crossing atlantic in catamaran

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Can a catamaran cross the atlantic ocean 7 points to consider before adventure.

• Post Written By: Boater Jer
• Published: July 19, 2022
• Updated: July 22, 2022

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Can A Catamaran Cross The Atlantic Ocean?

Catamarans come in many sizes and for different uses, from personal watercraft to yachts and even ferries. However, can a catamaran cross the Atlantic Ocean with those two hulls? That’s the question we intend to answer, and the results might surprise you!

Catamarans are suitable for long-distance travel due to several advantages in their design. Specifically, cruise catamarans are the best for great-distance travel, among other types, and these can cross the Atlantic Ocean. 

Are Catamarans Good For Long-Distance Travel? Can A Catamaran Cross The Atlantic?

Catamarans are known for their two hulls and wide beam. This design induces stability, increased buoyancy, high speed, and motion comfort. Additionally, the wide beam ensures space in catamarans for food provisions and supplies storage suited for long-distance travel. 

The high speed of catamarans can outrun storms, and their stability reduces the chances of the vessel capsizing. Interestingly, the Seacat Hoverspeed Great Britain catamaran performed a nearly three-day journey and was known to be the fastest sea crossing of the Atlantic in 1990. Hence, catamarans are reliable and safe for long-distance travel. ( source )

There are several advantages of catamarans used for long-distance travel, which are attributed below. 

Catamarans tend to experience very little to no heeling, thereby allowing the ship to usually stay flat on the water when exposed to wavy sea conditions. Consequently, this allows the passengers and crew to accomplish activities and tasks commonly rather than uncomfortably at an angle. ( source )

The rolling (i.e., potential movement from side to side) of ships varies according to design. The more rolling a ship experiences, the higher the tendency of passengers to experience motion sickness. However, the double hull of catamarans often does not sway from side to side in a swell. ( source )

Stability And Comfort

Consequently, the little to no rolling of catamarans promote better sea comfort to passengers who often do not experience motion sickness . Additionally, a significant reduction in heeling and rolling factors causes catamaran vessels to have more stability. ( source )

Wide Living Space

The platform connecting the two hulls of catamarans provides more potential space for leisure and comfort to both passengers and crew. For example, open decks may be established for whale watching and fishing activities. Additionally, hammocks may be deployed for passengers to sunbathe. ( source )

Additionally, one may also build closed decks on catamaran platforms. For example, one can allocate more deck space to passenger cabins which can induce more privacy for family and friends while resting. ( source )

Shallow Draft

The double-hull configuration of catamarans allows them to have a wide beam and a lighter weight distribution. It enables catamarans to enter shallow water environments like coral reef areas. Passengers may then enjoy SCUBA diving, snorkeling, and swimming in such places. ( source )

Additionally, for convenience, you can do emergency maintenance (e.g., damaged hull) on beaches or other shallow areas. 

Two Engines

The two hulls of catamarans can accommodate twin engines. Twin engines can induce more speed. Also, one engine failure would not compromise the movement and safety of a catamaran as one engine can still function. ( source )

Interestingly, twin engines can allow a catamaran to maneuver a 360-degree turn which is a tremendous advantage in close-spaced terminals/marinas. 

Can A Catamaran Cross The Atlantic Ocean? Well, They Are Difficult To Sink, So…

Catamarans are challenging to sink due to the twin hull configuration keeping the vessel positively buoyant. Even if one hull is damaged, the remaining hull can keep the boat afloat. ( source )

Fuel Consumption 

Catamarans can be designed as hybrids that enable these vessels to use solar, wind, and fuel energy generators for propulsion. Hence, catamarans tend to save more fuel than their monohull counterparts. ( source )

Environmentally Friendly

As catamarans can be hybrids, these vessels may alternatively use energy sources (i.e., solar, wind, and fuel) for propulsion. Therefore, these vessels are more eco-friendly during long-distance travel. ( source ) 

Types Of Catamaran

There are several types of catamarans for different purposes of sailing, such as:

• Racing catamarans
• Beach catamarans
• Cruising catamarans 

The cruising catamaran is suitable for long-distance travel or anywhere around the world. This catamaran type can manage rough sea conditions and have particular perks more suited for the journey than the other types. 

Cruising Catamaran Attributes

Cruising catamarans have the following attributes which make them suitable for long-distance travel:

• Positive buoyancy material
• Watertight hatches
• High-strength cockpit windows
• Redundant systems (e.g., bilge pumps, navigation lights, radios)

These attributes lead to a safer and more reliable long-distance sea-faring vessel. Additionally, these attributes are not available in racing and beach-type catamarans. 

Can A Catamaran Cross The Atlantic Ocean? Let’s Talk Duration.

The duration of crossing the Atlantic by catamarans varies according to weather conditions, vessel speed, and route. The journey may take approximately 2-4 weeks with an average speed of 9-10 knots. 

However, little or no wind support during several days may cause an extension for a few days in travel. 

Hence, the best choice would be to allocate one month’s worth of food provisions and supplies to account for unfavorable weather conditions and the well-being of passengers and crew. 

Route Planning 

It would be best if you carefully plan routes to ensure safety. Modern technology can now easily map out the ideal route for the journey, especially if choosing routes to get to destination/s faster. Weather forecasts can also aid in which route to take or avoid. 

Crossing The Atlantic In Winter

The enclosed and high-strength cockpit of catamarans protects them from winter and rainy weather elements. Hence, catamarans are safer to sail than monohulls during winter. Additionally, catamaran crews can operate their vessels from inside or outside enclosed cockpits, as with winches and sails, which can also be automated. 

Catamaran Flooding

Catamarans have excellent compartments, with the cockpit high beyond the waterline. For example, one hull is damaged and needs to be fixed immediately. Yet, the boat is not entirely in danger of flooding as one hull can keep certain parts of the vessel afloat. 

Hence, the cockpit could be challenging to be flooded from the hulls and is the main reason catamarans do not usually sink. 

Catamaran Safety Equipment

Can a catamaran cross the Atlantic safely? The answer is yes, with the right-sized ship, the right crew, and the proper safety equipment. The vast deck space of catamarans allows for storage of high-tech contained life rafts and emergency supplies. This makes them ideal for such an adventure.

Catamaran Speed

The high-speed capability of catamarans also contributes to safety. For example, a catamaran can outrun rough weather conditions due to its high speed, which is potentially and simultaneously generated from twin engine power and wind (i.e., through the deployment of sails) energy. ( source )

Risk Of Injury

There is a high risk of injuries onboard catamarans, especially in rough weather conditions. Additionally, tools and equipment can be hazardous if encountered by accident. It is essential to ensure the storage of first aid medical kits and to address passenger/s and crew who may be injured during the journey. ( source )

Overall, catamaran attributes on heeling, rolling, stability and comfort, vast living space, privacy, shallow draft, two engines, hard to sink, fuel consumption, and eco-friendly potential allow these sea vessels to be well suited for long-distance travel, thereby fit for crossing the Atlantic Ocean. 

Cruise catamarans are the most ideal for crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, essential considerations must be made on the following factors: route planning, crossing the Atlantic during winter, flooding, safety equipment, and speed. 

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• Fernandez, R.P. and Redondo, F.A.G. On the origin, foundational designs, and first manufacture of the modern catamaran. Internation Journal of Maritime History, NA (2022) NA. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/08438714221075417 , Accessed July 16, 2022 
• Luhulima, R.B., Setyawan, D. and Utama, IKAP Selecting monohull, catamaran, and trimaran as suitable passenger vessels based on stability and seakeeping criteria. The 14th International Ship Stability Workshop (ISSW), September 29 – October 1, 2014, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia., Accessed July 16, 2022 
• De Melo, G. and Echevarrieta, I. Improving the efficiency of a high-speed catamaran by replacing the propulsion system. The International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation, NA, NA (2015) NA., Accessed July 16, 2022 
• Deakin, B. An experimental evaluation of the stability criteria of the HSC code. International Conference on Fast Sea Transportation FAST 2005, June 2005, St. Petersburg, Russia., Accessed July 16, 2022 
• Ferry, M., Wan Nik, W.B., Ahmad, M.F., Gasperz, F. and Manuputty, M. Comparative study of hybrid catamaran versus diesel monohull boat as a ferry for short distances routes. Indonesian Journal of Naval Architecture, Vol 1., No.1 (2013): NA., Accessed July 16, 2022 
• Sunardi, Efani A., Oktiyas, M.L. Design of the eco-friendly shallow draft fishing vessel. Research Journal of Life Science, Vol. 2, No. 3 (2015): 199-204., Accessed July 17, 2022 
• Dzan, W., Chang, S. and Hsu, K. Designing and building a catamaran and its stability analysis. 2nd International Conference on Robot, Vision and Signal Processing, 10-12 December 2013, Kitakyushu, Japan., Accessed July 17, 2022 
• Santosa, P. The configuration of engine-sail catamaran fishing vessel. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, NA (2019) doi:10.1088/1757-899X/462/1/012008, Accessed July 17, 2022 
• Luger, T.J., Peham, D., Mayr, B., Gromer, G., Raab, H. and Luger, M.F. Emergency preparedness and long-distance leisure catamaran sailing . Science & Sports, Vol. 26, No. 3 (2011): 174-178., Accessed July 17, 2022 

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Sailing Across The Atlantic In A Catamaran

• By Sheryl and Paul Shard
• Updated: June 13, 2018

Monohull or ­multihull? Have you ever gone back and forth pondering the pros and cons of cruising on each? We certainly have, so when my husband, Paul, and I were given the chance to deliver a brand-new ­Bluewater 50 catamaran across the Atlantic from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands to St. Lucia in the Caribbean last winter, we jumped at the chance. Paul and I have been cruising and living aboard since 1989 and have sailed more than 100,000 nautical miles on the four boats we’ve owned over our nearly three decades of global voyage-making. The boats were all monohulls, but every time we bought a new one, we toyed with the idea of moving to a catamaran. Why? We discovered that we enjoy shallow-draft sailing, which most multihulls offer, as much as we love offshore passagemaking. For long-term living aboard, the space offered aboard most multihulls is certainly attractive. We were proud of our first boat, Two-Step, a Sparkman & Stephens design called the Classic 37, but after a while, we found her depth restrictive as we discovered how much we enjoyed gunkholing and navigating through small inland waterways. Cruising had become a lifestyle for us, and we wanted more space on board plus a few more comforts. Paul and I feel blessed since, as independent television producers and travel-documentary filmmakers, we are able to earn our living while sailing full time, but all the camera, audio and editing equipment we need to carry takes up a lot of storage space. We needed to expand.

