Editorial note: This article first appeared in the author’s personal blog in February 2023. The text has been revised and updated.

Our dream of crossing the Atlantic had been years in the making, ever since we bought our yacht, The Dream, and moved aboard. In early 2023, that dream became a reality as we set sail from Cape Verde to Brazil.

This journey wasn’t just another long passage; it was a challenging route driven by three distinct wind patterns: the northern hemisphere trade winds, the doldrums, and the southern hemisphere trade winds. Each wind phase brought its own set of challenges and risks.

We knew this voyage wouldn’t necessarily be easy or pleasant. The likelihood of encountering problems was high, but we believed that thorough preparation and risk mitigation were key to overcoming any issues that arose. As we reflected on our experience, we realized that the challenges we faced could be categorized into three main areas: fatigue, equipment failure, and weather forecasting. In this article, we’ll share our personal experiences and the lessons we learned in each of these crucial areas.

1. Dealing with personal fatigue

Fatigue quickly emerged as our top-ranking challenge, as both crew fatigue and equipment wear-and-tear posed significant risks to our journey.

Managing sleep patterns and watch schedules

Over our years of sailing, we’ve learned that John and I have different sleep patterns. I can easily fall asleep at any time of the day, while John struggles with sleeping during strange schedules. We’ve spent years trying to find a balance that works for us. For this crossing, we settled on a flexible watch schedule that allowed me to take more night watches while John handled more daytime duties.

On our third night out, I remember taking over the watch from John at 2 AM. He looked exhausted, having struggled to nap earlier. I insisted he get some rest, even if it meant I’d be on watch a bit longer. It’s crucial to recognize when your partner is pushing their limits and step in to help.

Choosing a conservative sailing approach

To mitigate fatigue-related risks, we made a conscious decision to sail conservatively. We primarily used only the jib and kept the mainsail reefed when in use. This approach reduced strain on the rigging and made sail handling easier when we were tired and sleep-deprived. At first, John was frustrated by our slower speed. But after a particularly rough night with strong winds, he appreciated our decision. Handling the jib alone was much easier in our sleep-deprived state, and we felt more confident in our ability to respond to changing conditions.

The Sargassum Incident

Perhaps our most vivid lesson in fatigue induced errors came a few days into our journey. We started experiencing problems with our wind pilot’s steering, but in our exhausted state, we initially blamed it on our lack of skill in trimming the sails. It wasn’t until later that we realized the real culprit: massive clumps of Sargassum seaweed wrapped around the wind pilot’s rudder, our keel, and our sail drive.

Looking back, I’m amazed at how our tired minds missed such obvious signs. Our boat speed had dropped significantly, and the pressure on the rudder was immense. If we had been more alert, we could have identified and solved the problem much sooner. It was a stark reminder of how fatigue can cloud our judgment at sea.

Tips for managing fatigue on passage

1. Establish a watch schedule that plays to each crew member’s strengths and natural rhythms.

2. Don’t hesitate to adjust your sailing strategy to make things easier when fatigue sets in.

3. Regularly check all systems, even if everything seems fine. Fatigue can make you miss important cues.

4. Prioritize rest. If conditions allow, take short naps whenever possible.

5. Maintain good communication with your crew about energy levels and potential signs of fatigue.

2. Being prepared for equipment failure

Crossing an ocean puts immense strain on a boat and its systems. We knew that equipment failure was not just possible, but probable. Our approach was to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.

Backup systems and spare parts

We focused on having alternatives and options for our main systems and points of concern. This included emergency communication equipment, backup steering options, multiple power sources, and redundant safety gear. It’s impossible to prepare for every scenario, but having multiple options for critical systems gave us peace of mind. The challenge was finding the balance between bringing enough spares and not overloading the boat.

Our backup systems included:

– Communications: Emergency VHF antenna, two portable VHF radios, and satellite communications.

– Steering: Dyneema cable to jury rig steering, wind pilot with dedicated rudder, and a spare autopilot.

– Power: Main engine, solar panels, and a portable generator.

– 12V system: Large main battery bank and a substantial starter battery.

– 240V system: 12V battery bank and portable generator.

– Safety: Two life rafts, EPIRB, PLB, and satellite communications.

The BMS Malfunction Incident

Despite our preparations, we faced an unexpected failure within the first 24 hours of our journey. Our Battery Management System (BMS) malfunctioned, shutting down the inverter and cutting off our access to 240V power. 

I remember the moment we realized we had lost 240V power. It was a gut-wrenching feeling. We had to quickly assess our situation: Was there a risk to life? No. Was it a deal-breaker for the journey? No. Could we turn back to repair it? Given the conditions, that wasn’t a viable option. Did we have a backup plan? Yes, thankfully.

Adapting to the situation

Losing 240V power meant we couldn’t use our electric cooking appliances or make hot drinks easily. However, we had prepared enough food to last 8-11 days, most of which could be eaten at room temperature. We also had our BBQ and a portable generator as backup options. The loss of our creature comforts was a blow to morale, especially in the beginning. But it also made us appreciate the importance of our backup systems. Running the generator on calmer days to heat food and charge devices became a morale-boosting ritual.

Lessons learned in managing equipment failure

1. Prioritize redundancy for critical systems.

2. Familiarize yourself with all backup systems before setting sail.

3. Have a decision-making framework for when failures occur.

4. Be prepared to sacrifice comfort for safety and continuity of the journey.

5. Regular maintenance and checks can prevent many failures, but not all – always have a Plan B.

3. Getting reliable weather forecast information offshore

In today’s world of advanced technology, getting weather forecasts at sea is no longer the “dark art” it once was. However, it still requires careful planning and the right equipment.

Satellite communications

We opted for the IridiumGO via PredictWind for our weather forecasting needs. While expensive, we found the service reliability and support team to be excellent. The cost of the IridiumGO service made us think twice, but having reliable weather data while crossing an ocean is priceless. It gave us the confidence to make informed decisions about our route and sailing strategy.

Combining weather models

Throughout our 10-day journey, we discovered that combining two specific weather models gave us the most accurate picture: the PWG model for Wind and Gusts, and the PWE model for CAPE (Convective Available Potential Energy) and rain. It was fascinating to see how different models excelled in different areas. By the third day, we had a good feel for which model to trust for what information. This combination was spot-on for 9 out of our 10 days at sea.

Using weather data effectively

Having access to weather data is one thing; using it effectively is another. We developed a routine of downloading forecasts twice daily and using the information to plan our sailing strategy.

One afternoon, the forecast showed a line of squalls approaching. We were able to adjust our course slightly and reduce sail well in advance. When the squalls hit, we were prepared and rode them out comfortably. Without that forecast, it could have been a much more stressful experience.

Tips for weather forecasting at sea

1. Invest in a reliable satellite communication system.

2. Familiarize yourself with different weather models and their strengths.

3. Develop a routine for checking and interpreting weather data.

4. Use weather forecasts in conjunction with your own observations.

5. Be prepared to adjust your plans based on upcoming weather patterns.

Reflecting on our experience

Our Atlantic crossing was a testament to the importance of preparation, adaptability, and respect for the sea. We faced challenges in managing fatigue, dealing with equipment failures, and interpreting weather data. Each of these aspects played a crucial role in our journey.

The experience taught us that crossing an ocean is not just about having a sturdy boat and good sailing skills. It’s about understanding your limits, being prepared for the unexpected, and making informed decisions based on the best available information.

As we reflect on our adventure, we’re grateful for the lessons learned and the memories created. For anyone contemplating a similar journey, remember: prepare thoroughly, stay vigilant, and always respect the power of the ocean. With the right mindset and preparation, crossing an ocean can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.