Atlantic Ocean

1-9 of 12 results
  • Sailing in Belgium
    Belgium offers a compact but richly rewarding cruising ground where North Sea seamanship meets a first‑class inland waterways network. Expect short coastal hops between well‑run marinas at Nieuwpoort, Oostende, Blankenberge and Zeebrugge, with tidy approaches, helpful harbour staff and easy onward rail links. When the forecast turns lively, simply pivot inland: Bruges and Ghent are accessible by lock and canal, delivering quiet moorings in the heart of UNESCO‑listed streets and café culture. This guide sets out the best times to go, the reality of winds and tides, key harbours, and how to charter (including what paperwork skippers need). It is deliberately practical in tone: plan to the tide, respect the commercial traffic lanes and wind‑farm routes, and you’ll find Belgium both confidence‑building and surprisingly varied for such a short coastline.
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  • Sailing in Poland
    Poland offers two distinct sailing worlds in one country: the bracing Baltic Sea coast with its historic ports and sandy spits, and the tranquil Great Masurian Lakes threaded by canals and forested shores. With short tidal ranges, modern marinas at sensible day-sailing intervals, and summer sea breezes, it is an approachable destination for competent skippers — while the lakes provide a forgiving classroom for newer crews. Charter infrastructure is mature in both spheres, and travel connections are straightforward via Gdańsk, Gdynia or Warsaw. This guide sets out the key cruising areas, seasonal wind patterns, practical harbour notes, and what you need to charter and comply with local rules.
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  • Sailing in Uppland (Roslagen & Öregrund Archipelago)
    Uppland offers a quintessential Scandinavian archipelago cruise: thousands of skerries, clear channels, pine-fringed coves and tidy guest harbours within easy reach of Stockholm Arlanda. The sailing is varied. You can thread sheltered inner routes from Norrtälje and Furusund, step out to the outer skerries around Arholma and Fejan, or push north towards the historic harbour of Öregrund via the Gräsö fairways. Conditions in summer are forgiving for competent crews, yet the navigation is rewarding, demanding close attention to charts and leading lines. This guide lays out when to go, how the winds typically behave, and where to moor. It also proposes realistic itineraries that link welcoming harbours with superb natural anchorages. If you are chartering, you will find clear guidance on bases, boat availability and what certification charter companies expect. The aim is to help you plan with confidence and sail with intent.
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  • Sailing in Sweden
    Sweden offers one of Europe’s most rewarding cruising grounds, with thousands of sheltered islands, clean waters and well-run guest harbours. The west coast granite of Bohuslän feels wild and Atlantic-facing; the Stockholm archipelago is a labyrinth of pine‑clad skerries; the south coast and Blekinge bring lighter seas and historic towns; while the High Coast to the north delivers dramatic UNESCO‑listed scenery. Navigation is largely line‑of‑sight through well‑marked channels, tides are negligible, and summer days are long. This guide outlines the main sailing areas, seasonal winds and weather, how to get there, where to berth, and what to expect when chartering, so you can plan with confidence.
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  • Sailing in the Canary Islands
    The Canary Islands offer serious sailors a rare combination: reliable trade winds, ocean‑grade passages between dramatic volcanic islands, and modern harbours spaced at realistic day‑sailing intervals. You can sail here any month of the year. In summer, brisk north‑easterlies create fast reaches with local acceleration zones to test your sail trim. In winter, mild air and cool, lucid light deliver purposeful blue‑water hops and a front‑row seat to the Atlantic rally season. This guide sets out where to go, when to go, and what to expect. It explains island microclimates, identifies wind bullets between the high islands, and highlights the harbours and anchorages that consistently work when swell rolls in. It also outlines charter options and the simple certification you need to skipper legally in Spain, so you can plan with confidence.
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  • Sailing in Madeira
    Madeira offers serious Atlantic sailing within a compact, approachable cruising ground. Expect reliable trade winds, bold volcanic scenery, and a handful of well-run marinas that turn the island’s dramatic coastline into a rewarding, weather-savvy voyage. While anchorage options are limited, planning around wind acceleration zones and swell pays dividends with quiet bays, clear water, and wildlife encounters few European destinations can match. Most visiting crews stitch together Madeira, the smaller island of Porto Santo, and (with permission) the Desertas Nature Reserve. Between them you’ll find sheltered berths, straightforward passages of 20–45 nautical miles, and conditions that sharpen seamanship without demanding ocean-crossing experience. Fly into Funchal, cast off the same day, and be in open Atlantic within minutes—Madeira is that close to the action. This guide explains the seasonal winds, microclimates, key harbours, and realistic itineraries. It also clarifies charter options and certifications, so you arrive with the right paperwork and a plan that respects local reserves and weather.
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  • Sailing in Portugal
    Portugal is Atlantic sailing with options. The west coast serves brisk northerlies, long ocean swells and granite headlands; the Algarve mellows to sandy anchorages, fair-weather sea breezes and well-run marinas. Offshore, the Azores and Madeira offer blue-water passages framed by the Azores High and trade-wind lanes. Historic ports, modern facilities and straightforward formalities make it accessible, while capes, bars and acceleration zones keep it engaging. This guide sets out where to go, when to go, what to expect from the wind and sea, and how to charter with confidence.
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  • Sailing in the Algarve
    The Algarve’s sun-baked headlands, scalloped coves and wide sandy bays meet the intricate, tide-swept wetlands of the Ria Formosa to create two distinct, complementary cruising grounds on Portugal’s south coast. Expect short, scenic hops between full‑service marinas from Lagos to Vila Real de Santo António, and serene nights at anchor among sandbanks and islands inside the Ria’s protected channels. Summer brings reliable sea breezes, modest seas and warm water; winter offers quieter berths and punchier fronts. Tides, bars and the occasional Atlantic swell add just enough challenge to keep experienced skippers engaged without overwhelming competent newcomers. This guide sets out the wind patterns, seasonal considerations, harbour choices and anchorages you’ll actually use, plus straightforward advice on chartering and certification.
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  • Sailing the Stockholm Archipelago
    The Stockholm Archipelago strings together more than 30,000 islands, skerries and inlets from the edge of downtown Stockholm to the Baltic horizon. Protected waters, negligible tides and well-marked fairways create an approachable cruising ground for competent skippers, while the granite-fringed anchorages and pine forests deliver a Scandinavian wilderness within easy reach of an international capital. Expect civilised guest harbours with hot showers and saunas one night, then a quiet stern-to berth against a warm rock slab the next. This guide sets out when to go, how the winds behave, where to berth, and what to know before you charter, with two practical itineraries to get you under way.
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