Test yourself: Are you ready to take on a transat?

1 - Living aboard, leaving sight of land for several days and a feeling of living life at your own pace. For you, crossing an ocean, is:

A - A scary prospect. But how are you going to manage for 15 to 20 days on a boat?
B - A challenge. How will you react to such a new situation?
C - Exciting. At last you’ll find what you love: taking charge of the boat and your responsibilities!

The Transat, or How to leave Europe in winter and be in the Caribbean sunshine in less than a month!

2 - Especially on a long trip, the boat needs maintenance. And for you that implies:

A - It’s not the best part of the trip, but there’s no choice, it’s got to be done…
B - Fixing, preparing, improving, there’s always something to be done…
C - Preparation, that’s for before you set off. After, you’ve just got to manage any problems!

Downwind, mid-Atlantic: life’s good!

3 - Two to three weeks at sea, that’s what you can expect for a transat. And at sea, mealtimes are…

A - But where are we going to go shopping?
B - A moment of conviviality between the crew. A time to make the most of?
C - Essential. They are the basis of keeping crew morale high, and making sure they are always ready to react as they need to!

Before departing from the Canaries on a transat, you’ve got to leave your mark on the dock. Just like our journalist Gilles Ruffet on his last crossing!

4 - During a transat, you’re supposed to be pushed along by the trade winds. But sometimes you still need to handle the sails. For you, good sail handling is:

A - All maneuvers can be done from the cockpit, so it’s easy.
B - Well-planned, sail handling maneuvers can always be done on your own…
C - A bonding moment between the whole crew. Like everyone playing their role in a well-rehearsed ballet.

What about a rally? A good way to feel reassured and know that there’s support.

5 - For you, a good crossing is first and foremost:

A - Memories galore, which you’ll keep for the rest of your life, of sundowners with friends, or night watches in the warmth of the salon, watching movies.
B - A cleverly orchestrated mix of some great sailing moments with the kite up and shared pleasures with the crew.
C - A crossing with an average speed over 10 knots, full sail, even at night… we’re going to finish first!

The coast is disappearing. Make a westerly course and the next land will be in sight in two weeks!

6 - The best boat for a transat is:

A - A boat in which my family feels at home, feels safe and can really enjoy cruising
B - The best boat is the one you set off on!
C - A seaworthy, comfortable boat, which is fast enough to outrun any weather.

The tradewinds can be strong, and the weather fickle on a transat. Good preparation is vital!

7 - At sea, only the unpredictable is predictable…

A - I’ve selected a very competent crew to help me out.
B - Before the transat, I’ll definitely be doing all the necessary training courses.
C - Preparation, ...