Atlantic sailing trip
Discover Atlantic sailing trips-
Modern, luxurious yachts with the highest level of comfort
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Small groups & personal atmosphere
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Private chef & experienced crew
Sailing Adventures on the Atlantic
A sailing trip on the Atlantic with Sailing-Classics takes you through three island regions and across the open Atlantic. These include the Canary Islands (including Tenerife), the Cape Verde Islands, and the Azores, as well as transatlantic crossings between Europe and the Caribbean. Depending on the route, you’ll spend between 7 and 22 nights aboard a classic large yacht, accompanied by an experienced crew and sharing the experience with no more than 26 guests.
An Overview of Our Sailing Destinations on the Atlantic
One ocean, three different sailing experiences. From a leisurely cruise through the archipelagos to a challenging ocean crossing, the Atlantic offers the perfect sailing destination for everyone.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde is the most unspoiled of our Atlantic sailing destinations. This volcanic archipelago lies about 570 kilometers off the west coast of Africa and comprises nine inhabited islands. In Mindelo, you can experience the Creole culture with its morna music, while on the water, a steady trade wind ensures exciting days of sailing. Our themed cruise connects São Vicente, Boa Vista, Sal, and Santo Antão.
The islands of the Azores
The Azores are nine green volcanic islands located about 1,500 kilometers west of mainland Portugal, characterized by lush green crater landscapes and one of the world’s most important whale-watching areas. About 24 species of whales and dolphins are native to the region, including sperm whales year-round and, especially in April and May, blue whales and fin whales. In the spring, sailing takes place between Faial, São Jorge, and Pico.
Transatlantic Crossings
For many, a transoceanic voyage is a lifelong dream. The options range from short voyages starting in Gibraltar or Málaga to the grand crossing between Europe and the Caribbean along the famous Barefoot Route. You can find out everything about routes, dates, and requirements on our page about the Transatlantic Crossing.
The islands of the Azores
The Azores are nine green volcanic islands located about 1,500 kilometers west of mainland Portugal, characterized by lush green crater landscapes and one of the world’s most important whale-watching areas. About 24 species of whales and dolphins are native to the region, including sperm whales year-round and, especially in April and May, blue whales and fin whales. In the spring, sailing takes place between Faial, São Jorge, and Pico.
Transatlantic Crossings
For many, a transoceanic voyage is a lifelong dream. The options range from short voyages starting in Gibraltar or Málaga to the grand crossing between Europe and the Caribbean along the famous Barefoot Route. You can find out everything about routes, dates, and requirements on our page about the Transatlantic Crossing.
Your sailing trip - optimally planned
Still not sure which sailing trip suits you best? Our experts will take time for you, answer your questions and work with you to find the perfect route. Simply arrange your personal consultation – free of charge and without obligation.
Best Time to Travel and Wind Conditions on the Atlantic
Sailing-Classics sails the Atlantic during two seasons. In November and December, the voyages take passengers to the Canary Islands and Cape Verde, as well as along the trade wind routes toward the Caribbean. From March through May, the itinerary includes the Azores and the return voyages to Europe.
The northeast trade winds ensure consistent sailing conditions; they blow reliably for many months and typically reach speeds of 15 to 25 knots around Cape Verde. All cruises take place outside the hurricane season. The nights on the open sea are particularly impressive: far from any light pollution, the starry sky is as clear as it rarely is on land.
Which Atlantic cruise is right for you?
Which destination suits you best depends on your personal preferences. Tenerife is ideal for anyone who appreciates a short trip and mild, consistent sailing conditions. Cape Verde combines warmth and Creole charm with brisk trade winds. In the Azores, you can expect lush green landscapes, plenty of peace and quiet, and good chances of whale watching in the spring.
For anyone who wants to fulfill their dream of an ocean crossing, our page on Atlantic crossings provides an overview of suitable routes. Each sailing area has its own unique appeal. We’d be happy to help you find the trip that best suits you during a personal consultation.
Our Yachts and Life Aboard
Our Classic Large Yachts CHRONOS, RHEA and KAIRÓS are between 38 and 54 meters long and designed for longer voyages at sea. At the same time, they offer the comfort of a stylish boutique hotel under sail. You’ll stay in an air-conditioned cabin with a private bathroom. An experienced, professional crew, together with the head chef, ensures that you have everything you need on board. You’ll be traveling with a maximum of 26 guests.
When sailing, you decide for yourself how active you want to be. You can help set and trim the sails, take the helm yourself, or simply enjoy the experience from the deck. True to the motto “Everything is possible, nothing is required,” our Atlantic cruises are for beginners, experienced sailors, and for Solo travelers and is equally suitable for couples. On longer voyages, the crew navigates the yacht safely and confidently across the Atlantic.
| Sailing area | Season at Sailing-Classics | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Verde | November and December | warm, brisk trade winds, unspoilt |
| Azores | April and May | green, more changeable, whale hotspot |
| Atlantic crossings | autumn and spring | ocean passage, barefoot route |
Which Atlantic cruise is right for you?
