Transatlantic Crossing
Leg 2 – NYC to Spain | Sail Boston Celebration, Transatlantic Crossing, 6 College Credits
This summer’s voyage aboard Vela is divided into two unforgettable legs that together create one epic adventure — from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean. Leg 1, Liberty 250, carries students from the British Virgin Islands to New York City, culminating in the 250th anniversary celebrations of American independence. Leg 2, the Transatlantic Crossing, begins in New York and continues with Sail Boston before making a nonstop passage across the Atlantic to Portugal, then on through the Strait of Gibraltar and along Spain’s coast to Tarragona. Whether you join us for one leg or both, you’ll be part of a once-in-a-generation journey that blends seamanship, history, and exploration on a truly global scale.
Transatlantic Crossing in Detail
The second leg of this journey starts with Vela joining the international fleet of tall ships for Sail Boston, part of the global Sail250 celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary. With tall ships lining the harbor, parades, and celebrations ashore, Boston provides a spectacular send-off before turning eastward toward Europe.
From there, Vela sets a course on a nonstop, blue-water passage of more than 3,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean. For several weeks, you and your shipmates will live the rhythm of ocean sailing — standing watch, trimming sails, navigating by sun and stars, and discovering what it truly means to cross an ocean under sail.
Landfall comes in Lisbon, Portugal, but the voyage doesn’t stop there. From Portugal, you’ll sail through the legendary Strait of Gibraltar and into the Mediterranean, following Spain’s southern coastline before finishing in Tarragona, just south of Barcelona — a fitting finale to this epic journey.
This isn’t a typical AQ program. It’s a voyage designed for those ready for something truly extraordinary. The challenge is real, but so is the reward: the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel as Vela sails into the Mediterranean after an ocean crossing few can claim — an experience that will stay with you forever.
Whether you’re looking to stand out on college applications, push beyond your comfort zone, or simply live a story that most people only dream of, this voyage is for you. The skills you’ll learn, the friendships you’ll forge, and the pride of completing a transatlantic passage and Mediterranean exploration will shape you long after the summer ends.
Need to wrap up your summer adventure before August 15th? Reach out — we may be able to accommodate an earlier departure.
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Visa Requirement
Non-U.S. students must hold a valid U.S. visa for entry by sea (typically a B1/B2). ESTA is not valid. See Travel Docs & Visa section below for more details.
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Appropriate Age
16-19 (Must turn 16 by September 1st)
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Students & Staff
26 students & 6 professional staff
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Vessel Type
S/Y Vela, 112ft. Schooner
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College Credit
6 Credits - Seamanship & Student Leadership Development
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Leg 2 Distance
3900 Nautical Miles
| Dates | Days | Availability | Tuition | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session 2 | 7/7/26 - 8/15/26 | 40 | Limited |
$14,970
$12,970
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The Adventure
It all starts here
See For Yourself!
Normally, our sleek, modern schooners are reserved for Seamester’s Gap Year & Study Abroad adventures, but this summer, it’s your turn to take the helm with AQ! Want a sneak peek of what’s waiting for you? Check out the video above and get ready for an epic summer you’ll never forget!
A Typical Day…
There’s no such thing!
On a voyage that takes you from New York Harbor to Boston’s Sail250 celebrations and then across the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, “typical” isn’t part of the vocabulary. Every day brings something new — from the buzz of tall ships filling Boston Harbor to the rhythm of life on the open ocean.
Living aboard Vela means you’re part of it all. You’ll stand night watch under a canopy of stars, take your turn at the helm, and help keep the ship running smoothly. During the day, you might be trimming sails, charting a course, or cooking meals for your crewmates. Offshore, your life moves to the pulse of the sea, while in port, you’ll step ashore to explore some of the world’s most historic maritime cities.
By the end of this journey, you won’t just feel like a passenger — you’ll know you were a vital member of the crew who helped make an epic passage across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean possible.
