Seasons and the trade-wind route: the Atlantic circuit and the ARC
1The lesson in plain words
The Atlantic circuit follows the seasons: south in autumn, west as hurricane risk usually declines, then home via Bermuda or the Azores in spring.
The circuit
The classic Atlantic circuit is a clockwise loop round the Azores High. Leave northern Europe in late summer for Portugal, Madeira and the Canaries by October. Cross to the Caribbean with the north-east trades from late November, as hurricane risk usually declines. Leave the Caribbean in April–May, sailing north towards Bermuda or directly towards the Azores, then east to Europe for arrival in May–June.
The trade-wind crossing
From the Canaries, head south-west to find the steady trades, often near 20° N, before turning west towards the Caribbean. The ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers), run by World Cruising Club, follows this route from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia: about 2,700 miles, which takes an average yacht about 18 to 21 days.
Why late November
Late November often brings more established trades and lower hurricane risk, but late storms remain possible. An ARC departure date is not a weather clearance; check current forecasts and insurance conditions. The ARC 2026 starts on Sunday 22 November. ARC+ leaves Las Palmas about two weeks earlier, stops in the Cape Verde Islands and finishes in Grenada.
The way home
Leave the Caribbean in April or May, before hurricane risk rises again. From the eastern Caribbean, head generally north or north-west towards Bermuda, then east towards the Azores; alternatively, plan a direct Azores passage around the high. Seek the westerlies north of the Azores High; the Westerlies unit explains why. The Azores to mainland Europe completes the loop in June. Early-season storms and late winter gales remain risks.
Other ocean seasons
The same logic applies elsewhere. The westbound South Pacific cruising route leaves Panama or the Galápagos in about February to May. Reach New Zealand or Australian ports south of the tropical cyclone belt before the local cyclone season begins, using local passage windows. Check route guides for local windows.
2Key data
- Europe → Canaries
- Late summer; in the Canaries by about October
- Canaries → Caribbean
- From late November, as hurricane risk usually declines
- ARC route
- Las Palmas – Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia: about 2,700 nm
- ARC start 2026
- Sunday 22 November; average yacht about 18–21 days
- Caribbean → Europe
- Leave April–May; reach Europe May–June via Bermuda/Azores
- South Pacific
- Cross February–May; leave the cyclone belt before its season
3Key points
- 1
The Atlantic circuit runs clockwise round the Azores High, following the winds.
- 2
Cross west with the north-east trades from late November, as hurricane risk usually declines.
- 3
Sail south-west from the Canaries to find the trades before turning west.
- 4
Return in spring via Bermuda or the Azores, north of the high, in the westerlies.
- 5
Every ocean has seasonal windows set by its winds and storm season.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: Leave the Canaries in October to reach the Caribbean early.
Right: October can still bring tropical storms. Late November often offers better odds, but forecasts and insurance conditions decide departure.
Wrong: Return from the Caribbean the way you came, against the trades.
Right: Sail north to the westerlies, via Bermuda or the Azores, and come home with them in spring.
5Practice case & exam keys
A couple in Lagos want Antigua for Christmas and Europe next summer. In late November, forecasts show a possible tropical system on their crossing route. Should they leave to keep their schedule?
Show the answer
Delay and reassess; Christmas is a target, not a departure criterion. The usual plan is Madeira/Canaries in autumn, then south-west to the trades and west when conditions allow. Leave the Caribbean in April–May via Bermuda or the Azores; reach Europe in May–June, allowing time for weather delays.
Exam keys
- Atlantic circuit: Europe → Canaries in autumn, west with the trades from late November, leave April–May; reach Europe May–June via Bermuda/Azores.
- Trade-wind route: south-west from the Canaries to the trades, then west.
- ARC: Las Palmas to Saint Lucia, about 2,700 nm; ARC 2026 starts on 22 November.
- Plan the return before hurricane risk rises again; check current forecasts and insurance limits.
Finish this unit
When you've read it, match the terms, then answer three questions. Get them all right to finish the unit; opening the page alone doesn't count.
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