Experiences

First Atlantic crossing for World Odyssey 500 participants

First Atlantic crossing for participants in the Grand Large Yachting World Odyssey 500. The Allures owners talk about their experience: a transatlantic race that was tougher than expected, rich in emotions, learning and confidence gained at sea.

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A transatlantic race forty years in the making

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For many of the crews involved in the Grand Large Yachting World Odyssey 500, this first Atlantic crossing was a founding moment. " We'd been dreaming of doing the Transat for almost forty years," says one sailor, moved to have finally realized this long-standing project. Twenty-one days at sea, far from any coastline, represented an unprecedented experience. "It's really a time we've never experienced before, alone on a boat for so long." These are the stories of the Allures owners, who emotionally share their experiences and learnings aboard their blue water cruising aluminum sailboat.

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"We'd been dreaming of doing the Transat for almost forty years," says one sailor, thrilled to have finally made this long-standing project a reality.

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Tougher conditions than expected

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The image of a gentle transatlantic race under trade winds, warmth and swimming was quickly disproved. After a few days of flat calm, the crews had to contend with sustained cross seas. Weather systems forced them to lengthen the route via Cape Verde, adding almost 400 miles to the initial course.

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"It wasn't the quiet transatlantic race we're sometimes told. But it was a rich experience, which taught us to adapt."

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Letting go and finding your own rhythm

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As the days went by, the sailors had to come to terms with a new temporality. "You start by telling yourself six days... then nine, then fifteen... and eventually time flows differently." This crossing was also an intimate ordeal for some: leaving behind children and grandchildren, accepting uncertainty, and above all learning to trust.
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"To sail around the world, you have to let go of a lot of things. The sea teaches us this path to trust."

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Diverse crews, a shared experience

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Some sailed as a couple, faithful to their balanced life at sea, while others took on board friends and family. "Our crew was a bit of a motley crew: a mountain man who had hardly ever sailed, an experienced sailor who was new to transatlantic sailing... and yet, it all worked out really well." Ashore, families meet up with the crews, sharing Christmas or festive stopovers, while at sea the crossing remains a two-person affair, or a small, close-knit group.

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"Our crew was a bit of a motley crew: a mountain man who had hardly ever sailed, an experienced sailor but a transatlantic novice... and yet everything worked out really well."

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Discovering solitude at sea

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In the middle of the ocean, a singular feeling sets in: that of being truly alone. "When, after days, you finally see a boat appear on the AIS screen, it's almost like a child's joy. And when you see it for real, even in the distance, it's even greater."

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Sailboat reliability, a precious ally

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All emphasize the importance of the boat in this experience. "We were blown away by the boat's reliability and comfort, even in rough seas"
The trimming and route choices, which at times involved trial and error, enabled us to better understand the yacht's capabilities and optimize navigation.

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"We were blown away by the reliability and comfort, even in rough seas."

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A key stage in a round-the-world trip

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This first transatlantic race, with its unforeseen events and lessons learned, marks a founding stage of the Grand Large Yachting World Odyssey 500.
Beyond the technical challenge and the miles covered, it is a human adventure that is being written, between confidence, solidarity and wonder - carried by the passionate testimonies of the Allures owners.

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