Atlantic: Fast Way Home!

Of course, this method also has its drawbacks. Regardless, if you are going to cross the Atlantic from the conditional USA to Europe. Such a journey is rightfully considered something like a real epic!

Harsh Atlantic

The "short" way home was known a thousand years ago - the path was paved by the Vikings. Thanks to this path, you can go from tropical Florida or New York to the Atlantic coasts of Europe in less than a week!

This is not to say that this is an easy option. Traveling in northern latitudes in the Atlantic requires serious preparation. On the way, you will encounter difficult sections with severe weather and a lot of ice.

The hero of today's material is Albert Dukhau. He decided to repeat the legendary route in the summer. He took his Hylas 63 Shaima and sailed from Florida to the Mediterranean. 

He began his journey north along the east coast of the United States. Then he went to the North Atlantic, and then - passed through Newfoundland. Newfoundland was followed by Greenland and Iceland and then south to Europe via the Faroe Islands. 

Through Newfoundland to southern Greenland

Albert headed through Newfoundland to southern Greenland. In July, when Albert began his journey, the high pressure is usually concentrated southwest / west of the Azores.

Weak highs were over Greenland, and low pressure was generally over northeastern Canada and near Iceland.

North of the Azores uplands, westerly / southwesterly winds prevail for most of the route to Iceland. The wind is usually stronger in the south and weaker in the north. 

Why exactly July was chosen to start the trip? July offers the least chance of storms in this region.

Greenland to Iceland

It is in this region that the northeast wind most often rages off Cape Fairwell in Greenland. If the high pressure in Greenland is stronger than usual, beware of northeasterly winds along the southern coast of Greenland at 25-30 knots.

Also be prepared for tough conditions in the east towards Iceland. If south of the rumba there is still a greater likelihood of stronger westerly / southwesterly winds, while the northern route is more likely to meet northeast / easterly headwinds.

Around Iceland and the Faroe Islands

Passage near Iceland in late July and early August is the optimal time with the least threat of storms. But you may have to wait out the strong wind for a day or two. This way you will be able to "slip" without significant complications.

The most severe weather is associated with a drop in pressure. It goes west, northwest, or west. This means that the strongest winds are southwest, west and northwest.

How to avoid storms

Albert Dukhau spoke with experienced meteorologists before traveling across the North Atlantic. He knew that travel was possible in good conditions, but he wanted to know a different opinion about the time.

Studies have shown that the quietest weather in the region always occurs from mid-July to 10 August. However, good conditions can persist even from the end of June to the end of August. The further north you go, the earlier autumn begins. Therefore, it is generally recommended to turn south by the second half of August.

Dukhau also contacted the renowned High Latitude Support Expedition for assistance with ice routes between Newfoundland and Iceland. Founder and experienced pilot Magnus Day joined the crew on this part of the cruise.

"Ice" jams

“Ice is possible anywhere. From Nova Scotia to the Cape of Farewell, ”warns Day. "Any ice should be considered hazardous to small craft."

Ice maps are available from the Canadian Ice Service and the Danish Maritime Administration. They are useful as a guide, but cannot be relied upon. Radar is also a useful tool, but under certain conditions it may not pick up even large chunks of ice.

Ice in the Labrador Sea is generally thicker along the coast of Newfoundland and Greenland. Commanders' Weather recommends heading due east until about 45 ° W, then heading north.

Magnus Day generally agrees. "A wise tactic to reduce the likelihood of colliding with ice is to head straight from the shore until you are outside the recorded ice zone."

Magnus jokes that it's best to go by car if the wind is light.

23.10.2021