Across the Bay of Biscay | Portsmouth → Gran Canaria
)
)17 Oct - 6 Nov
£5,000
6 spaces available
Embark aboard SV Sea Dragon for a bold Atlantic passage from Portsmouth, England, to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. Covering 1,600 nautical miles, this voyage crosses the Bay of Biscay and the open waters of the North Atlantic, blending offshore adventure with the excitement of reaching subtropical seas. Leaving England, we’ll navigate the often lively Bay of Biscay, testing crew skills in watch-keeping, navigation, and sail management. Once clear of the Bay, the passage turns south through the open Atlantic toward the Canary Islands, offering warm trade winds, sparkling waters, and the thrill of a long ocean passage. This expedition is ideal for those seeking extended offshore experience, combining passage-making, seamanship training, and the satisfaction of a transatlantic-style leg. The journey concludes in Las Palmas, a vibrant city and gateway to the Canary Islands’ unique culture and landscapes. You’ll also get to > * Navigate the Bay of Biscay and the North Atlantic under sail * Develop offshore passage-making and watch-keeping experience * Experience a full range of Atlantic sailing conditions * Learn to manage a vessel on a long offshore leg, including navigation and sail handling * Celebrate arrival in Las Palmas, Gran CanariaSailing with Panexplore means gaining genuine, hands-on experience in real offshore conditions. The skipper will manage route and timing, giving the crew exposure to authentic passage-making. Our onboard cuisine is inspired by the places we sail through. Our galley follows a local & ocean-inspired philosophy — prioritizing local produce, coastal flavors, and fresh catch when the ocean provides. We can cater to specific diet, just let us know!
A proper southbound passage from the Solent to the Canaries, with Biscay there to keep you honest early on. Stick with it and you’re rewarded with warmer winds, longer days and a very satisfying arrival in Las Palmas, plus a perfect open-ocean taster for anyone thinking about taking on a full Atlantic crossing.
4.8/5•5 ReviewsWe are an adventure sailing company that offers immersive, hands-on sailing expeditions around the world aboard a 72ft steel-hull vessel. It’s not a simple cruise — participants become part of the crew and learn real offshore sailing skills while exploring remote seas, exotic islands, and major blue-water passages.
True adventure runs through Panexplore's veins! Their voyages take you far offshore and into remote waters, with a hands-on approach where everyone is part of the crew. The team behind it combine serious seamanship with a real enthusiasm for teaching, creating trips that are adventurous, educational and genuinely memorable.
Your specific vessel is assigned based on your selected dates. All vessels meet our high standards for comfort and safety.
Challenger - 72
LOA: 72ft (22m)
Beginner
No sailing experience required. Perfect for newcomers.
Intermediate
Some sailing experience helpful. Comfortable on the water.
Advanced
Significant sailing experience required. Challenging conditions.
Active Crew Member
Full participation in all sailing activities.
Optional Involvement
Participate as much or as little as you like.
Passenger
Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Yes
Sharing the cooking & washing up
18
You are joining a working voyage as a full member of the crew. As such, you will be involved in virtually all aspects of the trip and operations. On board you will be part of a crew of up to 15 people in total, including yourself. Our expectations of you are fairly straightforward and your team will depend on you to fully participate in everything on the boat. You will be expected to work hard to the best of your ability, to be conscientious, alert, to look after the boat and to care for each other. You will not be asked to do anything you are not comfortable doing. Tasks and activities involved in life on board SV Sea Dragon include: helming (steering), navigation, sail handling (hoisting, adjusting, stowing), keeping a look out, meal preparation and helping to keep the boat clean and tidy.
No optional extras
8-14°C
Variable conditions, longer days returning. Layers essential.
14-18°C
Improving conditions, good sailing with longer daylight.
18-24°C
Peak season with longest days. Variable winds, warmest waters.
12-18°C
Cooler temperatures, stronger winds. Experienced sailors.
6-10°C
Cold with challenging conditions. Limited sailing.
8-14°C
Variable conditions, longer days returning. Layers essential.
14-18°C
Improving conditions, good sailing with longer daylight.
18-24°C
Peak season with longest days. Variable winds, warmest waters.
12-18°C
Cooler temperatures, stronger winds. Experienced sailors.
6-10°C
Cold with challenging conditions. Limited sailing.
Tried and tested sailing experiences, from our pick of the world's best operators
All our trips are led by qualified skippers and sailing instructors
We only work with the most reputable sailing operators and yacht providers
Perfect for solo sailors looking to join a crew or groups wanting to charter
Our team is on-hand 24/7 to help you before, during and after your adventure
From £5,000 GBP per person
Secure your place today from £2,500 GBP
Prices shown in USD are approximate conversions, using today's conversion rate. This trip is priced by the operator in GBP and payment will be taken in GBP.