Which destination suits you best depends on your personal preferences. Tenerife is ideal for anyone who appreciates a short trip and mild, consistent sailing conditions. Cape Verde combines warmth and Creole charm with brisk trade winds. In the Azores, you can expect lush green landscapes, plenty of peace and quiet, and good chances of whale watching in the spring.
For anyone who wants to fulfill their dream of an ocean crossing, our page on Atlantic crossings provides an overview of suitable routes. Each sailing area has its own unique appeal. We’d be happy to help you find the trip that best suits you during a personal consultation.
Our Yachts and Life Aboard
Our classic large yachts CHRONOS, RHEA and KAIRÓS are between 38 and 54 meters long and designed for longer voyages at sea. At the same time, they offer the comfort of a stylish boutique hotel under sail. You’ll stay in an air-conditioned cabin with a private bathroom. An experienced, professional crew works together with the chef to make sure you want for nothing on board. You travel with no more than 26 guests.
When sailing, you decide for yourself how active you want to be. You can help set and trim the sails, take the helm yourself, or simply enjoy the experience from the deck. True to the motto “Everything is possible, nothing is required”, our Atlantic cruises suit beginners, experienced sailors, solo travellers and couples alike. On longer voyages the crew navigates the yacht safely and confidently across the Atlantic.
What our guests say
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Travelogue by Heinz-Dieter Heibach
Transit Cruise on the KAIRÓS: Portimão, Portugal – Valencia, Spain
Who would have thought it!!! When I saw my wife Barbara poring over a Sailing-Classics brochure with sparkling eyes in October 2025, I had no idea that we’d be booking a delivery cruise on the KAIRÓS just a short time later. But let’s take it one step at a time. For the two of us, as recreational sailors with our little ETAP 23iL, it was actually unimaginable that we’d ever get to sail on a large two-masted yacht and even lend a hand ourselves. After a last-minute informational meeting with Ms. Sturm at the Stuttgart sales office, we were certain: We were going to take on this voyage, and so we eagerly awaited the start of the trip in June 2026. For us, the focus was on sailing the KAIRÓS rather than just hopping from bay to bay. There were just ten days between the end of my own trip and our flight to Portugal. On that trip, I’d previously sailed solo from South Holland across the English Channel to southern Brittany, and then continued on with Barbara for a few more weeks in the Bay of Biscay. Days before her arrival, we were already tracking the KAIRÓS via Vesselfinder on her journey from the Azores to Portimão. The joyful anticipation grew.
Read the full review
When we finally saw the KAIRÓS in person for the first time, we were really looking forward to checking in the next day.
Captain and Sailing-Classics CEO Seren Elgün warmly welcomed us—ten passengers—aboard along with his seven-member crew. The very next morning, after a brief stop for a swim near Portimão, we set off for what would be our last anchorage for the time being, near Faro. This gave the guests plenty of time to settle in on board and get familiar with the KAIRÓS. After all, the upcoming nonstop voyage to Valencia would be quite demanding during our first two days at sea.
Off the Strait of Gibraltar, winds of up to 47 kt from the east were forecast. Later, while tacking toward Tarifa, the anemometer even registered 50 kt. The boat, the crew, and, of course, the guests were put to the test. However, I thoroughly enjoyed steering the 153-metric-ton KAIROS close-hauled through waves up to 4 meters high. On our little ETAP, I had last sailed in the English Channel with a broad reach and winds of up to 32 kt. On that boat, you’re much closer to the elements. It was nothing like the majestic experience on the KAIROS. Together with Seren, I sailed through the Strait of Gibraltar on the third night. There was relatively little ship traffic, and Tangier at night, along with the Rock of Gibraltar, glowed almost mystically against the dark backdrop of the mountains behind them. After the hardships of the Atlantic, the conditions in the Mediterranean Sea the following day felt like sailing on a duck pond. We watched dolphins, as well as tuna and barracudas hunting; two sunfish (Mola mola) were drifting on the surface; and later, my personal highlight: a pod of six pilot whales, which I first noticed because of their loud songs. These extraordinary creatures accompanied us at a leisurely pace for about half an hour. Pure joy!
And then there were those sunsets at sea, time and time again. I love them!!! The crew took excellent care of us, even in the toughest conditions. The ship’s engineer found a quick solution to even the smallest problem, and the ship’s command—including the captain, first mate, and deckhand—always made everyone on board feel safe, not just the sailing novices among the guests! Over the remaining days, we cruised—with several stops for swimming in the middle of the open sea—all the way to Valencia, where, after 711 NM, we performed an anchoring maneuver under sail. Hats off! After one final night at anchor, there was a touch of melancholy in the air that last morning. At breakfast, everyone spoke in hushed tones. The crew prepared everything for our departure. Over the past seven days, we—crew and guests alike—had become a temporary unit! I’m very satisfied and happy that I was able to actively support the regular crew with ship handling and maneuvers. In particular, the watches with Captain Seren Elgün helped me improve my seamanship quite a bit, especially when it comes to handling a tall ship.