The criteria for our next boat was a good shallow-draft design with safe and comfortable offshore capabilities, so multihulls were definitely under consideration. In the end, we stuck with what we knew and ended up choosing a monohull with a swing keel, a configuration that has suited us on our cruising journeys for many years.

Although we are now in the process of building our new boat, a Southerly 480, we continue to be intrigued by catamarans. Feeling out of sorts being “between boats,” we chartered a Voyage 50 catamaran in the British Virgin Islands to get a much-needed sailing fix in the tropics, and spent the time with friends aboard. It was a luxurious boat, with four en-suite cabins with queen berths, and was set up well for chartering, but we wondered what a catamaran this size would be like for serious ocean cruising. We were soon to find out.

Discovery Yachts builds several brands of high-quality cruising yachts, including Southerlys and Bluewater catamarans, and the company reached out to us with an opportunity to deliver a new Bluewater 50 called Zão (pronounced zay-oh by the owners) from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean, leaving Gran Canaria in early November. Zão ‘s owners, John and Caroline Charnley, highly experienced sailors and the newly retired former owners of Discovery Yachts, had family and business commitments until Christmas but wanted the boat moved to the Caribbean so they could enjoy a winter of island-hopping before going through the Panama Canal. They asked us if we would take the boat across to St. Lucia for them. Seeing this as a great chance to sail a purpose-built 50-foot offshore cruising catamaran to learn how it performed on an ocean passage in the many conditions we were sure to encounter on a 2,800-nautical-mile Atlantic crossing, we accepted the offer.

We flew to the Canary Islands the first week of November 2017 to meet up with John and his new Bluewater 50 in Las Palmas. Soon to join us would be four friends as crew, all fellow sailing bloggers and videographers — Alexandra Palcic and David MacDonald of Sailing Banyan ; Dan Krughoff, professional chef and videographer; and sailing vlogger and police officer Craig Bowman, of Cruising Off Duty . All were monohull sailors with some catamaran experience, mostly through chartering. Dave and Alexandra lived aboard their boat in the Caribbean, having sailed from Canada several years ago. Dan and Craig were each in the market for a catamaran for full-time voyaging.

November is a popular time to make the east-to-west crossing of the Atlantic Ocean because hurricane season is officially over and you arrive in the Caribbean in time for Christmas, a nice time to start a winter of exploring the islands. More than 200 boats participating in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers were descending on the marina in Las Palmas to begin preparations for their ocean run to St. Lucia, as were many other independent non-ARC cruising boats and crews, so it was a crazy, busy, festive place at that time of the year. Las Palmas has one of the best marinas in the Canary Islands for sailors since every supplier and service needed for yachts preparing for an ocean crossing can be found there.

Seeing Zão at the dock when we arrived in Las Palmas was such a delight. Her long, swooping modern lines were a contrast to the more angular-shaped ­catamarans gathering in the marina. What a difference from the 50-foot cat we had chartered earlier, which, in fairness, was set up purely for vacationing. Zão was designed for long-term living aboard and long-haul passagemaking. This was the second Bluewater catamaran the Charnleys had built, so they had thought through every detail for comfortable living in their retirement but also set the boat up for serious adventure on their upcoming around-the-world voyage.

When Paul and I stepped on board, the first things we noticed were the fine table lamps and two free-standing lounge chairs in the main saloon, neither of which appeared to be bolted down. As monohull sailors, this made us nervous.

I asked John about how these were to be stowed offshore. He just smiled.

“You’re on a catamaran now. They will just sit here for the whole passage. You don’t have to stow things the way you do on a monohull,” he assured me. “You can even move the chairs around to watch the large-screen TV.” He continued to grin. This was going to be a very different passage compared to what we’re used to.

Paul and I had gotten somewhat ­comfortable with leaving things sitting on tables and countertops while sailing on the catamarans we had chartered in the past, but in the British Virgin Islands we were sailing in the comfortable confines of the protected Sir Francis Drake Channel, not on the open sea. John showed me how the chairs were positioned on the floor with mere strips of Velcro and how the heavy table lamps sitting around the main saloon and navigation station were sitting on nonskid mats. I still wasn’t convinced that once we got some serious waves at sea these things wouldn’t go flying.

The next thing I noticed, as one who loves to cook, was the expansive galley on the bridgedeck, with an all-around view and opening windows into the cockpit. There were large, easy-to-clean Corian countertops, including a ­peninsula countertop that you could work at from three sides. There would be six of us aboard, and although Alexandra, Dan and I would be sharing most of the meal preparations, everyone liked to cook and would be pitching in, so it was nice to see that there was space for all of us to work.

To add to our culinary creativity, there were a four-burner propane stove and oven, a microwave and a large front-opening fridge with two additional fridge/freezers in the owners hull to port. These had exterior temperature monitors and alarms. There were also numerous cupboards for storing supplies, so stowing our provisions was going to be a breeze!

Then Paul noticed a high-powered electric kettle.

“The electric kettle is just for port, right?” asked Paul.

“No, you can plug in this kettle anytime, even at sea,” John told us. “It’s the only one we’ve got or use.”

Paul looked skeptical, thinking of the power drain. Then John explained the electrical system — a hard Bimini the width of the cockpit, covered with solar panels; a 6 kW generator; and a large lithium battery bank. Right. The kettle wasn’t going to be a problem.

Paul and I made our home in the owners cabin, which featured a queen bunk aft and a head with separate shower and front-loading washer/dryer at the forward end. There were two other en-suite cabins on the starboard side. Dave and Alexandra took the queen berth aft. The forward cabin had a V-insert in the berth, which was removed to make twin bunks for Dan and Craig.

As soon as the crew was settled in, Alexandra and I began the mammoth job of provisioning for a crew of six people with help from Dan and Craig. Dave and Paul went over the boat’s systems with John, organizing repairs, doing maintenance and ensuring that everything was in good working order and that we understood the equipment before leaving for sea. Dan set up and tested our Iridium Go/PredictWind satellite and weather-routing system, and became our communications officer. Everyone pitched in whenever and wherever help was needed.

Alexandra is an impressive organizer and rearranged the contents of all the lockers for ease of access while we were underway, taking notes so we could return things to where John and Caroline had put them. She grouped all like items together, and put things close to where they would be used and where it would make the most efficient use of storage space. Then we started stowing bags and boxes, bottles and cans, long-life cartons of juices and milk, baskets of fresh produce, freezers full of frozen meat and shellfish, pizzas, berries and desserts. Since everyone on board was a foodie, this was not going to be a beans-on-toast cruise across the Atlantic!

This was our eighth transatlantic passage, and it turned out to be the lightest-wind Atlantic crossing we have ever made, with several days of total calm. Where were the trade winds?

Because we’re monohullers who don’t worry too much about weight on a boat, Zão was a bit heavy when we set sail from Las Palmas on November 12. An advantage, though, of a large cruising catamaran is that the boat can handle it, and as we were about to find out, we would be at sea for a lot longer than the two weeks we had planned on.

Fortunately, water usage wasn’t a concern either. Dave ran the generator twice a day during his and Alexandra’s 0800-to-1200 and 2000-to-2400 watch, and made plenty of water with the Dessalator watermaker at the same time. All six of us could have had two showers a day if we’d wanted to — and often did.

We had light but good breezes the first day out, which helped everyone get their sea legs and allowed us all to get used to the equipment on board and practice handling Zão ‘s sails. The boat has Elvstrøm Epex laminated sails, which hold their shape and work well with the Seldén in-mast furling system. It took us a few tries to get the hang of the furler, so we appreciated Craig’s instruction on how to use it. He has it on his boat. The trick is to maintain tension on the mainsail at all times while furling it. We came to love it and, as a result, we ordered the same for our new boat.

One of the things we didn’t like about the other catamarans we had sailed was the noise of the waves slapping the bridgedeck, which was loud and never rhythmic. It got on our nerves, so Paul and I were rather anxious about how we would handle this on a long passage. However, on the Bluewater 50, the hull shape was designed to counter this, and we found that startling wave slaps happened less often and weren’t as loud or bone-shaking when they occurred. Granted, we never got the big seas we had been hoping for to test out the boat.

This was our eighth transatlantic passage, and it turned out to be the lightest-wind Atlantic crossing we have ever made, with several days of total calm. Where were the trade winds? Like all the other boats around us (we were receiving position reports from the ARC and ARC+ fleets), we all ended up being at sea for at least an extra week longer than planned.

We checked the weather using PredictWind a couple of times a day, and there was nothing but days of extremely light wind or no wind at all in the forecasts. The Bluewater 50 is a fast cat and, thank goodness, handled the light airs well, but we never got the conditions to really put her through her paces.

We started by sailing wing-and-wing using two headsails but ended up flying the asymmetric spinnaker day and night, doing two-person watches around the clock just to keep the boat moving. We all got pretty good at sail trim. When the wind dropped, we doused the sail and, mid-Atlantic, had a swim 1,000 miles away from the closest land. We fished. We cooked. We ate. We slept. We celebrated Thanksgiving. Alexandra baked cakes. We read. We danced. There was lots of room. We chased birds off the deck, which must have mistook us for an island. We shouted with delight when dolphins came to play. Craig flew his drone. We saw amazing sunsets and shooting stars. We played cards, which included a three-week Wizard tournament. We watched TV. Had pizza-and-a-movie nights. We left our cameras and computers lying around. Were we on a boat? It was way too comfortable.

