Exhilirating sailing on the final stretch before Dartmouth on the 2nd Around Britain.
DOLPHINS JOIN FRANGI
View video footage of the dolphins
2 YACHTS IN AROUND BRITAIN
With great excitement we are expecting a second HR 49 for the Around Britain
THE ULTIMATE SAILING CHALLENGE
TO READ THE MOST UP TO DATE DETAILS ON THIS ADVENTURE PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR OUR SISTER SITE NONSTOP Sail.
There is no experience comparable to crossing an open ocean with a group of like-minded sailors keen to tick off one of the classic ocean voyages. For those seeking the ultimate sailing adventure, we undertake two six week transatlantic crossings to the Caribbean and back each year.
‘An amazing adventure… I’d recommend it to anyone seeking a long, slow rush of cerebral adrenaline! Superb!’ Nathan Markes
In addition to facing amazingly varied and challenging sailing conditions there is the chance to really enjoy life aboard an ocean trip. Whale watching, deep sea fishing and star-gazing are a few of the fantastic opportunities. These trips notch up approximately 3,500 miles and are ideal for those requiring an Ocean Yachtmaster qualifying passage, or for aspiring Offshore Yachtmasters looking to rapidly build up their sea miles. However, they are equally suitable for anyone wanting an adventure. Either way you’ll return home with a great transatlantic story. For more information please visit our parent company, NONSTOP Sail, to request a brochure or give us a call on: 0870 850 2074
ANTIGUA - DARTMOUTH (21 APRIL - 2 JUNE)
The first few days are spent preparing for the voyage, exploring some of Antigua’s 365 beaches and snorkelling on some of the local wrecks. Once all the safety checks are completed and the provisions have been stowed the sailing begins. The first leg is to the Azores or Bermuda, depending on the weather.
Typically we have two to three days of easterly trade winds before they begin to die down and we head north searching for Atlantic fronts. Generally as we pass 30 degrees north we can expect a variety of weather fronts forming, these deepen as we head across the Atlantic towards the UK.
Over the years we have experienced everything from running before a gale to swimming in a millpond. Fortunately our trusty fishing rod ensures a fresh supply of Tuna and Dorado to supplement the stores. Three weeks into the trip we see the volcanic peaks of the Azores appearing, leading us to a well earned break in Peter's Sports Bar in Horta. Generally a couple of days are spent exploring the Island or just relaxing before setting off for the final one thousand miles.
By now we are well and truly into the North Atlantic weather often surfing down the waves with dolphins as the following winds push us firmly home. Depending upon our approach, we call into St Mary's on the Isles of Scilly for an early morning breakfast or late night fish and chips, before the welcome sight of Dartmouth and home approaches.
GIBRALTAR - ANTIGUA (12 NOVEMBER - 23 DECEMBER)
After joining the boat in Gibraltar we sail over to Gran Canaria ready to join 200 other yachts preparing for the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers. The ARC starts in Las Palmas amidst a fantastic carnival atmosphere with locals and brass bands lining the breakwaters to cheer the crews on. There is a terrific sense of camaraderie as boats wish one another bon voyage and the rally begins.
For the first week or so, you can expect a variety of winds with high pressure spinnaker sailing (expect some motoring too) and then the odd low front with the rig reefed down.
Aside from the sailing, a typical day might include watching groups of dolphins twisting and swerving in the bow wave, swimming in the warm, clear water and fishing for dorado of up to 3ft in length! The nights are spent perfecting your culinary skills at sea and gazing at the star-filled sky.
We sometimes detour to the Cape Verde Islands to replenish with fuel. This is a great opportunity to see the islands of Santo Antao and Sao Vicente before the next 2,000 mile leg. After these islands we should settle into the Trade Winds where we can sail up to 170 miles a day heading towards the finishing line in St. Lucia. Once the ‘End of Arc’ party celebrations have settled down, we sail up to Antigua enjoying the wonderful Caribbean islands and the beautiful cobalt sea on the way.
THE FACTS:
• Approx 3,600 miles • 600 mile continuous ocean passage • Three 60 mile Yachtmaster passages • Maximum crew of seven • Classic Trade Routes
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT OUR PARENT COMPANY, NONSTOP Sail
info@devonsailing.com 
