Tag: offshore sailing

Sailing Across the Atlantic Ocean

Guests hoisting sails on Florette

Have you ever dreamt about sailing across the Atlantic Ocean?

Sailing across the Atlantic Ocean is a feat reserved for the boldest of travellers seeking the ultimate adventure. For those yearning to experience life on a traditional sailing boat and immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world, a hands-on, ocean-going sailing adventure could offer the perfect opportunity. 

In this blog post, we will talk about the unique experience of sailing the Atlantic Ocean and the profound connection it gives us to the natural world. 

A Voyage of Hands-On Adventure

From the traditionally rigged to the classic modern yacht, every Autumn a handful of our fleet make the journey across the Atlantic to spend their winter season in the sunshine islands of the Caribbean. While prior experience on the water is recommended, our professional and experienced crews are on hand to quite literally, show you the ropes. As a guest, you become an integral part of the crew, actively participating in hoisting sails, taking the helm, and engaging in all aspects of sailing a boat. The rhythmic motion of the ship’s hull, the vast expanse of the sea, and the gentle creaking of the rigging create a relaxing and adventurous experience.

Sailing by the Stars

As we leave land in the distant horizon, the night reveals the clearest of skies, untouched by man-made light pollution. This unique experience allows guests to watch a celestial spectacle that city-dwellers seldom experience and practice their hand at plotting and navigating the route by the stars. While all our vessels are fitted with modern GPS equipment, there are opportunities to partake in celestial navigation, an age-old skill that utilises the stars to plot positions and guide routes. Embracing this ancestral practice connects us with our rich maritime history and instills a sense of awe and wonder. Cornish lugger Grayhound is particularly interested in maintaining this age-old knowledge and is aiming to cross the whole Atlantic using celestial navigation for as much of the journey as possible!

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Connection to the Natural World

Sailing across the Atlantic Ocean gives guests a unique opportunity to connect with the ever-changing beauty of the natural world. Surrounded by the vastness of the ocean, finding solace and tranquility, away from the demands of the modern world. Our offshore sailing holidays offer the chance to unplug and reconnect with yourself and the environment. Bask in the wonders of the inky night sky, work together to hoist the sails and harness the power of the wind as you watch for whales, dolphins and flying fish on the horizon. This ocean-going escape from the daily grind rejuvenates the soul and nourishes the spirit with the healing power of vitamin-Sea.


Embracing the Elements

We can’t guarantee sunshine but we can guarantee variety! An ocean-going adventure will offer the full spectrum of the elements. From oily seas and gentle breeze, to wave-breaking trade winds filling the sails and propelling you along the waves. Our crews are adept in manoeuvres through wind, rain, and sun, using weather radar technology to chart the safest and most efficient route. Each day brings new surprises, allowing guests to develop resilience, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for the natural world and its elements. All our offshore sailing voyages allow for buffer days to adjust the itinerary to suit the weather as needed. 


Sailing across the Atlantic Ocean

Taking part in an offshore sailing adventure across the Atlantic Ocean is a truly transformative experience that you will never forget. It’s that bucket list experience that combines the thrill of adventure, sustainable travel, celestial navigation, and a profound connection to the natural world. As you immerse yourself in this unique sailing journey, you will make lasting memories, gain newfound skills, and develop a deep appreciation for the vastness and majesty of our oceans. So hoist the sails, chart your course, and set off on an extraordinary voyage reminiscent of the pirates of the Caribbean, guided by the winds and the stars.


What boats can take me across the Atlantic?

If you’re looking for a traditionally rigged vessel where you become part of the crew, letting the stars guide your route, Cornish lugger Grayhound or historic brigantine Florette are the boats for you! Eye of the Wind has been making the crossing for many years so she fills up really quickly so if you’re interested in going on the waiting list for next year, give us a call in the office!

If you want a little more comfort and luxury, our modern classics Chronos and Rhea sail every Autumn from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean. They offer a modern winch system and en-suite cabins but you’re still very much included in running all aspects of the boat.


Any questions? Feel free to get in touch with our friendly team, who are on hand to answer all your questions, big or small, about our mile building adventures. You can contact the office by phone on +44(0)1872 487288, or drop us an email at [email protected]. We look forward to welcoming you on board!

