Which sailboat is best for crossing the Atlantic?

A transatlantic crossing is undoubtedly the dream of most sailors. Beyond the initial decision, choosing the boat is often the subject of lengthy discussions. Yet some sea lovers haven’t given themselves so much thought. So, which sailboat should you choose to cross the Atlantic?

Crossing the Atlantic is undoubtedly the first objective for anyone who wants to embark on an adventure and sail beyond the horizon. The transatlantic crossing is the symbol of ocean cruising., the discovery of another world. And this is true for recreational sailors as well as professional skippers. Just look at the enthusiasm for the Mini-Transat or the Route du Rhum, for example.

Rallies, like the ARC or the Rally of the Islands of the SunThey also allow recreational boaters to set sail for the Caribbean, via the trade winds, in flotillas and in a safer manner. For these long cruises, catamarans and cruising sailboats, in aluminum or steel, are boats that inspire many dreams. Yet, some recreational boaters have crossed the Atlantic aboard sailboats as diverse as the First 25, Maxus 22, classic yachts, Golif, or racing-style sailboats like a Dehler 34. So, knowing all this, we will try to answer the following question: Which sailboat should I choose to cross the Atlantic?

What size sailboat is needed to cross the Atlantic?

The first question that arises when choosing the ideal boat for a transatlantic crossing is the size of the sailboat. As we saw earlier, size is not really a criterion. Some have crossed the Atlantic on small sailboats of less than 5 meters.

However, let’s be honest, we’re not all adventurers seeking feats of daring, and we also look for a minimum of comfort, especially when living on a boat for several months. Having spoken with several people who have returned from a transatlantic crossing, the size of the sailboat to cross the AtlanticThis may be taken into consideration. The key takeaway is:

• A sailboat of 9 or 10 meters is perfect for crossing the Atlantic on a maneuverable boatWhether alone or as a couple. Ideally, you would have two cabins so that one could be converted into a technical room, for example.
• A sailboat of 10 to 12 meters offers greater comfort and the possibility of a third double cabin. This size of boat has the added advantage of keeping maintenance and repair costs relatively reasonable, as do insurance and mooring fees. Within this size range, you’ll be spoiled for choice, with options including the Gib Sea 372, the Sun Shine 38, many sailboats Bavaria and other Oceanis.
• Sailboats over 12 meters are the boats most sought after by many prospective travelersThis size of sailboat is almost essential if you want to sail with your family or regularly host friends. In this category, you’ll find the same major series as before, with the following at the forefront:

The key takeaway is that the length of your boat should allow you enough space to live on board without getting in each other’s way.

What type of boat is best for a transatlantic crossing?

Having considered the size of the boat, we will now turn our attention to the type of boat. Here again, there are no absolutes. all the different types of sailboats, from the moment their design category allows them to cope with the conditions we may encounter in the middle of the ocean.

To start, the choice between a new boat and a used boat It will be, first and foremost, a question of budget and philosophy. It is generally accepted that older sailboats are better suited to life at sea (chart table, layout of the berths and galley, and space in general). Countless Rêves d’Antilles, Vulcains, and other Gilbert Caroff designs have made numerous round trips across the Atlantic Ocean. However, Modern sailboats can be fitted out to make life easier in heavy seas. or when sailing upwind (which will be the case for the return to the old continent). Some sailboats, like those in the RM range, are very well suited to this type of cruising.

Afterwards, The heavy, sturdy cruising boat is no longer the most sought-after boat.Even shipyards like Garcia, Alubat, and Allures Yachting have changed their vision of long-distance cruising and are now offering lighter and faster boats. aluminium sailboats are an excellent compromise between robustness and lightness.

THE multihull is, today, one of the most sought-after sailboats for crossing the AtlanticCountless catamarans from the Outremer, Catana, or Lagoon shipyards are heading to the Caribbean. A catamaran has the advantage of being stable, especially downwind in the trade winds, and of having a significant living space.

For monohulls, consider the sailing conditions as well. The route to the Caribbean is downwind, which will favor sailboats with a very aft beam, like today’s large series from shipyards like Bénéteau, Jeanneau, and Hanse, and smaller series like the Djangos and Pogo. However, the return to France will be… sailing close-hauled. It will therefore be preferable to have a boat that does not slam too much in the swell, when sailing close-hauled.

Finally, also consider sailing between the islands of the Antilles. Sailing is often challenging, with strong breezes and air currents.

What equipment is needed to cross the Atlantic?

Finally, the last point concerns the equipment more than the boat itself. And yet, when choosing your sailboat to cross theHASAtlanticYou will need to consider safety equipment and comfort at sea. Your sailboat must be able to accommodate this equipment, which requires appropriate modifications and a deck layout designed accordingly. The key points are as follows:

• The sails of the sailboat Your boat must be able to be equipped with an asymmetric spinnaker and a removable forestay to install a storm jib in heavy weather.
• Onboard energy : A cruising sailboat must be able to be equipped with solar panels, either on an arch or on the roof, as well as a wind turbine.
• Crew safety The security equipment must include both mandatory and essential equipment. This equipment must be easily accessible, stored in well-organized lockers.
• The lazarette Food is essential when cruising. Your sailboat must therefore be adapted to this requirement and have sufficient, well-ventilated storage for a large quantity of food. The galley must be designed for use at sea and in all weather conditions.

In short, the ideal sailboat for crossing the Atlantic is, as always, a matter of compromise. In any case, you must have confidence in your boat, its handling, and its equipment.