One thing I noticed about ­passagemaking on a multihull is that I had much more energy than when I go to sea on a monohull. Not being on a heel all the time means it doesn’t take as much physical effort to do simple tasks. Overall, everyone in the crew felt the same. We also dealt with tasks more readily since it didn’t take much effort to get up and deal with things.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, this applied to cooking. We were constantly preparing meals and feasting. No one lost weight as we usually do on a monohull passage, where you sometimes eat minimally since food prep and eating just feel like too much effort at times.

On December 3, 21 days and 3,000 nautical miles after setting sail from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, we made landfall in St. Lucia. The boat felt enormous as we came into Rodney Bay Marina, but with the twin Yanmar 80 hp diesel engines, we could turn on a dime. Twin screws make even large multihulls easy to maneuver. We were greeted by the happy owners, John and Caroline.

So, have we become multihull converts? Well, we can definitely see the advantages now and understand why for some sailors they are a good choice for cruising. It all comes down to what works for each of us. After all, it’s love for being on the water that all cruising sailors share — be it on one hull or two.

Sheryl and Paul Shard have been living the cruising dream for nearly 30 years. Together they have traveled more than 100,000 miles under sail, including eight Atlantic crossings. Learn more about the Shards’ adventures and their TV series, Distant Shores, on their website .

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Is It Safe To Cross the Atlantic on a Catamaran?

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Many sailors consider sailing across the Atlantic as the ultimate proof of their skills. But bluewater sailing requires a safe vessel that can withstand the harsh conditions of the open sea. Many are these discussions about whether or not catamarans are suitable for crossing the Atlantic.

It is safe to cross the Atlantic in a catamaran thanks to the sailboat’s design. Catamarans do not have ballasts in their keels. Instead, they have two hulls and rely on a wide beam for stability. The design increases buoyancy, speed, and motion comfort, making the boat safe for long-distance travel.

Keep reading to understand why a catamaran is a safe vessel for crossing the Atlantic Ocean. This article will also show you the type of catamaran you should travel in if you plan to sail long distances .

Are Catamarans Good for Long-Distance Travel?

One of the first things you need to consider when planning a long-distance trip on the water is whether your vessel can handle that type of journey. And cats come in different sizes, ranging from small to large boats.

As you probably already know, not all boats can travel long distances, particularly across the ocean. 

You need a sailboat with a large fuel tank capacity, enough room to house the crew and passengers, and the ability to sail in heavy seas.

Catamarans are good for long-distance travel, as they are often more comfortable and stable than monohull sailboats. An Atlantic-crossing suitable catamaran measures around 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters) long, which is size is ideal for long-distance travel with a small crew.

Choosing the right size for an ocean-crossing cat is important. A large-enough sailboat provides adequate room in the living spaces and can accommodate cooking spaces, separate dining areas, private bedrooms, and more than one bathroom.

Another reason cats are good for long-distance travel is their speed. 

Most catamarans can travel up to about 150 nm per day.

Some catamarans can even travel a little over 200 nm a day. 

In any case, the speed and distance a cruising cat can cover per day all comes down to wind strength and sailing performance.

Can Catamarans Handle Rough Seas?

Catamarans were originally logs bound together for fishing in India. Their original name is kattumaram . 

Of course, modern cats come in sophisticated designs suitable for fast sailing and leisure cruise in open waters. 

But can cats handle big waves and stormy weather conditions on the sea?

Catamarans can handle rough seas and maintain good stability in stormy weather. The vessels have a lot of buoyancy and high resistance to capsize, furthermore, the high speed allows them to faster reach their destination.

However, not all cats are created equal.

Knowing the various types of cats and their best use cases is essential if you plan to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a catamaran.

Here’s a small list of the common catamaran types:

• Racing catamarans
• Beach catamarans
• Cruising catamarans  

The most suitable catamaran category for sailing across the Atlantic Ocean or even around the world is the cruising catamaran. 

These sailboats can handle rough seas because they have extra safety features not found in other categories, such as recreational racing cats.

Safety Features of Cruising Catamarans

Cruising cats have extremely strong cockpit windows that can withstand boisterous ocean waves crashing into them. These windows are strong enough to resist storms during heavy weather sailing.

Other design elements that ensure the safety of cruising cats are:

• Redundant systems: Cats have several redundant systems or duplicated critical components that increase their reliability in the open sea. These include two motors, two hulls, and two rudders. Even if one hull gets destroyed the other hull will be able to keep the boat afloat.
• Watertight emergency hatches: Cruising catamarans have closely sealed hatches that serve a dual purpose. First, they provide access to different compartments in the sailboat like the living space, cargo, and storage. Secondly, watertight hatches keep water out of these compartments, making them safer in stormy weather. There are also hatches made too evacuate the crew if the caravan gets flipped upside down.
• Positive buoyancy: The construction materials for catamarans and the absence of ballast make them very stable on the water.

Remember that all sailboats experience some degree of rolling when moving through rough waters. 

Cats are no different, but the good news is that cruising catamarans are stable and very unlikely to capsize due to their wide base and high stability. 

Still, trimarans have even greater stability than catamarans! Read more here.

Overall, the safety features and design elements mean that voyaging across the Atlantic in cruising catamarans is generally safe.

How Long Does It Take To Cross the Atlantic in a Catamaran?

It takes two to four weeks to cross the Atlantic in a catamaran. However, the duration depends on several factors, including the route, vessel speed, and weather conditions.

You can complete your voyage in about three weeks if you maintain an average speed of 9 to 10 knots (10.5 to 11.5 mph, 16.89 to 18.5 kph).

On the other hand, it is more common to spend a little over a month crossing the Atlantic Ocean since maintaining an average speed above 6 kts on a cruiser cat is very hard.

For example, your trip may extend for a few extra days if there is no wind or low wind strength for some days. Especially in the doldrums.

So, if you plan to cross the Atlantic, it is best to bring supplies that will last everyone on board for up to a month, especially if you are not sure about the weather.

After all, sailboat safety isn’t only about the vessel. You also want to consider the well-being of the crew and passengers onboard the boat. 

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

How to sail across the Atlantic and back

• Elaine Bunting
• March 8, 2021

Confined to quarters during the pandemic, many sailors are itching to slip their lines and sail for the sun. Elaine Bunting explains exactly how to break free and sail across the Atlantic and back

If your dream is sailing off into the sunset, making it a reality could be easier than you think

Just as the island of Hiddensee drew across the wake of the boat, Malin Andersson took up her camera and shot a video, writes Elaine Bunting .

When she looks at it now, a late summer scene from the Baltic coast of Germany, she remembers it as the instant she knew for certain she was right to think of leaving work to go cruising.

Malin and her partner Kaj Maass, both from Sweden and aged in their late twenties, met as students and formed a plan to take a year off before starting a family.

After years of scrimping, they bought a Bavaria 38 and renamed her Cross Ocean .

With the last tiny island of a summer cruise behind them, they began to prepare to sail across the Atlantic and back, and a year of adventure.

‘From then, we have never had a moment of regret about setting off,’ she says.

Each year, hundreds of yachtsmen of all ages sail across the Atlantic.

Some have only a few months of freedom, others plan to cruise indefinitely.

Their ambitions shape diverse choices in terms of boat design and preparations.

Here, we look at some of the biggest considerations if that is your goal, too.

What’s the right boat to sail across the Atlantic?

A good place to start might be with the question: can I sail across the Atlantic and back in the yacht I have now?

In most cases, the answer is yes.

Almost any well-prepared yacht of 30ft and upwards can tackle the downwind crossing, and indeed there is no reason why an even smaller boat can’t do it successfully.

People have crossed in Folkboats; the legendary American sailor Webb Chiles sailed across the Pacific in a converted 24ft dayboat, and some masochistic adventurers have crossed oceans in micro yachts not even long enough for them to stretch out in.

Two sailors I have repeatedly met over the years are Swedes Pekka and Barbro Karlsson.

They first crossed the Atlantic in 1986 in their 32ft Arvid Lauren-designed double-ender, Corona AQ .

Pekka and Barbo Karisson have sailed their 32ft double ender across the Atlantic multiple times over 30 years. Credit: World Cruising Club

Over the last 30 years, they have made multiple crossings back and forth, observing boats getting ever larger, even of the same LOA as theirs.

By comparison, theirs is dwarfed in every dimension, including beam and freeboard, yet it has everything this experienced couple need for living on board for six or more months every year.

So, really, it is a matter of cost, preference and expectation.

The big question is whether your current yacht is the best tool for the job given your budget.

Is it large enough for the crew you intend for longer passages, for the provisions, fuel and water?

A 35-footer might take 25-28 days to sail across the Atlantic from the Canaries to the West Indies.

Obviously, the longer and faster your boat is, the more stowage and water tankage you will have for less time at sea.

You might also ask yourself which parts of the adventure are the most valuable to you.

A solid yacht set up for bluewater cruising is a good option and can be sold once you return home. Credit: Tor Johnson

If you don’t intend to do the more arduous return home to Europe, maybe you don’t need a bigger, more expensive, more complex long-legged bluewater cruiser; you could consider shipping back – more on that option later.

If you intend to live on board for longer, then perhaps you will want more space, including for guests, greater comforts and faster passage times.

In that case, one solution might be to buy for the duration of the project a second-hand bluewater cruiser already well kitted out with the right gear, then sell her right afterwards.

‘I think that makes total sense,’ says Sue Grant, managing director of Berthon International, the well-known brokers specialising in bluewater cruisers.

‘The best thing you can do for a North Atlantic circuit is to buy from the guy who had the dream, had the money and didn’t go. A refit will always cost you more than you think.’

For a two- to three-season transocean cruise, Grant advocates stretching up to your next level, especially to a yacht that doesn’t need a big refit and brands with a strong residual value.

‘If you buy a high-quality Hallberg-Rassy or an Oyster then sell it you’d lose 10% of value but have three years for it.’