College Credit at Sea…
6 USF Credits
As part of this voyage, students have the opportunity to earn 6 college credits through the University of South Florida. Coursework includes 3 credits in Nautical Science, focused on seamanship, navigation, and the skills of offshore sailing, as well as 3 credits in Student Leadership, developed through the unique responsibilities of living and working as part of a crew at sea. These courses not only enrich the onboard experience but also provide valuable academic credentials that carry forward into college and beyond.
“The Atlantic crossing was an adventure I still talk about to this day and even became an integral part of my story in my medical school application. It was a thrilling experience to be such an integral part of a diverse team working together to navigate across an entire ocean. I saw so many things, big and small, that I would never have been able to experience in any other setting. For example, I watched satellites zoom across a sky filled to the brim with stars, swam in dead-calm water that was thousands of feet deep, made dolphin sightings part of my daily routine, and discovered a love for the Azores hundreds of miles off the coast of Spain.”
Sample Trip Itinerary*
| Area | Ports of Call |
|---|---|
| United States | New York City, Boston (250th celebration) |
| Mediterranean | Lisbon, (Portugal), Gibraltar (UK), Tarragona (Spain) |
| *Please note that all destinations are weather dependent and subject to change. | |
Arrival Day - New York City
Your adventure is about to begin in one of the world’s most iconic harbors! The moment you arrive, AQ’s professional staff will be there to greet you and bring you straight to your new home — Vela, our 112-foot schooner, waiting in New York. Once you step aboard, you’ll check in, meet your crew, and claim your berth on this incredible floating campus.
From there, it’s all about settling in, getting to know your shipmates, and starting to learn the ropes. With the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop and a fleet of tall ships preparing to sail alongside you, the excitement will be impossible to miss — this is the start of an epic voyage across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean.
Voyage Itinerary
Sail250 Parade of Sail – Boston Harbor
Few moments in a sailor’s life compare to sailing into a harbor filled with tall ships from around the world. After departing New York, you’ll join the international fleet bound for Sail Boston, part of the global Sail250 celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. As Vela approaches the city, you and your shipmates will take your place among dozens of majestic vessels, parading under sail into one of America’s most historic harbors.
This won’t be just a spectacle you watch — it’s one you’ll live. Standing on deck as part of the crew, you’ll feel the pride and energy of being at the heart of a maritime festival expected to draw millions of visitors. From hoisting sails to steering through the parade route, your role is essential in showcasing Vela alongside ships representing cultures and traditions from across the globe.
The harbor will be alive with color, music, and celebration — a once-in-a-generation event that blends seamanship, history, and national pride. As fireworks light the sky and crowds cheer from the waterfront, you’ll know you were part of something truly unforgettable.
Voyage Itinerary
Crossing the Atlantic
Setting sail from Boston and heading east into the North Atlantic is the start of a true adventure. At first, you’ll be getting used to ship life with drills, watch rotations, and the daily rhythm of being part of a crew. Before long, though, life at sea begins to feel natural — the ship becomes your home, and each day brings new moments to learn and grow.
Out on the open ocean, time feels different. Days are marked by watch schedules, shared meals, and the steady progress of Vela sailing toward Europe. You’ll experience stunning sunrises and sunsets, night skies filled with stars, and the unique camaraderie that only comes from working together as a team offshore.
Every student is part of a watch group, sharing the real responsibilities of sailing a 112-foot schooner. From steering at the helm to trimming sails, checking systems, and keeping lookout, you’ll quickly realize you’re not just along for the ride — you’re an essential part of making the voyage a success. By the time Lisbon’s coastline appears on the horizon, you’ll have the pride of knowing you helped sail across an ocean.
Time to Say Goodbye
There’s always a mix of emotions on departure day. The excitement to go home is always overwhelmed by the realization that the Adventure is over and that it’s time to say goodbye to the people you’ve grown so close to over the last few weeks. Day 1 will simultaneously seem like the day before and a lifetime ago as you and your crew depart to the airport for the last leg of your journey together.
Need More Information?
