The Atlantic Ocean: Sail from Antigua to Portsmouth
£5999 16th January - 19th February 2027
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Be part of the team crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a 72ft Ocean Sailing Yacht
- Sail across the Atlantic ocean
- 3500nm of Ocean Experience Gained
- Crew a Challenger 72 - a tried and tested ocean going yacht
- Highly experienced Skipper and Mate
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Deep Sea Challenge, blue water mile-builder
The voyage from Portsmouth to the Canaries exceeded my expectations in so many ways. It was a great blue water mile-builder and a first class preparation for Trade Winds sailing . I'd recommend it to anyone considering an ocean passage especially the ARC. A tremendous experience in every way.
Ian J
Verified Customer
Sailing West-East across the Atlantic is a mighty and rewarding challenge that furnishes a sailor's logbook for a lifetime. This complete Ocean experience will see you depart from the Caribbean Island of Antigua in mid-January and arriving on the South Coast of the UK around a month later, potentially via the Azores depending on the weather situation.
This incredible passage will be aboard the tried and tested Challenger 72s which have many hundreds of thousands of ocean going miles under their belts. Made from steel with a towering aluminium mast this yacht is equipped with all necessary safety equipment and will be your home for the trip. Such a vessel will be provided with a highly experienced Skipper, Mate & Watch Leaders.
5.0 based on 496 Happy Customers on Tripadvisor
RYA-certified sailing courses
5.0 based on 220 Happy Customers on Google Reviews
More Info on the Sail from Antigua to Portsmouth
Iconic Challenger 72 Yacht: You will be on a Challenger 72. Challenger 72 yachts are tried and tested and a great boat to be on for an adventure like this. They were built to sail around the world - a feat they have accomplished twice. They have sailed across the Atlantic many times. They are well suited to the North Atlantic ocean in January and February.
Experienced Skipper and Mate: On board will be a professional and extremely experienced skipper and mate with many miles of ocean sailing under their belts.
They also know the Challenger 72 yacht very well. They will be assisted by two watch leaders.
Training Weekend: There will be a training weekend in the UK in the Autumn of 2026. this will be an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the boat plus meet you skipper and fellow crew mates.
Key Trip Details
Here’s a breakdown of the most important information about the The Atlantic Ocean: Sail from Antigua to Portsmouth:
Experience Gained
- Ocean passage making
- Watch keeping
- Ocean navigation
- Significant helming time
Duration & Milage
- 35 Days
- 3500+ nm
The Yacht
- 72ft Steel Sloop
- Safe, stable & fast
- Experienced Skipper & Mate
Experience Required
- Sea time of a week or over
- Experience of an overnight passage
- Chat to one of the team to find out more
Book the West-East Atlantic Crossing in 3 Easy Steps
Our experienced team are here to assist you in planning your Ocean Crossing
Speak to the Team
If you think the Atlantic Crossing is for you please get in touch to talk to one of the team to ask any questions you may have.
Payment Plan
Once you've spoken to one of the team and your experience has been verified you can book. You can pay in full or with a deposit to secure your berth. More details in the price and travel section.
Become an Ocean conquering sailor
Meet the team at UK based training weekend in the Autumn of 2026. Pack your bags for Antigua and set sail across the Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean: Sail from Antigua to Portsmouth
The dates are: 16 January - 19 February 2027
Joining the yacht in Antigua on 16th January you will head north to get away from the easterly trade winds and into the more favourable westerlies. Whilst not guaranteed it is possible you will have a brief stop in the Azores. You will likely be tested on this trip but the sense of satisfaction when you get to the UK will be huge!
You can expect to get around 3500+ miles in your log book.
To get a good idea of what the trip might be like have a look at these blogs from the crossing we did in Jan/Feb 2019
The Boat
The Yacht was built to sail around the world. A feat it has achieved twice in the BT Global Challenge Race. She is a very safe and solid yacht, spacious and comfy; well suited to sailing in the Atlantic. She meets all MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) safety Category 0 (the highest level) Coding requirements.
