Cross the Atlantic with yacht Chronos as she sails from the Caribbean island of Antigua to Portimão on the Algarve coast of Portugal.
An adventure sailing holiday across an ocean is certainly one that leaves life-long memories. Using the northeasterly trade winds above the equator to fill the sails with thousands of miles to cover, this sailing adventure is not for the faint-hearted but perfect for the avid adventurer!
Leaving from Antigua to Portugal with modern classic yacht Chronos, as you leave land on the distant horizon. The voyage has 23 days to cross the open ocean, and there are buffer days included in this to make the best use of the wind. If you arrive early, you’ll be able to use the boat as your base as you find your land legs again and explore ashore.
- Private ensuite cabins
- Longer passages at sea
- Professional crew
- Mile builder
- Bucket List experience
- Full Board
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Antigua to Portugal
The diverse nature and 365 beaches that make up Antigua are one of the reasons it was named the Pearls of the Caribbean and the annual venue of the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta makes for one of the most beautiful sailing events in the world.
Sailing from Antigua, you’ll spend the next 23 days at sea, sailing across the Atlantic toward the south coast of Portugal. If the wind is in our favour, we’ll make a short stopover on the Atlantic archipelago of the Azores.
Ocean passages can bring conditions fit for only the boldest adventurers seeking the ultimate challenge. This hands-on sailing adventure is perfect for those wanting to experience life on the open water and tuck some sea miles under their belt. We recommend some previous experience of time on the water and some time spent on a boat. Whether that’s a taster sailing weekend, dinghy sailing club or weekends on your grandparent’s boat, once we have left port, there is no turning back!
The soft, steady up and down of the ship’s hull in the waves, the expanse of the sea, and the gentle creaking of the rigging are the perfect ingredients for a relaxing and at the same time, adventurous holiday experience.
Getting involved
The professional and experienced crew will teach you everything you need to know as you will sail with and become part of the crew, hoisting sails, taking the helm and getting involved with all aspects of sailing a luxury classic yacht.
From plotting our route on the chart to cooking together, some celestial navigation skills, hoisting and trimming sails, and rope work and repairs, there is always something for everyone to do while on watch. The rest of the time is free to enjoy the inky black of the night sky, reading a book or three or playing cards together; the ocean allows guests to switch off from the demands of the modern world and fill their souls with vitamin-Sea.
Sailing by the stars
Far from land, miles into the open ocean, you’ll see the night sky as you have never seen it before. The stars light the sky as we sail away from any man-made light pollution, creating a truly spectacular sight. Although each boat certainly has all the modern GPS equipment, there will likely be the chance to try your hand at celestial navigation, using the stars to plot your position and guide your route! An age-old skill used by sailing ancestors of years gone by.
Weather
Part of the beauty of an ocean-going adventure is experiencing all the elements. From wind, rain and sun, we will certainly see them all. Whatever comes our way, the crew will use weather radar technology to plan our route as best they can to ensure we cover the most miles as safely as possible. Expect strong winds and big waves, perfect sailing to glassy seas with not a breath of wind and everything in between.
Things to note
Sailing vs Shore time
Do I need to take part in night watches?
Travel insurance notes
As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise everyone to have the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.
Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.
This voyage will be more than 12 miles offshore.
*Please note passengers sailing on Chronos, Rhea or Kariós do not require personal accident cover, only health insurance.
Need help with flights?
Medical Certificate
Atlantic sailings on Chronos do require all guests to provide a medical certificate signed by their doctors. This can be provided after you have completed the booking.
Sailing with Chronos is certainly one of comfort and relaxation. Think of a boutique, intimate classic sailing experience where nothing is too much trouble. Her dedicated and professional crew are highly trained and well-versed in a smooth sailing operation.
Getting Involved
She has an impressive sail area, and her rig is electronically operated with retractable sails, so there is no need to “learn the ropes” here! That being said, there are still traditional pin and tails if guests want to have a taste of authentic sailing. Her crew are always on hand and happy to discuss the sailing operations with guests.
Although there is less focus on the “hands-on” sailing of Chronos, the Captain and crew offer interesting sailing talks and information briefs for guests during the voyage. Learn about the history of the boat, its sailing terms and even take a tour of the engine room if you fancy! Understanding these elegant classic vessels and feeling their power with the wind is truly an unforgettable experience.
Sleeping and Relaxation
Every space on Chronos is designed with guests at the forefront. From the spacious saloon, private ensuite cabins clad in tropical wood to the sweeping open decks with plenty of sun lounging spaces – the boat is undoubtedly oozing class.
The generously proportioned cabins all have plenty of luggage storage, full-size domestic showers and air conditioning units. Versatile beds mean cabins can be made from a comfy double to a sharing twin, and even a three-bed family cabin, as needed. Each cabin is named after the winds of the sea, and this matches the allocated swim towel set for guests. If you leave it drying on deck, a member of the crew will deliver it back to your cabin when it is dry.
Daily cabin service is also part of the offering. A member of the crew will make your bed and freshen your bathroom every day. If you want a towel change or a complete cabin clean, just leave the relevant sign on the cabin door!
