Offshore Adventures – Atlantic Mile Building Voyages

Part of our Mile Building Sailing Trips series.

Take on an Atlantic passage – the ultimate mile-building experience.

Three Epic Voyages – One Atlantic Adventure

Our Offshore Adventures form part of our wider Atlantic Circuit. Sail from Portsmouth to the Canary Islands, join the famous ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) from the Canaries to St Lucia, or make the return voyage from Antigua back to Portsmouth. Each leg is a unique bluewater experience that builds offshore skill, miles and confidence.

These voyages are for sailors ready to go beyond coastal waters – to feel the rhythm of life at sea, build endurance and achieve the sailing milestones that make a true ocean sailor.

Teamwork, endurance and adventure – the essence of ocean sailing.

Leg 1 – Portsmouth to the Canary Islands

The voyages begin with a 1,200-nautical-mile passage from Portsmouth to the Canary Islands. This is an exciting offshore route, often via Cascais in Portugal, offering mixed conditions from the Channel and the Bay of Biscay to the Portuguese coast. It’s a perfect way to gain extended offshore experience while heading for warmer latitudes.

Expect a mix of night sailing, variable weather systems, and rewarding landfalls – a fantastic introduction to long-distance cruising life. Read more about this voyage here.

Departure from Portsmouth – the start of a long blue water journey south.

Leg 2 – The ARC: Canaries to St Lucia

This is the famous Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) – a unique blend of sailing challenge, camaraderie and celebration. Over 2,700 nautical miles, you’ll sail with hundreds of boats from Las Palmas to St Lucia, enjoying the steady north-easterly trade winds and a friendly racing atmosphere. It’s an iconic voyage that combines serious ocean experience with the fun and team spirit of a major sailing event.

Discover more about our ARC voyage here.

The ARC fleet sets off from Las Palmas – an unforgettable moment in ocean sailing.

Leg 3 – Antigua to Portsmouth

The final stage of the Atlantic Circuit brings you home across the North Atlantic. This 3,000-nautical-mile voyage from Antigua to Portsmouth is a true test of seamanship, leadership and weather judgment. Expect changing systems, cooler conditions and long days of open-ocean sailing as you near the UK. It’s the perfect voyage for those aiming to look for some serious ocean sailing or simply seeking a life-changing challenge.

Learn more about this voyage here.

Teamwork and seamanship on the Atlantic return from Antigua.

Life at Sea

Each day follows the rhythm of ocean life: standing watch, helming, navigating, cooking and sharing laughs with your crew. You’ll experience teamwork, solitude and the awe of being hundreds of miles from land. With a professional skipper and mate onboard, you’ll learn by doing and gain confidence that only true offshore sailing can deliver.

Night watches at sea – quiet focus and unforgettable skies.

Opportunities to Helm

On each leg, everyone will need to get involved.  You will be fully immersed in everything on board.  From cooking and cleaning to lots of helming and trimming/handling sails.

Take the Helm and sail across the Atlantic

Skills You’ll Develop

• Ocean navigation and weather routing
• Watchkeeping and night sailing
• Heavy-weather tactics and sail management
• Electronic navigation plus the opportunity to have a go with a sextant
• Endurance, confidence and teamwork at sea

Why Choose an Offshore Adventure

• Log thousands of miles in true bluewater conditions
• Professional skipper and structured learning environment
• Ideal preparation for Yachtmaster Offshore or Ocean
• Experience three distinct ocean passages within the Atlantic Circuit
• Adventure, camaraderie and a lifelong sense of achievement

Landfall in St Lucia – an unforgettable moment for every sailor.

Book Your Offshore Adventure

Join one leg or sail the entire Atlantic Circuit. Whether heading south to the Canaries, crossing the Atlantic with the ARC, or returning from the Caribbean, you’ll gain miles, experience and memories that will last a lifetime.

View Mile Building Sailing Trips or email [email protected] to reserve your berth.

Love ocean sailing? You might also enjoy our shorter Weekend Channel Hops, coastal Dorset Jurassic Coast Cruises, week-long Channel Triangle Trips, or northern Norway Sailing Expeditions. Learn more in our main guide to Mile Building Sailing Trips.

Posted by: First Class Sailing