The Ondeck Atlantic Adventure

Portugal - Madeira - Cape Verde - Barbados

Many people have dreamt of, or planned to sail across an ocean but there are still only a few people, other than boat owners and their associates, who have experienced the special feeling the great explorers felt while sailing the southerly trade wind route.

Now it's possible for you to experience the thrill of sailing across the Atlantic with Ondeck.

The Atlantic Adventure is split into 3 individual legs, each one increasing in time and distance. Setting sail from the Portuguese port of Porto in early October, the 3,500 nautical mile voyage to Barbados takes around 6 weeks to complete, ending in the third week of November.

The first 2 legs consist of fast cruising and teaching. The final leg, from the Cape Verde Islands to Barbados, is a competitive match race sponsored as a Red Cap Event by Mount Gay Rum.

If you don't have the time to do the whole adventure in one go, you can gain confidence and experience over a number of years taking a leg at a time as each leg is no more than 2 weeks in duration.

The 850nm passage from Porto to Madeira should take around 11 days (or 7 if starting in Cascais) with varying wind conditions as you head out into the Atlantic Ocean. Like those seafarers of old a sense and feeling of trepidation and unity will prevail, the only difference being that of chronology.

This leg is a perfect shake down for the more experienced crew to get their sea legs back and for most a chance to experience a real ocean passage for the first time. Upon arrival in Funchal a warm welcome can be expected from the Town Hall, Clube Naval and the local people of Madeira.

Leg #1 Itinerary   Crew Arrive in Leixoes : 12 October Depart Leixoes: 14 October ETA Cascais: 15 October Leavers depart : 16 October   Joiners Arrive Cascais: 15 October Depart Cascais: 16 October ETA Vilamoura: 17 October   Depart Vilamoura: 18 October ETA Madeira: 21 October Leavers depart: 22 October   Total Cost for Leg #1 - £895.00

This 1058nm ocean leg takes us South into the tropics andthe North-East trades. On this leg you will sail between the Canary Islands before making landfall in Mindelo on the unspoilt and remote Cape Verdian island of Sao Vicente near to the West African coast.

Few visitors arrive by sail and so expect a warm welcome from the locals. We allow approximately 10 days for Leg 2 and crew can enjoy a week stopover to explore these intriguing islands before the passage across the Atlantic.

Leg #2 Itinerary   Crew Arrive in Madeira: 23 October Depart Madeira: 26 October ETA Cape Verde Islands: 2 November Leavers Depart: 3rd November     Total Cost for Leg #2 - £1,295.00

Your final 2,000nm will be the Atlantic crossing to Barbados. This leg should not only consist of fast, exhilarating blue water sailing but expect to see plenty of dolphins, turtles and the odd whale or two, as we sail due West to the tropical island of Barbados - our final destination.

Upon arrival a crew party for all four participating yachts is organised to celebrate and welcome you in, as the New Adventurers!

Leg #3 Itinerary   Crew Arrive Cape Verde: 4 November Depart Cape Verde: 7 November ETA Barbados: 21 November Crew Depart Barbados: by 24 November     Total Cost for Leg #3 - £2,695.00

Combination Booking Discounts   Legs 1 & 2 - £1,795 Legs 2 & 3 - £3,195 Legs 1, 2 & 3 - £3,995
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: Flights and airport transfers Meals whilst in port   Payment Terms: 25% Deposit is due upon booking. The remainder must be paid 4 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE START OF THE EVENT.   TO DOWNLOAD A BOOKING FORM - CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A COPY OF OUR ATLANTIC CIRCUIT BROCHURE - CLICK HERE   For further information or to make a booking please contact:   Sarah Rose - UK - Tel: +44 (0)23 9258 3000 / e-mail: enquiry@ondeck.co.uk     STOP PRESS:   We are holding a series of complimentary Open Day events at Gosport, UK to give you an opportunity to find out more about this year's Atlantic Adventure. Places are limited and allocated on a first come first served basis. If you would be interested in attending one of these events please Click Here for details of dates and times and to book on.
Our Sponsors and Associates: We would like to thank the following organisations who have worked with us to make the Transatlantic Rally possible: