How Long Does It Take to Cross the Atlantic by Boat?
How long an Atlantic crossing takes depends on several factors. Find out how long it takes to cross the Atlantic by boat!
Loïc Everytransatlantic6 min readUpdated on
Contents
Crossing the Atlantic by boat is a dream for many sailors, beginners and seasoned hands alike. But before casting off, one question comes up again and again: how long does the crossing take?
It's a fair question, because a transatlantic is no simple day sail! It's a genuine odyssey lasting several weeks, which calls for a fair amount of preparation and, above all, good habits on board to make the most of the voyage.
Today, we take a detailed look at how long a transatlantic crossing lasts and the factors that affect passage time. As a bonus, we share some tips for making the most of the adventure.
⏱️ Atlantic crossing time by type of boat
Under sail
Sailboats are the preferred choice for Atlantic crossings. They are more economical and more practical than motorboats, since they don't need fuel.
The time it takes to sail an eastbound-to-westbound transatlantic (from Europe to the Caribbean) depends mainly on the size and type of boat:
- 30 to 40 ft sailboat: between 20 and 28 days. These smaller boats require more vigilance and are slower, especially in fluky winds.
- 40 to 50 ft sailboat: the crossing takes between 15 and 20 days. Larger sailboats are faster and more stable, coping better with rough seas and big waves. This shortens the passage time.
- Catamaran or fast multihull: allow between 10 and 14 days. Thanks to their speed, light weight and stability, passage time is considerably reduced.
Note: the return crossing is generally longer because of less favourable winds and more variable weather. That's why it's important to choose the right time of year for a transatlantic, to enjoy the best possible weather conditions.
For other boats
Although sailboats remain the favourite option for a transatlantic, some sailors prefer to make the trip on other types of vessel, whether for comfort or to shorten the journey.
Here too, the length of the crossing depends on the vessel:
- 40 to 60 ft cruising catamaran (with one or two engines): allow between 15 and 20 days.
- Mid-sized motor yacht or trawler: it takes between 18 and 25 days.
- Larger motor yacht built for long distances: the crossing takes between 10 and 15 days.
These durations are of course only a guide and may vary: several factors can affect passage time. We cover them right below!
🌬️ The main factors affecting passage time
The boat's profile
As we've just seen, the type of boat used for a transatlantic is one of the main factors that directly affect the crossing.
More specifically, certain characteristics of the boat have an impact on passage time:
- Length and hull type: the longer the boat, the more stable and faster it is. The same goes for multihulls.
- The weight of the boat and its load: a heavier boat makes slower progress.
- The condition and trim of the sails: sails free of tears and wear, and properly trimmed, make the most of the wind, and so make progress more efficient.
Weather conditions
This is the second decisive factor for passage time. Sea state, winds and bad weather can speed up or slow down the boat's progress.
When sailing, you notably take into account:
- The trade winds, those steady winds that allow consistent progress, as well as favourable winds blowing in the right direction.
- High-pressure ridges, windless zones of calm that can slow down the crossing.
- Depressions and storms, which may require a detour to reduce risk, and therefore lengthen the passage.
- Swell and currents, which can help or hinder your course.
To follow the weather and sea state in real time, you can check the NOAA (opens in a new tab) (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) website.
The crew's experience
The last factor that directly comes into play in the length of a transatlantic: the experience of the skipper and crew.
An experienced crew:
- Knows how to make the most of the wind.
- Handles manoeuvres confidently.
- Manages its watches more efficiently.
- Anticipates the unexpected (technical problems, changing weather, etc.) and so limits delays.
On the other hand, novice crew members will need more explanations and time to learn the ropes: the crossing will therefore probably take longer. This is perfectly acceptable to many skippers, who are happy to pass on their knowledge even if it means taking a little longer to make the voyage!
✅ 6 tips for getting through a crossing lasting several weeks
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Prepare mentally
A transatlantic is planned several months in advance, including psychologically! Before departure, it's essential to familiarise yourself with the routes, the sailing conditions and their challenges, the various manoeuvres and how life on board is organised.
Remember to set achievable goals beforehand with your crew (for example, reaching a milestone each day), which will help everyone stay motivated on board. Also prepare for the unexpected events that come with any crossing (weather, technical problems, etc.).
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Put communication first
A successful transatlantic means a close-knit crew that can communicate clearly. Communication not only makes for effective teamwork, it also helps you feel less alone when the crossing gets tough. This is all the more true on long passages!
From day one and throughout the crossing, agree together on clear rules and a way of organising things. On board, don't hesitate to share how you feel, what you're struggling with and what you need.
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Keep spirits up
Several weeks at sea can really take a toll on motivation. Fatigue and mounting setbacks can lead to discouragement, especially among novices. To make the crossing go as smoothly as possible and turn it into a real adventure, look after the atmosphere on board and your own mental well-being.
Writing in a logbook, listening to music, watching nature or sharing convivial moments with the crew… All of these will help you and your crewmates stay in good spirits!
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Manage your watches well
Watches are a crew rotation system that ensures tasks are shared fairly and the boat is constantly supervised. Managing them well is essential for everything to run smoothly, notably by respecting your rest hours so you recover properly.
Don't forget to stay flexible! Suddenly deteriorating weather or a crewmate feeling unwell may require swapping watches.
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Maintain comfort and healthy habits
As you might expect, crossing an ocean isn't the most comfortable experience! So it's important to maximise comfort wherever possible, notably by wearing suitable clothing and setting up a pleasant place to rest.
- Make sure you eat properly.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Sleep as much as possible.
- Anticipate seasickness (opens in a new tab) (eat ginger, take suitable medication, keep your eyes on the horizon, or simply stay out in the fresh air).
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Learn to manage stress
A transatlantic comes with its share of stressful situations. To handle the unexpected and keep everyone safe, managing your stress is crucial.
When things get difficult, remember to breathe deeply, break things down into steps and above all, communicate with your crewmates!
Lasting anywhere from 10 to 25 days, a transatlantic isn't a sprint but a true marathon! To make the most of this adventure, prepare yourself mentally and adopt the right habits on board.
