Cross the Bay of Biscay and sail south to Gran Canaria on a rewarding North Atlantic offshore passage.
This 21-day offshore sailing expedition covers approximately 1,600 nautical miles from Portsmouth, England, to Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, combining challenging passage-making with the reward of reaching warmer Atlantic waters.
Departing England’s south coast, the voyage begins with a crossing of the Bay of Biscay before heading south through the open North Atlantic towards the Canary Islands. Along the way, crew gain practical offshore experience through watchkeeping, navigation, sail handling and life at sea during an extended ocean passage. Conditions vary throughout the journey, offering an excellent opportunity to build confidence and seamanship skills while experiencing a true bluewater sailing adventure.
This expedition is particularly suited to those seeking longer offshore experience, combining ocean passage-making, sailing instruction and the satisfaction of completing a major Atlantic route. The voyage concludes in Las Palmas, a vibrant gateway to the Canary Islands.
Your expedition takes place aboard a 72ft steel sailing vessel originally built for one of the world’s most demanding around-the-world yacht races. Designed for extended ocean passages and remote exploration, the vessel is certified for unrestricted ocean voyaging and combines expedition capability with a comfortable onboard environment. With space for a small group of guest crew, voyages are immersive and hands-on, with everyone encouraged to participate in sailing operations, watchkeeping and daily life at sea.
Enquire for full details and to connect with the crew office!
Why you'll love this adventure
- A true bluewater sailing adventure covering 1,600 nautical miles.
- Gain hands-on offshore sailing and passage-making experience.
- Finish in the subtropical waters and vibrant culture of Gran Canaria.
Dates
Itinerary
Cross the Bay of Biscay and sail south through the North Atlantic on a rewarding offshore passage from England to the Canary Islands. This voyage focuses on long-distance passage-making and hands-on seamanship, offering opportunities to develop sailing skills through watchkeeping, navigation, sail handling and daily life onboard. As the journey progresses south, conditions transition from the often lively waters of Biscay to the warmer trade-wind influenced seas approaching Gran Canaria. The outline below highlights some of the planned route and experiences. Enquire for full voyage details and the latest itinerary information.
What's included
- 20 nights accommodation onboard
- Personal bunk and storage space
- All meals onboard
- Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks
- Foul weather gear (jacket and salopette trousers)
- Safety equipment including lifejackets with fitted PLBs
- Sailing instruction and training
Not included
- Transportation to the departure port
- Onward travel from the arrival port
- Additional nights spent ashore
- Personal expenses while in port
Trip notes
Price
Min age
Accommodation
Accommodation for up to 10 guest passengers in comfortable sea berths. Two heads with showers, a large, well-stocked galley, and a comfortable salon with seating for the entire crew. The vessel is equipped with twin iridium satellite phones, HF radio, and all the modern navigation equipment to keep you safe and connected despite being well offshore. The boat is self-sufficient, with extensive sails, onboard fresh-water making, extended fuel reserves, and almost 1kw of wind/solar power. It is equipped for coastal and atoll exploration with two inflatable boats with outboards.
Meals
All meals on board the boat are delicious and vegetarian. Snacks and drinks provided.
Who is this trip for?
Anyone in good health with a reasonable fitness level, good balance and without mobility issues.
Age and Experience:
All ages and levels of experience are welcome provided you are physically able to take on the on board duties as guest crew. The boat has been used for many years as a sailing training vessel and the experienced crew are on-hand to help you develop or brush up on your skills.
Fitness to Sail:
This North-Atlantic sailing journey is not a trip for the infirm or physically unfit – you MUST be able to go up and down the companionway and move safely about the boat while in rough conditions, have good balance, and be in reasonably good health.
Additional notes
No previous sailing experience is required. Guests join as active crew members and are expected to participate in watchkeeping, sail handling, navigation, meal preparation and daily life onboard. This expedition will not be suitable for travellers with significant mobility limitations or certain medical conditions.
Tour operator
A 72ft (22m), 90,000lb displacement steel-hulled sailing yacht built in 2000 that can accommodate 10 guest crew on her voyages. No previous sailing experience is needed, and both experienced and new sailors will enjoy her abilities as a boat built purposely for the demanding Global Challenge Race.
An experienced onboard and offshore team runs the vessel and supports her passage through remote waters with skill and precision. With two women at the helm as captain and first mate we love the boat's rugged capability as a circumnavigating vessel built to face the toughest sea conditions anywhere in the world. She has been specifically set up to operate with a volunteer crew with limited sailing experience and has high standards for sustainable passage making including keeping a vegetarian galley. This vessel provides her guest crew with comfortable living conditions and the chance to train in both modern and traditional sailing methods, whether for a short passage or a longer ocean crossing.
Enquire today
Sail Across the Bay of Biscay England to Gran Canaria
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