Experience a true Atlantic crossing from Gran Canaria to Barbados – bluewater sailing on the classic trade wind route, 2,900 nautical miles in 22 days. With our large and fast Hanse 575 GALINI we sail across the Atlantic. We use the trade winds, plan the route according to the weather and initially sail south to 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 passages, team spirit and the intense on-board life of an Atlantic crew. If we make good progress and the 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 crossing. A few
We are currently in the planning phase and are putting together a crew that harmonises not only in sailing but also on a personal level. It is important to us that the group on board really fits together – so we hold a personal discussion with all interested parties.
Our GALINI has already successfully taken part in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) and fulfils all the safety requirements of this renowned rally. It is therefore equipped and inspected for the Atlantic crossing to the highest international standards.
She is a true bluewater vessel – designed for living and travelling at sea. We travel with warm-hearted people, discover the world together and experience real boat life: sun, wind, salt water, little adventures and the feeling of genuinely discovering something together as a crew. Galini is at home at sea and is mostly a long way from her home port of Poros. You will be part of life on board. Not everything will always go according to plan – sometimes something breaks or the weather changes our course – but that is precisely what makes it authentic. We are also very happy to show you the technical side of the boat, and you can get involved in everything – from navigation and helm to cooking and technical work. Not a cruise, but a living community, genuine experiences and the magic of the sea.
We decide our stops in harbours and anchorages together. We are a crew that plans the route according to preferences, wind and weather.
In November/December the classic season for Atlantic crossings begins. The route takes us from Gran Canaria first south towards the Cape Verde Islands – a possible stopover in Mindelo offers the opportunity for rest, provisions and a technical check. From there we continue on a direct course westwards to the Caribbean. The trade wind route is known for steady winds, moderate seas and the unique feeling of being right in the middle of the ocean. Barbados lies as the easternmost Caribbean island 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 for getting to know the crew. Once everything is ready, we set the sails 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 provisions and a technical check. We then set course for the Caribbean. We spend the next two to three weeks at sea: standing watch, trimming sails, navigating, observing the weather, cooking together and having intense conversations in the cockpit. At night the stars shine as they do nowhere else; during the day we are often accompanied by dolphins or flying fish. Life on board is marked 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 in the Caribbean and, for many Atlantic sailors, the magical moment when land appears on the horizon again for the first time after weeks at sea. In Bridgetown we round off the crossing, enjoy the first Caribbean days and treat ourselves to a few rum punches at Carlisle Bay.
For anyone collecting miles towards their next sailing certificate: because we cross the open sea on this voyage, a good number of nautical miles go into the logbook. Of course we will provide you with an official mileage confirmation at the end of the trip.
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 running the same tour every week. Instead, we sail together, experience genuine boat life and embrace the adventure that the sea has in store for us.
Step aboard a beautifully equipped, lovingly cared-for boat and enjoy something special: we offer nothing off the shelf. Every passage is unique – sometimes spontaneous, sometimes planned, always full of surprises. Unplanned experiences are just as much a part of it as leisurely days on deck.
Do you want more than just to sail along? We take care of the technical side on board together, and you can lend a hand yourself if you wish. You can make it more than a holiday trip – a real experience on a long-distance cruising yacht and part of life at sea.
Our trips combine holiday, adventure, mindfulness and true boat life. Become part of our crew and enjoy a special time on Galini – authentic, communal and full of adventurous spirit.
Our beautiful GALINI is a very fast, large and comfortable yacht. She spent the winter in the Caribbean and will cross the Atlantic in April/May.
She is a modern Hanse 575 with 4 double cabins and one 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 an outboard motor. An abundance of safety and navigation equipment and much more – everything needed to travel self-sufficiently without having to call at a supply port. A yacht that meets the highest requirements for safety, design and comfort.
The sailing characteristics are exceptional too! The Hanse was designed by Volvo Ocean racers and is the fastest yacht in her 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, ideal conditions prevail on the classic trade wind route: the trade winds usually blow steadily from the northeast with force 4–6 (15–25 knots). Daytime temperatures are 24–30 °C, while nights remain pleasantly warm. At 25–27 °C the water is perfect for swimming, and the air is usually dry and clear. The Atlantic offers a long, gentle swell (1–3 m). Rain is rare and generally short-lived. The nights are clear and provide perfect conditions for astronavigation and stargazing.
Anyone can, if they want, 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 well-being. This means that everyone takes their turn preparing breakfast or looking after dinner. Usually the hobby cooks on board quickly emerge, and those who are not so into cooking simply stand back and do the washing up. When berthing and casting off, everyone generally lends a hand according to their abilities and after instruction from the skipper. The boat must be kept clean by the crew members during the voyage. The final cleaning, however, is carried out by the marina staff.
All crew members (except the skipper) pay an amount agreed together into the kitty. During the voyage, this kitty covers all joint costs incurred (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 harbour, etc.). In keeping with old seafaring tradition, the crew also covers the skipper's food during the voyage.
Berth charter is the best opportunity 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 sailing experience and completed sailing training and want to deepen it? – Then the skipper will give you the opportunity to try things out for yourself and help you gain future confidence. The crew can help shape the course of the voyage and their wishes will be heard, subject to safety and weather. On such a trip you meet like-minded people, can make new pleasant acquaintances, and have an experienced skipper at your side who takes care of all nautical matters. The cabins on the yacht are mostly different, but very similarly equipped. The berths are allocated by the skipper taking crew wishes into account. Whole cabins can be chartered by individuals, couples or families. Payment is per person and you don't have to worry about anything else.
We want to make sailing more sustainable and environmentally friendly. On our GALINI we test innovative products 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 together with you. Our base is on Poros, Greece – from there we explore the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world.
