Atlantic Expedition Sailing Holiday to the Azores
An Atlantic expedition sailing holiday aboard tall ship Blue Clipper, from the Caribbean island of Antigua to the Azores.
This Atlantic expedition sailing holiday puts you aboard tall ship Blue Clipper for one of the great ocean passages. Leaving the Caribbean island of Antigua, Blue Clipper follows the northeasterly trade winds across the open Atlantic, bound for the island of Horta in the Azores.
With 28 days at sea, a full watch system, celestial navigation, and hundreds of miles of open ocean, this is a voyage that asks something of you and gives back far more. This voyage is perfect for the avid adventurer with some sailing experience and a serious appetite for open water.
- Trade wind ocean crossing
- Antigua to the Azores under sail
- Night skies far from light pollution
- Star gazing and celestial navigation
- Seamanship on a traditional tall ship
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
An Atlantic Expedition Sailing Holiday Aboard a Tall Ship
Antigua → Atlantic Ocean → Horta, Azores
This Atlantic expedition sailing holiday is as real as sailing gets. Blue Clipper is a traditionally rigged tall ship, built for open ocean passages, and this 28-day voyage from Antigua to Horta in the Azores is a serious undertaking in the best possible sense. Using the northeasterly trade winds to fill her sails, Blue Clipper will cover hundreds of miles of open Atlantic, with buffer days built in to make the most of whatever the wind brings.
This is not a voyage for the faint-hearted. We recommend some prior experience on the water before joining, whether that is a taster sailing weekend, time at a dinghy sailing club, or simply hours spent on a boat. Once you leave port, there is no turning back. What awaits is the open ocean, the stars, the rhythm of the ship, and days measured in wind and wave rather than meetings and screens. If Blue Clipper arrives in Horta ahead of schedule, she becomes your base as you find your land legs and explore ashore.
Getting Involved: Life at Sea Aboard
Blue Clipper sails continuously on this passage, with a full watch system running throughout. Everyone is invited to join the watch system but it is not mandatory, as the ship is fully crewed and you will never be without a crew member on deck. The watch system is worked out once everyone has boarded, taking into account guest experience and abilities. The professional crew will teach you everything you need to know as you become a working part of the team. From hoisting and trimming sails to taking the helm, plotting routes on the chart, rope work and repairs, and trying your hand at celestial navigation, there is always something to do on watch. The rest of the time is yours. Read, play cards, watch the ocean, and let the demands of the modern world fall quietly away.
- Hoisting and trimming sails
- Taking the helm on open ocean passages
- Celestial navigation and chart plotting
- Rope work, repairs and seamanship
- Cooking together and life as part of the crew
Sailing by the Stars
Far from any coastline, the night sky opens up in a way that is hard to describe. With no light pollution for hundreds of miles, the stars light the sky from horizon to horizon, creating a truly spectacular sight. Although Blue Clipper carries all the modern GPS equipment needed for a safe ocean passage, there will likely be the chance to try celestial navigation for yourself, using the stars to plot your position and guide your route. It is an age-old skill, used by sailors long before instruments existed, and experiencing it on the open Atlantic is something that stays with you.
Life Aboard Blue Clipper on an Ocean Passage
Blue Clipper is a classic tall ship crewed by experienced professionals who know ocean passages well. On a voyage of this length, the boat becomes your world, and the small crew and guest numbers mean the atmosphere on board is warm, close-knit, and genuinely communal. Full board is included throughout the crossing, and the shared experience of cooking, eating, and sailing together creates bonds that tend to last well beyond the voyage itself.
- Where you sleep: cabins below deck for the full duration of the crossing
- Food: full board throughout the voyage
- On-deck experience: fully hands-on, join the watch system and become part of the crew
- Sailing experience: recommended before joining this voyage
- Atmosphere: close-knit, communal, and genuinely adventurous
[Read more about Blue Clipper]
Things to note
Sailing vs Shoretime
Do I need to take part in night watches?
Travel insurance notes
As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your 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.
Need help with flights?
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.
Sailing with tall ship Blue Clipper is certainly an enjoyable, hands-on experience and guests are encouraged to get involved with all aspects of sailing this magnificent tall ship. Spending her summers exploring Scotland and the Hebrides and her winters sailing in the Caribbean, Blue Clipper is the perfect tall ship experience.
Getting involved
From hoisting the sails to taking the helm, the friendly and knowledgeable crew always shows you the ropes. Part of the beauty of sailing with such a magnificent vessel is the opportunity to get involved in a safe and supported environment! The permanent crew are all professionally trained, so as much as guest involvement is encouraged, if you just want to sit back and take in the view or are concerned about your physical ability to hoist ropes, there are plenty of other boat jobs such as coiling ropes, preparing lines and keeping watch! For those more adventurous, climbing the rigging or the bowsprit can also be a great experience.
Dining aboard
For her coastal voyages, Blue Clipper has a dedicated chef on board, too, so you don’t have to worry about cooking after a day of sailing in the salty sea air. Think locally sourced produce, fresh fish, homemade bread with hearty home-cooked meals, and plenty of tea, coffee, and cake!
