Heading to New York, crossing the Atlantic under sail

Heading to New York, crossing the Atlantic under sail this spring aboard one of our Challenge 67s, a 21m crewed monohull. You’ll come on board as a crew member with a 100% active role in life on board and running the boat. Set course for America!

Sailing across the Atlantic to New York

Crossing the Atlantic Ocean remains a modern-day adventure. Although transatlantic crossings have become more democratic in recent years, they remain a real commitment, and for some, the challenge of a lifetime. Over and above sailing, crossing the Atlantic requires self-sacrifice. It’s a chance to let go of the pace of life on land, to reconnect with yourself and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. A real breath of fresh air!

You will set sail from Lorient in Southern Brittany. First set course is Horta on the island of Faial in the Azores, the first leg of this East-West Atlantic crossing. Depending on the weather on the second leg, the length of the stopover can vary. Short if the window is good, slightly longer if a stand-by is necessary to reach New York in better conditions. And if the skipper doesn’t think it’s necessary, no pit stop!

Lorient is 1200 nautical miles from Horta, on a direct route. We’re allowing 7 to 8 days for this first leg, but it could be faster or slower, depending on the weather conditions we encounter. From Horta to New York, there are 2050 nautical miles to cover on a direct route, around fifteen days’ sailing. According to the weather charts, the route will be half upwind and half downwind. As this is not an exact science, the weather on board will be supported by a professional router ashore, Hervé LAURENT: “Westbound crossing, you’ll be sailing against the winds and meanders of the Gulf Stream. You’ll cross an average of three fronts, with episodes of strong and sudden wind variations, all accompanied by breathtaking light!” As for the crew, they’ll have to make the boat sail!

Crew members fully involved in the Atlantic crossing

You will come aboard as a crew member. Throughout this offshore sailing crossing, you’ll be on sailing watch, for around 8 hours within 24 hours, and on stewardship watch, cooking, washing up, etc. You may have to put up with bad weather, cold, humidity or heat, and sometimes “trouble”. As a transatlantic crew member, you need to be psychologically ready to take part in a transatlantic race.

Professional crew for this ocean crossing is made up of 2 professional sailors with Merchant Navy and Youth & Sport qualifications.They supervise the 10 crew members on board and ensure the safety of the boat. This is a committed crossing where everyone has an active part in running the yacht – 100% participation – and not a cruise.

Our crewed Challenge 67s deliberately don’t use pilots or furlers. It’s not in their DNA.In fact, it’s one of the best ways to discover ocean sailing. Built for the BT Global Challenge, the crewed round-the-world race against the prevailing winds, they are rigged as cutters.The wardrobe consists of a staysail, Yankee 1/2/3, large genoa, asymmetric spinnaker and full batten mainsail.

The means of communication on board are reserved for the safety of the crew; satellite telephone (Iridium) or email communications are not offered on board. As you approach the coast, use your mobile phone to reassure your loved ones. Before you leave, tell them that you will not be contactable until the end of your crossing.

Practical informations

Dates: from 1st to 28th of May 2025
Duration: +/- 28 days
Embarkation : Lorient La Base in Brittany (FR)
Disembarkation: New York (USA)
Marina: One°15 Brooklyn Marina
Boat: Albatros – Challenge 67
Price: 7350 euros per crew member, including full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, consumables, diesel)
Licence: FFVoile and medical certificate required.
You can take out your licence with the CHALLENGE OCEAN Club.
For those who wish, we can issue you with a yachting booklet to validate your experience.
Visa: not included. To enter the United States aboard a training ship as a trainee, you need a B1/B2 visa (except US citizens).
We will be happy to provide you all the details and documents you need to obtain one.

Photos credits Tim Wright – Pierre BLACHE – Diego MQZ – One°15 Brooklyn Marina

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