How To Sail the Atlantic

Many people plan their trip across the Atlantic for many years, carefully checking that they have not forgotten anything important.  If you are thinking about making the voyage, you are in for the adventure of your life.  The following tips on how to sail the Atlantic Ocean is helpful for first time crossers and old pros alike.

Many sailors assume that they will need some sort of fancy, specialized vessel to make the journey, but in reality, most sailboats only need a little bit of extra preparation to be ready for the trip.  There are lots of interesting and helpful gadgets that you can bring along on the trip, like generators, watermakers, and SSB radios, but remember that packing as simply as possible will be your best option.  The most important items you need to have with you are food, water, and fuel.

You should also keep the sailing itself as simple as possible to avoid headaches.  Keeping a steady pace, 24 hours a day, is the best way to cross the Atlantic.  Remember to beware of chafe and unexpected squalls during the night; you do not know when they will hit, but you can be sure that they will.

Plan on having access to more electricity than you think you will need.  There are lots of electronic devices, like lights, radar, autopilot, refrigerators, computers, and fans, that you will be running during your trip and you do not want to get stuck without any power.  Solar panels, diesel generators, and large alternators are all ways to get more power on your journey.  You can also install power saving LED lights in the cabin to save electricity.

Remember that not everything will go exactly according to plan.  You should have a backup plan for potential gear failure.  Before you leave, ask yourself “What will I do if my motor/generator/solar panels break?” and devise an emergency plan.

Above all, enjoy your trip!  Sailing the Atlantic is an incredible journey that you will never forget.