+70 years, and a world tour on an Astréa 42 | Webcasts

On the occasion of the Nautic de Paris which took place this December 2022, Fountaine Pajot received Michel and Minouche, a couple who own an Astréa 42 who are in the process of realizing their dream: to sail around the world in 4 years.

After 2 years of sailing, and halfway through their journey, these two courageous septuagenarians share their adventures aboard their catamaran with us in this new podcast.

On the program: Encounter with whales, volcano, and tips for choosing the right boat!

More info on Minouche and Michel’s adventure on their blog: voile-aventure-monde.com

CROSSING THE ATLANTIC, A CRUISE RESERVED FOR INSIDERS?

Carrying out a transatlantic sailboat is often considered an adventure exclusively reserved for the most initiated among us. However, with the increase in crossings of the Atlantic on board cruising catamarans, this experience seems to be attracting more and more followers, although it may seem intimidating at first. Doing a transatlantic, like crossing the Pacific or the Indian Ocean, can however be a very fascinating and enriching experience for travelers, even for novices. Especially since the means of navigation and the catamarans have evolved a lot in recent years, making the crossings more accessible and safe, as well as the sharing of experience on social networks, facilitating its preparation.

Unlike a more traditional cruise, crossing the Atlantic commits skippers and their passengers to a minimum adventure of several weeks. This offers travelers the opportunity to live an immersive and engaging experience, the time to fully enjoy the marine qualities of their boat and the living spaces on board. And it is in this area that sailing catamarans excel. With their two hulls, the catamarans offer unparalleled navigational stability, a very useful comfort both for the skippers, but also for the passengers who can go about their business as well as at anchor.

They also offer spacious living areas, to respect everyone’s privacy, but also to spend convivial moments in the saloon, the aft cockpit, or even the flybridge depending on the version. Crossing the Atlantic is also an opportunity to make stops in exceptional places just waiting to be explored! We are of course thinking of the Canary Islands and Cape Verde, archipelagos lost in the ocean, with a temperate climate and still well preserved. A great opportunity to reconnect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the ocean.

If crossing the Atlantic is a project that interests you, but you are still hesitant, note that there are organised transatlantic crossings, to accompany you in this adventure in complete safety, such as the “Rally of the Islands of the Sun”! The Rally of the Sun Islands is a regatta that takes place from France, towards Guadeloupe in the Caribbean , with stages in the Canary Islands and Cape Verde. It is a pleasure rally organised for cruising sailboats , recognised for its conviviality and its spirit of camaraderie; participants come from all over the world, with varying levels of skill and experience.

A few tips for preparing for a transatlantic (because yes, you can prepare!):

  • Planning: Planning is the key to a successful crossing. It is important to plan your route, consider weather conditions , winds and currents, plan your fuel and food supply, and make sure your boat is in good working order.
  • Preparation: Proper preparation is also crucial. You need to train physically and mentally, familiarize yourself with sea safety procedures , test your equipment and make sure everything is in working order before you set out.
  • Crew: If you are sailing as a crew, make sure that each member of the crew is qualified and competent, and that everyone is fully aware of their role on board before the big departure.
  • Safety : Safety is paramount at sea . Make sure your boat is equipped with all the necessary safety equipment, such as life jackets, life rafts, beacons and communication equipment.
  • Knowledge of the sea: Knowledge of the sea is also important. Make sure you are familiar with the navigation rules, communication procedures and weather conditions of the region in which you are sailing.
  • Flexibility: Finally, be flexible and ready for whatever the sea throws at you. Weather conditions can change quickly at sea, and you may need to alter your route or plan accordingly.

Originally published on www.catamarans-fountaine-pajot.com

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