Experience a true 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 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 watches, team spirit, and the intense on-board life of an Atlantic crew. After 14-17 days we should reach Barbados – one of the easternmost Caribbean islands and the first land on the horizon after the long crossing. Enjoy a few days in the Caribbean before we sail the short distance to Martinique.
We are currently in the planning phase and are putting together a crew that harmonises not only in sailing but also personally. It is important to us that the group on board truly fits together – that is why we hold a personal conversation with all interested parties.
Our GALINI has already successfully taken part in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) and meets all the safety requirements of this renowned rally. This means she is equipped and tested for the Atlantic crossing to the highest international standards.
She is a true bluewater vessel – created for living and travelling on the sea. We are travelling with warm-hearted people, discovering the world together and experiencing real boat life: 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 of Poros. You will be part of life on board. Things will not always go according to plan – sometimes something breaks or the weather changes our course – but that is precisely what makes it real. We also gladly show you the technology on board, and you can join in all activities – navigating, steering, cooking up to technical work. No cruise, but lived community, genuine experiences and the magic of the sea.
In December the classic season for Atlantic crossings begins. The route takes us from Gran Canaria initially south towards the Cape Verde Islands – a possible stopover in Mindelo offers opportunity for rest, fresh provisions and a technical check. From there we go on a direct course westwards 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 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. The detour to Barbados costs hardly any extra miles, because from Bridgetown it is only around 115 nautical miles north-westwards to Martinique. So we should still have relaxed time to enjoy the Caribbean and sail according to mood via St. Lucia to Martinique. In Martinique the Marina Le Marin awaits us – one of the largest and most modern marinas in the Caribbean, ideal for arrival, supplies and onward travel.
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 south towards the Cape Verde Islands. Depending on weather and crew, we make a stopover in Mindelo on São Vicente – a perfect opportunity for a shore visit, fresh provisions and a technical check. Then we set course for the Caribbean. The following two to three weeks we spend at sea: keeping watch, trimming sails, navigation, weather observation, cooking together and intense conversations in the cockpit. At night the stars shine like nowhere else, by day we are often accompanied by dolphins or flying fish. Life on board is characterised by team spirit, mutual support and the common goal of arriving safely and happily in the Caribbean. Barbados is the easternmost island of the Caribbean and for many Atlantic sailors it is the magical moment when, after weeks at sea, land appears for the first time on the horizon. In Bridgetown we wind down the crossing, enjoy the first Caribbean days and treat ourselves to a few rum punches at Carlisle Bay, before we sail the short distance (~115 nm) to Martinique. Arrived in Le Marin, we are greeted by Caribbean joie de vivre, French culture and perfect infrastructure for sailors – after around 2,800 nautical miles an unforgettable moment.
For those who want to collect miles for their next sailing certificate: since we cross the open sea on this trip, decent nautical miles go 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 boat life and embark on the adventure that the sea holds for us.
Step aboard a well-equipped, lovingly maintained boat and enjoy the special: with us there is nothing off the peg. Every trip is unique – sometimes spontaneous, sometimes planned, always full of surprises. Unplanned experiences are just as much a part of it as relaxing days on deck.
You want more than just sailing along? We take care of the technology on board together, and you can get stuck in yourself if you want. You can turn the holiday trip into a real 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 requirements for 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. Fun sailing is guaranteed!
GALINI has already successfully taken part in the ARC and meets all 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 with 4–6 Bft. (15–25 knots). Daytime temperatures are 24–30 °C, at night it stays pleasantly warm. The water at 25–27 °C is perfect for swimming, and the air is mostly dry and clear. The Atlantic shows a long, gentle swell (1–3 m). Rain is rare and mostly short-lived. The nights are clear and offer the best conditions for celestial navigation and stargazing.
Everyone can, if they wish, help with sailing, occasionally steer the ship or simply enjoy the beautiful nature and the day. In addition, all are jointly responsible for the crew's well-being. That means everyone takes turns preparing breakfast or looking after dinner. Usually the hobby chefs on board quickly become apparent, and whoever is not so much into culinary arts simply holds back and does the washing up. When casting off and berthing, everyone usually 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 trip. However, the final cleaning is done by the marina staff.
All crew members (except skipper) pay a jointly agreed amount into the crew fund. From this fund, all common 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.) are covered. In accordance with old seafaring tradition, the skipper is fed by the crew during the voyage.
Cabin charter is the best opportunity for all who want to get to know sailing life. Previous knowledge or own sailing experience is not necessary. But perhaps you have already gathered sailing experience, taken sailing lessons and want to deepen it? – Then the skipper will give you the opportunity to try yourself 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, make nice new 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 various 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 adventure together with you. Our base is on Poros, Greece – from there we explore the most beautiful cruising areas in the world.
