Experience a genuine Atlantic crossing from Gran Canaria to Barbados – bluewater sailing on the classic trade wind route, 2,900 nautical miles in 22 days. Aboard our large and fast Hanse 575 GALINI we sail across the Atlantic. We make use of the trade winds, plan the route according to the weather and first head south towards the Cape Verde Islands, where a stopover is possible. From there we set course for the Caribbean and experience the fascination of the ocean: navigation, night sailing, team spirit and the intense life on board of an Atlantic crew. If we make good progress and conditions are right, we arrive in Barbados in 14-17 days – the easternmost Caribbean island and the first land on the horizon after the long passage. A few
We are currently in the planning phase and are putting together a crew that harmonises not only in terms of sailing but also on a personal level. It is important to us that the group on board really fits together – which is why we hold a personal conversation with everyone who is interested.
Our GALINI has already successfully taken part in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) and meets all the safety requirements of this renowned rally. She is therefore equipped and inspected to the highest international standards for the Atlantic crossing.
She is a true bluewater vessel – created for living and travelling at sea. We are out with warm-hearted people, explore the world together and experience real boat life: sun, wind, salt water, little adventures and the feeling of truly discovering something together as a crew. Galini is at home on the sea and usually far away from her home port of Poros. You will be part of life on board. Things won’t always go according to plan – sometimes something breaks or the weather changes our course – but that is exactly what makes it real. We are also very happy to show you the technology on board, and you can take part in all the activities – navigating, steering, cooking right through to the technical side. Not a cruise, but lived community, genuine experiences and the magic of the sea.
In November/December the classic season for Atlantic crossings begins. The route takes us from Gran Canaria first southwards to the Cape Verde Islands – a possible stopover in Mindelo offers the opportunity for rest, provisions and a technical check. From there we head west on a direct course to the Caribbean. The trade wind route is known for stable winds, moderate seas and the unique feeling of being in the middle of the ocean. Barbados, as the easternmost Caribbean island, lies directly on the trade wind route – from Mindelo it is around 2,100 nautical miles, and Barbados appears as the first land on the horizon.
Our adventure begins on Gran Canaria. After boarding, the safety briefing and provisioning, we use the time for preparations and getting to know the crew. As soon as everything is ready, we set sail and head south towards the Cape Verde Islands. Depending on the weather and the crew, we make a stopover in Mindelo on São Vicente – a perfect opportunity for shore leave, fresh supplies and a technical check. Afterwards we set course for the Caribbean. We then spend the following two to three weeks at sea: standing watch, trimming sails, navigation, weather observation, cooking together and intense conversations in the cockpit. At night the stars shine like nowhere else, and by day we are often accompanied by dolphins or flying fish. Life on board is characterised by team spirit, mutual support and the shared goal of arriving safely and happily in the Caribbean. If we make good progress and the weather plays along, we head for Barbados – the easternmost island of the Caribbean and, for many Atlantic sailors, the magical moment when, after weeks at sea, land appears on the horizon for the first time. In Bridgetown we bring the crossing to a close, enjoy the first Caribbean days and treat ourselves to a few rum punches on Carlisle Bay.
For anyone collecting miles towards their next sailing certificate: as we cross the open sea on this passage, a good number of nautical miles go into the logbook. Of course, we will issue you an official mileage confirmation at the end of the voyage.
Our Galini travels the world – and you can be part of it! With us you are not an anonymous guest on a standard route, but part of a real crew discovering new horizons together. We are not a classic charter company that runs the same trip every week. Instead, we sail together, experience real boat life and embrace the adventure that the sea has in store for us.
Step aboard a well-equipped, lovingly maintained boat and enjoy something special: with us there is nothing off the shelf. Every trip is unique – sometimes spontaneous, sometimes planned, always full of surprises. Unplanned experiences are just as much a part of it as relaxed days on deck.
Do you want more than just sailing along? Together we look after the technical side on board, and you can get stuck in yourself if you like. You can take it from a holiday trip to a genuine experience on a long-distance cruising yacht and become part of life at sea.
Our trips combine holiday, experience, mindfulness and real boat life. Become part of our crew and experience a special time on Galini – authentic, communal and full of adventurous spirit.
Our beautiful GALINI is a very fast, large and comfortable yacht.
She is a modern Hanse 575 with 4 double cabins and a skipper’s cabin. Each cabin has its own bathroom with electric toilet. Wi-Fi via Starlink (optional), multi-media, generator 220 V / 7 kW, (230 V in all cabins), washing machine, air fryer and coffee machine. She has large solar panels, radar, AIS, a watermaker, hydraulic bathing platform and a tender with outboard motor. An extensive inventory of safety and navigation equipment and much more – in short, everything needed to travel self-sufficiently without having to call at a supply port. A yacht that meets the highest requirements in terms of safety, design and comfort.
The sailing characteristics are also outstanding! The Hanse was designed by Vovo Ocean Racers and is the fastest yacht in its class. The joy of sailing is guaranteed!
GALINI has already successfully taken part in the ARC and meets all the safety requirements of this international Atlantic regatta.
In December the classic trade wind route offers ideal conditions: the trade winds usually blow steadily from the northeast at force 4–6 (15–25 knots). Daytime temperatures are 24–30 °C, and it remains pleasantly warm at night. The water is a perfect 25–27 °C for swimming, and the air is usually dry and clear. The Atlantic shows itself with a long, gentle swell (1–3 m). Rain is rare and usually only brief. The nights are clear and offer excellent conditions for celestial navigation and stargazing.
Everyone can, if they wish, help with sailing, take the helm now and then, or simply enjoy the beautiful nature and the day. In addition, everyone is jointly responsible for the crew’s wellbeing. This means that everyone takes their turn preparing breakfast or looking after dinner. Usually the hobby cooks on board soon emerge, and those who are not so keen on culinary arts simply hang back and do the washing up. When berthing and casting off, everyone generally lends a hand according to their abilities and after being briefed by the skipper. The boat must be kept clean by the crew members during the trip. The final cleaning, however, is done by the marina staff.
All crew members (except the skipper) pay a jointly agreed amount into the crew fund. This fund covers all shared costs incurred during the trip (e.g. diesel, harbour fees, deposit insurance, transit log, tourist tax, national and nature park fees, service pack for the provided bed linen, final cleaning, gas, marina fee for the first and last night in port, etc.). In keeping with old seafaring tradition, the skipper is provided with meals by the crew during the trip.
Berth charter is the best way for anyone who wants to get to know sailing life. Prior knowledge or your own sailing experience is not necessary. Perhaps you have already gained some sailing experience, completed sailing training and want to deepen it? – Then the skipper will give you the opportunity to try yourself out and help you gain future confidence. The crew can help shape the course of the trip, and your wishes will be listened to, subject to safety and the weather. On such a trip you meet like-minded people, can make new, enjoyable acquaintances and have an experienced skipper at your side who takes care of all nautical matters. The cabins on board are usually equipped with different but very similar cabins. The berths are allocated by the skipper, taking the crew’s wishes into account. Whole cabins can be chartered by individuals, couples or families. You pay per person and don’t have to worry about anything else.
We want to make sailing more sustainable and environmentally friendly. On our GALINI we are testing innovative products in order to combine a great sailing experience with the smallest possible ecological footprint. Our small team of experienced skippers looks forward to experiencing real sailing adventures with you. Our base is on Poros, Greece – from there we explore the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world.
