Crossing the Atlantic between Pointe-à-Pitre and Lorient
In summary
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Sports
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Duration28 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationGuadeloupe / Pointe-à-Pitre
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions363.4 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Embark on a 21-meter sailboat for a true transatlantic adventure . Departing from Pointe-à-Pitre , you'll meet your crew of 8 to 10 crew members and 2 professional skippers with whom you'll spend the next few weeks. Enjoy a relaxed yet focused atmosphere on board; this experience in the middle of the ocean is a true escape where you'll appreciate life's simple pleasures. Along the way, you'll stop in the Azores to restock supplies, check the weather forecast for the coming days, and, depending on the weather, explore the town.
During this transatlantic crossing, you may have to endure bad weather, starting with heat, then progressing to cold and damp conditions. Beyond the sailing itself, crossing the Atlantic demands self-sacrifice . It's an opportunity to disconnect from the rhythm of life on land, to reconnect with yourself, and to enjoy simple pleasures. A true breath of fresh air!
Once you arrive at the port of Lorient La Base , celebrate your success with the crew with whom you have completed a transatlantic crossing and built unforgettable memories.
The highlights
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A transatlantic sailing voyage
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A personal challenge alongside a passionate crew
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A "detox" experience
Photos
Sport
Level
Sailing
The expert's opinion
An offshore sailing course to learn how to sail offshore , to gain experience in the North Atlantic.
As a 100% active crew member, you fully participate in the smooth running of the ship and life on board.
This program is subject to weather conditions and the motivation of the crew.
In figures
Sailing
- Average duration/day: 24h
- Average distance/day: 350 km
Management
French
English
On board, a crew of two qualified and certified professional sailors (Captain 200 Sailing and State Diploma) supervises the crew members.
They are there for supervision, safety, training and onboard entertainment.
It is a wise and serene choice to train with the expert and personalized advice of experienced professionals.
Program
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Welcome aboard the boat
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Boarding takes place in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe. You will be welcomed the day before departure and will settle in on board in the late afternoon. A welcome drink will give you the opportunity to meet the crew and the shore team. The evening is free for dinner, with the option of sleeping on board or in a hotel for those who prefer a comfortable bed one last time.
Day 1 -
Navigation from Pointe-à-Pitre to Horta
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 24h per day
- Distance 350 km
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast on board, you'll explore the boat with the crew to familiarize yourself with the deck layout and onboard procedures. The captain will conduct a safety briefing, including the distribution and use of PFDs (personal flotation devices) equipped with AIS beacons. The general organization of the ship and the watch schedule will also be explained. Once ready, you'll set sail for Horta, located on the island of Faial in the Azores, the first leg of this west-to-east transatlantic crossing.
The duration of the stopover in Horta depends on the weather conditions. It will be short if the weather window is favorable, or longer if a standby is necessary to reach Lorient in better conditions. If the captain deems the stopover unnecessary, you will continue without interruption.
Approximately 2,300 nautical miles separate Pointe-à-Pitre from Horta, by direct route. This first leg is expected to last between 13 and 15 days, but this may vary depending on weather conditions. According to weather charts, the journey will be sailed half upwind and half downwind.
Days 2 to 16 -
Stopover in Horta
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
For this leg of the journey to France, a stopover is planned in Horta, on the island of Faial. This stop is useful for restocking supplies, resting, carrying out technical work, or simply exploring the town of Horta, depending on the length of the stay.
This break also allows you to check the weather forecast for the final leg and plan a few days of "standby" if necessary. Don't miss a visit to the unmissable Peter Cafe Sport for a drink, a chat, and to leave your mark on the platform!
The Captain, your professional skipper, will decide on the length of the stopover based on weather conditions and crossing time.
Days 17 to 19 -
Navigation from Horta to Lorient
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 24h per day
- Distance 350 km
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
From Horta to Lorient, the direct route covers approximately 1200 nautical miles, representing 7 to 9 days of sailing. This voyage is punctuated by changing and returning watches, rest, ship maintenance, cooking, crew discussions, and stargazing and marine mammal watching. For this second leg, expect more wintry conditions, so pack an extra layer and a hat.
The offshore sailing course ends in Lorient La Base, our home port. Depending on the arrival time, it may be possible to spend an extra night in port. Generally, the crew doesn't part ways before celebrating this adventure with a drink.
Days 20 to 28
Note
Crossing the Atlantic by sailboat depends on both the weather (and sea) conditions encountered and the skill of the crew to sail the boat. Crossing times are approximate and may therefore be shorter or longer.
Accommodation
A 21m racing-cruising monohull from the Challenge 67 series. Designed for the BT Global Challenge, a crewed round-the-world race against prevailing winds, it is rigged as a cutter. Its Quantum Sails kit includes a staysail, 1/2/3 yankees, a large genoa, an asymmetric spinnaker, and a fully battened mainsail.
Architect: David Thomas
Shipyard: Devonport Yachts Ltd.
Measurement certificate: IRC1
Overall length: 20.42m
Width: 5.25m
Draft: 2.96m
Air draft: 26m
Sails: Marconi
Rigging: Cutter
Sail area: 220m² upwind – 415m² downwind
Displacement: 38 T
Electronics: Raymarine
Navigation: Time Zero - Iridium Go
Offshore equipment: Category 1
Auxiliary engine: Perkins 130 hp
Generator set: Perkins
- Square / Kitchen
- Single bunk bed
- 4 double/triple cabins with individual bunks
- 2 separate crew stations
- 2 bathroom / wc / shower
- Sail locker
Access
Stopover in Horta in the Azores.
Go to the starting point
We welcome you on board at the end of the day, the day before departure.
Price details
The price includes
- Boarding a Challenge 67 with crew
- Supervision by 2 professional sailors, qualified as Captain 200 Sailing and state-certified
- Accommodation with sleeping arrangements in a double or triple cabin, or in a single bunk
- Hull and machinery insurance for the vessel and liability insurance for passengers carried
The price does not include
- The onboard kitty, including meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), consumables, port fees, and fuel: €1120 per person, payable before boarding - mandatory
- Transportation to the meeting point and after the end of the stay
- Sleeping bag and towel
- Your restaurant expenses
- Your personal expenses
Options
- Additional night AFTER the stay : CHF32.02 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
A FFVoile license (and a medical certificate is mandatory before leaving for the stay.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- PFI (life jacket) with 3-point tether and AIS beacon
Equipment to bring
- Pair of tennis shoes (rubber sole, not plastic)
- Pair of boots
- Sleeping bag
- Bath towel
- Hat / Gloves
- Wipes
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp
- Waterproof disposable cameras
Clothing to bring
- Sails jacket
- Quarter overalls
- Polar bears
- Thermal clothing
- Gloves
- Beanies
- Caps
The Valdo team
Based in Lorient, our local partner, École Française de Croisière, offers the opportunity to embark on exceptional 21m sailboats with crew for coastal, semi-offshore and offshore courses, as well as offshore races (Rolex Fastnet Race, Caribbean 600, Atlantic Rally for Cruisers…).
His professional team accompanies crew members to Brittany, the Isles of Scilly, Ireland, the Caribbean, or New York. He offers a variety of experiences, from training for novices to transatlantic crossings, as well as tailor-made corporate events (team building, seminars) on legendary monohulls.
