Florette Atlantic Crossing – Malaga to Barbados & Christmas to Martinique

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 a traditionally rigged tall ship 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 grandparents boat, once we have left port, there is no turning back! 

It will likely take 16 – 20days to cross the ocean, all your meals (40) are included in the crossing and then there will be time to explore the islands and use the ship as your base. Once we reach Barbados there should be a few days to rest before we sail onto the next part of our adventure. Whilst in Barbados, lunch and dinner ashore will not be included so you can experience the local cuisine and give the crew a break. Once we continue from Barbados, we will sail across to the Grenadines and onto Martinique, all breakfasts (includes tea and coffee) and six meals (combination of lunch or dinner) are included for the week.

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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 tall ship. Florette will run a 3 tier watch system throughout the voyage with all guests and crew. You’ll never be without a crew member and the watch system will be worked out once everyone has boarded to gauge guest abilities.

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 gives guests the chance 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. As you arrive into Tenerife and board Florette, there may be a day or two spent exploring the island before a good weather window allows Florette to leave port. 

Once we have reached the Caribbean…

After we have had a rest and stopped over in Barbados, we will sail onto St Vincent and the Grenadines. We will celebrate Christmas and New Years whilst exploring the islands and feasting onboard together!

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

The Windward Islands in the Caribbean are made up of St Vincent and the Grenadines, a chain of tiny idyllic islands providing a plethora of picturesque anchorages. St Vincent itself is an intriguing island covered in dense jungle, rolling hills and lined with black volcanic sandy beaches. Discover the set used for the Pirates of the Caribbean movie and explore waterfalls just a short walk from the beach. Spend some time here snorkelling, swimming and kayaking the coastline full of natural rock formations and archways.

BEQUIA

The island of Bequia (pronounced beck-way) directly translates into “island of the clouds”. One of the prettiest islands in the Grenadines, you’ll certainly see why it’s top of the anchorage list. Seemingly untouched by mass tourism, the island retains its authentic Caribbean charm with friendly locals and a truly relaxed way of life.

ST LUCIA

The volcanic spires that make the island of St Lucia are a spectacular landmark in the Windward Islands and provide a breath-taking anchorage in Piton Bay. The villages that dot the coastline are predominantly traditional Caribbean fishing towns, lined with volcanic beaches and some great snorkelling and diving opportunities. The interior of the island is home to dense rainforest with varying levels of hiking trails if you fancy walking to gain a dramatic vantage point of the bay!

MARTINIQUE

The island of Martinique is a delightful cultural blend of french and West Indian influence and a great place to finish your Caribbean sailing holiday. Christopher Columbus landed on the island in 1502, after a 21-day trade wind passage he christened the island as Martinica. The north of the island is mountainous with an abundance of dense rainforest, home to the active volcano Mont Pelée offering the adventure numerous hiking trails. The beaches in the north are a silvery grey thanks to the fallout of historic volcanic ash while those in the south remain that quintessentially soft white Caribbean sand the islands are known for. The south features steep hills with quaint meandering streets lined with colourful houses. The gardens of La Savane are well worth a visit and the main town of Fort-de-France has many sweet cafes and boutique shops to explore.