Cross the equator and the Atlantic in a single voyage onboard classic steel schooner Mustamaija

Sail the Transatlantic Passage: Salvador to the Azores via Fernando de Noronha

Sailing north from Salvador to the Azores is a true ocean passage, and one of the most rewarding in a sailor's log book. You will cross the equator, the doldrums and the open Atlantic in one voyage, with the tropics behind you and the Azores ahead. Covering 3,300 nautical miles over 30 days, this voyage delivers authentic ocean passage-making, equatorial navigation, active watchkeeping, and hands-on seamanship for adventurous sailors.

Setting sail from the vibrant historic harbour of Salvador da Bahia, you will embark on an offshore expedition that bridges two continents. Tracking north-northeast along the Brazilian coastline towards the isolated archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, you will then push deep into the South Atlantic, cross the Equator, negotiate the Intertropical Convergence Zone (Doldrums), and pick up the northeast trade winds heading towards the Azores.

Whether you are logging qualifying miles for RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or Ocean certification, mastering celestial navigation, or seeking the challenge of a true 3,000-plus mile blue-water passage, this route blends rigorous ocean sailing with visits to some of the planet’s most pristine island landfalls.

Life on board & boat handling

Ocean passage-making of this scale offers a rare opportunity to settle into the rhythm of offshore life. Standing rotating watches under brilliant night skies, helming in deep ocean swells, and taking charge of sail trim on long trade-wind stretches are all integral parts of the experience.

Key technical and practical skills covered during the voyage include:

  • Ocean navigation & routing: Weather routing, atmospheric pressure monitoring, and passage planning across tropical and temperate climate zones.
  • Equatorial crossing & ITCZ tactics: Managing light winds, squalls, and convective weather in the Doldrums.
  • Watchkeeping & night helming: Ocean watch systems, AIS/radar monitoring, collision avoidance, and heavy-weather readiness.
  • Vessel systems & rig maintenance: Daily deck checks, engine inspection, sail repairs if needed, and freshwater/power conservation.
  • Celestial navigation: Optional hands-on practice with sextants, sun sights, and sight reduction for Ocean YM candidates.

Landfalls along the route

Salvador da Bahia, Brazil

Your journey begins in Bahia, the cultural heartland of Brazil. Before slipping lines, crew will complete safety briefings, vessel orientation, and provisioning checks amidst the colourful historic backdrop of Pelourinho and the bustling Bay of All Saints.

Fernando de Noronha

Located 200 nautical miles off the northeastern tip of Brazil, this UNESCO World Heritage marine sanctuary rises abruptly out of the abyssal plain. Anchorages here offer crystalline waters teeming with spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and rich birdlife—providing a memorable rest stop before the main Atlantic crossing.

Crossing the Equator

Crossing 0° Latitude is a major milestone for any sailor. Celebrated with traditional equatorial ceremonies, this passage transitions you from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere while navigating the dynamic weather systems of the Doldrums.

Ponta Delgada, São Miguel (Azores)

Your transatlantic landfall brings you into the grand harbour and marina of Ponta Delgada on São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores. Surrounded by dramatic crater lakes and volcanic hillsides, Ponta Delgada offers a celebratory end to an epic 3,300 nautical mile ocean voyage.

Dates

7th May 2027: Salvador, Brazil – Fernando de Noronha – Ponta Delgada, Azores; 30 days for £3450

Price

The price as with all our trips, all onboard expenses are included with no hidden costs or surprises. The price includes:

  • Onboard accommodation;
  • All onboard meals and snacks;
  • Fuel and gas;
  • Skipper/guide;
  • First mate/engineer;
  • Marina and harbour fees;
  • Bedding (sheet and pillowcase).

Optional items not included in the price: oilskins hire (£3.50 per item per day), sleeping bags (£25 per stay), final cleaning service (£12.50 per person), visitor fees for museums or attractions, flights, travel insurance, car hire, transfers to and from the start or end destinations, meals in restaurants, and other personal expenses, etc.

