top of page

Gulf Stream Intensive

Bermuda to Newport

Jun 13th to June 20th 2026 / Duration 7 Days

650 Nautical Miles

PN112025

$5,850

Bunks Available: 2

Passage summary

This classic offshore passage covers approximately 650–700 nautical miles from St. George’s, Bermuda to Newport, Rhode Island, featuring a full Gulf Stream crossing and real-world North Atlantic navigation. This route is designed for sailors looking to gain experience with open ocean passage-making, advanced weather routing, and hands-on seamanship during one of the most respected legs in offshore sailing. Continuous watch rotations, navigation in changing conditions, and the unique challenges of the Gulf Stream and navigating and selecting the proper location to cross are core aspects of this trip.

Gulf Stream Intensive

Route Overview

 

Departure: St. George’s, Bermuda


Primary Route:

    • Bermuda – Gulf Stream crossing – Newport, RI

 

Estimated Distance:

    • 650–700 nautical miles - Key Points: Full Gulf Stream crossing, extended open ocean sailing, continuous watch routine, real-world exposure to North Atlantic weather and currents

 

Passage Breakdown

 

Bermuda to the Gulf Stream

 

  • Crew briefing, weather and routing review, and vessel prep in St. George’s

  • Departure into the North Atlantic, establishing watch rotation (3 hours on, 6 hours off)

  • Initial navigation focuses on optimal entry into the Gulf Stream, using forecasts and real-time ocean data

 

Gulf Stream Crossing

 

  • Monitor sea state, temperature changes, and weather as the boat enters and crosses the Gulf Stream

  • Emphasis on navigation accuracy, route planning, and adjusting for stream-induced currents and squall activity

  • Active log keeping and crew coordination during fast-changing conditions

 

North Atlantic Approach to Newport

 

  • After the Gulf Stream, conditions typically moderate but remain variable

  • Continue north, monitoring weather windows, traffic, and approach timing for Newport landfall

  • Final navigation into Newport Harbor, customs/immigration, and trip debrief

 

Training Focus

 

 

  • Passage planning and weather routing, with special focus on Gulf Stream analysis and crossing strategy

  • Practical navigation: GPS, chartplotter, radar, AIS, paper chartwork

  • Log keeping, position reporting, and safe deck practices in open ocean

  • Watchstanding discipline: helm, lookout, systems checks, and fatigue management

  • Emergency procedures for offshore and Gulf Stream scenarios

 

 

Expected Conditions

 

Winds: SW–NW, 12–25 knots typical; wind direction and strength highly variable depending on current weather systems
Seas: 5–10 feet in the Gulf Stream, can be higher in strong winds or storms; 4–8 feet north of the stream
Weather: Highly changeable—can range from calm to squally; fog possible as Newport nears; temperatures cool progressively north
Hazards: Squall lines, fast weather shifts, strong currents and eddies in the Gulf Stream, shipping traffic on approach to Newport

 

 

Why This Passage is Relevant

 

  • True bluewater passage with a full Gulf Stream crossing—critical for any offshore sailor’s experience

  • Exposure to complex North Atlantic weather and navigation

  • Continuous offshore routine: watch rotation, log keeping, navigation, and systems management

  • Ideal for sailors seeking advanced offshore experience, technical skills, and real sea miles

 

bottom of page