EXPEDITION ATLANTIC CROSSING | NOVEMBER 2028
Across the ocean
Across the open ocean from Las Palmas to Saint Lucia, in a crew of eight.
The story of this expedition
We travel to Las Palmas in the Canary Islands and cross the Atlantic from there, with Rodney Bay in Saint Lucia as the destination. Between departure and arrival lie three weeks of open ocean. After twelve months of preparation you step aboard with a small group, guided by Koen De Leeuw and two professional skippers.
For weeks everything revolves around the watch system. Navigating, sailing, reading the weather, cooking and recovering, at night as well and also when you are tired. Everyone has their own tasks, every single day.
At sea you quickly notice how you deal with fatigue, repetition and uncertainty, and how your group deals with it. Three weeks is long enough to really get to know that.
Flat calm, squalls and days of glassy sea alternate. You learn to decide with incomplete information, in a small team that has to trust each other completely.
We cross in November, the classic window for the Atlantic crossing: steady trade winds and the smallest chance of heavy depressions.
The story of
this expedition
We travel to Las Palmas in the Canary Islands and cross the Atlantic from there, with Rodney Bay in Saint Lucia as the destination. Between departure and arrival lie three weeks of open ocean. After twelve months of preparation you step aboard with a small group, guided by Koen De Leeuw and two professional skippers.
For weeks everything revolves around the watch system. Navigating, sailing, reading the weather, cooking and recovering, at night as well and also when you are tired. Everyone has their own tasks, every single day.
At sea you quickly notice how you deal with fatigue, repetition and uncertainty, and how your group deals with it. Three weeks is long enough to really get to know that.
Flat calm, squalls and days of glassy sea alternate. You learn to decide with incomplete information, in a small team that has to trust each other completely.
We cross in November, the classic window for the Atlantic crossing: steady trade winds and the smallest chance of heavy depressions.
Self-sufficient,
but never alone
Once we set sail, the boat is your entire world. Water, food, energy and recovery are planned ahead, and anything that breaks, you repair yourself.
You learn to sail, navigate and stand your four hour watch, at night as well and also when you are tired, guided by an experienced X Guide whom you meet well in advance during the preparation programme.
Safety & guidance
Safety is the basis of every Element X expedition. Our X Guides are professionally trained, hold WFR certificates and have years of experience in extreme conditions.
Every expedition has satellite phones, GPS tracking, clear safety procedures, a detailed evacuation plan and support from shore.
Before departure we also carry out a thorough risk analysis and prepare everything down to the last detail.
Guided by experienced expedition leaders.
You step into nature, away from the
beaten track, but always with the certainty of experienced guidance
and safety first.
Safety & guidance
Safety is the basis of every Element X expedition. Our X Guides are professionally trained, hold WFR certificates and have years of experience in extreme conditions.
Every expedition has satellite phones, GPS tracking, clear safety procedures, a detailed evacuation plan and support from shore.
Before departure we also carry out a thorough risk analysis and prepare everything down to the last detail.
Self-sufficient,
but never alone
Once we set sail, the boat is your entire world. Water, food, energy and recovery are planned ahead, and anything that breaks, you repair yourself.
You learn to sail, navigate and stand your four hour watch, at night as well and also when you are tired, guided by an experienced X Guide whom you meet well in advance during the preparation programme.
How we prepare you.
The preparation programme starts at least three months before departure and consists of an individual phase and a group phase.
Individual phase
Starts immediately after registration. You receive an inspiration pack with practical tips and exercises to prepare on your own. You gather your expedition gear using the packing list (do not buy anything yet: bring what you already have to the kick off, and we look together at what is still missing). And you share your medical information, because the best preparation is a plan for when things go wrong.
Group phase
Starts three to six months before departure with the kick off: a full day on which you get to know your group. We measure your strength, mobility and fitness and you receive training advice. Together we go over the route and the risks, you taste the expedition food and we go through the packing list. The day ends with a hike, an ice bath and a meal together, after which the WhatsApp group starts. Until departure you train regularly with your group, including a technical training tailored to the destination. Just before departure we do a final check of your gear, your fitness and your strength.
As seen in
You stand night watch under a sky full of stars, without a single light on the horizon.
On this crossing your day revolves around the watch system: standing watch, sailing, sleeping and cooking, for three weeks in a crew of eight.
You stand night watch under a sky full of stars, without a single light on the horizon.
On this crossing your day revolves around the watch system: standing watch, sailing, sleeping and cooking, for three weeks in a crew of eight.
Frequently asked questions
No. You do not need to be an experienced sailor. Through our twelve month preparation programme (Sea Survival, VHF, first aid, astronavigation and a three day Channel crossing) we build your level up until you are ready for the crossing.
Very safe. You sail with two professional skippers and Koen De Leeuw on board, with satellite communication, a life raft, EPIRB and detailed emergency procedures. We choose the route and the moment of departure based on weather routing.
Included are the full twelve month preparation programme in which you learn to sail, the Sea Survival, VHF radio, first aid at sea and astronavigation courses, the practical training at sea with a three day Channel crossing, two professional skippers, guidance by an experienced expedition leader, all meals and drinks on board, fuel and mooring fees. Flights, transport to the airport, extra hotel nights and personal equipment are not.
Frequently asked questions
No. You do not need to be an experienced sailor. Through our twelve month preparation programme (Sea Survival, VHF, first aid, astronavigation and a three day Channel crossing) we build your level up until you are ready for the crossing.
Very safe. You sail with two professional skippers and Koen De Leeuw on board, with satellite communication, a life raft, EPIRB and detailed emergency procedures. We choose the route and the moment of departure based on weather routing.
Included are the full twelve month preparation programme in which you learn to sail, the Sea Survival, VHF radio, first aid at sea and astronavigation courses, the practical training at sea with a three day Channel crossing, two professional skippers, guidance by an experienced expedition leader, all meals and drinks on board, fuel and mooring fees. Flights, transport to the airport, extra hotel nights and personal equipment are not.
Ready to cross the Atlantic?
Taking an option is free and without obligation; your spot is only confirmed after the intake.
Expedition leader | Element X
On a three week crossing, sleep is the most important thing you manage. That is why in the preparation we teach you not only to sail and navigate, but also how a watch system works and how to rest between two watches.
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