Buy a boat you will enjoy

While in the Azores in 2012 I met Stuart and Anne Letton, who were sailing their Island Packet 45, Time Bandit , back to the UK.

Their boat was brimming with sensible ideas for living aboard and I have kept in touch with them over the years as they are a wonderful source of thoughtful advice.

Since then they have sold the Island Packet , bought an Outremer 51 catamaran, sailed across the Atlantic again, and are presently in Indonesia having sailed across the Pacific.

In total, they have now logged a very impressive 60,000 miles.

Catamarans are increasingly popular thanks to their speed and space. Credit: Stuart & Anne Letton

‘Before we went cruising, I spent a lot of time looking at what would be the best, safest mode of transport. I wanted a proven, tough, sturdy, bombproof ocean cruiser, hence Time Bandit [the Island Packet], the “Beige Battleship”,’ says Stuart.

‘Having spent my sailing career racing performance dinghies and keel boats, this was something of a departure for me. It was safe. And a bit boring. However, the reality is you all end up in the same place, give or take a few days. With reflection, though, I’d say, buy a boat that will make you happy, one that reflects your sailing style and capabilities. We opted for slow but safe and used the safe features a handful of days in 10 years. Those were years we could have been enjoying more rewarding sailing.

‘Buy what you will enjoy, can afford and are able to keep running. Do the maths on running costs, rig, insurance and repairs, and work that into the budget.’

Asked about their ideas of the ideal size for a couple, the Lettons comment: ‘Generally I’d say bigger is better, but the costs are exponential. Personally, for two up, I think around 40-45ft feet is a good size: big enough to be safe and comfortable, small enough to manage.’

Tips on how to sail across the Atlantic from Stuart & Anne Letton

The couple own the Outremer 51, Time Bandit and have completed four Atlantic crossings and sailed 60,000 miles

Stuart and Anne Letton.

‘Being very well set up for dead downwind sailing is important, especially well thought-out preventers, fore and aft on the spinnaker pole and main boom.

‘An asymmetric or spinnaker will keep you moving in lighter air.

‘Save on gas with a Thermal Cookpot and get as much free power from water and sun as you can.

‘Trade in your trusty CQR or Bruce anchor for a spade or similar “new technology” anchor .

Is a bigger boat better for crossing the Atlantic?

Like the Lettons, I think 40-45ft is something of a sweet spot, offering the volume and tankage required for longer cruising, yet still manageable by a small crew.

Bigger has its advantages, even up to 55ft (above that the loads become too large to handle manually and maintenance is a massive chore for a family crew, requiring significant time and budget).

The waterline length and extra speed will be your friend, most of the time.

Speed is your ally in evading bad weather, and if you are sailing to a schedule.

The Witt family sailed around the world as part of the World Cruising Club World ARC

Karsten Witt and his wife, Sheila, circumnavigated in the World ARC in their X-55 Gunvør XL , and he says: ‘It was hardest work for the smaller or slower boats. They are at sea longer, therefore experience more and sometimes harder weather, arrive later in port, get more tired and have less time to make repairs and bank downtime.

‘I would always go for a modern boat that’s faster,’ he adds.

‘If you had a heavy 40ft cruiser you would miss weather windows. Other boats spend days battling headwinds because they were doing 6-7 knots upwind and they couldn’t point. We averaged 200 miles a day every day, so in five days were a long way away and in completely different weather.’

But you certainly don’t need a large or expensive yacht, just a well-prepared one.

Starting with the basics: safety gear, fire and gas installations, good sails with deep reefs, in date and inspected rig, winches and all machinery serviced, and power and battery systems upgraded if necessary, plus full inspection of keel fastenings and rudder, skeg and bearings.

After that, you really need to know how everything on board works, how you’d repair or service it and, if you can’t, how you would manage without.

Karsten and Sheila Witt and family enjoyed the extra pace and comfort of their X-55. Credit: World Cruising Club

Only after considering that is it worth adding complexity.

Multiple power generation systems, including hydro-generator and solar panels, watermakers, diesel generators and WiFi networks.

Mark Matthews is marine surveyor who ran Professional Yacht Deliveries for 12 years, a company that moves around 200 yachts and averages 350,000 miles a year.

When he made his own Atlantic crossing, it was in a 42ft production yacht.

‘We kept the original sail plan and sails and did not have a generator or other means of charging the batteries apart from the engine. We took bottled water to supplement the on-board tankage. We only invested in a secondhand satellite phone, jerrycans for additional fuel, fishing tackle, wind scoops for the West Indies and provisions for the crossing. We crossed from the Canaries to the West Indies in 17 days,’ he explains.

But if you are looking at a boat for the way back to Europe or outside the downwind routes of the tropics, maybe you should look at more conservative, heavier displacement types, he suggests.

A yacht for a one-way voyage?

The downwind Tradewinds crossing can really be tackled in any well-prepared boat large enough for your crew, so one way to look at an Atlantic circuit is to weigh up first how you feel about the way back home, and factor that into the cost equation.

A growing number of sailors spend the winter season in the sun, or several consecutive seasons between periods of work, then ship their boat back.

This on-off cruising lifestyle could be compatible with some remote working, so while extremely expensive in itself, shipping represents a trade-off that could be worth considering.

You may find a smaller boat adequate, especially if you are shipping it home. Credit: Neville Hockley

Minus requirements dictated by the longer, more windward crossing back home, perhaps you could go in a ‘one-way/downwind-only/island-hopping’ boat option.

That could be a much smaller boat, a lighter, simpler or more performance-orientated yacht.

A one-way voyage involves relatively short times at sea, possibly three weeks at most, and you might be able to manage without spending a fortune on equipment.

This year, Peters & May will be loading from Antigua, St Lucia and Martinique and have ships going into the Med, Southampton and other North Sea or Baltic ports.

Michael Wood, general manager of Peters & May, quotes typical prices of US$10,200 for a 32-footer and US$21,600 for a 41-footer.

Unlike a delivery service, shipping saves on the wear and tear from an Atlantic crossing, so is also something to weigh up.

Ready to go?

Typically, getting ready to go off for an Atlantic circuit or more needs a two- to three-year runway.

I have met people who have done it much quicker – I recently met an American family who only decided to go cruising last June and were in the Canary Islands with a brand new catamaran in November – but it is stressful, and you risk sailing away with a long list of warranty work needed, and jobs lists incomplete.

It might take most of a year to choose, trial and select the right boat, then you could spend the next year sailing from your home port, preparing, fitting new gear, testing and sea trialling everything and upping your knowledge level.

Kaj Maass and Malin Andersson, an engineer and a pre-school teacher respectively, bought their Bavaria 38 Cross Ocean in 2016 for €80,000 and lived on board for a summer and winter to increase their savings.

You’ll need space to store enough food for the crew – though choice in foreign ports may be limited. Credit: Kaj Maass & Malin Andersson

‘You don’t have to set off for several years right away, you could make the adventure in smaller parts,’ says Kaj.

‘We met several sailors who sailed for a couple of months, left the boat, flew back home, and continued later on. We adjusted upgrades, the time frame for the adventure, and saved during our day-to-day lives before setting off.’

Do make sure everything you fit for your cruise is well-tested and problems ironed out before you set out to sail across the Atlantic.

If you buy a new boat, expect lots of snagging.

Sorry to say it, but yards tend to put switches, filters and so on in silly places, and because yachts have relatively low volume sales, information about fitting or installation problems can take a while to circle back and be corrected.

Kaj and Malin replaced their engine for peace of mind. Credit: Kaj Maass & Malin Andersson

If you leave before inevitable glitches are corrected, you could spend days arguing with the boatbuilder or manufacturer about who is responsible and how they are going to get spare parts to you.

This quickly rubs the nap off a dream cruising life.

A year of home-range cruising will also allow you to gain all the knowledge and training you need, which should include essential maintenance know-how and medical and sea survival training (people tend to rave about the latter, interestingly).

It will also allow you time to prepare a manual about your boat, with info and serial numbers and specs of everything on board, which will pay you back handsomely if you need advice or spares.

Tips on how to sail across the Atlantic from Kaj Maass & Malin Andersson

The couple own the Bavaria 38, Cross Ocean and have sailed from Sweden to the Caribbean and back via the Azores

Malin hoists a courtesy flag as their Bavaria 38 makes landfall in St Lucia. Credit: Kaj Maass & Malin Andersson

‘You do not need that much. Less equipment equals fewer breakages.

‘We would never go without a windvane and we are definitely pleased with having a centre cockpit boat, which keeps you safe and dry in the centre of the boat, though the master cabin is worthless at sea.’

Go with the kids

There has been a big upswing in families taking a year or 18 months out from normal lives, to return later.

This seems to coincide with that point in an established, stable career where a sabbatical is possible, there is enough money to buy a boat for a special project, parents are healthy and the kids are not yet in the run up to major exams.

Most often, the sailing families I meet have children aged between five and 12.

Crossing an ocean with a family is entirely feasible. The Paterson family took part in the 2018 ARC on their Moody 471. Credit: World Cruising Club/James Mitchell

The obvious rewards for children spending every day with their mum and dad have to be weighed against the considerable extra work and commitment, though I have yet to meet a parent who regretted it.

In 2019, Russell and Kate Hall sailed across the Atlantic in their Hallberg-Rassy 46 with their boys, Hugo, 8, and Felix, 6.

‘Somebody said to us that living with kids on a boat for a year is like living on land with them for four years,’ Kate laughs.

‘It can be quite draining but it’s also part of the reason why we are doing this, so it’s the yin and yang.

Additional crew can help with sailing and school when you sail across the Atlantic. Credit: Erin Carey

‘There are jobs that require both of us and you have to rely on the children to keep themselves safe at times. They sleep really well on board and they go to bed at sunset and wake at sunrise, then they’re full of beans. You might not have had much sleep. It takes a while to adjust.’

The Halls concentrated on the basics of English and maths, and then tailored history or geography or science projects around places they were visiting.

