew are trained in its use.

Emergency Situations

When crossing the Pacific Ocean on a yacht, it’s important to plan and prepare for any emergency situations that may arise.

This includes having a comprehensive emergency plan in place that covers all contingencies, such as engine failure, medical emergencies, or an accident at sea.

It is also important to have the necessary supplies and equipment to deal with any emergencies, such as a first aid kit, life raft, and two-way radio.

It is also a good idea to have a backup plan in case of a major emergency, such as a distress signal or a beacon to alert nearby vessels of your position in case of distress.

Additionally, it is important to have a communication plan in place in case of an emergency, such as having a plan for contacting family and friends if you become stranded or run into trouble.

It is also wise to have a satellite phone on board for emergency situations.

Finally, it is important to have a plan for what to do in the event of a storm or other hazardous sea conditions.

Planning for any potential emergency situation is essential for safely crossing the Pacific Ocean.

Necessary Supplies and Provisions

Crossing the Pacific Ocean by yacht can be a long and arduous journey, and it is important to make sure that you have all the necessary supplies and provisions to make it a successful one.

This includes fuel, water, food, and any other essential items that you may need during your voyage.

You should also make sure that you have the necessary navigation equipment, such as a GPS, charts, and a compass, and that you are familiar with how to use them.

Additionally, you should bring any spare parts and tools that you may need in case something breaks down on the journey.

One of the most important items you should bring on a Pacific crossing is a good quality first-aid kit.

You should also bring any medications that you may need, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anti-nausea medications.

It is also important to bring safety equipment, such as life jackets, flares, and an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon).

This can be used to send an emergency signal if you are in trouble and need help.

Finally, it is important to bring along entertainment items to help pass the time on the journey.

This can include books, electronic devices, and games.

You should also make sure to bring along items to protect you from the sun, such as hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

With the right supplies and provisions, you can make the Pacific crossing a successful and memorable one.

The Rewards of Crossing the Pacific

Crossing the Pacific Ocean on a yacht is an exciting and rewarding journey.

Not only will you experience the thrill of the open sea, but you will also gain a greater appreciation for the beauty of the Pacific, with its vast horizon and diverse landscapes.

You’ll also be able to visit remote islands and ports, explore a variety of cultures, and learn about the history and customs of the area.

The feeling of accomplishment that comes with such a voyage is unparalleled.

You will have achieved something that few people have done, and you will have gained an immense sense of pride in yourself and your abilities as a sailor.

You will also have countless stories to share with your friends and family, as well as a wealth of knowledge and experiences that you will cherish for the rest of your life.

Aside from the intangible rewards, there are also many practical benefits to crossing the Pacific.

As you travel, you will gain valuable sailing experience, learning how to read the weather, navigate difficult waters, and handle different types of vessels.

You will also gain a greater understanding of the ocean, its ecosystems, and the unique challenges of sailing across it.

The journey of crossing the Pacific is a difficult but ultimately rewarding experience.

With the right preparation, experience, and knowledge, you will be able to make the crossing safely and enjoy all of the rewards that come with it.

Final Thoughts

Crossing the Pacific Ocean in a yacht is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it requires a great deal of planning and preparation.

Experienced sailors who understand the size and type of yacht theyre using, take the necessary measures to prepare for weather and sea conditions, and are equipped with the right supplies and provisions can enjoy the journey and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with it.

If youre ready to take on the challenge, make sure youre well prepared and embark on this amazing journey that you wont soon forget.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

motor yachts that can cross the atlantic

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Crossing The Atlantic By Motor Yacht? Everything You Need To Know

How Long Does it Take to Sail Across the Atlantic?

How Far Can a Yacht Travel?

Can a Yacht Cross the Atlantic Ocean?

How Large Does A Boat Need To Be In Order To Cross The Atlantic Ocean?

Seaworthiness

Supply Storage

Comfort Of The Crew

Crossing The Atlantic In A Motorboat

Enjoy Your Crossing

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Crossing the Atlantic by Motor Yacht Routes

What are Some Good Motor Yacht Routes for Crossing the Atlantic

What are Some Things to Consider When Planning a Motor Yacht Crossing of the Atlantic

What are Some Hazards to Be Aware of When Crossing the Atlantic by Motor Yacht

What are Some Tips for Making a Successful Transatlantic Crossing by Motor Yacht

Atlantic Crossing in a 2019 Motor Yacht Lagoon 630

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Best Yachts for Transatlantic Crossing: Our Selection and Advice for 2023

What does a boat need for a transatlantic crossing?

What you must have

Most transatlantic yachts have a lot more

Do not head offshore without these

What experience do you need to do a transatlantic?

Chartering a yacht – a great option for less experienced sailors.

The best yachts for a transatlantic crossing

NEEL 51: Fast and easy to sail trimaran

Outremer 5X: High-speed catamaran sailing

Hallberg-Rassy 57: Sturdy monohull with elegance and speed

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How Much Fuel Is Needed To Cross The Atlantic & Pacific ocean?

How Long Time Does It Take To Cross The Atlantic & Pacific Seas?

You May Need to Upgrade Some of Your Systems

Water Makers

Power Generation Systems

What Is The Best System to Use?

Autopilot Systems

Your Crew Should Have Ocean Crossing Experience

Trade Winds Will Dictate Your Voyage

Final Thoughts

Crossing the Atlantic on a Yacht in Comfort

Lessons Learned in more than two years of cruising in Northern Europe

Journey from Rhode Island to Ireland Via the Azores

Yachting World

The best route for an Atlantic crossing? It depends when you go

Flexible sailplan

North is fastest

When does the engine go on?

If you enjoyed this….

This $12 million yacht looks like a spaceship and can cross the Atlantic twice on a single tank — see inside 'Adastra'

Adastra, a spaceship-like megayacht fit for a Bond villain, has hit the market for $12 million.

Commissioned in 2012 by shipping tycoon Anto Marden at a cost of at least $20 million, according to Robb Report, the trimaran yacht was built to cover vast distances and cross oceans.

Thanks to its efficient shape, lightweight construction, and 15,000-liter fuel capacity, Adastra boasts a range of 10,000 nautical miles, or roughly 11,500 miles.

That means the 140-foot ship can cross the Atlantic twice over without having to refuel, and its owner has done just that, he told Robb Report.

Plus, the yacht sits less than four feet below the water line, so it can venture into shallow harbors where traditional yachts can't.

After spending several years cruising the globe aboard Adastra, Marden is ready to sell the head-turning vessel and give more attention to his other yacht, he told Robb Report.

To keep passengers comfortable on long journeys, Adastra is every bit as luxurious as it is capable.

Inside, there's a main living space with a wraparound lounge area ...

... and panoramic windows.

The yacht features lots of custom materials — including lightweight oak cabinetry — to decrease weight and improve fuel efficiency.

Behind the lounge, there's a full dining area ...

... complete with a kidney-shaped wood table and a pair of skylights.

Toward the back of the interior, there's a sofa and a bar area.

Below deck, there's a master suite that spans the full width of the hull.

The master bedroom has a private full bath and desk.

In total, Adastra sleeps up to nine guests ...

... along with six crew members.

There's a second full bathroom below deck as well.

The helm station has seating for two, and is raised up above the rest of the yacht.

On the aft deck, there's teak flooring and a couple of lounge areas ...