How to Find a Boat for an Atlantic Crossing
Want to sail across the Atlantic but don't know where to look? Here's how to find a boat for a transatlantic crossing.
Héloïse Everytransatlantic7 min read
Contents
Crew: how to find a boat for a transatlantic sailing crossing
You've dreamed of crossing the Atlantic under sail for a long time. The personal challenge, the close connection with nature, the human experience… You feel ready to sign on! But one essential question remains: how do you find a boat?
In this article, discover the different ways to look for a crossing, the best time to start, and practical tips to boost your chances of being welcomed aboard!
The different ways to join an Atlantic crossing
Did you know? There are several ways to take part in an Atlantic crossing, with two main variables: cost and the level of involvement required!
A paid crossing as a passenger
This is the ideal option if you're looking for a "leisure" crossing, fully supervised and with no particular technical requirements.
In this case, you are first and foremost a traveller: you can stand watches or join in life on board if you wish, but nothing is mandatory. The boat is under the supervision of a professional skipper and crew; your main role is to enjoy the voyage!
⚠️ Note: since this is a tourism service, this is the most expensive option. A tourist crossing can cost up to several thousand euros depending on the route, the season and the length of the passage.
Yacht delivery
This is more or less the opposite of the tourist crossing, as it's the most technical and professional option.
Here, the job is to help a skipper bring a boat from point A to point B, for example on behalf of an owner or a company (new purchase, seasonal move, return trip after a crossing such as the ARC, repositioning the boat, etc.).
This type of sailing generally requires a minimum of practical experience and theoretical knowledge: standing watches, sail handling, safety basics, weather knowledge, etc. With often tighter schedules, these crossings are indeed more demanding.
The big advantage, however: since you're providing a service, these crossings are often free!
Sailing as a beginner crew member
Looking for an affordable, friendly Atlantic crossing that lets you build your sailing skills? This is surely the best option!
Skippers regularly look for crew with varying levels of experience for "routine" crossings. Many love passing on their knowledge and are happy to welcome motivated novice crew!
On this type of crossing, the crew member actively stands watches under the guidance of the skipper and more seasoned crew. They're given time to learn, with fewer demands than on a professional delivery. In return, the beginner crew member is expected to show commitment and curiosity!
Budget-wise, a financial contribution is usually requested for this type of crossing. It generally ranges between €300 and €600 for a one-month crossing.
Where to find a boat to cross the Atlantic as crew?
You now know the types of crossings. The question is: where do you find one? Here's the answer!
On a specialised platform
To quickly find crossings that match your criteria, platforms connecting skippers and crew are the best option.
On a platform like EveryTransatlantic, which specialises in transatlantic sailing, you can browse listings from skippers looking for their future crew (all levels welcome!).
These platforms let you refine your search according to your preferences, such as departure and arrival ports, availability dates, etc. The messaging feature makes it easy to get in touch and exchange information, for a smoother search process.
At the marina
Prefer legwork and face-to-face contact? Another option for the less shy is to approach skippers directly at ports and marinas.
Advantages of this approach:
- A sign of motivation: you show your eagerness to take part in the crossing and discover the world of sailing.
- Getting a feel: meeting in person is also a great way to see whether you and the skipper get along.
- Direct exchange: you can introduce yourself in detail and ask the skipper your questions directly, which makes the decision easier for everyone.
Through sailing schools and training organisations
Sailing schools and training organisations are an excellent way in to quickly get aboard an Atlantic crossing.
These organisations offer offshore sailing courses in particular. These courses let you gain theoretical and technical skills in a supervised environment while building a professional network.
Among the well-known professional training organisations are ACM Catamaran (opens in a new tab) and FF Voile (opens in a new tab), which offer a range of quality offshore sailing courses.
When is the best time to look for an Atlantic crossing?
The season for an Atlantic crossing depends on its direction. Since weather directly affects sailing, some periods are more favourable depending on which way you're heading. To allow enough time to prepare, the idea is to start searching one to three months before the sailing period, depending on the direction of the crossing.
