Surprisingly, the primary purpose of a yacht isn’t just Cristal champagne and luxury linens, but it’s about taking on the open sea and travelling to new places. And while yachts can sail across various oceans, today we’re focusing on the Atlantic, which I’ve crossed five times (pre-Starlink, mind you!)
I’ve done these crossings on yachts ranging from 55 to 95 meters, and while my duties varied, the experience was always incredible. Crossings became my favorite part of yachting, and I always found the upsides: saving money (no place to spend it out there), getting fit (those daily workouts are the best, especially with a yoga stew or PT onboard!), and enjoying something few people will ever get to do. How many can say they’ve seen the stars from the middle of the Atlantic, swam in its deep blue waters, or watched dolphins play along the bow of a multi-million-dollar vessel?
And yes, the ‘initiation’ rumours are true – Neptune’s Ode, as it’s often called. But for me, I absolutely loved it all! That’s part of the tradition and the adventure of making memories at sea! If you’re about to head out on your first crossing, here’s some advice to ease your mind from an ex-yachtie crossing veteran, and if you’re a HOD, scroll to the bottom for excellent tips to keep your crew motivated (trust me, you don’t want to miss out on these!)
How Long Does it Take to Cross the Atlantic Ocean?
Depending on the yacht’s type, size, speed, age, and weather conditions, an Atlantic crossing can take anywhere from 10 days to three weeks. Motor yachts generally cruise around 14 knots, which can vary by vessel type. Larger yachts often make the crossing faster than smaller ones. Many crew members play the classic “boat spotting” game during this time. It’s simple: everyone guesses how many boats they’ll spot during the journey (usually when you’re about two days out from land on either side). You might be surprised, but I once took the winning prize by guessing lucky number 13!
Is There a Risk Involved with Crossings?
Like most things in yachting, crossing the Atlantic comes with risks—but nothing you need to lose sleep over! That’s precisely why every crew member completes STCW training (and refreshes it every five years): to make sure we’re always ready if the unexpected happens. But rest assured, your captain and officers are more than prepared to handle whatever the ocean throws at them. These are trained professionals who’ve spent years studying and passing exams to be a part of the Bridge team. To become an officer, they’ll have earned their OOW (Officer of the Watch) ticket, either the 3,000 GT or unlimited, depending on the yacht’s size. Anyone who’s watched an officer in training can tell you it’s no walk in the park—it’s months of intense study followed by hours of oral exams. They face even tougher coursework and testing as they climb the ranks from Chief Mate to Captain.
Before a crossing, the captain and officers carefully study the weather patterns to pick the best (and calmest!) time to set sail. Yes, this sometimes overlaps with hurricane season, which may mean the occasional course adjustment. But don’t worry; superyachts have crossed the Atlantic successfully thousands of times, and mishaps are incredibly rare. Most importantly, pay attention to pre-crossing drills, as they’re more than a box-ticking exercise. Knowing where the fire extinguishers and exits are and understanding how to put on a BA kit or an immersion suit—are the skills that matter most in a pinch. So, pay attention during the drills because if there is a need, you’ll be glad you’re as prepared as your officers and weren’t just thinking about what outfit to wear to the first crew meal in Antigua.
What Do You Do on a Crossing?
Interior: Daytime on a crossing is prime time for tackling those deep cleaning tasks that get missed during the busy season—detailing pantries, laundry, and vacuums, to name a few. If guests join on the other side, it’s also a perfect chance to take time to detail the interior. At night, depending on the yacht’s size, the interior crew may assist with bridge watches or do walkarounds to ensure everything is secure, especially in choppy seas. And yes, unexpected mishaps do happen! I once found myself at 3 a.m., staring at a pantry cupboard which had broken the lock and the ever-trusty blue tape seal, so I was greeted by a floor of shattered glass and spilt honey—exactly the clean-up task you feel like at 3 am in rolling seas.
Deck: The bridge team is responsible for driving the boat, and the deck crew are responsible for exterior upkeep and watchkeeper duties on the bridge, especially during low-visibility night shifts. The deck crew used this time to wash down the salty layer brought on daily by the ocean and complete smaller tasks they didn’t get to in the season. A three-shift rotation keeps someone on watch 24/7, with the captain, chief mate, and the second officer taking four-hour blocks (ie, the Captain is usually on watch from 8 am – 12 pm and 8 pm – 12 am). This keeps the bridge team alert and ensures safety, even during challenging stretches.
Engineering: Engineers work similar shifts to the bridge crew, ensuring someone is always monitoring the ECR (Engine Control Room). They monitor engine performance and temperatures and conduct regular checks while the yacht’s machinery is constantly used.
Galley: The chef keeps the crew well-fed while using downtime to prep and deep-clean the galley. With everyone eating a bit more out of boredom, supplies can run low, so they get creative as the days go on. And if rough weather hits, the galley can turn chaotic—so always check on the chef! I’ve seen a chef endure a few hard days after a rogue wave sent a pot of hot oil flying, so be on your toes when the seas get rolly!
