See full version: How Long Does it Take to Sail Across the Atlantic
In the dead center of the Atlantic basin, there's a large area of high atmospheric pressure. We know it as the Azores High, and it stretches all the way to Bermuda. Hot air rises in tropical regions below, after which it cools at higher altitudes, and comes down near the poles. This indefinite transaction creates wind.
In the North Atlantic, only the east-to-west blowing winds are trade winds. more
Timing also plays an important role in the planning of your journey. Your main concern is to avoid the hurricane season, which lasts from June to November. Most boats leave in November, arriving just in time for Christmas. But the trading winds are stronger in January, making for a faster crossing. here
Want to know how far a sailboat can sail in a day? Check out my other article on the average sailing distance in different conditions (new tab).here
Of course, there are multiple possible routes. For sailing, however, it is advised to make use of the tradewinds (read on for details). The easiest route from East to West follows Portugal - The Canary Island - Cape Verde - Windward Islands. The total distance of this journey on a map is about 6,800km.
Your total sailing time will again be between three and four weeks, though this journey will take a bit longer that the westward journey. more
The Brown brothers crossed the Atlantic Ocean in a 21'1'' powerboat, without a cabin or a keeel.
They undertook the voyage to honor Robert's former Marine comrades who died in 1980 in a botched mission called Operation Eagle Claw, in which several branches of the military attempted to liberate the American Embassy in Iran after terrorists took the ambassador and his staff hostage. more
The brother's remained completely exposed to the elements for the entire voyage and did not have a keel to right the boat if it were to flip. here
Smallest Power Boat to Cross The Atlantic: Florida brothers set world record (Video)
TAMPA, FL, USA -- Two brothers, Ralph Brown, 50, of Spring Hill, and Robert Brown, 51, of Merritt Island, managed to cross the Atlantic in a in a Suzuki powered 21' Flats Boat, that Ralph's company Dream Boats, Inc designed and built, from Tampa, Florida to the Limehouse Marina in downtown London - setting the new world record for the Smallest Power Boat to Cross The Atlantic.
The world record attempt was sponsored by Interstate Battery.
Guinness World Records also recognized the world record for the fastest transatlantic crossing made completely under solar power: 26 days 19 hr 10 min by MS TÛRANOR PlanetSolar (Switzerland) and its crew of six from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain to Marigot, Saint Martin.
We recommend taking off in a sailboat that is around 30-40 feet long or bigger. This is to make sure you can withstand rough weather and bigger waves.
Many people make this journey every year in all types of vessels. My advice is not to get too bogged down in the specific size of your boat.
One way you might consider ensuring you will not run out of power is to have alternatives on board, such as solar panels. This will provide energy throughout the entire trip without taking up too much cargo space. [links]