Can Yachts Cross the Ocean?

Can yachts cross the ocean? It is very feasible for yachts to sail long distances and travel across the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Read more

Can yachts cross the ocean? Put simply, yes, it is very feasible for yachts to sail long distances and cross the Atlantic or the Pacific Oceans. However, this journey is not necessarily a simple one. There are many questions to ask and key details to organize before you take your yacht out on open waters – from the fuel tanks on board, to the size of your yacht, to the time of year – read on for more when asking, can you cross the ocean in a yacht?

What is a Yacht Crossing? 

A yacht crossing occurs when a boat wishes to travel to either side of the Atlantic or the Pacific Ocean. It is common for charter yachts to spend the summer season in the Mediterranean and then cross over the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean for the winter season. Another item becoming increasingly popular is yachts traveling off the beaten path on some of the world’s largest open waters. More and more people are taking their yachts across the Pacific Ocean to explore the many islands and cultures that abound here. Whether you want to cross the Atlantic or the Pacific Oceans, read on for what to consider before doing so.

How long does it take to cross the Atlantic? 

It can take from 10 days to three weeks to sail across the Atlantic Ocean. Many yachts make this journey between the Mediterranean and Caribbean during the Spring and Autumn breaks in the yachting charter season. Depending on the size of the yacht you’re taking, you may spend just over a week onboard, or the better part of a few weeks crossing the ocean. Be sure your fuel tanks are full, and your vessel is large enough to handle the rough open waters that you can come across.

Can luxury yachts cross the ocean?

Many luxury mega yachts and superyachts can cross the ocean but not all vessels are equipped or built to do so. It is a distance of around 3,000 nautical miles. If the yacht does not have this range, there are other options for shipping the yacht across the ocean on a cargo boat or large container ship. Aside from the size and build of your yacht, you will need to be able to store extra fuel in your fuel tanks since there will be no place to refuel on the go. When many ask, can mega yachts cross the ocean? The answer will be yes, but not all choose to make the journey either. Aside from the length of time, there’s wear and tear on the yacht and mileage on the engines, etc.

Can mega yachts cross the Ocean?  

Yes, mega yachts and superyachts can cross the Atlantic or the Pacific Ocean. We know it would take a superyacht around 10 days to cross, but the Pacific Ocean is a larger body of water for superyachts to cross but it is possible to do so. When yachts are traveling from the US to areas such as Fiji or the Islands of Tahiti, the boats will sail across the Pacific Ocean. So you can cross the ocean in a motor yacht, but as stated above, you’ll need to ensure you have the right vessel for the job.

Can superyachts handle rough seas?

Superyachts are designed to handle adverse weather while on a yacht crossing. Different superyachts will come with different ratings on the range they are capable of and what sort of seas they can handle. However, the captain will often change the course of the vessel to avoid large storms or possible dangerously rough seas.

How big of a yacht can you cross the Atlantic Ocean in?  

For comfort and safety, yachts crossing the ocean should be a minimum of 30ft. This size boat allows you to travel securely across the Atlantic Ocean. When yachts cross the ocean, it’s important to have enough fuel, supplies and food for those on board, which means that the larger the boat, the better your journey.

How far can yachts travel?  

The distance a yacht can travel varies on many things, including its fuel efficiency, engine size, and power. Sailing yachts that are equipped with both sail power and motor power can often travel vast distances. Modern boats with rechargeable engine power, such as S/Y BLACK PEARL built by Oceanco can power themselves without needing to stop and refuel.  

When choosing to cross the Atlantic or the Pacific with your yacht, you’ll want to take notice of the yacht’s range and the size of the yacht to make sure not only that your mega yacht can cross the ocean, but you’ll be able to do so comfortably and safely.

Yes. It is legal to sail around the world and many individuals have done so. It is important to have all the boat’s documentation and certificates ready for when you sail into different ports and countries. You will also need your passport and other pertinent travel details (as if you were arriving via airplane). Sailing around the world is incredibly challenging, so only experienced sailors are encouraged to do so.  

How much fuel is needed for a yacht to cross the ocean?  

The amount of fuel for a yacht to cross the ocean depends on:

  • the size of the boat,
  • how fast you are traveling and
  • how much power you are using.

Some vessels are much more economic than others, so require less fuel. It is recommended that you take extra fuel when the yacht crosses the ocean, at least 1.5x what you anticipate you will need.

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