WHY THE NORTH ATLANTIC?

Written by Linda Stelmaszyk, SV Alora

Why cross an ocean?  For the adventure and the chance to experience new landscapes and cultures.  That was our reason and might be yours, as well. 

I am privileged to be aboard Alora in a lovely anchorage, three years now in the Mediterranean, reflecting on the journey that led us here.  Decades of East Coast sailing, from Nova Scotia to the Caribbean, a circumnavigation in 2018-2020, Covid (Ugh!), then a stirring for one last adventure…maybe spend a few years in the Med.

In May, 2022, we made the passage from Bermuda to the Azores with the idea to spend summers cruising East and winters with family back home and to reset our 90 day visas.

To understand crossing the North Atlantic, you may encounter several weather systems and will need to adjust your route as needed.  The captain states that he might not have sailed around the world if the North Atlantic crossing was the first! 

Our arrival in Horta was in the company of sailors with a unique, shared experience.  Exhilaration, relief and expectation made for a party atmosphere embodied by the first beer at Peters Café.  The islands of Azores share lush foliage, elevation and inspiring views accessed by many hiking trails.

Another sporty five days to Lagos, Portugal, a mainland port with everything needed after a long passage.  And then a multi-day passage through the historic Straits of Gibraltar to the Balearic Islands of Spain.  Mallorca, Minorca and Formentera lived up to the party reputation with dozens of local boats transporting tourists to lovely beaches.

On to Cagliari, Sardinia to provision and work our way north on the spectacular east coast to arrive at the Costa Smeralda and Maddelena Islands, playground of the rich and famous (and us).  Bienvenuto a Italia!

A sail through the Strait of Bonifacio up the west coast of Corsica ended in Girolato, an easy check in to France. After 3 days of French food and hospitality, we sailed to La Spezia, Italy where we returned home to extend visas and escape the heat and crowds, but not before hiking the nearby Cinque Terre and road tripping north to Lake Como.

Upon returning, we headed south along the Italian west coast with stops at many historic ports of Tuscany and Lazio before ending our season in Gaeta, south of Rome.  

From a practical end, check in was easy in these countries, with services, supplies and marinas, expensive and sometimes crowded with charter boats.  The NAVILY app is your best friend for booking and anchorage information.  Be sure to take advantage of the many national parks, permits obtainable online. It will serve you well to known the Med moor technique and have a passerelle aboard.  

From our Azores arrival to our most easterly destination this year, Turkey, I cannot imagine spending less time here and should probably stay longer!  

Happy to answer any questions at [email protected]