For her expedition and Atlantic crossings, there will be a boat cook on board.
Sleeping and relaxation
Below decks, Blue Clipper has a large, comfy saloon perfect for sharing sea-faring tales, hearty home-cooked meals or even a game of cards! Rest up after a day of adventure in your spacious private en-suite cabin. With twin bunks, sailing with Blue Clipper is undoubtedly one of comfort and is the perfect choice for couples or solo travellers.
Blue Clipper has two kayaks and paddleboards on board, which guests are welcome to use to explore the nooks and crannies of the coast! There is no extra charge for this, and buoyancy vests are also provided.
A Typical Day
On her coastal voyages, a typical day starts with a good, hearty breakfast before preparing the boat to hoist the sails. Once the sails are set to the next destination, there will be time to relax, read a book, chat to your fellow travellers or simply find a quiet corner and take in the view. Lunch will likely be served underway or at the next anchorage as you spend your afternoons exploring ashore.
Generally, on her expedition crossings and longer voyages, she will spend more time under sail. The day will still be punctuated by regular meal times, and there will likely be a watch system running throughout the voyage as she sails through the night. Stargazing on these longer voyages is spectacular with no light pollution and a complete view of the horizon.
Sample menu
All food is made on board, and local, fresh produce is at the top of the shopping list. Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.
BREAKFAST
- Poached/scrambled eggs, bacon, vine tomatoes, mushrooms
- French toast, bacon, maple syrup
- Porridge, fruit selection
- Toast, preserves and cereal selection
- Tea, fresh coffee and fresh fruit juice
AFTERNOON CAKE
- Tea, coffee, home-made cakes, scones, jam and cream, shortbreads
LUNCH
- Spinach and ricotta tortellini, blue cheese sauce and cherry tomatoes
- Open sandwiches, salad, and crisps
- Cous cous salad, goat’s cheese, roasted red pepper
- Wild mushroom risotto with rocket and herb oil
- Fish goujons, new potatoes, tartar and salad garnish
DINNER
- Starters: Tomato bruschetta, Ardennes pate, salt-baked beetroot, curry aioli, gremolata sesame praline, hot-smoked salmon crostini
- Fillet of coley, crushed new potatoes, asparagus, beurre blanc, dill mayo
- Pork belly, maple-glazed celeriac, turmeric curr, rice and salsa, basil pesto
- Roast chicken thigh, sauteed new potatoes, squash puree, braised carrots, kale, red wine jus
- Spiced bean stew, rocket, herb oil
- Chicken breast, celeriac puree, mash, parma ham crisp, miso mayo
Dessert
- Coffee and cake
- Cheeseboard
Blue Clipper
Guest berths: 12 Rig: Gaff Schooner
Tall ship Blue Clipper has spent many years sailing all over the world and currently spends her summers sailing Scotland and the Hebrides, her autumn months heading south to Spain and Portugal, then setting sail across the Atlantic for some winter sun in the Caribbean.
Built in Sweden in 1991, tall ship Blue Clipper is an impressive three-masted gaff rig schooner. With a clipper bow, original teak deck and elegant stern, she mixes a traditional tall ship feel with a relatively modern build, giving guests an authentic experience with all the mod cons.
On deck, she boasts ample space for her guests to become fully immersed in hands-on sailing, heaving the ropes, hoisting the sails, learning ropes skills, and even taking the helm. She has three kayaks and three paddle boards for guest use while on anchor, so you can explore even further inshore.
She offers voyages to suit all ages and abilities. From taster sailing breaks to week-long explorations in the Hebrides, she also takes those looking for something a little more adventurous across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. From the mystical, moody Scotland to the warm winter sun in the Caribbean, the crew aboard are on permanent rotation, so you’ll be in safe hands whichever voyage you choose.
A spacious saloon, wheelhouse and galley also sit at deck level, while below decks have been well-considered with six spacious ensuite cabins. All cabins have full-size bunks, a small desk, a porthole for natural light and heating/air conditioning.
Deck plan
Berths on board
Single berth in shared Twin Cabin Ensuite: Two single bunk berths and an ensuite.
Twin Cabin Ensuite (solo occupancy): Private cabin for one person. Two single bunk berths, and an ensuite.
Young Sailor 18-25 yr (4-berth shared cabin): Four single bunk berths in a mixed gender cabin.
More about Blue Clipper
More holidays in Azores or The Caribbean
Luxury Caribbean Sailing Cruise from Antigua
Sailing in the Azores
Luxury Caribbean Sailing Exploring Antigua & St Barts
Luxury Yacht Sailing in the Grenadines
More holidays on Blue Clipper
Scottish Island Hopping & Tall Ship Sailing in the Hebrides
Tall Ship Sailing the Firth of Clyde, Scotland
Tall Ship Sailing Across the Atlantic to the UK
Tall Ship Taster Experience in the Hebrides
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.
JOURNAL
