Across the Bay of Biscay | Portsmouth → Las Palmas | Get Certified ASA 105 & 106

NEW TRIP!

Embark aboard SV Sea Dragon for a bold Atlantic passage from Portsmouth, England, to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. Covering 1,600 nautical miles, this voyage crosses the Bay of Biscay and the open waters of the North Atlantic, blending offshore adventure with the excitement of reaching subtropical seas.

Leaving England, we’ll navigate the often lively Bay of Biscay, testing crew skills in watch-keeping, navigation, and sail management. Once clear of the Bay, the passage turns south through the open Atlantic toward the Canary Islands, offering warm trade winds, sparkling waters, and the thrill of a long ocean passage.

This expedition is ideal for those seeking extended offshore experience, combining passage-making, seamanship training, and the satisfaction of a transatlantic-style leg. The journey concludes in Las Palmas, a vibrant city and gateway to the Canary Islands’ unique culture and landscapes.

*NEW* We’re welcoming aboard Captain Dasiel — Director of South Portland Sailing Center and one of American Sailing’s Outstanding Instructors, who will teach and deliver American Sailing 105 (Coastal Navigation) and American Sailing 106 (Advanced Coastal Cruising) during the passage.

Earn your ASA 105 & 106 Onboard

This crossing is the perfect setting to turn sea miles into certifications. Captain Dasiel of South Portland Sailing Center will run structured instruction throughout the voyage, with the Bay of Biscay and the North Atlantic as your training ground.

American Sailing 105 – Coastal Navigation. This course teaches the fundamentals of navigating coastal waters using charts, compass, and dead reckoning techniques. Students learn to plot courses, calculate tides and currents, and understand aids to navigation, building the confidence to navigate safely along any coastline. This course requires completing an online theory course prior to board the yacht for practical assessment for either $420 (40 hours of learning) or a $90 course book self-study option.

American Sailing 106 – Advanced Coastal Cruising. Building on navigation and sailing fundamentals, this course develops the skills needed for extended passages, day or night. Students deepen their understanding of advanced sail trim, weather routing, and emergency procedures, gaining the confidence to take on multi-day cruises. Pre-requisite for crew to be certified ASA 101, 103, 104 and 105 (105 and 106 can be completed aboard this trip simultaneously).

Each certification is available for an additional ASA registration fee of $50 (reduced to $15 if crew is already ASA registered). Spots are limited to the crew berths on this voyage — let us know you’d like to certify after you’ve booked your deposit.

Meet Your Instructor — Captain Dasiel

Captain Dasiel is Owner/Director of South Portland Sailing Center and was recently named one of American Sailing’s Outstanding Instructors, placing him in the top 1% of instructors nationwide as voted by his own students. He brings a hands-on, safety-focused approach to teaching, paired with genuine passion for helping sailors of all levels grow their skills and confidence on the water. Dasiel holds a USCG Master MMC license and is a certified American Sailing and NauticEd Sailing Instructor along with an ABYC Marine Engineer.

You’ll get to

• Navigate the infamous rough weather Bay of Biscay and the North Atlantic under sail
• Develop offshore passage-making and watch-keeping experience
• Experience a full range of Atlantic sailing conditions
• Learn to manage a vessel on a long offshore leg, including navigation and sail handling
• Earn your ASA 105 & 106 certifications onboard with a top-1% American Sailing instructor (additional fee applies)

Sailing with Panexplore means gaining genuine, hands-on experience in real offshore conditions. The skipper will manage route and timing, giving the crew exposure to authentic passage-making.

If you have any medical conditions, recent injuries, or concerns about your fitness level, we strongly recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before booking. This expedition is not suitable for individuals with severe mobility limitations or certain medical conditions. Your safety and enjoyment are our priority, and we want to ensure this experience is appropriate for your physical capabilities. Please contact us should you have any questions or concerns before booking.

Our onboard cuisine is inspired by the places we sail through. Our galley follows a local & ocean-inspired philosophy — prioritizing local produce, coastal flavors, and fresh catch when the ocean provides. We can cater to specific diet, just let us know!

Key Details

• Distance: 1,600 nautical miles
• Cost: $6,690
• Dates: 17 Oct – 6 Nov 2026 (21 Days)
• Start: Portsmouth, England
• End: Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
• ASA 105 & 106: taught and delivered onboard by South Portland Sailing Center (additional fee applies)

Tentative Itinerary

While the exact route and timing will depend on weather and skipper decisions, a typical voyage may look like this:

Days 1–3: Join SV Sea Dragon in Portsmouth, UK. Safety briefing, provisioning, and departure across the Bay of Biscay.

Days 4–17: Offshore passage south through the North Atlantic. Crew participate fully in watches, sail handling, and navigation.

Days 18–21: Arrival in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. Clean-down, debrief, and disembark by late morning on the final day.

Please note: This sailing adventure is weather-dependent. Stopovers, timing, and the exact route will be determined by the skipper to ensure safety and the best possible experience.

A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 USD is required to reserve your spot. The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to the trip start date. Bookings made within 90 days of departure require full payment at the time of booking. If you are unable to make your trip, your deposit may be transferred one time to another trip departing within 12 months of the original trip start date, subject to availability. If we need to cancel or materially modify a trip, you may choose either a full refund of your deposit or a transfer of the deposit to another available trip. Please review our Terms & Conditions.

If you have any questions or queries, please Contact us. You can also Schedule a call with us too.