Crew Available: Crossing the Atlantic Ocean

[Antonio91]

Hello,

I am Antonio, I am 24 years old and now, after my Master Degree in Electrical Engineering, I would love to cross the Atlantic Ocean in January 2016. Could someone give me any advice? I know the best period to cross the Atlantic Ocean is mid November.
But I can cross the Atlantic Ocean in January. Do you think I can find some sailing boats available to give me a passage for the crossing in January?
Which European harbors do you think are the most suitable to look for boats?
I have a good experiences in dinghies, but zero experience in Ocean. I am sturdy and ready to help for whatever job to do on the boat, cooking, washing, cleaning and so on.

Kind Regards,
Antonio

[wayne.b]

Originally Posted by Antonio91

Hello,

I am Antonio, I am 24 years old and now, after my Master Degree in Electrical Engineering, I would love to cross the Atlantic Ocean in January 2016. Could someone give me any advice? I know the best period to cross the Atlantic Ocean is mid November.
But I can cross the Atlantic Ocean in January. Do you think I can find some sailing boats available to give me a passage for the crossing in January?
Which European harbors do you think are the most suitable to look for boats?
I have a good experiences in dinghies, but zero experience in Ocean. I am sturdy and ready to help for whatever job to do on the boat, cooking, washing, cleaning and so on.

Kind Regards,
Antonio

===

The primary route for yachts going to the Caribbean that time of year is via the Canary Islands, with Las Palmas being the main port of departure for the westbound transatlantic passage. My advice would be to make your way to Las Palmas in early November and walk the docks where cruising sail boats hang out. Have some cards made up with your name and cell number so that people will remember you and know how to get in touch.

[Lizzy Belle]

Originally Posted by Antonio91

I would love to cross the Atlantic Ocean in January 2016.

So you want to leave within a week?
Or is it a typo and did you mean 2017?

Where are you now?
Boats making the jump now are in Cape Verde / Canary Islands.
(If they haven't left already)

Originally Posted by wayne.b

make your way to Las Palmas in early November.

That won't be easy unless he has a Tardis.
Which I doubt, cos then he wouldn't need a boat

[monte]

Antonio, mid November is not really the best time to cross. It just happens to be when the two major rallies cross, but usually the reason is for maximum sailing time in the Caribbean before heading back to Europe or on to the Pacific, or charter yacht or race crews with dates in the Caribbean. The trade winds are generally not fully established and many sailors without time limits will wait till mid January to depart the canaries. Most yachts enroute to the canaries will stop in Gibraltar so it might be possible to hitch a ride there. Alternately head the the canaries and visit the marinas in Lanzarote and Palma. There may be a bit of competition around though as anyone that missed a lift with the ARC might still be hanging around looking for a yacht to crew on.

[canyonbat]

Originally Posted by Lizzy Belle

That won't be easy unless he has a Tardis.
Which I doubt, cos then he wouldn't need a boat

Best reply ever!

[YARGO]

Fly directly to Las Palmas in Gran Canaria and walk the dock in the main harbor. If you don't get a ride there, take the bus to Porto Rico where many yachts depart from there as well. Chances are good you will get a ride from either port.

[Antonio91]

Originally Posted by monte

Antonio, mid November is not really the best time to cross. It just happens to be when the two major rallies cross, but usually the reason is for maximum sailing time in the Caribbean before heading back to Europe or on to the Pacific, or charter yacht or race crews with dates in the Caribbean. The trade winds are generally not fully established and many sailors without time limits will wait till mid January to depart the canaries. Most yachts enroute to the canaries will stop in Gibraltar so it might be possible to hitch a ride there. Alternately head the the canaries and visit the marinas in Lanzarote and Palma. There may be a bit of competition around though as anyone that missed a lift with the ARC might still be hanging around looking for a yacht to crew on.

Thank you very much everyone. My idea is to leave for Canarie as soon as possible in January 2016. A lot of people told me there won't be any boats now heading out for Caribbean because all of them are already there, that's why I am gathering all kinds of information from this forum!

[Antonio91]

Thank you very much everyone. My idea is to leave for Canarie as soon as possible in January 2016 (This month). A lot of people told me there won't be any boats now heading out for Caribbean because all of them are already there, that's why I am gathering all kinds of information from this forum!
I am afraind I get to the Canarie and I don't find anyone!

[Lizzy Belle]

Originally Posted by Antonio91

I am afraind I get to the Canarie and I don't find anyone!

That's always a possibility.
Especially if you're late - you won't be the only one there looking for a boat

How much time do you have in January and February to make the crossing?

[Antonio91]

I would like to find a passage as soon as possible and then I think in 15-20 days I will be crossing the Atlantic Ocean and in February I hope to be already in the Caribbean.
Do you think is possible?