Experience a genuine Atlantic crossing from Gran Canaria to Martinique (Le Marin) – the great adventure of bluewater sailing! With our large and fast Hanse 575 GALINI we sail across the Atlantic. We use the trade winds, plan the route according to 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 sailing, team spirit and the intensive onboard life 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 crossing. A few
We are currently in the planning phase and putting together a crew that harmonises not only in sailing but also personally. It is important to us that the group on board really fits together – that is why we conduct a personal conversation with all interested parties.
Our GALINI has already successfully taken part in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) and meets all safety requirements of this renowned rally. Thus she is equipped and tested for the Atlantic crossing according to the highest international standards.
She is a true bluewater vessel – created for living and travelling at sea. We travel with warm-hearted people, discover the world together and experience real boatlife: sun, wind, salt water, small adventures and the feeling of truly discovering something together as a crew. Galini is at home on the sea and mostly far away from her home port on 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 activities – navigating, steering, cooking right through to the technical aspects. No cruise, but lived community, real experiences and the magic of the sea.
In November/December the classic season for Atlantic crossings begins. The route takes us from Gran Canaria initially southwards to the Cape Verde islands – a possible stopover in Mindelo offers opportunity for rest, provisions and technical checks. From there we head directly westwards to the Caribbean. The trade wind route is known for steady 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, 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 southwards towards the Cape Verde islands. Depending on weather and 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. The following two to three weeks we spend at sea: keeping watch, trimming sails, navigation, weather observation, communal cooking and intensive conversations in the cockpit. At night the stars shine like nowhere else, during the day dolphins or flying fish often accompany us. Onboard life is characterised by team spirit, mutual support and the common goal of arriving safely and happily in the Caribbean. If we make good progress and the weather cooperates, 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 wind down the crossing, enjoy the first Caribbean days and treat ourselves to a few rum punches on Carlisle Bay.
For those who want to collect miles for their next sailing certificate: since we cross the open sea on this trip, a decent number of nautical miles goes into the logbook. Of course, we will issue you an official mileage confirmation at the end of the journey.
Our Galini travels the world – and you can be there! With us you are not an anonymous guest on a standard route, but part of a real crew that discovers new horizons together. We are not a classic charter company that runs the same tour every week. Instead, we sail together, experience real boatlife and embrace the adventure that the sea holds for us.
Board a beautifully 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.
Would you like to do more than just sail along? We take care of the onboard technology together, and you can lend a hand yourself if you wish. You can turn a holiday trip into 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 dinghy with outboard motor. An abundance of safety and navigation equipment and much more, everything needed to be self-sufficient without having to call at a supply port. A yacht that meets the highest demands for safety, design and comfort.
The sailing characteristics are also outstanding! The Hanse was designed by Volvo Ocean Racers and is the fastest yacht in its class. Joy of sailing is guaranteed!
GALINI has already successfully taken part in the ARC and meets all safety requirements of this international Atlantic regatta.
In December, ideal conditions prevail on the classic trade wind route: The trade winds blow mostly steady from northeast at force 4–6 Bft. (15–25 knots). Daytime temperatures are 24–30°C, nights remain pleasantly warm. Water at 25–27°C is perfect for swimming, and the air is mostly dry and clear. The Atlantic presents with long, gentle swell (1–3 m). Rain is rare and usually brief. The nights are clear, offering prime conditions for celestial navigation and stargazing.
Everyone can, if they wish, help with sailing, sometimes steer the boat or simply enjoy the beautiful nature and the day. Additionally, everyone is jointly responsible for the crew's well-being. This means each person takes turns preparing breakfast or looking after dinner. Usually the hobby chefs on board quickly become apparent, and those less keen on cooking simply stay out of it and do the washing up. When berthing and unberthing, everyone generally lends a hand according to their abilities and after instruction by the skipper. The boat is to be kept clean by crew members during the trip. However, the final cleaning is done by the marina staff.
All crew members (except the skipper) pay an agreed amount into the crew fund. This fund covers all joint costs incurred during the trip (e.g. diesel, harbour fees, deposit insurance, transit log, tourist tax, national and nature park fees, service pack for provided bed linen, final cleaning, gas, marina fee for the first and last night in harbour, etc.). According to old seafaring tradition, the skipper is fed by the crew during the trip.
Berth charter is the best option for anyone who wants to get to know sailing life. No previous knowledge or sailing experience is necessary. Perhaps you have already gathered sailing experience, completed sailing training and want to deepen it? – Then the skipper will give you the opportunity to try things out and help you gain future confidence. The crew can help shape the course of the trip 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 usually equipped with different but very similar cabins. The berths are allocated by the skipper taking into account crew wishes. Entire 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 sailing areas in the world.
