The Ondeck Atlantic Challenge 2012
Antigua - Azores - Portsmouth, UK
The Atlantic Challenge has earned its title due to the challenging and varied weather conditions which can be experienced during a West to East Atlantic crossing. Our Farr 65 round the world racing yachts are built for ocean sailing so there is no better way of experiencing the ups and downs of life on the ocean wave than with Ondeck.
The Antigua Atlantic Challenge is split into two legs each no longer than two weeks in duration and options are available to complete the RYA Ocean Yachtmaster qualification as part of this event.
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| Sponsors and Support |
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The Ondeck Atlantic Challenge is sponsored by “Peters Café Sport”, in Horta on the Island of Faial in The Azores.
Probably the most famous bar in the North Atlantic, as well as being a local currency exchange, Post Office and tourist information, they are an institution to seafarers from all over the world.
This trip will be in memory of Jose Azevedo (Peter). |
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Leg #1 : Antigua (West Indies) to Horta (Azores) - 2,165nm
It is said of this first Leg that there are only two good days on the voyage.
The day you leave - and the day you arrive in the Azorean archipelago.
To a point this is true, however, to the real ocean sailor this is a great passage because you really do need to have a good understanding of weather and be able to sail a yacht well to windward.
Tactics play a big part on this ocean voyage and the successful execution of them will contribute to whether the voyage will be a fast or slow one.
This challenging passage, once completed, will reward you by affording you the opportunity to explore a wonderful group of volcanic islands, known as The Azores, and leave you feeling a real sense of achievement.
Horta, our arrival port, is on the island of Faial and is well known by the sea-faring community around the world.
A visit to our sponsors, the famous Peter’s Café Sport Bar is a must during the layover, here you can enjoy a refreshing gin and tonic (two doubles for £1) and of course buy the obligatory t-shirt!
Ocean Tuition
if arriving to start either of the following, you must arrive the day before to ensure being there for the start of the first day’s tuition:
Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course: 26-30 May
Yachtmaster Ocean Prep day: 31 May 2011
Prep day is recommended if using the ocean leg as a qualifying ocean passage
Leg #1 Itinerary
Crew Arrive: 9 May Leavers Depart: 26 May
Total Cost for Leg #1 - £1250.00
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Leg 2 - Horta (The Azores) - Portsmouth, UK - 1,200nm
This 1,200nm ocean Leg takes us well up into the Northern latitudes where we will hopefully reach the top of the famous Azores High before sailing down the conveyor belt of low pressure systems that produce the favorable Westerly winds for a fast, exhilarating sail back to Portsmouth.
This Leg is ideal for people wanting to do their Ocean Yachtmaster qualifying passage.
Ocean Exam – this will be arranged to coincide with your arrival in Portsmouth.
Leg #2 Itinerary
Crew Arrive: 30 May Crew Depart Yacht: 11 Jun Ocean Oral Exams: 11-13 Jun
Total Cost for Leg #2 - £950.00 |
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ONDECK ARE THE FIRST AND ONLY COMPANY IN THE UK TO OFFER ALL THREE ELEMENTS AS A COMPLETE ONE OFF PACKAGE |
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Ondeck offer the opportunity to complete the theory, practical and oral aspects of the RYA Ocean Yachtmaster qualification as part of the Atlantic Challenge.
One of Ondeck's Ocean Instructors will be in the Azores running a 5-day shore based Ocean theory course and a one day preparation lecture for the practical elements required to be executed at sea and submitted for scrutiny by the RYA.
Upon arrival in Portsmouth, we will have an RYA Ocean Examiner available to check the celestial observations taken onboard and then conduct the oral exam - the final part needed to complete Ocean Yachtmaster. |
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If you have already completed your theory element then you can join us for the passage and oral exam alone – you will not be omitted because you have made a head start.
You must have the Yachtmaster Offshore qualification as a pre-requisite to the Yachtmaster Ocean - please see our Sea School Pages for details of all RYA courses.
There are a maximum of 3 berths onboard each of the 4 yachts available for Yachtmaster Ocean. |
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The Costs:
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Combination Booking Discounts:Legs 1 & 2: £1,980.00
Legs 1, 2 and all Ocean tuition: £2,744.10
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The cost includes:
Professional experienced ocean Skipper, Mate and 2nd Mate onboard
All meals, snacks and refreshments whilst at sea
Shore side representative and professional weather routing
Sailing tuition for all levels
Accommodation onboard
Wet weather gear and lifejackets
Host events and parties at each stop over
Fuel and mooring fees
10% discount on additional sailing events with Ondeck Sailing over Summer 2009
Any transport costs required in order to get ashore e.g. water taxi
The cost excludes:
Travel Insurance
Flights and airport transfers
Meals whilst in port
TO REQUEST A COPY OF OUR ATLANTIC CIRCUIT BROCHURE - CLICK HERE
TO DOWNLOAD A BOOKING FORM - CLICK HERE
Any Questions?
If you have any queries about our Atlantic Sailing Events please call us or use the following enquiry form:
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For insurance we recommend Topsail who offer Yachtmens Single Travel policies Worldwide.
Click Here for a quote |