The Atlantic Ocean, named after the titan Atlas from Greek mythology, has been studied and mastered more than any other ocean. It is the second-largest ocean after the Pacific, and its coastline is deeply indented, forming numerous seas and bays, particularly in the northern part. It has been called various names throughout history, including “The Sea behind the Pillars of Hercules,” “Atlantic,” “Western Ocean,” and “Sea of Darkness.” However, the name “Atlantic Ocean” was established in geography after it first appeared on Wald-Semüller’s map in 1507.
The Atlantic Ocean’s total area of river basins flowing into it or its marginal seas is much larger than that of any other ocean. It also has a relatively small number of islands and a complex bottom topography due to underwater ridges and uplifts, forming several separate basins. The ocean spans almost all climatic zones, and the northern half of the ocean is warmer than the southern half, with temperature differences of up to 6 °C. The average surface water temperature is 16.5°C, which is slightly lower than in the Pacific Ocean.
Yachting in the Atlantic Ocean is an experience that ranges from mild tropical islands to serious ocean yachting, depending on the region. In this guide, we provide information on the various regions for yachting in the Atlantic Ocean, including yacht bases for renting yachts and catamarans.
Yachting in Portugal
Portugal is situated in southwestern Europe, in the western part of the Iberian Peninsula, and is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south. For yacht charter, there are several bases in Portugal, including Cascais and Lisbon on the west coast and Lagos, Portman, and Vilamoura on the south coast.
However, yachting in Portugal is recommended for experienced yachtsmen due to its high level of difficulty. The west coast harbors are equipped with marinas, but there are few opportunities to anchor, and the weather forecast needs constant monitoring. During adverse weather conditions, many marinas close their entrance. The south coast of the Algarve is a preferred region for yachting, with moderate northerly winds and more opportunities for anchorage in estuaries.
The season for yachting in Portugal is subtropical, with a cooling effect from the Atlantic Ocean and the cold Canary Current. In summer, the average air temperature is +23°C, and the water temperature is +21°C. The best time for yachting in Portugal is from July to September, although the climate is mild throughout the year. However, weather conditions are less stable during other seasons. In the summer, the prevailing winds on the south coast are north winds of 20-25 knots, while the winds are extremely changeable in the east under the influence of the Strait of Gibraltar.
Guide to Yachting in the Atlantic Ocean: The Azores
The Azores are an archipelago of volcanic origin, covering an area of over 600 km², located in the Atlantic Ocean and 1500 km from mainland Portugal. They are the westernmost point in Europe.
Yacht bases for yacht charters in the Azores are located on the following islands: Ponta Delgada on East San Miguel Island, Angra do Heroismo on Terceira Central Island and Porto da Velas Terminal on Sao Jorge Central Island.
Yachting in the Azores is recommended only for experienced yachtsmen due to the high level of difficulty. The tidal water area experiences a tide amplitude of 1.5 meters and ocean currents with a current speed of 0.5 knots. However, the yachting infrastructure is well-developed, featuring good modern marinas and protected anchorages on the islands, making it an ideal place for training beginner ocean explorers. In May and June, yachts arrive in the Azores, making transatlantic crossings.
The yachting season in the Azores is almost year-round and is most favorable from June to October when water and air temperatures warm up to around +23-24°C. From September to April, there are intermittent rains and fog, and the weather conditions are extremely unstable.
The Azores region is under the influence of the Azores anticyclone, and the prevailing wind direction is southwest.
Yachting in Madeira
Location of the region for yachting:
Madeira is an archipelago of volcanic origin, located in the Atlantic Ocean, 500 km from the African coast and 1000 km from the Iberian Peninsula.
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in Madeira:
Funchal – on the south coast of the island.
Features of yachting in Madeira:
The level of difficulty is moderate. Madeira provides quite favorable conditions for ocean yachting, with easy navigation along the south coast, small passages, and comfortable marinas and anchorages. However, there are no marinas or closed bays for parking along the northern coast. Yachts for rent are scarce, with most yachtsmen coming to Madeira to prepare for ocean crossings.
Season – Madeira has a mild subtropical climate, making it a year-round resort. Even in the coldest month, the temperature of water and air does not fall below +20. Rainfall occurs from November to February.
Winds – The prevailing NE wind ranges from 20-25 knots. Due to the influence of the Gulf Stream, the climate in Madeira is milder compared to the nearby Canary Islands, and the winds are moderate.
Yachting in the Canary Islands
Location of the region for yachting:
The Canary Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, 1500 km southwest of the coast of the Iberian Peninsula and 100 km from the coast of Africa, at the same latitude as Morocco and Western Sahara.
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in the Canary Islands:
Tenerife Island – Radazul, Santa Cruz, Las Galletes
Lanzarote Island – Arrecife
Gran Canaria – Las Palmas
Features of yachting in the Canary Islands:
High level of difficulty. Yachting in the Canary Islands is recommended for experienced yachtsmen. The area has tidal waters with a tide amplitude of up to 2 meters. The infrastructure is well developed with small, comfortable marinas, but there are few sheltered anchorages. There are quite long transitions between the islands, and ocean wave influence must be taken into account.
