Experience a true Atlantic crossing from St. Maarten to Málaga – the great adventure of bluewater sailing!
We'll sail across the North Atlantic on our large and fast Hanse 575 GALINI. Following the classic northern route, guided by the weather, we'll make legendary stops like Bermuda, the Azores, and Lisbon before reaching our destination, Málaga. Expect challenging navigation, night passages, team spirit, and the vibrant onboard life of an experienced Atlantic crew.
We are currently in the planning phase and are assembling a crew that not only sails well but also gets along well personally. It's important to us that the group on board really fits together – that's why we conduct a personal interview with all interested parties.
Our GALINI successfully participated in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) last year and meets all the safety requirements of this sailing rally. She is therefore equipped and certified for crossing the Atlantic according to the highest international standards.
Our adventure begins in April on St. Maarten. After boarding, a thorough safety briefing, and provisioning together, we'll use the time to get to know the crew and prepare the ship. Once everything is ready, we'll set sail for Bermuda. Depending on the weather and crew, we'll make a stop in Hamilton – perfect for restocking supplies, going ashore, and a technical check. Then we'll head for the Azores, navigating shifting winds, working in a watch system, trimming sails, monitoring the weather, cooking together, and bonding as a crew. Weather permitting, we'll enjoy shore excursions and European culture in the Azores and later in Lisbon. The journey concludes after the final leg along Spain's Costa del Sol in the port of Málaga.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- St. Maarten: Departure from the lively island port, final preparations and crew briefing
- Atlantic crossing: Over 3,500 nautical miles of genuine bluewater sailing in changing conditions
- Bermuda: Option for stopover, shore excursion and resupply in Hamilton
- Azores: A European island highlight, first landfall after a long passage
- Navigation and onboard routines under Atlantic conditions
- Starry nights, sunrises and sunsets in the middle of the ocean
Dolphins, whales, and flying fish often accompany us.
- Lisbon: Atlantic metropolis and springboard to the European mainland
- Málaga: Landfall on the Costa del Sol, Andalusian lifestyle to the finale
THE RULE:
In April, conditions are ideal for North Atlantic crossings: The route takes us north from St. Maarten to Bermuda, where there's an opportunity for a stopover, shore leave, and a technical check. We then set a direct course for the Azores – true bluewater sailing over long legs, with navigation, night watches, and shared onboard routines. After resupply and a shore excursion in the Azores, the next big leg is to Lisbon, before the final leg along the coast to Málaga. The northern route is known for its fresh westerly and northwesterly winds, ocean wildlife, and a unique sense of vastness.
WIND & CLIMATE:
In April, we can expect ideal conditions on the classic northern route:
Wind: Often from west to northwest, 4–6 Beaufort (15–25 knots)
Air temperature: 18–25 °C during the day, cool at night
Water temperature: 18–23 °C
Atlantic: Longer, gentle swell (1–3 m)
Weather: Mostly dry and clear, rain showers are rare and short
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