This seems to work for most families.

Schools will usually provide a curriculum plan for time out, and there are a lot of distance learning and ‘school in a box’ courses for homeschooling children, such as Calvert and Oak Meadow.

‘My advice would be to be easy on yourself,’ advises Kate Hall.

Celebrating milestones can help bolster a young crew’s morale when you sail across the Atlantic. Credit: Erin Carey

‘We started with five hours’ schooling a day and then reduced that to two-and-a-half. Chill and relax; it all works out. There are always things to learn.’

If you are planning to sail across the Atlantic with kids, look at taking on extra hands to help with the sailing.

Also consider joining the ARC rally where in port you share a pontoon with all the other family boats so there are lots of other kids of different ages for yours to socialise with, as well as an organised daily kids club.

The friendships made between adults and children also often shape later cruising plans.

Seasons and routes to sail across the Atlantic

If you are planning on sailing across the Atlantic, don’t leave it too late to set off across Biscay – late August or September is pushing your luck from a weather point of view.

Ideally, make the most of the summer cruising opportunities travelling south through France, Spain and Portugal – these could be among the best parts of the trip.

Annually, the ARC rally leaves the Canary Islands in November, the ARC+ heading for Mindelo in Cape Verde first, and the ARC direct to St Lucia.

This is so that crews can be in the Caribbean for Christmas.

White sails can make a solid downwind sail plan if well set up with preventers and guys

It is early in the season for Tradewinds, though, and you may have to be prepared for a trough, a front, or calms – or all three – on the way across unless you wait until January.

Whether you cross early or not, my own personal preference would be to go via Cape Verde.

It’s a fascinating archipelago and culture, a place to re-provision or make repairs, and it breaks up the crossing.

It lengthens the time away and overall distance, as Mindelo is 800 miles south- west of the Canaries, but the leg south into ‘butter melting’ latitudes will then put you into almost guaranteed Trades, even in November.

From the Caribbean, you can then sail up to Florida via the Bahamas, or the US East Coast, or return to Europe via the Azores.

The routes to sail across the Atlantic and back. Credit: Maxine Heath

For the return to Europe, most cruisers generally strike out from Tortola in the British Virgin Islands or St Maarten, both good for provisioning, spares, chandlery and repairs, or head up to Bermuda and wait for a springboard forecast for Horta.

From here, crews will again wait to pick their timing to head across to Spain or Portugal or up to the UK.

According to Jimmy Cornell, author of World Cruising Routes , as early as March and as late as mid-May there are reasonable chances of favourable south-easterly and south-westerly winds on leaving the Eastern Caribbean.

The advice he offers is to track north-easterly towards the Azores and stay south of 30°N until 40°W.

For cruisers a southerly route is generally the preferable passage to choose, staying south of the Gulf Stream in lighter winds and taking on extra fuel and motoring if conditions deem necessary.

How much will it cost to sail across the Atlantic and back?

Cruising costs will depend on how you wish to live while cruising.

If you want to spend time in marinas, eat out regularly, hire cars, take tours and fly home occasionally, obviously that will be different to a more self-contained life on board at anchor.

As a guide, we asked Swedish couple Kaj and Malin to add up their costs to prepare for their trip and during the 14-month sabbatical.

Costs will be much lower where you can stay at anchor rather than berth in a marine. Credit: Kaj Maass/Malin Andersson

‘The budget for our trip was €80,000 to buy the boat, and €30,000 of upgrades,’ Kaj says.

The upgrades included a new engine, new standing rigging, a Hydrovane and satellite communications.

They dropped the rudder and the keel and reinforced the area around it.

Of the total budget, around €10,000 was spent on safety equipment.

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Their cruising costs were around €2,500 a month for the two of them, averaging out the most expensive parts of the journey from Sweden to the Canary Islands, when harbour fees were costing around €40 a night.

This would cover some eating out ashore and car rental for tours.

Over the longer term, a good rule of thumb is to allow 20% of the cost of your boat for running repairs to cover antifouling, sail replacement, servicing and, if you are leaving your boat to return home, you’ll need to factor in haul-out, storage and hurricane tie-downs.

If you plan to buy a boat, sail it back and sell it right after your trip, however, you may be able sidestep some ongoing costs.

Cutting the cord

Maybe you don’t have to wait until retirement to go cruising.

There is a strong argument for taking a career break (or breaks) and working for longer if necessary as it spreads the cost and reduces the risk of the big adventure never happening.

Additional offwind sails, like a furling Code 0, can keep the boat moving in light airs for more enjoyable sailing and to save fuel. Credit World Cruising Club

Around half of the people I meet on transatlantic rallies are taking sabbaticals and intending to return to the same post, or have quit a job.

Both options have become quite acceptable, and in some professions and countries sabbaticals are actively encouraged as a retention incentive.

‘Tell the world you are leaving,’ advises Kaj Maass.

‘Make sure you create some pressure on yourself to realise your dream. Involve your employer early on in the planning process. A modern employer will understand and respect your decision to explore the world and live out your dreams, maybe they even see a long-term benefit from the knowledge and experience you will gain from it and you can [negotiate] a leave of absence.’

Satellite comms add a level of safety and keeping in touch but can be costly. Credit: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

Those running a business may bring in a trusted general manager or step up a family member while they are away.

Keeping tabs on business while away is possible (though it can be expensive in satellite data) but it’s not something that generally works well on a day-to-day basis.

You do need to be able to cut the ties to enjoy cruising, not least because the cruising life comes with its own workload, from maintenance to laundry.

Long-distance cruising comes with its own workload and maintenance. Credit: Kaj Maass/Malin Andersson

‘Trying to mix work and pleasure compromises both,’ says Stuart Letton.

Before setting out, the Lettons brought their son in to run their web-based business supplying global brands with customisable marketing material.

‘While our business was under new management, it was still a struggle for me to let go. I can remember sitting in WiFi cafés from Spain to the Galapagos trying to blend cruising with work and, while it helped my conscience, I doubt the effort did much for work or cruising.

‘That’s not to say it isn’t possible. With good WiFi and satellite connections you really can work pretty much anywhere . But if you don’t need to, I’d cut the ties, burn the bridges and go. If you need to work, fine, just get your management team in place, communication systems properly set up and resourced, and go.’

It helps to set a deadline so you can realise your dream and sail across the Atlantic. Credit: Kaj Maass/Malin Andersson

However you plan to break free, what really helps is a deadline: a date that you are going set off, with a scene you can visualise to keep you motivated as you work through the preparations and demands of shore life.

Most preparations are really just logistics, and you’re probably already pretty good at that.

The bigger obstacle is often mustering the courage to leave.

I often hear cruisers describe hassles – one described cruising as the act of sailing from one place where you couldn’t get something fixed to another where you hoped you would – yet when I ask for their best advice it usually boils down to a simple prescription: just go.

Kaj Maass said exactly that when I asked him that question.

‘Just do it. Life is too short not to live out your dreams.’

To rally or not?

This is entirely a personal choice.

Advantages of the ARC , which is the best organised and biggest, are great seminars, preparation information and tools.

It’s also an ideal way to meet lots of fascinating, like-minded people, and is agreed to be good value despite costs.

It also gives you a departure date to hold yourself too.

For a first taste of ocean sailing, it can be reassuring and fun to join a rally to sail across the Atlantic, like the ARC. Credit: James Mitchell/World Cruising Club

Plus is has good parties and entertainment on tap to keep crew happy.

The cons would be its early crossing date for the Tradewinds season, large fleet size (though check out ARC+, which is smaller) or if you just want to be low-key and go it alone.

The Viking Explorers rally is one alternative, but not many others still run.

If you do your own thing, you will still find a wonderful cruising community anywhere cruisers other, and there is fantastic support across the world for independent voyaging through the Ocean Cruising Club.

Preparations for sailing across the Atlantic  – the basics

While in no way a comprehensive list of preparations, here are some jumping off points to think about when planning your voyage:

• Learn how to service and maintain your engine and key machinery, have a good set of tools on board. Video repair tips and techniques when you have technicians on board to refer to later.
• Have your yacht lifted, antifouled , stern gear serviced, and anodes replaced. Consider fitting a rope cutter . Also check steering systems and replace rudder bearings.
• Create a boat manual with all your procedures, equipment and the location of safety and medical equipment for crew to access.
• Fit an autopilot capable of handling your yacht in an ocean swell, fully laden downwind in 30 knots of breeze. Have a back-up if shorthanded, or two separate systems for redundancy.
• Have power systems checked and replace or upgrade batteries if necessary . If you upgrade batteries, consider if additional charging is necessary .
• Get first-class safety equipment for all crew on board.
• Have all sails serviced by a sail loft and consider double stitching all panels. With slab reefing mainsails, get a deep third reef.
• Set up a good boom preventer for downwind sailing on both tacks. That can be just lines and blocks but set up so you can gybe and switch preventers without leaving the cockpit.
• Check all running rigging and ensure you have adequate spare halyards set up before you depart. Think about chafe prevention.
• Choose your crew carefully. Make sure you are all comfortable sailing together and that roles are established well before you leave.

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Preparing to cross the Atlantic

We always encourage the Oyster Family to explore and achieve new sailing experiences. And completing an Atlantic crossing is the dream of many a sailor. But the sea can be a formidable mistress so it pays to prepare well, making sure everything is ship shape before a longer ocean passage, right down to the last sail tie. Oyster Crew member Leandra Sewell details how she and her crewmates prepare for an Atlantic crossing aboard their Oyster Yacht.

PROVISIONING

I don’t need to explain why taking the right foods for a longer sailing trip is so important, but here is a quick guide to the provisions we take:

- The number one rule is to take foods that will keep for a long time. Dry store goods – tinned foods, pasta sauce, cup-a-soups, crackers, tea, coffee, cereals, bread flour, long-life milk and water; not forgetting easy to grab snacks such as nuts, dried fruit, cereal bars, chocolates, biscuits, crisps. Baking ingredients let you cook on the move, and who doesn’t love finishing a night watch to the smell of freshly baked bread?