How to Keep Motivated During a Crossing
I chatted with a few experienced Heads of Departments, all veterans of multiple Atlantic crossings (some with over ten under their belts!). They shared their thoughts on what they love about crossings, what challenges they face, and, most importantly, how they keep the crew motivated. One thing stood out: they would gladly do another crossing despite the challenges. For them, the unique adventure and the memories are worth every moment. Here’s what they said, and their advice on how to make the most of it:
The Best Parts of Crossing the Atlantic
- The Views: Picture the most stunning sunrises and sunsets you’ll ever see, and they are entirely rent-free. The endless ocean and sky put on a show like no other.
- Quality Time with the Crew: This is where crew truly become family. Spending all that time together creates bonds that last a lifetime.
- Whale and Dolphin Sightings: The excitement of hearing “Dolphins on the bow!” over the radio just never gets old. It’s pure magic every time.
- Swim Breaks: Nothing quite matches the thrill of plunging into the deep ocean, mid-Atlantic. It’s both exhilarating and just a bit nerve-wracking—an experience you won’t soon forget.
- The Overall Adventure: Crossing the Atlantic is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. How many people can say they’ve done it? Not many!
- Getting Fit: There’s something about the rhythm of daily sunset yoga and maybe even sneaking in a session on the guest Peloton.
The Toughest Parts of Crossing the Atlantic
- Bad Weather: Nothing can dampen the mood quite like rough seas. Even the toughest of stomachs can struggle in 6-7m swells, and when half the crew is down with seasickness, keeping the yacht in charter-ready condition and crew morale high becomes a real challenge.
- Provisioning Before Departure: The balance of stocking up enough supplies to keep everyone happy and within budget can be a nightmare of sorts. You worry if you’ve got enough to keep everyone fueled and motivated all the way across, and there’s no turning back once you’re out there.
- Unreliable Internet: This has changed since Starlink became more widespread and used, but even with Starlink, connections can be spotty or go out entirely, making it tough to stay in touch with loved ones.
- Unpredictable Shore Leave: Not knowing exactly when you’ll be able to step ashore can be mentally tough. With so many unpredictable factors, sometimes you just have to dig deep, stay strong, and play a strong mental game.
Ideas to Keep Crew Motivated:
- Plan an Events Calendar: This gives everyone something to look forward to and helps keep spirits high! Schedule fun activities like movie nights, board games, fishing, murder mysteries, cooking classes, or workouts. It’s an excellent way for crew members to stay sharp with any extra skills they may need for guests on the other side, plus it sparks fresh conversation in the crew mess (which can be a bit limited after days at sea). One of my favourite memories was when we set up “Boat Bingo” for the whole team—a hit that kept everyone entertained and bonded!
- Mid-Crossing Swim Stops: Nothing beats the excitement of knowing the captain will pause the journey for a swim! Jumping into the open ocean is an incredible refresher—sunshine, cool water, and the chance to shake off the routine. Once, we even had a “Crew Olympics” mid-Atlantic with swim races, SUP races (surprisingly tough on those waves!), and backflips. It was a day of flat, perfect water, and while it’s not always possible, it’s a crossing highlight when it is.
- Interdepartmental Training: Swapping duties between departments for a day is a big morale booster and an eye-opener! Maybe the interior team joins in for a deck washdown, while deck assists with service training. It’s fun to mix up the routine and build respect and understanding across departments. It’s teamwork at its finest!
- Al Fresco Dinners: Weather permitting, an outdoor dinner is a huge crew favourite. Whether it’s a casual picnic with snacks or a fully set table, these dinners make for a special evening under the stars and offer a perfect chance for the interior team to practice their table service skills.
- Flexible Hours (for Non-Watchkeeping Crew): Adjusting the schedule slightly can be a huge mood booster. If it’s a gorgeous sunny day, consider letting the crew work fewer hours to enjoy some sun or call home, and they can make up the time on a rainy day. You could even extend lunch breaks (hello, extra tanning time) or finish shifts a little earlier—it’s all about balance, and these minor adjustments go a long way in keeping morale high.
So, if you’re about to embark on an Atlantic crossing – whether you’re an experienced crew member or a first-timer – get excited! It’s an adventure that will challenge, teach, and leave you with unforgettable stories. After all, how many people can say they’ve braved the endless open waters and watched dolphins jumping in the wake with no one else around to see? Wishing you safe travels, we’d love to hear your experiences and stories from your crossings!
By: Chloe Leo
Originally from South Africa, Chloe began her yachting career in 2018 after completing her university education and obtaining her degrees in Economics, and Human Kinetics and Ergonomics (Hons). After six adventurous years at sea, she has traded sea for land, now calling the beautiful island of Mallorca home.
Chloe now works for TYS Recruitment as a recruitment agent, and her passion for the industry and excellent people skills shine through in all her interactions and create a perfect blend of professionalism and relatability. Beyond work, Chloe loves outdoor activities, especially golf and cycling, and although she has hung up her stewardess badge, she still enjoys travelling the world whenever she can.