Everything You Need to Know About Transatlantic Crew Finder Platforms for a Successful Sailing Crossing

Key Takeaways

• A transatlantic crew finder gives everyone the chance to cross the Atlantic by sailboat, even with no prior experience.
• Taking care over your profile and your listing is essential to finding the right crew or the right berth.
• Reliable platforms such as EveryTransatlantic and VogAvecMoi make it easy to connect skippers and crew members.
• Good preparation and communication are the keys to a successful crossing.

Today, thanks to the transatlantic crew finder, this legendary crossing is within everyone's reach, even beginners. This online classifieds system simply connects skippers looking for crew with volunteers, whether keen sailors or curious beginners, ready to live an extraordinary human and maritime experience.

Beyond the journey itself, taking part in an ocean crossing means sharing costs, night watches and daily chores, and above all, building a shared adventure. But be careful: choosing your crew is essential. Cohesion, complementary skills and trust between crew members are the keys to a successful crossing.

In this article, find out everything you need to know to make the most of a transatlantic crew finder, write an attractive listing, or find a berth, even with no prior experience.

1. Using a sailing crew finder website

To use a transatlantic crew finder, you first need to sign up on a specialised platform. Among the best known and most reliable are EveryTransatlantic and VogAvecMoi, two sites offering crew listings for all kinds of sailing, and Atlantic crossings in particular. Other platforms are also highlighted, such as Everytransatlantic.

How to sign up on a crew finder website

1. Create a user account.
2. Fill in a detailed profile: sailing level (beginner, intermediate, advanced), sea experience, any certificates (first aid, offshore navigation…), personality, motivations.
3. Browse the sailing crew listings already published or post your own.

It is essential to take care over your profile: smiling photos, an honest description of your skills, your mindset, availability, languages spoken… How seriously you approach this shows in the quality of your presentation.

Tips for an effective listing search

Sailing crew finder platforms provide filters to narrow down your search:

• Sailing area: North or South Atlantic, Caribbean, return to Europe…
• Period: westbound crossing (generally October to December), eastbound return crossing (April to June)
• Type of boat: monohull, catamaran, classic sailboat
• Type of project: delivery, private cruise, sailing rally
• Level of experience required

The main platforms available

• EveryTransatlantic: Specialised in Atlantic crossings. The intuitive interface lets you filter precisely according to your needs
• VogAvecMoi: (opens in a new tab) A general boat-sharing platform, very active in Europe
• Facebook groups: Many private or public groups post targeted listings. Type “Transatlantic Crew” into the search bar to find these lively communities. These sailing crew finder sites are true crossroads for enthusiasts, beginners and experienced sailors alike, looking for a shared adventure on the open ocean. There are also platforms like Everytransatlantic that follow the same approach.

2. Posting a crew listing to cross the Atlantic

Whether you are a skipper or a crew member, posting a listing on a transatlantic crew finder remains the most direct way to find a crossing or a crew. But to be effective, your listing must be complete, honest and appealing.

What should go into a crew listing?

Here are the essentials:

• Boat description: type (monohull, catamaran...), length, year, equipment (autopilot, beacons, liferaft…)
• Precise itinerary: departure and arrival ports, planned dates, total duration, scheduled stopovers
• Profile wanted: number of crew, minimum level, specific skills (electronics, mechanics, cooking at sea…), age requirements, personality
• Financial contribution: explain what everyone pays (food, boat kitty, diesel, any marina fees)
• 🚤 Life on board: watch schedule, shared meals, everyone's role in maintenance, comfort (heads, cabins, showers…)

A few tips to make your listing more attractive

• Add recent photos of the boat and, if possible, of crew members already confirmed.
• Briefly describe your sailing philosophy: more performance or more relaxation?
• Be authentic: talk about your motivations, your team spirit and what you expect on a human level.
• Mention whether the trip is part of a rally, a delivery or a round-the-world project.

Posting good sailing crew listings, clear and personal, will ensure productive exchanges with candidates who are a genuine fit for your project.

