1/8
Dec 24-31
€799
3 spaces available
Tying up beneath the sheer limestone precipice of the Rock of Gibraltar on New Year's Eve is one of sailing’s greatest milestones — but earning it in late December demands courage, resilience, and true blue-water grit. Over 720 uninterrupted nautical miles, you will battle westward across the open Western Mediterranean. You will punch into steep head-seas, fight relentless incoming Atlantic currents, and harness cold winter depressions with short daylight hours and frosty night watches. Those who conquer this winter gauntlet earn the ultimate offshore reward: welcoming 2027 with a legendary celebration at the threshold of the Atlantic Ocean.
Heavy weather sailing in the relative safe, yet open, waters of the Med.
Casting off from Sardinia right after Christmas, settling into thermal foul weather gear, and launching straight into our 24/7 offshore watch rotation. Punching head-to-wind across the open Balearic Sea. Mastering deep reefing, sail flattening, and helm finesse against the persistent surface current streaming in from the Atlantic.
Closing the Spanish mainland where traffic lanes converge. Intense nocturnal AIS tracking and optical watchkeeping, identifying tankers, container ships, and high-speed ferries. Navigating into the Bay of Gibraltar beneath the sheer 426-meter cliffs of the Rock. Tying up in Queensway Quay Marina for a well-deserved hot shower and an unforgettable New Year's Eve party at the Atlantic gateway.
Veruda Sailing School is a high-performance offshore training center based in Pula, Croatia. We specialize in demanding mile-builder campaigns, offshore qualifiers, and endurance regattas (such as the Rolex Middle Sea Race, Aegean 600, and La 500). Our expeditions are designed specifically for sailors who want to step up their game, log serious Mediterranean miles, and experience the reality of offshore sailing in a highly structured environment. Aboard our fast, Cat 2-optimized offshore yacht, crew members are never just passengers. You will be fully integrated into the watch system and actively involved in all aspects of the passage, including advanced sail trim, weather routing, night watches, and heavy-weather boat handling. If you are looking to push your limits and learn true seamanship, welcome aboard.
Veruda Sailing School gets the balance right with proper seamanship, serious miles, and real adventure, not just ticking off certificates. Their offshore passages and hands-on training create sailors, not just students, which is exactly what SailTies is about.
Your specific vessel is assigned based on your selected dates. All vessels meet our high standards for comfort and safety.
Elan - 333
LOA: 33ft (9.99m)
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
30
What You'll Gain: * 720 NM of Demanding Upwind Winter Sea Miles: Rigorous heavy-weather qualification miles. * Adverse Current & Wave Tactics: Practical helm and sail trim techniques against the Atlantic surface inflow stream. * Cold-Weather Watch Discipline: Layering protocols, crew energy management, and extreme night-watch vigilance. * High-Density Shipping Management: AIS tracking and 360° optical lookout procedures approaching the Gibraltar choke point. * Unforgettable New Year's Milestone: Crossing the threshold into 2027 in true maritime style.
Rental of an ergonomic automatic inflatable lifejacket for active sailing (standard safety gear and tethers are fully provided on board).
16-22°C
Mild with variable winds. Good early season.
25-32°C
Peak season. Warm, mostly calm conditions.
17-24°C
Pleasant weather, warm seas for swimming.
8-14°C
Cool with occasional storms. Off-season.
16-22°C
Mild with variable winds. Good early season.
25-32°C
Peak season. Warm, mostly calm conditions.
17-24°C
Pleasant weather, warm seas for swimming.
8-14°C
Cool with occasional storms. Off-season.
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 €799 EUR per person
Secure your place today from €239.70 EUR
Prices shown in USD are approximate conversions, using today's conversion rate. This trip is priced by the operator in EUR and payment will be taken in EUR.