- Fresh fruit and vegetables that keep well and can be kept out the fridge for a long period are important. Apples, oranges, pears, grapefruit, unripened avocados, unripened bananas, pineapple, mango, watermelon, carrots, corn, potatoes, onions, pumpkin, celery and peppers all fall into this list. When planning meals, it’s important to work around when this produce will start to go off so nothing is wasted.

- Frozen foods are great too, so fresh produce is available throughout the passage. We take frozen vegetables, frozen berries and other fruit that can be thrown in a smoothie. Meat and ready-made pizzas are good and bread can also be frozen and toasted easily.

- Don’t forget – anti-seasickness provisions like ginger biscuits, ginger and peppermint teas, and mints are essential, although hopefully not necessary!

FOOD PREPARATION

Our chef will prepare three meals a day for seven people for +/- 16 days, which is the average time it takes us to sail across the Atlantic. Below are some handy hints from how our chef does this: 

- Fruit and vegetables are cut up, portioned and frozen for future use.

- Some dishes are made in advance and frozen – these include lasagne, pies, stews, curries, chilli and soups.

- Wrap fresh herbs and leaves in damp paper towels to make them last longer.

- Home-made dips like hummus are preprepared and we continue to prepare foods like this as we sail.

SAFETY DRILLS

It is important everyone knows their responsibilities in case of an emergency. So we run through all our safety checks and drills to pick up anything that might be amiss before we leave.

- Life jackets must be checked for wear and tear.

- Locations of safety equipment are identified and we remove all the covers and run through how everything works. 

- We test the alarms and emergency exits.

- We do a full run through of fire, man overboard and abandon ship drills.

MECHANICAL CHECKS

- We test all the alarms including fire and bilge alarms.

- Start up the generators and engine to make sure they run smoothly.

- Winches and hydraulics are all tested.

- Service intervals on machinery are checked.

- The bow and stern thrusters are tested to ensure a smooth take off once we slip the lines.

DECK CHECKS

Not only do we have the fishing rods ready to supplement our diet with fresh and sustainably caught fish, but we also needed to check the following: 

- the jack-stays have been set up and tested to ensure they are tight.

- winches have been set up with the correct lines.

-  the stainless steel is polished to protect it from the salt water and do a final wash down.

- all hatches are stowed and locked close, ready to go to sea!

Want to get a feel for the Atlantic Crossing experience?

READ THE ATLANTIC CROSSING BLOG >

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Crossing the Atlantic by Motor Yacht Routes

Crossing the Atlantic by motor yacht is a challenging but rewarding experience. There are a number of different routes that you can take, and the best route for you will depend on your experience, the type of boat you are sailing, and the time of year you plan to sail.

Here are some of the most popular routes for crossing the Atlantic by motor yacht:

• The North Atlantic Route: This route is the most direct route across the Atlantic Ocean. It starts in Europe and ends in the Caribbean. The North Atlantic Route is generally the fastest route, but it can also be the most challenging. The weather conditions in the North Atlantic can be unpredictable, and there is a risk of encountering icebergs.
• The South Atlantic Route: This route is less direct than the North Atlantic Route, but it is generally considered to be safer. The South Atlantic Route starts in Europe and ends in South America. The weather conditions in the South Atlantic are more stable, and there is no risk of encountering icebergs.
• The Azores Route: This route is a good option for those who are looking for a more leisurely crossing. The Azores Route starts in Europe and ends in the Azores Islands. The Azores Islands are a group of volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. They offer a safe haven for yachts crossing the Atlantic, and they also offer a variety of amenities and attractions.

No matter which route you choose, it is important to do your research and plan carefully. You should also make sure that you have the proper safety equipment on board, and that you are familiar with the weather conditions and hazards that you may encounter.

Here are some additional tips for crossing the Atlantic by motor yacht:

• Plan your route carefully. There are a number of different routes that you can take across the Atlantic Ocean. It is important to plan your route carefully and to choose a route that is appropriate for your experience and the time of year you plan to sail.
• Check the weather forecast. It is important to check the weather forecast before you set sail. The weather conditions in the Atlantic Ocean can change quickly, so it is important to be aware of the potential hazards.
• Have the proper safety equipment on board. It is important to have the proper safety equipment on board your yacht, including life jackets, flares, and a first-aid kit.
• Be prepared for the worst. The Atlantic Ocean is a large and unpredictable body of water. It is important to be prepared for the worst, and to have a plan in place in case of an emergency.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable crossing of the Atlantic Ocean.

There are many different ways to cross the Atlantic by motor yacht. Some people prefer to go straight across, while others choose to sail along one of the great circle routes. There are also a number of different options for stopping along the way, depending on your preferences and needs. Here we will explore some of the most popular routes for crossing the Atlantic by motor yacht.

Setting sail from the United States to Europe is an amazing adventure. While it’s possible to fly across the Atlantic, there’s something special about taking a leisurely journey by motor yacht. Here are some popular routes for crossing the Atlantic by yacht. The most popular route for crossing the Atlantic by motor yacht is from Newport, Rhode Island to Cowes, England. This route takes advantage of the prevailing winds and currents, making for a relatively easy journey. The trip can be done in as little as two weeks, but most people take four to six weeks to enjoy all that this amazing voyage has to offer. Another popular route is from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Porto Santo in Portugal. This longer journey takes advantage of the Gulf Stream, which helps push yachts along at a good clip. Most people take three to four weeks to complete this voyage. No matter which route you choose, crossing the Atlantic by motor yacht is an incredible experience that you’ll never forget!

Credit: godownsize

What are Some Good Motor Yacht Routes for Crossing the Atlantic

There are many motor yacht routes for crossing the Atlantic, but some are better than others. The best route depends on the time of year, the weather conditions, and the boat’s speed and range. One good route is to start from Portugal or Spain and head west to the Canary Islands. From there, you can continue west to Cape Verde and then turn north towards the Lesser Antilles. This route takes advantage of the prevailing winds and currents in this part of the world. Another option is to start from Bermuda and head east towards Puerto Rico. This route is shorter, but it can be more difficult because of the strong trade winds that blow from east to west across this part of the ocean. Which route you choose will also depend on your destination. If you’re headed for Florida or the Gulf Coast of the United States, starting from Bermuda makes more sense. But if you’re headed for Europe or Africa, starting from Portugal or Spain is a better option. No matter which route you choose, crossing the Atlantic by motor yacht is an adventure that you’ll never forget!

What are Some Things to Consider When Planning a Motor Yacht Crossing of the Atlantic

When planning a motor yacht crossing of the Atlantic, there are a few things to consider. The first is the route. There are two main routes- one via the Canary Islands and one via Bermuda. The Canary Islands route is shorter, but has more potential for bad weather. The Bermuda route is longer, but generally has better weather. The second thing to consider is provisioning. A motor yacht uses a lot of fuel, so you will need to make sure you have enough onboard to get you across the Atlantic. You will also need to have enough food and water for everyone on board, as well as any emergency supplies that might be needed. Finally, you will need to consider the weather. This is especially important if you are taking the Canary Islands route. Check the forecast before you set sail and be prepared for any potential storms that could come your way. With some careful planning, a motor yacht crossing of the Atlantic can be a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

What are Some Hazards to Be Aware of When Crossing the Atlantic by Motor Yacht

When crossing the Atlantic by motor yacht, there are a few hazards to be aware of. First and foremost is the weather. The North Atlantic is notoriously stormy, and even in summer there can be strong winds and waves. It’s important to check the weather forecast before setting out, and to have a plan for what to do if conditions start to deteriorate while you’re at sea. Another hazard is pirates. While piracy is more commonly associated with the waters off Somalia and Indonesia, it does still happen in some parts of the world, including the Caribbean Sea and parts of South America. If you’re planning on sailing through any areas where piracy is known to occur, it’s important to take precautions such as hiring armed guards or sailing in convoy with other boats. Finally, there are also political risks to consider when crossing international waters. Tensions can flare up suddenly between countries, and if you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time you could end up getting caught in the middle of a diplomatic incident or even being detained by foreign authorities. Again, it pays to do your research before setting sail and to have a contingency plan for what to do if things go wrong.

What are Some Tips for Making a Successful Transatlantic Crossing by Motor Yacht

When making a transatlantic crossing by motor yacht, there are a few key things to keep in mind in order to have a successful trip. First, it is important to have a well-equipped and well-maintained vessel. This means having all the necessary safety equipment on board and making sure that everything is in good working order before setting out. Secondly, it is crucial to have an experienced crew who knows how to handle the boat and the conditions at sea. Thirdly, it is important to plan your route carefully, taking into account weather patterns and currents. Finally, be prepared for anything and always err on the side of caution when at sea.

Atlantic Crossing in a 2019 Motor Yacht Lagoon 630

There are many ways to cross the Atlantic by motor yacht, but there are three main routes that are most popular. The first route is from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean. This route is popular because it offers good weather and sailing conditions. The second route is from the Azores to Bermuda. This route is popular because it avoids bad weather and has good sailing conditions. The third route is from Newfoundland to the United Kingdom. This route is popular because it offers great scenery and wildlife watching opportunities.

Related: How Long to Cross the Atlantic by Motor Yacht

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TO CROSS THE ATLANTIC, OR NOT: THE IDEAL PROGRAMME

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Published 27/11/2008

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Crossing the Atlantic on a Yacht in Comfort

Experienced cruisers often discover Kadey-Krogen Yachts because they begin to search for yachts capable of crossing the Atlantic. If one searches the listings for Transatlantic boats for sale or contacts a broker with a very specific request to hear about yachts that can cross the Atlantic, they’re bound to discover plenty of superyachts, and some custom trawlers, and, of course, a selection of our models that are built to take on long bluewater cruising legs such as one takes on for an ocean crossinig.

Those who are more serious about open-ocean crossings begin to think about the best time to cross the Atlantic west to east and also consider provisioning, crew, a timetable, potential destinations, and all the factors, large and small, that enter into this exciting equation.