Dining Aboard
Although the day is punctuated by meal times, you certainly don’t feel like you’re running on a schedule. The relaxed nature of both the boat and the crew gives a perfect balance.
Depending on the voyage location, the daily routine can vary and be flexible according to the group’s wishes. Perhaps sit back and relax as the crew set the sails for another remote anchorage to enjoy a freshly cooked lunch and the on-board water toys! Or spend the morning swimming in a secluded bay or exploring an ancient port city before setting the sails for a new location.
Start the day with a rich buffet-style breakfast, followed by a light 2-course lunch at noon, coffee, tea and cake in the afternoon. Finish the day with a freshly cooked 3-course dinner aboard and on the final night of the voyage, enjoy an authentic Captain’s dinner. On every voyage with Chronos, guests enjoy a meal ashore at their own expense to immerse themselves in the local culture and cuisine. Guests tend to go off in their own groups, but sometimes the crew can join in if guests are unsure of the best spots!
A typical Day
Generally, after breakfast, Chronos will spend a few hours sailing to a new destination where guests can either explore ashore or swim from the boat. Guests can go ashore usually every 1-2 days. On her longer passages and Ocean crossings, she will spend consecutive days at sea.
Water-toys
For those water lovers with a sense of adventure, Chronos has a multitude of water-sport activities and equipment available for guests on her standard voyages (not crossings/passages). Stand-up paddle-boards and adult-size snorkelling equipment are free for guests to use.
Water skiing, wakeboarding, banana boat and tube riding are all chargeable once on board. Chronos offers this at a moderate price and suggests an average of 10% of the voyage price to serve as a guide for consumption. The onboard currency is EUROS, and guests can open an onboard account, which can be paid at the end of the voyage.
Sample menu
Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.
LUNCH
Starter
- Quiche Lorraine
- Bresaola carpaccio
Main Course
- Fettuccine Alfredo, parmesan cheese & Italian herbs
- Chicken Caesar salad, parmesan cheese, avocado & croutons
Dessert
- Fruit salad, lime juice, vanilla & cinnamon
- Yoghurt ice cream – coconut, mango
DINNER
Starter
- Mozzarella, tomatoes & fresh basil
- Soup – Coconut, zucchini & ginger
Main Course
- Swordfish Provençale, oregano & dry Vermouth
- Beef Burgundy, mushrooms, carrots & herbs
Dessert
- Crème brûlée
- Chocolate mousse tart with wild berries
-
- Full Board* (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and filter coffee and tea)
- All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet), bath and swim towels per person
- Full crew plus tuition
- Marina and fuel fees
- All tender trips to and from the boat
- Lifejacket
- Adult snorkelling equipment
- Stand-up paddle-boards
What’s not included
- Alcohol and soft drinks
- Waterproofs
- *One meal is eaten ashore at the guest’s own expense
- Any flights
- Transit hotels
- Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
- Travel Insurance
- Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
- Crew tips
- Personal expenses
Water skiing, wakeboarding, banana boat and tube riding are all chargeable once on board. > Chronos offers this at a moderate price and suggests an average of 10% of the voyage price to serve as a guide for consumption.
Please consider travelling as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid/hard cases. Please pack your items in a soft bag or rucksack, something that can be packed flat or rolled up. Ones with wheels are fine, but no rigid cases, please.
We recommend a travelling-light approach with lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items. It can be a few degrees colder out at sea; please bring layers, even if the forecast seems like a warm week. These are not mandatory, and those who have sailed before may have their own preferences!
- Flight tickets
- Identification cards: Personal ID card and/or passport, driver’s license recommended
- Money: Cash, credit card
- Personal medication
- Sun protection gel, after-sun/sunburn lotion, sunhat or equivalent
- Glasses, sunglasses
- Your favourite book!
Bed linen, bath and beach towels, life jackets, and snorkelling equipment, including fins, are on board.
CLOTHING
Dress on board is casual during the day (T-shirt and shorts) and smart-casual in the evening and at the Captain’s Dinner. Swimwear is not permitted during meals or below deck. Please observe the local customs for shore excursions.
- Swimwear (a swim towel is provided)
- T-shirts, polo shirts, blouses and dress-shirts (also long-sleeved)
- Long trousers for the journey and excursions to the shore, one or two long trousers and shorts for the dinners and the visit to the restaurant
- Shorts/dresses
- Trousers and shorts are recommended for women due to the steep stairs and boat transfers.
- A light pullover or a fleece for the evenings
- Wind-/rain jacket and a cap
- We ask that you wear anti-skid sport/boat shoes/trainers on board.
- Bring a pair of flip-flops or sandals for visits to the beach
- For trips to the shore, we recommend you wear sturdy shoes/trainers
- FOR CROSSINGS ONLY Sailing waterproofs – recommended only for crossings and the Azores in spring/autumn
- FOR CROSSINGS ONLY Sailing/rubber waterproof boots are advisable for the crossings and the Azores in spring/autumn.
