Each year, Oceantrax conducts Transatlantic deliveries from Europe to the Caribbean and back to Europe.
In the previous blog, we explored the journey from Europe to the Caribbean, and in this one, we examine the return trip.
By early summer, the peak Caribbean season is ending. With summer returning to the northern latitudes and the hurricane season approaching, many yachts begin preparing for the journey back to Europe.
The return voyage to Europe is often more demanding, making preparation for both the yacht and crew crucial.
The temperature drops; while days can be quite warm, nights may be chilly, and the weather can vary greatly with systems sweeping in from the American coast. You will also notice the increase in daylight hours as your latitude rises.
Before departure, a good inspection and rig check is essential by a professional rigger. Regular checks should be made on sails and rigging while en-route particularly for any chafe damage.
Ensure your storm jib is accessible and practise rigging it up before it is needed. The further north you go the more likely you are to be caught at some point by a weather system coming off the east coast of the USA.
Preparation should also be made for flat calms with extra fuel in jerry cans, along with engine spares such as engine fuel filters and Racor water separator filters. A yacht should be prepared for everything from flat calms to gales.
Ensure you have a reliable, safe method to transfer fuel from the cans to the vessel as it can be tricky in a rolling sea, especially with the chance of water on the deck contaminating the tank through the filler.
The Best Time to Depart:
The best time for a west to east crossing is early April to late May, during this period the weather is warmer and the chances of major storms sweeping across the Atlantic is less.
Which Route to Take:
The most popular departure points for a west to east crossing are the British Virgin Islands and St Maarten as both offer a range of yacht services, spare parts and good provisioning.
The decision is then whether to go directly to the Azores or Bermuda, with a stop off before the crossing to The Azores. Bermuda is approximately 850-950Nm depending on your departure point from the Caribbean.
Many vessels will plan a stop in Bermuda or divert there if the wind patterns alter three to four days out and become unfavourable. It is a good option for crews to take a break and wait for the next weather window. Provisioning is good, although expensive and there is a wide range of yacht services and repairs available.
Whichever route you decide on, you will start with a northerly course, although should you decide to go straight to the Azores you may want to try to make as much easterly progress as possible. This will almost definitely be a lumpy upwind sail, so may result in a compromise between comfort and course. The more comfortable sail will probably be the Bermuda route, which depending on your departure point is roughly 850-950Nm.
Should you decide on this route you are more likely to start with the trade winds across your beam as you head north. The closer you get to Bermuda the more chance there is that the trades will move to the south east and the possibility of approaching Bermuda on a broad reach.
From Bermuda to the Azores the mileage is approximately 1850Nm, depending on your destination. Most yachts head for Horta. From there it is approximately 850Nm back to mainland Europe.
When leaving Bermuda the predominant winds blow west to east, but to properly benefit from the easterlies a northerly arch is generally followed rather than the rumb line, which can be plagued by very light winds. If taking this route be prepared for the possibility of several days of motoring when getting closer to the Azores.
Straight to The Azores
This route is generally recommended for vessels with a high fuel range.
After a battle to make progress easterly against the trade winds on leaving the Caribbean, a yacht will generally find itself in the calm of the Azores high. If taking this route a yacht should be prepared for the possibility of a lot of motoring, or to head further north to pick up the easterly trade winds.
Whichever route you decide to take, for the average cruising yacht, a crew should be prepared for 3 weeks to a month to cross from the Caribbean to Europe.
Be prepared for days of calm when approaching the Azores high.
The Azores High
The Azores High is a large persistent atmospheric high-pressure centre that develops over the subtropical region of the eastern North Atlantic Ocean during the winter and spring seasons in the Northern Hemisphere close to the Azores.
During the summer months it moves westward when it becomes known as the Bermuda High. The Bermuda High is often associated with warm humid weather in the eastern United States during the summer months and plays a big part in influencing the direction of hurricanes. The strength of the Azores High and its exact location can vary from year to year and can play a big part in your route planning.
Whichever route you choose the Azores rewards Atlantic sailors with spectacular views, pleasent climate and a rewarding beer at Peter's Cafe Sport.
Dieter Peschkes
Director, Oceantrax
Comments