Lessons Learned in more than two years of cruising in Northern Europe

Journey from Rhode Island to Ireland Via the Azores

Women and the Wind: Crossing the Atlantic in a 50-Year-Old Catamaran

In 2022 three women crossed the Atlantic Ocean on a wooden catamaran to document plastic pollution and find adventure, here's how

Ellen Eberhardt

Photographer

Alizé Jireh, Lærke Heilmann

In June 2022, Alizé Jireh and Lærke Heilmann were at Red Beard Farm in Wilmington, North Carolina buying 15 pounds of sweet potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and other sea-worthy produce. They even got to pull some vegetables straight from the earth, a memory that brought Heilmann comfort when cooking with them in a tight galley kitchen a month later, miles away from land, with nothing green in sight.

At the farm, Heilmann and Jireh were completing one task in a long line of chores to prepare for a voyage like neither had embarked on in their lives. Instead of taking the veggies home to a refrigerator, they brought them back to a 50-year-old catamaran called Mara Noka , and the boat's owner and captain, Kiana Weltzien . The three women had been living on the vessel for a month, preparing the ship—and themselves—to sail across the Atlantic Ocean from Beaufort, North Carolina, to Flores, Portugal for a project called Women and the Wind. But they had to wait for the right conditions.

When the right winds did strike, Weltzien, Heilmann, and Jireh planned to make the crossing in 30 days. They would document the journey in order to study and highlight plastic pollution throughout the Gulf Stream and to inspire others, especially women, to undertake momentous journeys of their own.

The first roots of the idea came up in 2017, when Weltzien discovered Mara Noka floating in a Panamanian bay. She bought the boat on a whim, upending plans for a solo backpacking trip through South America. She'd already been traveling the world by boat for more than two years after quitting a career in real estate; she had been exposed to life at sea first by a family she worked as an au pair for and then again as a crew member on a 70-foot-long Polynesian voyaging canoe. Growing up between Brazil and Florida exposed her to various water sports, but it was only after those formative years as an adult that Weltzien embraced a dream of becoming a fortified, professional sailor. Buying Mara Noka was another dream realized—now she was the captain of her own ship.

Weltzien was living and sailing on Mara Noka in January 2020 when she arrived in the Canary Islands, where she met Heilmann at a party. Beyond a shared passion for the ocean and its care, both women spoke Portuguese, and both had a fake tooth; coincidences that cemented a fast bond. Heilmann was born and raised in a hippie commune in Denmark, where she spent summers sailing with family. While she wasn't particularly interested in the sport, she grew passionate about the ocean, and eventually, she moved to the Canary Islands after falling in love with the surf and the slower way of life. At the time of their meeting, Heilmann was working as a Project Coordinator for the Clean Ocean Project , an organization dedicated to beach clean-ups and ocean conservation education worldwide.

It wasn't long after that first meeting that they began dreaming of a transatlantic voyage drawn from a desire to shine a light on plastic pollution in the ocean and, of course, a natural call toward adventure. The first step would be to repair Mara Noka —the old boat required lots of TLC after years at sea.

"I thought I was going to die on this trip. I was very certain of that."

When the pandemic hit, dreams of going anywhere came to a screeching halt worldwide, but it gave Weltzien and Heilmann more time to plan. Finally, in February of 2021, Weltzien took Mara Noka out of the water and into a boatyard in St. Augustine, Florida, where her grandmother lives. Heilmann joined her four months later, and they planned to repair Mara Noka and set sail in a few weeks.

In actuality, the repairs took a full year. With no prior experience in shipbuilding besides Weltzien's knowledge of mixing epoxy, the pair trialed and errored their way through the process, documenting it through photos and reels on the Women and the Wind Instagram page . Friends and family visited to help and offer advice, and one experienced shipbuilder shared his expertise, making occasional appearances to offer advice, sometimes sage, like "listen to the boat." As they deconstructed the boat, they began to understand its structure, and rebuilt from there.

After a year of sanding, sawing, painting, and gluing in the hot Florida sun, in May 2022, Mara Noka was finally ready for the water, complete with a fresh coat of paint and a hand-carved nameplate on a repurposed blank of original Panamanian sour cedar decking. At the end of the month, Mara Noka , Weltzien, and Heilmann sailed from St. Augustine to Beaufort, North Carolina, to prepare for their final departure and to pick up their third crew member, photographer and filmmaker Alizé Jireh.

All while Weltzien and Heilmann were remaking Mara Noka , Jireh was keeping up over Instagram, and she became enchanted by the two women restoring a 50-year-old catamaran by hand. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, she too had spent her childhood around the water and had vivid dreams of sailing. At 16, she started shooting documentary photo work and started traveling with it, eventually connecting with Weltzien while working at a production company in South Africa. The two stayed in contact, and during a trip to St. Augustine in 2021, Weltzien invited her to the boatyard to check out the progress on Mara Noka . Jireh was smitten with the whole operation. Half a year later, Weltzien sent her a message asking if she'd not only like to come along for the voyage, but also capture the experience for a planned documentary. With no prior sailing experience save those childhood dreams, Jireh responded with a resounding yes. "For me, it was no question about it," she says.

With Mara Noka repaired and Jireh on board, the small crew spent most of the early summer waiting to set sail and growing accustomed to the boat, and each other. For Weltzien, who had been happily sailing solo on Mara Noka for years, adjusting to traveling with others would be one of the most challenging aspects of the journey ahead. "I'm a solo sailor," Weltzien explains. "So to sail with people, I needed a purpose. And the purpose is to spread this message of 'if we can do anything, you can do anything.'" Although Heilmann and Jireh were equally dedicated to spreading their intended message, simply surviving the trip proved the tallest hurdle. "I thought that it would be my last time on earth," Jireh says. "I thought I was going to die on this trip. I was very certain of that."

"To sail with people, I needed a purpose. And the purpose is to spread this message of 'if we can do anything, you can do anything.'"

On June 27, 2022, Mara Noka officially set sail. For the next 30 days, the women went without technology, the only connection to the outside world via a satellite phone and a friend, who posted updates to Instagram on behalf of the crew. Even Jireh, who kept her camera rolling for the better part of the voyage, waited until landfall to review more than 100 hours of footage captured during the trip. For 30 days, it was just Weltzien, Heilmann, Jireh, Mara Noka , and the sea.

In the beginning, the ocean welcomed them with calm conditions, but still, each crew member battled personal challenges. Jireh fell seasick almost immediately and remained so for two weeks. Heilmann tested positive for COVID just a few days in. And Weltzien was navigating living with two inexperienced sailors on a boat and in an ocean that had previously brought her seclusion and peace.

The women adjusted to their new reality slowly. "I feel like we didn't talk much for those first two weeks," Heilmann says. "We were all in our little zone." They remained distant throughout the beginning of the journey, in part as a natural reaction to a new lifestyle, and then later they were forced to due to two weeks of bad weather. But there were moments of connection, too. They shared all their meals, a ritual that remained with them through the duration of the voyage. "One thing I think we always did together—except for during the peak of the storm when [Heilmann and Jireh] were my prisoners locked below in the dungeon—was eat together," Weltzien explains.

On the seventh day, the winds started to pick up and were followed by weeks of rain, 10-20 foot waves, torn sails, and gear tossed overboard. The three women rotated between sleepless nights in water-soaked beds, sticky and wet from the constant saltwater leaking through the ½-inch plywood into their sleeping quarters. Weltzien was often busy manning the boat in the swell, while Heilmann and Jireh rotated between helping with tasks on board and taking shelter in the cabin below, intimated by the full force of the weather.

Throughout it all, Jireh kept her Panasonic GH 5 camera rolling in 4K (between taking breaks to throw up). Her equipment survived the trip, but barely. "That shit dropped so many times," she says. "The screen stopped working." Both Weltzien and Heilmann were impressed with Jireh's abilities to create in an environment that was literally shifting below her feet. "It's so impressive having seen the other side," Heilmann says. "Seeing her with her camera, throwing up." To the crew, the camera started to develop a personality of its own, an electronic Wilson to their collective Tom Hanks.

"Being a tiny little speck of a boat in the middle of the ocean, seeing trash every day makes you realize that the trash is absolutely everywhere."

Another constant was the trash they saw in the water. Even out to sea, pieces of plastic would float by every day. Between collecting what they could and their own gear lost during storms, it was hard not to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount going into and coming out of the sea. "Being a tiny little speck of a boat in the middle of the ocean, seeing trash every day makes you realize that the trash is absolutely everywhere," Weltzien says. They did what they could before, during, and after the voyage, fishing trash out of the ocean and participating in beach clean-ups when on land. "You just have to focus on one solution to the problem at a time," says Heilmann.

On their 19th day at sea, just over halfway through the voyage, the sun reappeared with a small swell and light winds. To celebrate, the crew broke out a bottle of red and their lingerie, a ritual they had planned before setting sail. Buoyed by the shifting seas, amidst clothing and blankets hung to dry, they looked ahead to the remainder of the voyage in good spirits.

And the ocean seemed to reward them for surviving those initial trials; the remaining 10 days held with good weather, and after surviving the turbulent seas together, they experienced its bounty. They talked more, slept on the deck under the night skies, listened to music, read, journaled, and above all else, indulged in the vastness of their surroundings and the lessons of life on the water. Dolphins, whales, and seabirds paid visits. Heilmann caught her first fish, a mahi-mahi, and spent two days crafting a pirate flag emblazoned with a skeleton mermaid . Weltzien moved back to her normal sleeping quarters from the 12-inch wide bench in the galley she'd been using, and Jireh finally managed to keep food down.

One day out from landfall, all three women anticipated their arrival with a flood of emotions. "I hate arriving," Weltzien says. "It's exciting. It's great, it's beautiful, but it's just like it's your bubble bursting. It's your reality that you thought was real for so long. Just poof." During their month at sea, the boat and their life aboard it had been a departure from the burdens of modern living, a gateway to complete symbiosis with nature.

