How Long to Cross Atlantic by Boat?
Last Updated on August 25, 2022
If you’ve ever dreamed of crossing the Atlantic by boat, you may be wondering just how long it would take.
It’s certainly a daunting prospect, but with careful planning and a realistic outlook, it can be an incredible journey. So, how long does it actually take to cross the Atlantic by boat?
Wonder no more! This blog post will tell you everything you need to know about traversing the Atlantic Ocean by water.
From the different types of boats that can be used to the best time of year to make the crossing, we’ve got you covered.
So, whether you’re an experienced sailor or a beginner just starting to contemplate your ocean journey, read on for all the information you need to make your dream voyage a reality! Let’s find out!
Sailing, How to cross the Atlantic, sailing routes, sailing times, sailing trade winds, distances
How Long Does It Take to Cross the Atlantic by Boat Today?
The time it takes to cross the Atlantic by boat depends on the size and speed of the boat, the weather conditions, and the route that is taken. A typical crossing can take anywhere from two weeks to a month or more.
A large cargo ship might take two weeks or more, while a small yacht could make the trip in ten days or less. The record for crossing the Atlantic by boat is held by the trimaran Hydroptere, which made the journey from New York to San Francisco in just under eight days.
Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule. For example, some boats are designed specifically for long-distance travel and can make the trip in a week or less.
And if you’re lucky enough to have good weather conditions throughout your journey, you might be able to shave a few days off your crossing time.
Here’s what you need to know about crossing the Atlantic by boat.
- First things first, you need to choose the right boat. This is probably the most important decision you’ll make when crossing the Atlantic by boat.
- You need to pick a vessel that’s big enough to handle the journey, but not so big that it’s unmanageable. There are a number of different boats that could make the crossing, so do your research and pick one that feels right for you.
- Once you have your boat, it’s time to start planning your route.
- The best way to cross the Atlantic is by using the prevailing winds and currents. This will help push you along on your journey and save you some fuel in the process.
- There are a number of different routes you could take, so again, do your research and pick one that makes sense for your situation.
Now it’s time to start packing for your trip. This is where things can get a bit overwhelming because there’s just so much stuff you need to bring!
Finally, it’s time to set sail! Depending on how long it takes you to cross the Atlantic (which can vary depending on weather conditions), this could be a lengthy journey.
How Long Did It Take to Sail Across the Atlantic in 1776?
In 1776, it took approximately two months to sail across the Atlantic. This was a relatively fast voyage compared to other voyages of the time, which could take up to six months. The average speed of the ship during this time period was about 5 knots (nautical miles per hour).
How Long Did It Take the Queen Mary to Cross the Atlantic?
The Queen Mary set the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing by a passenger liner when she made the trip from Southampton to New York in five days, 16 hours, and 42 minutes in 1938.
She held this record for over 30 years until it was broken by the British ship the SS United States in 1969.
How Long Does It Take to Cross the Atlantic at 20 Knots?
According to the nautical website Yacht Harbour, it would take approximately 12.5 days to cross the Atlantic at 20 knots.
This assumes a few conditions are met, including favorable weather conditions and a smooth sailing route with no stops.
The average speed for most commercial vessels is about 10-12 knots, so crossing the Atlantic at double that speed would obviously take half the time – hence the 12.5-day estimate.
Of course, this is just an estimation based on website calculators and real-life crossings may differ depending on a number of factors.
If you’re looking to make the crossing yourself, be sure to factor in things like current conditions, rest stops, and any possible delays.

How Long to Cross the Atlantic by Ship in 1920?
In 1920, it took an average of 21 days to cross the Atlantic by ship. The longest recorded crossing was 36 days, while the shortest was just 12 days.
These times vary depending on the weather conditions and the size and speed of the vessel.
How Long to Sail Across the Atlantic in 1800?
When one thinks of crossing the Atlantic by sailing vessel, it is easy to imagine the trip taking many weeks or even months. This was indeed the case in 1800. It could take as long as eight weeks to make the voyage from America to Europe.
The record for the fastest crossing was held by the yacht America which made the trip in just under two weeks!
The average speed for a sailing vessel during this time period was about 5 knots (5 nautical miles per hour). This meant that it would take approximately 120 hours (5 knots x 24 hours) to cross the Atlantic.
However, due to adverse weather conditions and other factors, such as having to tack (sail into the wind), the actual time at sea could be much longer.
There were also several different routes that could be taken when sailing from America to Europe. The most popular route was via Newfoundland, which added an extra week or so onto the journey.
Other routes included going south of Bermuda or even around Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America!
Whichever route was chosen, crossing the Atlantic by sail in 1800 was no easy feat and took a considerable amount of time.
How Long to Sail Across Atlantic in 1700?
In 1700, it would have taken approximately six weeks to sail across the Atlantic. This was a relatively fast trip compared to other voyages of the time, which could take up to several months.
The speed was due in part to the route that was used.
Ships sailing from Europe to North America would typically follow what is known as the “trade wind belt.”
This belt of winds generally blows from east to west, making for a fairly quick and easy journey across the ocean.
Conclusion
It’s safe to say that the Atlantic can be crossed in a variety of ways, and the journey time will depend on the mode of transportation chosen.
While an airplane may be the quickest option, for those looking for an adventure and more immersive experience, traveling by boat is definitely worth considering.
How long it takes to cross the Atlantic by boat really depends on your route, but with a bit of planning and preparation, you can make this dream voyage a reality.
However, the shortest possible journey would be about 9 days, but most sailors will tell you that it takes at least 3 weeks to make the crossing.
Of course, that doesn’t include time spent waiting for good weather or battling through a storm. With all of those variables in play, it’s hard to give an exact answer – but we hope you enjoyed learning about the different possibilities.