Correlation Between Sailing and Seasons

[Itinerant Tom]

I'm hoping to find a way to join a crew to cross the Atlantic (west to east) this coming Spring so that I can meet up with my parents. My dad received a Fullbright teaching scholarship that has him in Egypt for the year, and in addition to really wanting to see my parents, I really don't want to pass up on a free place to crash in Egypt.

My understanding is that the ARC happens in May, and so most boats won't be getting there until early/mid June, which is when my parents leave. Ideally, I'd be looking to head over sometime between the beginning of March (when my seasonal job ends) and early April. Is this at all realistic? Is there a reason most boats leave later in the Spring? Seasonal winds or something?

[GordMay]

The “ARC Europe” sails from Tortola BVI or from Hampton VA (May) to mainland Europe via Bermuda and the Azores, arriving in Portugal in June.

See ➥ Event Information for World Cruising Club ARC Europe

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Itinerant Tom

Is there a reason most boats leave later in the Spring? Seasonal winds or something?

Yes. Leave too early in the spring and you have higher chance of late season low pressure system, called a Nor'easter in New England, Norther or just a cold front in the south. These can bring very strong winds and very large waves at sea.

Leave too late in the season and you are closing in on the summer hurricane season.

This is why ARC picks the schedule they do.

Some boats may leave earlier, especially if leaving from points further south in the US. I would be reluctant to crew on a boat leaving too early and would watch the weather forecast very closely before departure.