Yes, certain parts of the voyage had been extremely challenging, but they had all consciously agreed to the perils the Atlantic might present. Life at sea was expansive and vast, and their lifestyle reflected the same. Reaching land, where rigid thoughts, schedules, and structures rule life suddenly seemed more daunting than 15-foot waves. "Everything has to be explained in words that are somehow not enough to explain what you felt," Heilmann shares. "It's very overwhelming."

On the night of July 25, 2022, cell phones buzzing with incoming messages from the past month, Mara Noka cruised past other moored boats and dropped anchor in a harbor off Flores, an island in Portugal's Azores archipelago. The voyage was complete.

For the next month, the crew debriefed while sailing around the Azores together, and waited for the right conditions to deliver Heilmann and Jireh to their departing flights. After goodbyes, Weltzien sailed by herself to Brazil, a crossing that lasted 43 days, realizing along the way that she missed their company.

Today, the three women are spread between Brazil, the Canary Islands, and the US, but led by Jireh, they're editing and producing the Women and the Wind documentary . They plan to overlay Jireh's ethereal footage with journal entries from the trip, and they've also set up a Kickstarter to help meet production costs .

Weltzien, Heilmann, and Jireh are still processing the voyage. They share what they can put into words about how it changed them. "I feel a lot of little things that maybe mattered before, I really don't think they matter at all," Heilmann explains "I think I've never done anything that long with so many uncertainties and so many reasons that you shouldn't. And it feels really powerful."

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Atlantic crossing by boat

• ⭐ Is it necessary to plan the route to Cross the Atlantic? Sailing across the Atlantic is a high-seas sailing activity and, therefore, it is essential to plan the route to minimize setbacks and navigate with favorable winds and currents.
• ✅ What is the best time to cross the Atlantic? The best time to cross the Atlantic by sailboat from Europe or Africa to the American continent is between the months of October and January, coinciding with the arrival of the Trade Winds and the low season of hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean.
• ⌚ How long does it take to cross the Atlantic by sailboat? The transatlantic crossing can last between 15 and 30 days, depending on the capabilities of the ship and the route they intend to take.
• ⚡ Is it dangerous to cross the Atlantic by sailboat? The main danger involved in crossing the Atlantic by sailboat are tropical storms and hurricanes. For this reason, the crossing is always carried out once the hurricane season ends, to avoid the risk of encountering these meteorological phenomena.
• ✍ Do I need experience to cross the Atlantic by boat? It is not necessary that you have specific nautical skills to embark on an Atlantic crossing, although it is advisable to have some experience in navigation.
• ➡️ How much does it cost to cross the Atlantic by sailboat? As you can see in Sailwiz, the price of the Atlantic Crossing varies depending on the type of ship and what is included in the package, although in general, the tickets usually start at 1,000 euros.
• If you have always dreamed of crossing the Atlantic but have never dared, this is the time to make it happen. You just need to enjoy the adventure and some time (around a month) to cross the Atlantic by sailboat.

Crossing the Atlantic by boat: start of the season

On what dates do the crossings depart to cross the atlantic by sail from europe, from which ports do you leave to cross the atlantic, what itinerary do the atlantic crossings that leave europe follow, what are the main dangers in the crossing of the atlantic, how is tall navigation across the atlantic, what dates do the atlantic crossings depart from the caribbean to europe, what itinerary do the atlantic crossings that leave the caribbean follow, how much fuel is needed to cross the atlantic.

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Major heat wave to hit Midwest and East Coast, bringing heat alerts to 66 million

The summer is coming in hot: As Thursday's solstice approaches, a heat wave is hitting the East Coast and the Midwest and is expected to last through at least Friday.

Almost 66 million people across the U.S. were under some level of heat alert Monday afternoon. About 150 million people will experience temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday, and readings could rise over 100 degrees for around 9 million people.

Heat warnings, watches or advisories were in effect from Iowa to Maine, affecting Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Boston, New York and other cities.

“The duration of this heat wave is notable and potentially the longest experienced in decades for some locations,” the Weather Prediction Center said Sunday .

A strong heat dome is causing the extreme conditions. Temperatures could reach as high as 25 degrees above normal in many areas. Records could be set in 200 cities from the Ohio Valley and the lower Great Lakes into the northern mid-Atlantic and the Northeast, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS' Phoenix branch said temperatures reached 112 degrees there Sunday — 7 degrees above average and just under the record of 115.

The Nevada Division of Emergency Management warned residents not to rely on fans to stay cool and urged them instead to seek air-conditioned spaces such as libraries, shopping malls or the cooling centers that have been opened across the Southwest in recent weeks.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul activated 50 members of the National Guard to help boost the state's response. New York City’s more than 500 cooling centers are set to open Tuesday .

"We are going to be seeing temperatures at levels we have not seen in our lifetimes," Hochul said in a statement Monday , adding: "This could be a deadly event. Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths."

Indeed, deaths from extreme heat have increased in recent years. About 2,300 people in the U.S. died from extreme heat last year.

Public school systems in at least two states have adjusted their hours. Schools in Worcester, Massachusetts, will end the school year a few days early. And schools in Buffalo and Rochester, New York, implemented half-days for the rest of week to allow pre-K through eighth graders to leave after lunch.

Some parts of the U.S. are also expected to get heavy rain this week. In the Dakotas and Minnesota, the NWS said, there is a chance of flash flooding and severe thunderstorms . Rain is pushing in from the Gulf of Mexico, as well, and it is expected to hit parts of Texas and Louisiana, possibly through Wednesday.

Research predicts more frequent and extreme weather events as climate change’s effects continue to intensify . Each of the last 12 months set a record for high temperatures, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service .

Dennis Romero is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. 

Kathryn Prociv is a senior meteorologist and producer for NBC News. 

Elysee Barakett is a health intern at NBC News.

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

What’s the right yacht for an Atlantic crossing? The one you’ve got now

• Elaine Bunting
• May 20, 2015

What sort of yacht do you need to sail across the Atlantic? There’s no black art, says Elaine Bunting, you just need a bit of preparation

Numerically, the most common yachts for sailing across the Atlantic are ordinary production cruisers with standard kit, usually with upgrades of safety and power generation equipment. The happy truth is there’s no black art to sailing 3,000 miles downwind; the toughest part can be getting across the Bay of Biscay.

So whatever boat you have right now, the chances are that she’ll be fine for an Atlantic crossing with a bit of extra preparation. You don’t have to let waiting for the ‘right’ boat put you off going.

However, this doesn’t apply so much if you intend to complete an Atlantic circuit and sail from the Caribbean to Europe . The return route can be very tough, with a real chance of rough windward work, and a yacht that is wonderfully comfortable and spacious at anchor can slam and be very uncomfortable on the way back. Shipping back or delivery are both alternative options.

I’ve found that skippers tend to focus on equipment that adds comfort, but also complication: watermakers, generators, comms equipment. All are undoubtedly useful, but remember that every additional item adds complication, spares and service cost/time.

Apart from a sound boat, all you really need is water, food, fuel and a (paper) chart of ‘North Atlantic, Southern Part’.

Whatever else you do, don’t let those extras distract you from ensuring the integrity of the rig (including the boom and gooseneck fittings), rudder and hull. These are paramount. Rudders, in particular, are subjected to very high side loads in big following seas. I’ve seen people about to set off across the Atlantic on boats that were sporting the latest luxury kit, from ice cream makers to air conditioning, but with split pins not bent back or a clevis pin working out.

What sails are best?

The simple answer is reasonably recent, quality sails that aren’t liable to break. However expensive, good sails are worth every penny. As to what combination is best on a long downwind passage, that’s a complicated and potentially long-winded debate. Let’s just say that, for the average family crew, a smart crossing is all about consistent speed, 24 hours a day. The key is not to have downtime.

There is absolutely no need to sail hot angles downwind unless you are sailing to polars on a high-performance design. A spinnaker or code sail is great in lighter winds, but in stronger winds you will need several crew on watch at a time and if you blow the sail in a squall or a sudden reload it will be a costly choice.

There is nothing wrong with the old ‘barn doors’ arrangement of mainsail and poled-out genoa. Sure, it’s unflashy and unheroic, but it’s also easy, trouble-free and you’ll trot along in any conditions with minimal drop in speed for the occasional gybe. Just keep an eye out for chafe and be sure to set up a preventer on the boom and a foreguy topping lift and downhaul when poling out the headsail, so you can furl in quickly when that night-time squall hits (which it will).

Power planning

However much power you expect to use on an ocean crossing, you will need more. Nav lights, radar, radio scheds, autopilot, watermaker, fridge, freezer, computer, fans – you name it, they all add up. Last year, when we carried out our annual survey of ARC skippers , we found that yachts of between 46ft and 55ft had a battery capacity, on average, of 700ah, rising to 1,000ah for yachts over 56ft.

Since the design life for marine batteries is five years, it makes sense to set off with new batteries – it’s easier and may be cheaper than replacing them later. A majority of people in our survey had an extra house or domestic battery bank and one or two had boosted the battery used for their windlass.

Interestingly, when we asked about the power equation again in our follow-up survey a few months later , numerous skippers said that they had increased battery capacity yet again or planned to do so in future.

A water generator could be a useful addition

Rather than adding to machinery with a diesel generator, it’s worth looking at wind generators, solar panels and the Watt & Sea or Sea-Gen water turbines . These alternative power generation sources have advanced a lot in recent years. A larger alternator may be worth fitting too, and if only one is fitted to the engine, carry a spare.

Be prepared for gear failure

Be prepared for key equipment to fail because sooner or later it probably will. If it’s gear you normally rely on, like an autopilot or watermaker, have a contingency or a workable plan to do without. Of all the gear problems that give most stress and trouble, the most pressing is autopilot failure. That will start to put a small crew under strain by robbing everyone of rest time.

For the same reason, it’s a good idea to make sure most or all of your crew are decent helmsmen downwind in following seas. If not, spend some time on passage tutoring them.

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