Mile Builder Sailing

Florette Pulling Ropes on Board

Looking to build your miles at sea and gain valuable hands-on experience in open water? Our offshore sailing holidays offer the perfect opportunity to improve your sailing skills while sharing a bucket-list adventure with like-minded individuals. Whether you dream of crossing the Atlantic Ocean or the Bay of Biscay, a mile builder sailing holiday is perfect for the adventurous and those building confidence as a sailor.

From historic tall ships to adventure yachts and luxury classics, our unique vessels offer a variety of sailing experiences all over the world. Here, we’ll delve into why a mile builder sailing holiday is the best way to experience the natural world, immersing yourself into the rhythms of the waves and exploring captivating destinations. Take the plunge and discover life under sail.

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Why choose a mile builder sailing holiday?

A hands-on learning experience

Mile builder sailing holidays provide an unparalleled opportunity to gain practical knowledge and improve your sailing skills. Unlike traditional mile builder training courses, our voyages allow you to actively participate in the navigation, sail handling, and overall operation of your chosen vessel as part of a crew.

Under the guidance of our experienced skippers and crew, you’ll learn essential seamanship techniques, gain confidence in your abilities, and develop a deep understanding of the art of sailing. You are welcome to bring your log books on all of our voyages, and our crew are always happy to facilitate any extra learning experience you would like. 


Embrace your seafaring ancestors

Humans have been sailing and trading for thousands of years, with the earliest evidence of sailing thought to be from the stone age. Our ancestors were explorers, adventurers, pirates and tradespeople. Some of our boats are sailing the same routes as they did as cargo vessels over 100 years ago. It’s in our roots, in our blood.

There is something indescribably magical about sailing with only the power of the wind. As you rely on the natural world , you’re able to disconnect from the modern world. Mile builder sailing not only also fosters a deeper connection with the places you visit, as you become part of a timeless seafaring tradition that has connected people and cultures for centuries.


The ultimate immersion into life at sea

Even if you’re not looking to become a professional sailor, joining a mile builder holiday is still the best way to get actively involved in sailing life. Mile builder sailing holidays provide the best opportunity to refine your night sailing abilities and celestial navigation skills.

There is something truly unique about watching the sun go down and the moon rise, while star-gazing at the clearest night skies from the deck of a boat. As part of the crew, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the unique challenges and rewards of sailing under the stars. Guided by experienced skippers, you’ll learn to navigate using celestial equipment, chart plotting, and electronic navigation systems, gaining confidence in handling the vessel during nighttime passages.


Discover diverse destinations from a new perspective

The Earth is two-thirds water, yet we spend most of our time on land. Our mile builder sailing adventures offer not only just sailing experiences but also give guests the chance to experience the world from a totally new perspective.

From the rugged coastlines of Scotland and Cornwall to the sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean, and even the pristine beauty of Iceland; our adventures at sea will take you to bucket list destinations along the way. Embrace the opportunity to discover hidden coves, picturesque harbours, and charming coastal towns, all while experiencing the thrill of an ocean voyage. Feel the excitement of approaching a new coastline, and witness the gradual changes in scenery as you sail from one destination to another.


An environmentally conscious adventure

A mile building sailing holiday is also a great way to explore the world while reducing your carbon footprint. By harnessing the power of the wind, our vessels are able to minimise their carbon emissions whilst allowing the opportunity to visit different countries without using air travel. Instead of boarding a plane and missing out on the unique experiences to be found on land and sea, sailing allows you to savour the journey itself.

Spending longer periods at sea promotes a deep connection with nature, as you witness firsthand the vastness and beauty of the open sea. As you navigate through pristine waters and encounter marine life along the way, you develop a profound appreciation for the importance of preserving our fragile ecosystems. With sustainability at the forefront, our mile builder sailing holidays provide an opportunity to explore the world while treading lightly upon it.


Ready to set sail?

If you’re ready to take the plunge and experience life at sea, view all our mile builder sailing holidays below.
Any questions? Feel free to get in touch with our friendly team, who are on hand to answer all your questions, big or small, about our mile building adventures. You can contact the office by phone on +44(0)1872 487288, or drop us an email at [email protected]. We look forward to welcoming you on board!