Classic steel staysail schooner Mustamaija

Latest addition to our fleet, Mustamaija was designed by the renowned Dutch naval architect H. Lunstroo Jr. and built in Finland at the Lappeenrannan Shipyard. Mustamaija represents the perfect union of Northern craftsmanship, strength, and elegance. Conceived by a group of Finnish yachtsmen and businessmen who planned to operate her in syndicated ownership, her construction began in 1981 and she was commissioned in time for the 1984 sailing season.

From the beginning, Mustamaija was designed and built to last — a robust steel vessel created for safe, long-distance voyaging and capable of thriving in demanding ocean conditions. Her hull, deck, and superstructure are all steel, complemented by a long keel, fully supported rudder, and protected propeller shaft — a combination that ensures exceptional strength, directional stability, and safety at sea.

Her design draws on the timeless beauty of the classic staysail schooner form. Balanced proportions, elegant sheer, and well-managed sail handling make her not only one of the most graceful yachts afloat, but also a practical and efficient vessel under sail. Her twin masts and staysail rig provide flexibility in all conditions, with easily managed sail plans for both heavy-weather and light-air performance.

Over her lifetime, Mustamaija has benefited from a comprehensive programme of maintenance, refits, and upgrades. Among her many improvements are a completely renewed teak deck, modern navigation systems, and upgraded onboard infrastructure. Her navigation suite now includes Raymarine Axiom plotters, Quantum 2 radar, and a Simrad autopilot, offering precision and reliability on extended ocean passages. Power is provided by a Perkins Sabre 130 hp diesel engine and a Whisper Power 8 kVA generator, complemented by new electrical systems and batteries to support life onboard.

Her interior combines functionality and comfort in classic Northern style. Warm teak joinery, soft leather upholstery, and finely finished fittings create a calm, welcoming environment for both crew and guests. She accommodates up to twelve people in four twin guest cabins, a private aft owner’s double cabin, and a forward skipper’s cabin, with two large bathrooms and modern galley facilities. The layout is spacious, well-ventilated, and designed for life at sea — elegant enough for harbour life, yet practical and durable for ocean voyages.

Mustamaija is built for distance and endurance. Her construction, equipment, and design philosophy reflect a yacht made for genuine exploration. Decades of careful ownership and professional maintenance have preserved her strength and reliability, ensuring she remains ready to meet the demands of high-latitude sailing.

Key features

  • Classic staysail schooner designed by H. Lunstroo Jr. (Netherlands);

  • Steel construction by Lappeenrannan Shipyard, Finland (commissioned 1984);
  • Professionally maintained with continuous upgrades;
  • Traditional schooner rig, ideal for offshore expedition sailing;
  • Spacious, well-equipped interior and ocean-ready systems;
  • Proven high-latitude capability with robust build;
  • LOA: 19.00 m  |  Beam: 4.75 m  |  Draft: 2.50 m;
  • Displacement: approx. 40 t  |  Berths: up to 12;
  • Engine: Perkins Sabre M130C 130 hp  |  Generator: Whisper Power 8 kVA;
  • Bow thruster: Sleipner SidePower 11 kW  |  Air conditioning: Climma DC inverter 50,000 BTU;
  • Electronics: Raymarine Axiom plotters, Quantum 2 radar, Simrad autopilot, B&G VHF with AIS;
  • Deck: Teak deck (renewed 2020), self-tailing winches, Lofrans anchor windlass;
  • Tender: Highfield Ultralite 3.1 m RIB with Yamaha 9.9 hp outboard;
  • Recent Refit: Comprehensive 2020–2024 programme including engine overhaul and electronics upgrade.

Preparing your journey

Our sailings are suitable for complete beginners as well as those with previous experience. Our skippers are RYA instructors with extensive sea time, and they will support you whatever your level, offering guidance and practical tips throughout. This is an involved passage and the crew will be part of the boat preparation, general running of life onboard and the watch system that make it happen.

If you have little-to-no experience, please email us at admin@gowestsailing.com so we can chat through sea life with you. We can advise you on what you should pack and bring on board and hire waterproof garments typically worn by sailors. We will let you know everything you need to get to and from the boat based on our previous experience. We strongly recommend travel insurance.

Book your spot below or phone us if you have any questions +44(0)1475 789837, you can also chat to us on WhatsApp.

 

 

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