There will be a professional skipper and mate aboard who will ensure your safety, give as much instruction/training/coaching as needed to enable the crew all come together to sail the boat as a team and for you to achieve your goals. You will take an active role in helping sail and run the boat.
The accommodation is arranged towards the stern of the boat in 2 areas comfy bunks. There is good refrigeration on board and a water maker so plenty of showers will be available.
Dates
- Autumn 2026 - Training Weekend from, Portsmouth, UK. Dates TBC
- 16th January 2027 - Join the yacht in Antigua
- 19th February 2027 - Depart the Yacht from Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, UK
Price and Travel
The price is £5999.
This can be paid in full or in three instalments. To discuss payment plans please contact the office
- Deposit: £1999 at the time of booking
- Interim: £2000 TBC
- Balance: £2000 TBC
Included within the price...
- All food on board
- Mooring fees
- Custom entry fees and insurance*
- Foul weather gear
Not included
- Travel to and from the yacht
Travel
There are direct flights to Antigua plus connecting flights from other parts of the Caribbean and Miami.
Travel from the yacht in Portsmouth is easy enough. Portsmouth Harbour Railway station is a 5 minute walk from the boat and less than 2 hours on from London.
The nearest airports are Southampton, Gatwick and Heathrow.
We're Here To Help!
If you have any questions about these adventures, or queries about travel arrangements, please use email us at info@firstclasssailing or call the office on 023 8001 1077 and we'll get back to you as soon as possible, if not sooner!
*Insurance will normally be provided FOC however excesses may be required in rare circumstances following submission of details to the brokers.
Other Legs of this Voyage including some Caribbean cruising
This trip is part of a bigger Atlantic circuit that will have seen the boat leave the UK in October 2026 to sail to the Canaries. From the Canaries she sails across the Atlantic in the ARC Rally to St Lucia. Once in the Caribbean there will be a 7 day and a 10 day cruise before this trip back to the UK.
For more details on these other legs have a look here:
Here is a link for the UK to Canaries leg. The dates are 31 October - 15 November 2026
Here is a link to details of the ARC. This is a rally (with a racing element to it) from Gran Canaria to St Lucia. The dates are 19 November to 13 December 2026
What Sailors Say About Us
5.0 based on 577 Happy Customers On Tripadvisor 
5.0 based on 337 Happy Customers On Google Reviews
Well organised
The whole process is very well organised and communication before the course for preparation is excellent. I had an excellent instructor called Alistair, he had an encyclopaedic knowledge and passion for sailing that conveyed itself in a sensitive and informative teaching style. This style embraced the methods, disciplines, safety and fun of all things sailing; until I felt comfortable and able to do them all with confidence and comfort.
Having done my Day Skipper Practical Powerboat in the past, I had something to compare it to, and considering the extra elements involved in the Sailing version, found it impossible to fault.
Vacation1781
Verified Customer
Safety Top Priority
Great boat, great fellow students, exemplary skipper, good food, with safety at the top of priorities. Can’t recommend highly enough.
Cooney V
Verified Customer
Highly recommended
My Day Skipper course was excellent- the instructor gave 200% - the Solent was definitely the place to learn if you want to improve your sailing , and First Class sailing were a brilliant company and made it easy from the first phone-call . I did my VHF course with them as well which was also good
Lindsay B
Verified Customer
Not Sure Where to Start?
Use our guides to determine your level and find suitable courses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Need more info? Look no further.
Ready to sail across the North Atlantic?
Sail across the Atlantic on a 35 day trip.
- Build your experience - sail around 3500nm
- Possibly stop over in the Azores
- Highly seaworthy Challenger 72
First Class customer experience
I’ve done a few practical and shore based courses with First Class and can honestly say they are just that. The instructor’s are always top notch and you pick up on many tips and nuances of sailing outside the formal syllabus. Boats always very well equipped and everything works as it should. Booking process and pre event arrangements always detailed and straightforward.
Dave S
Verified Customer
Ready to sail across the North Atlantic?
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