Atlantic Crossing

[mangomuffins]

quick question

What is the best, soonest time/route for crossing atlantic to europe?


mm

[mangomuffins]

additional info...

this would be in 30-35' footer

[Hannah on 'Rita T']

The Arc has already gone, lots of boats out there, but wait for Beryl to dissipate.

Just saw you were in a 27 foot boat, do it in hops, Bermuda, Azores etc.

[mangomuffins]

Thanks for the reply...
This query is not for me...

As this was/is not in MY cruising plans, I guess I should clarify...

??? is on behalf of some young newbies.
They are looking for a cruiser 30-35' range. Their idea is to get boat and some experience and then find someone with experience to skipper them across. Hence the query about best time/route. They have stated they would like to get across by end of summer...
I think that's pushing it a bit but, as I said, I've never really looked at this.
My thought OTTOMH, is probably not feasible till after hurr. season.

further thoughts appreciated.

mm

[yeloya]

In theory the best time appers to be mid May. I left in late March this year and did from Tortolla to Horta in less than 14 days in 44 ft catamaran. You didn't mention where exctly you start the journey but in any case you have to follow one of the lows moving towards Europe. Stay south / south west of it not to close not to far off. That should give you predominantly westerly, 15-25 kts of wind until you hit the Azores high. Try to stay a bit north of the Azores when you approach if you can to hve lighter but some winds. Otherwise, you my motor for the lst 200-300 nm. Take in any case extra fuel nd necessary rigging for downwind sailing.
Good luck

Yeloya

[mangomuffins]

Thanks,

That's pretty much what I thought... ie. probably not feasible till spring or so. mm

[barnakiel]

If you have not departed by now or else not sitting on the edge of the seat then probably next year.

BTW1 There is no hard rule with Azores high as:

a) it moves,
b) it may or not be there,
c) boats can cross either directly or else by making the fine N curve as posted above by others.

BTW2 If you go direct and get a strong High that becomes pseudo stationary ... ;-))))))) then it is going to be a longer passage. But it is hardly ever that it gets strong and ps-stationary early, hence May early June seem to work fine for most.

Cheers,
b.

[keyspc]

Hi mango!
Would you believe i am almost ready to take the gramps to purto rico?
got to replace eng space bulkhead and install a universal to replace that #%^#! Vetus.
will be living on 650 a month.

[denverd0n]

Maybe you should mention to them that the Atlantic hurricane season officially starts tomorrow, though we have already had two named storms. Rule of thumb: middle of summer is not the preferred time for crossing the Atlantic.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by mangomuffins

on behalf of some young newbies.
They are looking for a cruiser 30-35' range. Their idea is to get boat and some experience and then find someone with experience to skipper them across. Hence the query about best time/route. They have stated they would like to get across by end of summer...

Why don't they jump on an aeroplane and they would be here in 6 hours. Then buy the boat over here. Plenty off locations to learn to sail safely and then head south for the winter. They don't want to arrive in Europe just as winter starts, its cold.

Pete

[balimara]

The best information about cruising when and where is given by Jimmy Cornell. Planing should not be done without. We rely on it.