After tears had been shed—not just by the crew—as we said our goodbyes, we checked out and drove to the harbor with the second group. There, from the shore, Barbara and I gazed thoughtfully at “our” KAIRÓS for what would be our last time—for now.July 8, 2026 Travelogue by Heinz-Dieter Heibach -
Captain Nico and his crew did a great job
An all-round successful trip
It was an all-round successful trip, from the organization and information beforehand to the support and care on board! Captain Nico and his crew did a great job, so that I felt very comfortable the whole time on board and enjoyed the trip very much. All crew members were always attentive, kind and helpful! The fellow passengers also very quickly became a harmonious and cheerful community. I will remember this trip as a very special experience and will be happy to recommend you to others.
Read the full reviewReiner after the Atlanticcrossing W-O on the CHRONOS -
What a feeling...
A wonderful Atlantic crossing
I experienced a wonderful Atlantic crossing and still think about it every day. What a feeling to be out there "all alone" for 3 weeks; that will always be a part of me.... And then the nice conversations with great people, as they say: all in the same boat. The crew were great; with Sandy and Agi I felt it always seemed like it was their first day on board, so full of energy and friendliness; a hearty Merci, as we say here in Switzerland.... It was an incredible experience for me and I'm already looking forward to another sailing trip (this time with my husband).
Read the full reviewIrene -
It was a dream trip...
A dream trip across the Atlantic
It was a dream trip... Every morning during the RHEA cruise I got up in the dark and, after greeting the night shift crew, sat down on a bench with a headlamp and started writing into the dawn. Organizing your life - is there a better way to do this than during a three-week crossing through an empty world (which is by no means empty under the keel)? ... A wonderful time, ... especially the two stops that allowed us to take a dip in the 5,000 meter deep Atlantic. So all this will remain unforgettable, a lifelong dream...
Read the full reviewPeter -
Bianka and Dirk after their Cape Verde cruise on the CHRONOS in November
A very successful mix
Very successful mixture of sailing, excursions, culture and background information. The crew on board was great!
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Bianka and Dirk after their Cape Verde cruise on the CHRONOS in NovemberBianca and Dirk -
Every aspect of the trip was first class
The whole trip was fantastic
I wanted to let Sailing-Classics know about my experience on the April 6th to May 5th Atlantic Crossing from Antigua to Mallorca on Chronos. Everything about the entire trip was fantastic. The captain Jan Dobrogowski did an amazing job of managing the adventure. Every aspect of the trip was first class and professional. All of the crew worked really well together and were professional, friendly and relaxed all at once. Managing safety, the route, the weather, the schedule and the various guests' personalities is not a small endeavor. So congratulations and a big thank you to everyone.
Read the full reviewKerry
Experience the Atlantic under white sails
Discover our sailing adventures on the Atlantic – stylish, authentic, unforgettable
We have the answers for you
Important information
Sailing-Classics operates in four regions of the Atlantic: the Canary Islands around Tenerife, Cape Verde (Cape Verde), the Azores, and on transatlantic crossings between Europe and the Caribbean. The island cruises last seven to ten nights, while the ocean crossings last seven to 22 nights. Sailing takes place on classic large yachts ranging from 38 to 54 meters in length, with a maximum of 26 guests and a crew of seven to ten people.
The Atlantic season has two windows: November and December for the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, and the trade wind routes to the Caribbean; and March through May for the Azores and the return voyages to Europe. In the fall and winter, the northeast trade winds provide consistent conditions and typically blow at 15 to 25 knots on the route to the Caribbean between November and January. In the spring, the weather is more changeable, but the Azores are particularly green, and the chances of seeing large whales are at their best.
Travel to the respective departure port is by plane: There are direct flights from Germany to Tenerife that take about 4.5 hours; flights to Mindelo go via São Vicente Airport (VXE), usually with a layover in Lisbon; and flights to Horta on Faial (HOR) also go via Lisbon. Connections to the Caribbean ports of departure are available via international hubs such as London or Paris. Boarding generally begins at 6:00 p.m. on the day of arrival; after an ocean crossing, it is recommended to allow a buffer of one to three days for the return flight, as wind and weather can affect the arrival time.
Atlantic cruises start at €2,200 per person for seven nights on the “short” Atlantic crossing from Gibraltar to Tenerife (as of July 2026). A seven-night Azores cruise departing from Horta starts at €3,400, while the ten-night Cape Verde themed cruise departing from Mindelo starts at €4,850. For the long ocean crossings lasting 16 to 22 nights, prices range from €6,900 to €7,800 per person—each including a cabin with a private bathroom, a professional crew, and full board.
For beginners, the island cruises and the “short” Atlantic crossings—lasting seven to eleven nights—are ideal; for experienced sailors, the longer crossings along the Barfuß Route or the Northern Route, which include overnight legs and watch shifts, are recommended. A sailing license is never required, as the professional crew handles the yacht and guests only pitch in if they wish to. On delivery cruises, the focus is more on sailing than on comfort and set schedules.
According to the National Hurricane Center, the Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with the statistical peak around September 10. Atlantic cruises do not begin until November, and with crossings in December and return voyages from March through May, they fall outside this period. In addition, the captain flexibly adjusts the route based on wind and weather conditions; the yachts are certified as passenger vessels for worldwide voyages and are inspected annually by a classification society.
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