Travel Documents
- Please assume full responsibility for checking and verifying any passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements for the country/as required.
From: Falmouth Harbour
To: Portimão
GETTING THERE
Falmouth Harbour, Antigua
BY AIR
Antigua Airport is a 30-minute shuttle journey to Falmouth Harbour. Flights go direct to Antigua Airport from London Gatwick and London Heathrow with British Airways, Finnair, Virgin Atlantic and Air France.
GETTING HOME
Portimão
BY AIR
Faro International Airport is roughly a 45-minute taxi ride. There are direct flights to the UK from Faro Airport.
Need help with flights to The Caribbean?
If you require some expert help with sourcing the right flights to meet the boat, please get in touch with Jenny at the Flight Centre via this form, she will be able to send you a quote within 24 hours.
Chronos
Guest berths: 26 Rig: Bermudan Ketch
Our sailing holidays on board Chronos are all about style and comfort while exploring sunshine destinations and unforgettable locations. A purpose-built charter vessel, Chronos was designed with the elegant sailing lines of a traditional classic boat but has been paired with all the comforts and luxuries of a modern yacht. Along with her sister yachts, Rhea and Kairos, Chronos spends her year sailing from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean and all the fascinating archipelagos in between.
Built with ultimate comfort in mind, Chronos is lined in teak and mahogany, with plenty of space to sunbathe, read a book, and enjoy the views. All her sails are electronically retractable, so no need to learn the ropes here. The professional crew are, however, more than happy for guests to get involved with the operating and sailing of Chronos as much as they would like!
Designed by Klaus Röder, who based his design on a classic yacht whilst keeping up with the modern-day ketch, Chronos has been built for performance sailing and guest comfort. She is perfect for those looking for a more relaxed sailing holiday while appreciating her fine sailing lines. From couples to solo travellers, she can also suit older families.
Relaxation is at the forefront of guest experience, from the attention of the crew to the space inside the boat. An admiralty ladder provides the perfect place to jump off into the warm waters, have a swim and climb back aboard with ease. Chronos also offers her guests the options of using her water skiing, wakeboarding, tube riding, kneeboarding, banana boat, kayak, snorkelling & dive equipment and even a sail dinghy.
The deckhouse offers its very own small bar, whilst below decks offers still more space to relax with a generous saloon. Her private cabins, offering both double and single beds, all have air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms.
The professional crew consists of the Skipper, first mate, mechanic, bosun, cook and four stewards, so you will most certainly be looked after during your time aboard Chronos.
Deck plan
More about Chronos
Are all meals included?
Yes, all meals* on board are included in the price (breakfast, lunch, dinner and filter coffee and tea) *One meal per week is eaten ashore at the customers own expense.
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Meat eaters and vegetarians only please.
Are there any added extras?
One meal is eaten ashore at the guests expense. Alcohol and soft drinks are not included but can be purchased on board. Water-sports are not included.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
Chronos has two Standard Double En-suite Cabins (11 m²) and 10 Deluxe En-suite Cabins (12-13 m²).
Is there a porthole in my cabin?
Yes, all cabins have portholes.
How many toilet/showers does she have?
All cabins have their own ensuite.
Are bedding and towels included?
All bedding, a hand towel, bath towel, swim towel is included per person.
Is there a hairdryer on board?
Yes, there is a hair dryer in each cabin.
Will I be able to wash my clothes?
No, Chronos does not have laundry on board.
Is there heating/air conditioning onboard?
Yes.
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew! There will be an honesty box available at the end of your voyage (as a general guide, a 5-10% tip based on your ticket price)
What language is spoken onboard?
English is the common deck language but there will be international guests and crew.
Is there WIFI onboard?
When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan. There is chargeable access to Starlink on all voyages. You can buy vouchers once on board if required.
Can I charge my phone/Camera?
Yes, there are 2pin EU sockets throughout the boat so please bring an adaptor if needed.
What is the currency on board?
Euro's.
Are there life jackets provided?
Yes. Life jackets are provided. Children 5 and under are required to wear one at all times on deck.
How do I get on and off the boat?
Chronos is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy. There is an admiralty ladder and there will always be a crew member to steady.
Are Waterproofs provided?
No.
Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not!
Does the boat have any water toys?
Yes, there are two sea kayaks, RS Quba dinghy, snorkelling gear, water skis, wakeboard, kneeboard and banana boat. For activities that require pulling with a dinghy we charge €1 per minute of use.
Will I be sea sick?
Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Minimum age of 5, and as long as the child can swim.
Guest Reviews
More holidays in Portugal or The Caribbean
Luxury Sailing St Barths Regatta
Luxury Caribbean Sailing; Martinique, St Lucia & the Grenadines
Luxury Caribbean Sailing Exploring Antigua & St Barts
Sailing the Gibraltar Strait from Portugal to Spain
More holidays on Chronos
Sail from St Tropez to Mallorca
Sailing holiday along the Amalfi Coast
Sailing Holiday in Southern Italy
Luxury Sailing Holiday Exploring the Coast of Malta
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
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