1/9
1 May - 6 Jun
£4,350
2 spaces available
Sint Maarten via Horta, Azores to Lagos, Portugal This is the trip of your life. The southern trade wind routes have very little to do with the northern route back to Europe and you can prepare to meet the wild forces of nature. We have done it many times and every single trip jumps out of the script to become something of its own. The weather can take spectacular forms and the wildlife is something special with lots of whales and other sea mammals. Your watch comrades and rest of crew usually makes friends for life. This trip changes and elevates people. The starting date from Antigua is 12.5 and you are welcome to arrive a few days in advance to get to know the boat and crew a little better before we leave. We have quite a liberal view on arrival dates since flights can be hard to match and we fully understand that everyone wants to get a piece of the Caribbean before we leave. This trip requires that you have been on a sailing boat before. If you suffer from constant motion or seasickness, this might not be the trip for you. A combination of sun (dehydration) and seasickness (not being able to hold in liquids) is a bad combo and makes your trip a misery. On the other hand most of us feel seasick from times to times and nowadays there are remedies for that. Before you sign up, just give it a thought, if you are unsure of your capabilities to do the trip you are most welcome to turn to us for consultation. We feel responsible for all crew and want to be sure everyone comes along for the right reasons and equipped with the mindset and physical condition to meet the challenge. Everyone onboard is expected to join in on everyday duties on the boat. If the weather gets rough we usually simplify the watch rota to ensure there is enough helm and decision power on deck. You are free to grab as much responsibility you want to match your experience and skills. And of course we do this trip the “old fashion way”, meaning the traditional stopover at Horta – a beautiful small city at the island of Faial in the middle of the Atlantic. This place has been visited by many famous sailors like Sir Francis Chichester, Eric Tabarly and Joshua Slocum, just to mention a few. There is a small bar right next to the marina run by the Azevedo family. They have proudly run it for generations. The bar serves drinks and heavenly food to locals and passing sailors alike. According to tradition you paint your mark on the wall, along with hundreds of other sailors beautifully crafted paintings. The whole place just vibrates whaling and yachting history. The rest of the island is also astonishing in its natural beauty. You can hire a car or a moped and do the island in a day or two discovering one wonder after another. The seismic effect the atlantic ridge has had on the island is seen everywhere, collapsed volcanoes, peninsulas risen from the sea, all the vegetation and fauna that reflects on the local food produce. This is not an easy place to leave. After the stop-over in Horta we start heading east towards Portugal. This stretch is usually around 7 days and the arrival to mainland Europe is finally at Lagos, Portugal. By the time we end up in Portugal you are a part of an exclusive club of people that are allowed to use red trousers with all bragging rights!
A proper Atlantic crossing from the Caribbean to Europe, complete with the traditional stop in Horta where sailors swap stories and paint their mark on the harbour wall. By the time you reach Portugal you’ve crossed an ocean, seen more whales than cars, and quietly earned the right to wear red trousers.
Join the boat
Azores is the traditional place to stop when crossing the Atlantic West to East.
Disembark
Southern Ocean Company and Swan 51 “Eira" Southern Ocean Company was founded in the first years of the new century but basically restarted in 2009 when shares got redivided among a new set of owners. The mission was to purchase a yacht capable of doing long transatlantic voyages, housing large crews and put it out “on the trade". After considering a number of options the decision fell in favour of a proven design, the Swan 51, and the optimal version, the alternative one layout with its additional crew space. The search started immediately. After viewing several potential boats one stuck out, the hull 009 for sale in Sweden. She had previously done several seasons in the Caribbean and was already equipped for long hauls. Her general condition was also good, or as the surveyor from Nautor loosely put it – “she’s pretty much the same boat that rolled out of the factory in 1981”.
Seb and his Swan 51, Eira, have been part of the charter racing scene since 2009. On board you’ll find the right balance of competitive racing and a friendly, welcoming crew. Between regattas, Eira runs some excellent sailing itineraries as she moves between race venues.
Your specific vessel is assigned based on your selected dates. All vessels meet our high standards for comfort and safety.
Swan - 51
LOA: 51ft (15.62m)
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
This trip requires that you have been on a sailing boat before. If you suffer from constant motion or seasickness, this might not be the trip for you. A combination of sun (dehydration) and seasickness (not being able to hold in liquids) is a bad combo and makes your trip a misery. On the other hand most of us feel seasick from times to times and nowadays there are remedies for that. Before you sign up, just give it a thought, if you are unsure of your capabilities to do the trip you are most welcome to turn to us for consultation. We feel responsible for all crew and want to be sure everyone comes along for the right reasons and equipped with the mindset and physical condition to meet the challenge. Everyone onboard is expected to join in on everyday duties on the boat. If the weather gets rough we usually simplify the watch rota to ensure there is enough helm and decision power on deck. You are free to grab as much responsibility you want to match your experience and skills.
No optional extras
16-22°C
Mild temperatures, moderate winds. Azores high builds.
23-28°C
Warm and sunny with reliable Nortada winds.
19-24°C
Pleasant sailing conditions. Warm seas.
12-17°C
Cool with Atlantic weather systems. Algarve milder.
16-22°C
Mild temperatures, moderate winds. Azores high builds.
23-28°C
Warm and sunny with reliable Nortada winds.
19-24°C
Pleasant sailing conditions. Warm seas.
12-17°C
Cool with Atlantic weather systems. Algarve milder.
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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 £4,350 GBP per person
Secure your place today from £1,305 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.