3. Where and how to find a transatlantic berth

Besides online crew finders, there are several avenues for those looking for a sailboat to cross the Atlantic. Plenty of additional advice is available here:

https://www.everytransatlantic.com/blog/the-best-websites-to-find-expert-skippers-and-crew-members

Good places to meet

Here are a few concrete options:

• Platforms like EveryTransatlantic: the go-to virtual meeting point for anyone wanting to find a transatlantic berth

• Key transatlantic departure ports:

  • Canary Islands (Las Palmas)
  • Azores
  • La Rochelle
  • The Caribbean for the return trip (Le Marin, Pointe-à-Pitre)
  • Miami or Fort Lauderdale

• Boat shows and nautical events: boat shows, sailing gatherings, maritime talks

• Networking: sailing clubs, offshore sailing preparation workshops, specialised forums

Choosing a good berth: vigilance and common sense

Before committing, check:

• ✅ The skipper's actual experience: how many Atlantic crossings? which qualifications?
• ✅ The condition and safety equipment of the boat: lifejackets, VHF, beacons, liferaft
• ✅ The exact conditions on board: level of comfort, pace, expectations
• ✅ The verbal or written agreement: who pays for what, who does what, how tasks are shared

In-depth discussions before departure are crucial. It is perfectly normal to ask questions and talk openly to avoid any unpleasant surprises once offshore.

For beginners: simple, reassuring options

• Take part in rallies like the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers), which let you cross as a group with support.
• Start with coastal sailing to build confidence.
• Many skippers in these programmes accept motivated beginners.

4. Crossing the Atlantic by sailboat with no experience

The idea of crossing the Atlantic by sailboat with no experience may sound crazy, but today it is a reality for many motivated people who are open to learning.

Yes, it's possible!

Many skippers post listings on transatlantic crew finders stating that they accept novices. What matters is to:

• Show genuine motivation
• Be in good health
• Learn quickly
• Be able to live with others in a confined space

How to prepare without being an experienced sailor?

A few recommended steps:

• Take a sea safety course (first aid, survival)
• Join coastal outings or short courses
• Read books, manuals and tutorials on sailing
• Learn the basics (knots, watches, weather, charts)
• Prepare mentally for life in close quarters: no internet, little privacy, unpredictable weather

This preparation will help you fit in on board and make the experience rewarding, even without much technical background.

The advantages of crossing as a beginner

• Rapid learning in a real-world environment
• Strong bonds with the crew
• Development of many personal skills: adaptability, stress management, resilience
• Fast-track training in offshore sailing

5. Summary: give the transatlantic crew finder a try

A transatlantic crew finder lets everyone fulfil a dream of ocean sailing. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or an enthusiast with no experience, anything is possible!

Recap of the key steps

1. Choose a reliable platform (EveryTransatlantic, VogAvecMoi)
2. Create a serious, accurate profile
3. Post or browse sailing crew listings
4. Talk things through beforehand with the skipper or crew
5. Prepare yourself, even modestly, to ensure the best possible experience

This modern, affordable and friendly way of crossing the ocean not only shares the costs but also offers a chance to learn to sail in real conditions, while creating unforgettable memories.

The world of the sea welcomes every thirst for adventure. Thanks to these sailing crew finder websites, dreams of the open ocean are now within everyone's reach.

So go for it! Find your transatlantic berth now, and let the wind carry you towards the unknown, discovery… and yourself.

Do you need prior experience to cross the Atlantic by sailboat?

No, many skippers accept motivated beginner crew. What matters is your willingness to learn and your ability to adapt to life at sea.

How do you choose the right platform to find a crew or a berth?

Opt for specialised, well-established platforms such as EveryTransatlantic or VogAvecMoi, which offer advanced search tools and an active community.

What is the best time of year to cross the Atlantic?

The westbound crossing usually takes place between October and December, while the eastbound return crossing is made between April and June, depending on favourable weather conditions.

What costs should you expect for a crossing?

Costs may include a contribution to the boat kitty (food, fuel), any marina fees and sometimes a contribution towards boat maintenance. It is important to clarify these points with the skipper before departure.