When boats cross
Most westbound crossings leave the Canary Islands from November onwards, after the Atlantic hurricane season (1 June – 30 November) and with the trade winds settling in. Many yachts first sail from northern Europe or the Mediterranean to the Canaries in September and October — those legs need crew too. The return trip, eastbound via Bermuda or the Azores, mostly happens in April to June.
- •Europe → Canaries: September – October
- •Canaries → Caribbean: November – January
- •Caribbean → Europe: April – June
How long it takes
From Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia is about 2,700 nautical miles. An average cruising yacht takes roughly 18–21 days; a fast boat less, a small or heavily loaded one more. Plan for three to four weeks away, plus time for preparation before departure and travel home after arrival.
The best-known crossing is the ARC rally, which usually starts from Las Palmas in late November with more than 200 boats. Check World Cruising Club for this year’s exact dates.
What skippers look for
- •Offshore experience and night watches — even a few overnight passages count
- •STCW Basic Safety Training and a seafarer medical, which more and more boats ask for
- •A practical skill: engine work, cooking for a crew, first aid, navigation or rigging
- •A calm, reliable attitude — three weeks is a long time in a small space
- •A passport valid well beyond your arrival, and a plan (and budget) for the flight home
Paid delivery or shared costs?
Not every crossing is paid. Professional deliveries — where a skipper and crew move a boat for its owner — usually pay the crew and cover flights and food. On private cruising boats crew often share costs instead. Always agree in writing before you fly out: pay or contribution, who pays flights, food and marina fees, and what happens if departure is delayed by weather.
How to find a berth
Start early: the best crossings are filled by late summer. Keep your sea time logged and your certificates current, and make your availability easy to see.
On Maritime Delivery you can mark your free dates on the sea calendar, get alerts for Atlantic crossing and delivery jobs, and apply with a verified profile. Paid assignments are paid up front by the client and released to you when the job is done.
Sources
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