As well as the ARC Transatlantic crossing from Las Palmas to St Lucia, AMJ Yachting is pleased to be able to offer berths on the return Transatlantic crossings which start in Antigua or St Maarten and cross back to the UK or the Mediterranean via the Azores in May/June each year. The voyage is approx. 4,000 miles with the main emphasis on weather interpretation and routing. This transatlantic crossing is a good opportunity to experience and learn about ocean passages, to accumulate miles and to develop very rewarding teamwork.

1st Leg – Antigua/St Maarten to the Azores, 2 600 nautical miles and about 15 days at sea

Each year the weather is different but the initial routeing takes boats up along the west side of the Azores high pressure as far north as roughly 30N, where they then start making north east towards the Azores. The leg takes between 15 and 17 days, and is predominantly lovely beam reaching conditions in good sunshine.

Boats normally stop for 2 or 3 days in Horta, the Azores, to restock on fresh food and visit the island. This stopover is very enjoyable, the marina being great and yet the Island unspoilt by mass tourism, with the possibility of going whale watching or visiting the Island’s volcanoes.

2nd Leg – Horta to the UK/Mediterreanean, 1 450 nautical miles and 7 to 10 days at sea

After the stopover in the Azores, the boats head north-east for Northern Europe or the slightly shorter route east towards Gibraltar and beyond. The conditions in June can be anything from a gale coming out of the west to light winds to north easterly headwinds if the Azores High has moved north. Landfall will be made either in the western approaches to the English Channel, or the Algarve coast of southern Portugal on the way to Gibraltar. Final destinations are varied, call us for latest information on the itineraries of our yachts.