After days of careful weather monitoring and patient preparation in Mindelo, the Viking Explorers fleet departed Cape Verde in January, launching the next and most iconic stage of their transatlantic adventure — the crossing towards Port Louis Marina in Grenada, in the Caribbean.

The departure delay was caused by persistent strong trade winds and challenging marina conditions in São Vicente. Gusts exceeding 30 knots had kept the fleet safely in port while crews finalised maintenance, refined passage plans, and waited for a more favourable weather window.

Early reports from the fleet confirm truly enjoyable sailing conditions with consistent trade winds. Several skippers have already described the opening miles as “textbook trade wind sailing,” allowing crews to settle into ocean passage routine quickly.

“The atmosphere at departure was fantastic. After waiting and preparing so carefully, there was a real sense of excitement and readiness across the entire fleet.”

Viking Explorers team

Boats cleared Mindelo harbour in staggered departures, exchanging farewells with marina staff and local supporters who had followed the fleet’s preparations closely. With the African continent now astern, the fleet is fully focused on the ocean crossing ahead, settling into offshore watch systems and making steady progress.

“Crossing the Atlantic is always a powerful experience. You feel the scale of the ocean, the rhythm of the trade winds, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing your boat and your crew.”

Viking Explorers skipper

The Viking Explorers team continues to track the fleet closely, providing weather routing support and maintaining regular communication with all vessels. Further updates will follow as the fleet advances across the Atlantic and approaches the final miles towards Grenada.