So, generally speaking:
- For an east-to-west crossing (Europe to the Caribbean, for example): the preferred window is between late October and early December, when you can ride the trade winds and avoid late-winter storms. So you should search between July and October.
- For a west-to-east crossing (Caribbean to Europe), skippers wait for the end of hurricane season and the arrival of favourable winds. Departures take place between March and May. So you should search between December and March.
5 tips to maximise your chances of getting aboard
You've chosen your type of crossing and even found a potential boat for your next Atlantic passage? Fantastic! Now it's time to prepare your application so as to convince the skipper to welcome you aboard. Here are our 5 best tips to put the odds in your favour.
1. Be transparent from the first contact
On a passage as long as an Atlantic crossing, clear communication within the crew is crucial. And that applies even before you weigh anchor!
When you first contact a skipper, be transparent about your level of experience (including, and especially, if you're a beginner), as well as your expectations and any concerns.
This gives the skipper all the key information to judge whether you fit the needs of their crossing. If they accept your application, they'll also know your abilities and limits, for the best possible integration into the crew.
2. Write a truly attractive listing
Applying online? Whether it's an introductory message or your own crew listing, put as much care into it as possible! You'll have a better chance of finding a crossing and a crew that "match" your profile.
Your listing should include:
- Detail your experience (if you have any) or state that you're a beginner.
- Specify your preferences for the crossing (direction, preferred dates, even type of boat).
- Say a little about yourself (without writing your life story!), briefly describing your personality, hobbies, etc.
- Share your particular expectations (sailing experience, connection with nature, adventure, human connection, etc.).
3. Be engaging and pleasant with the skipper
People skills matter as much as sailing skills on an Atlantic crossing! When you get in touch, show the skipper that you're positive and respectful by nature.
A warm, constructive tone, polite replies and a curious attitude (without being intrusive) could well make all the difference, whatever your level of experience.
Beyond the watches, your skipper is also looking for someone to enjoy good times with during downtime and shared moments!
4. Show your willingness to help
Do you know what really drives a boat forward? Not the currents, nor the trade winds, but team spirit!
Solidarity is key to a smooth and enjoyable Atlantic crossing. Everyone must be ready to help their crewmates if there's a problem (assisting with a manoeuvre, taking over a watch if needed, etc.).
From your very first exchanges with a skipper, express your desire to contribute to the crossing. Even if you've never done an Atlantic crossing before, an open, curious and humble attitude will definitely make you stand out.
5. Read up on crossings beforehand
You may not have any Atlantic crossing experience yet, but you can always start learning about the subject! It will boost your credibility with the skipper.
Read up on the main aspects of an Atlantic crossing, such as the routes taken (east=>west; west=>east), weather conditions by season, life on board, the watch system, etc.
By arriving prepared, you show your commitment, as well as respect for the skipper's time.
FAQ
Can you do an Atlantic crossing with no experience?
It's entirely possible to cross the Atlantic as a novice sailor! The keys: stay humble and curious, follow the skipper's instructions, and listen to yourself and others.
How much does an Atlantic crossing cost?
It depends on the type of crossing! A tourist trip can run to several thousand euros. As a beginner or more seasoned crew member, you'll pay between €0 and €600 for the whole voyage, depending on the nature of the crossing and your role.
Where do crossings depart from?
For an east-to-west crossing, departures are spread across coastal Europe: there are ports in the Canary Islands (Las Palmas), Madeira, Portugal (especially the Algarve), France (Brittany and the Mediterranean) and Spain. From west to east, you'll weigh anchor in the Caribbean (Martinique, Guadeloupe), the United States or Bermuda.
What types of boats are used for an Atlantic crossing?
Atlantic crossings are generally made aboard monohull sailboats, but also catamarans and trimarans. More rarely, you'll also find motor boats and racing yachts. Transatlantic sailboats are typically 35 to 55 feet long, a size suited to offshore conditions.
