Offshore Sailing Passage from Antigua to Gibraltar

Your Sailing Area

Antigua to Gibraltar

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 Spain to finish in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. If the wind is in our favour, we’ll make a short stopover on the Atlantic archipelago of the Azores.

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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.

All voyages for Chronos

Chronos

Guest berths: 26 Rig: Bermudan Ketch

Our luxury sailing yacht Chronos was built and registered in Bodrum, Turkey but spends her days sailing the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Chronos was purpose-built as a charter vessel in 2013, with a two-masted, 54m staysail ketch rig.

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.

Built with luxury in mind, the outline on deck is of teak and mahogany with plenty of space to sun-bath, read a book and enjoy the views. All the sails are electronically retractable, so no need to learn the ropes here. (The crew are, however, more than happy for guests to get involved with the operating and sailing of Chronos as much as they would like!)

An admiralty ladder provides the perfect place to jump off into the warm Caribbean waters, have a swim and climb back aboard with ease. Chronos also offers her guests the options of using her water skiing, wake-board, tube riding, kneeboard, banana boat, kayak and snorkelling & dive equipment and even a sail dinghy (QubaRS)

The deckhouse offers its very own small bar whilst below decks offers still more space to relax with a saloon with a plasma TV! 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 4 stewards, so you will most certainly be looked after during your time aboard Chronos.

Read more about what to expect from life on board Chronos here >

Deck plan

Kit List

We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those who have sailed before may have their preferences! We recommend you bring a foldable bag or suitcase since hard cases are difficult to store in the cabins.

• Flight tickets
• Identification cards: Personal ID card and/or passport, driver’s license recommended
• Money: Cash, credit card
• Personal medicines
• Telephone card, mobile phone
• Sun protection gel, after-sun/sunburn lotion, sunhat or equivalent
• Glasses, sunglasses
• Your favourite book/games

CLOTHING

• Swimwear
• Warm jumpers/thermal layers
• Wind/rain jacket
• Cap/hat
• Full waterproofs (oilskins)
• Soft-soled trainers (We kindly ask you to only wear anti-skid sport/boat shoes on board.)
• Waterproof sailing boots
• For trips to the shore, we recommend you wear sturdy shoes

Bed linens, bath and beach towels, life jackets, diving goggles and fins are all provided on board.

• Private travel pharmacy (painkillers/antipyretics, cold medicine, anti-sickness, seasick tablets, bug spray)
• Private toiletries

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.

What’s included

• 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 fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• Adult snorkelling equipment
• Stand-up paddle-boards

What’s not included

• Alcohol and soft drinks
• Waterproofs
• 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

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.

FAQ

• 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 and bathrobe 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.

• 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.

Travel Planning

From: Falmouth Harbour, Antigua

To: La Linea, Gibraltar

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

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

GIBRALTAR

BY AIR

Gibraltar International Airport to the Port of Gibraltar is just a 3-minute taxi ride. There are direct flights from Gibraltar Airport (GIB) to London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh.

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.