Season – mild climate and moderate temperatures all year round. The average annual air temperature is +19°C, and the water temperature is +20°C. The island is under the influence of increased atmospheric pressure throughout the year, which provides a large number of sunny days and little rainfall. It is relatively cool in January and February.
Winds – NE trade wind prevails at 20-25 knots, but they are extremely changeable in winter. Due to the relief, the islands create special zones of wind acceleration – in the straits between the islands, where the wind speed increases significantly. In the summer months, the harmattan wind comes from the African coast, bringing heat and sand from the Sahara.
Yachting in Cape Verde
Location of the region for yachting:
Cape Verde is an archipelago of volcanic origin located in the Atlantic Ocean, 400 miles from the African coast.
Yacht bases for yacht charter in Cape Verde:
Sao Vicente Island – Mindelo
Sal Island – Palmera
Features of yachting in Cape Verde:
High level of difficulty. Yachting on the islands of Cape Verde is recommended for experienced yachtsmen. The area is subject to tides, ocean swells, and difficult navigation due to a lack of natural harbors. The most developed tourist infrastructure is on the Sal Islands. The only marina is located on the island of San Vicente, while other islands have only anchorages.
Season:
Cape Verde has a mild tropical climate with an average annual air temperature of +25°C and water temperature of +24°C, and low rainfall. The most favorable period for yachting in Cape Verde is from November to March.
Winds:
Monsoons blow from August to October, while the remaining nine months have trade winds from the northeast blowing at 15-20 knots. In the summer, the harmattan wind comes, bringing with it the heat and sand of the Sahara.
Yachting in Brazil
Location of the region for yachting:
Brazil is located in South America, with most of the country lying in the Southern Hemisphere. The east coast is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Yacht bases for yacht charter in Brazil:
Costa Verde Coast – Angra dos Reis, Paraty
Features of yachting in Brazil:
Medium difficulty level. It’s a tidal water area with a tide amplitude of 1.2 meters. Yachting along the Costa Verde is uncomplicated, with relatively calm seas, no strong currents, or significant tidal changes. The yachting infrastructure is well-developed on the coast, with many comfortable marinas and sheltered anchorages. A lateral system B is applied where red lights and signs are on the right side, and green on the left.
The season has a tropical climate with little temperature difference and high humidity. The average annual air temperature is +24, and the water temperature is +21. The most favorable periods for yachting in Brazil are May-April and September-November, and it rains from November to March.
Winds – The east and northeast winds prevail, with light breezes from 10-15 knots. Usually, the wind starts to blow in the afternoon. Sometimes, an early morning northern sea wind of 15-20 knots can blow due to the difference in night and day temperatures.
Yachting in the United States
Location of the region for yachting:
The United States is situated in North America, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west.
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in the United States:
US South Coast, Florida – Fort Lauderdale
US East Coast – Annapolis
US Northeast Coast – Newport
Features of yachting in the United States:
Medium difficulty level. Excellent yachting infrastructure, easy navigation, comfortable marinas, small passages, many calm bays, islands, and sheltered anchorages. Lateral system B is applied – red lights and signs are placed on the right side, and green on the left. There are certain restrictions on the yacht charter for foreigners, and their skipper’s documents must undergo preliminary control and verification. However, the region of the Bahamas is an exception.
Season – temperate and mild climate. The average annual air temperature on the coast is around +24 during the day and +18 at night, thanks to the warm Gulf Stream. The most favorable period for yachting on the east coast of the United States is from late April to November.
Winds – The east coast of the United States is dominated by a moderate and stable northerly wind of 15-20 knots in summer, while on the south coast of Florida, an east and northeast wind of 10-15 knots prevails.
Yachting in the Bahamas
Location of the region for yachting:
The Bahamas are located in the western part of the Atlantic Ocean, near the American continent and at the latitude of the Northern Tropic. It is situated 100 km from the Florida peninsula.
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in the Bahamas:
Marsh Harbor – Abaco Island
Nassau – New Providence Island
Features of yachting in the Bahamas:
The level of difficulty is high. It is a tidal water area, with a tide amplitude of up to 1 meter. Yachting in the Bahamas can be challenging due to the presence of shallow waters, reefs, and coastal zones that change the depth. Although the nautical charts of the region are detailed, it is necessary to keep track of any changes in the seabed. The lateral system B is applied, with red lights and signs on the right and green on the left.
Season: The climate is subtropical and very mild. The average annual air temperature is +20°C, while the water temperature is +25°C. The best time to go yachting in the Bahamas is from November to May when there is the least rainfall and the temperatures are not too hot. May to October is the rainy season, and tropical hurricanes are common.
Winds: The prevailing winds are from the east and northeast, with a speed of 10-15 knots. The warm current of the Gulf Stream washes the east side of the Bahamas.