Certifications
On top of the cultural exploration and epic ocean crossing during the Transatlantic voyage, you’ll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:
Sailing Certifications
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IYT International Crew
The IYT International Crew course is designed for students with limited previous experience, who are looking to become an active and competent crew member aboard a power or sailing yacht…
Learn More > -
IYT VHF Radio
The IYT VHF Radio Communications course is designed to ensure a thorough understanding of the entire spectrum of maritime radio communication…
Learn More > -
IYT Navigation Master
The Navigation Master Certification is a stand-alone course designed to enable the offshore mariner to safely navigate extended passages using traditional methods. It includes practical navigation exercises and sample chartwork calculations.
6 College Credits - USF
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Student Leadership Development
The purpose of this course is to encourage students to carefully analyze their responsibilities and commitments in the context of leadership for the common good and for purposeful change. Students will come to understand the concept of relational leadership and how it differs from traditional leadership theories. The course includes the study of leadership as well as the application of leadership theories, concepts, and skills. Students will also develop their own leadership potential through the completion of personal and leadership self-assessments, values exploration, and leadership skill applications through program activities.
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Seamanship
The Seamester Nautical Science course consists of both theoretical and practical modules and gives a basic understanding of the knowledge that is required to be an active crew member on board a yacht, whether power or sail. More advanced modules are aimed at increasing a student’s nautical knowledge sufficiently to be a watchkeeper on board a bareboat yacht, or a flotilla skipper in fair weather, in daylight hours within sight of land. Students will become safe boaters and be prepared to meet boating challenges. With this knowledge, they will have a lifelong source of recreation with safe, environmentally-friendly activities.
Need to know
Is this adventure right for me?
If you’re looking for a program that goes beyond island sailing and coastal cruising, the Transatlantic Voyage is for you. This is full-scale, blue-water sailing — weeks at sea with no land in sight, standing watch through the night, and learning what it truly takes to cross an ocean aboard a 112-foot schooner.
This voyage is well-suited for students with a spirit of adventure who are ready for challenge. No prior sailing experience is required — you’ll learn everything along the way — but determination, resilience, and teamwork are essential. If you’re already an experienced sailor, this is the opportunity to test yourself on a true ocean passage and gain advanced seamanship skills that few teenagers ever experience.
Beyond the sailing, the adventure includes once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences: joining the international fleet for Sail Boston, making your first landfall in Lisbon, and continuing into the Mediterranean to finish in Tarragona, just south of Barcelona. If you want a program that combines skill-building, endurance, and the thrill of international exploration, this voyage is the right choice.
How many people go on this adventure?
This Transatlantic voyage is one of our most exclusive programs, by nature of their being a very finite number of spaces available. On this adventure, you’ll sail our 112 ft. schooner, S/Y Vela, alongside 26 students and 6 professional staff. It’s quite the adventure sailing on a modern rigged schooner, where you can get to know each of your fellow students and staff from all over the world.
What type of boat will I be on?
This voyage takes place aboard our very own sail training vessel S/Y Vela.
Vela is an expertly designed 112-ft two-masted staysail schooner that can accommodate 26 students and 7 staff.
This vessel was designed and built to circumnavigate the world on our sailing adventures. This means that every sailing camp she embarks upon, a fresh batch of students face the challenge of spending many days or weeks at sea while crossing one of the world’s oceans. For those looking for a genuine blue water experience, then this is the perfect vessel.
When we built her we did so with safety, dependability, and ‘trainability’ in mind. We often refer to her as a “Big, Little Boat” meaning that we designed her systems in such a way that they are easy for students to understand and operate. Since our goal is to have students quickly reach the point where they are running the vessel, trainability is an important factor
Who will be my staff?
AQ is proud to attract and recruit the best in our field. Our summer staff includes professional maritime captains, professional PADI dive instructors, and medical professionals. Above all, we hire responsible and experienced facilitators and educators. All members of our team are dynamic, multi-talented, and passionate individuals with a devotion and commitment to the safety and experience of our students.
What's the food like?
At AQ, we strive to provide meals that meet the fundamental needs of all members of our team, yet when considering our experience, it is important to remember that there are natural limitations when provisioning in remote places and cooking for a large group on board a yacht.
We understand that each individual has personal preferences and that some students have specific dietary restrictions or limitations. While we strive to accommodate these as best we can, our meals may be a little different from what you are used to at home. We design our menu around meals that are simple to prepare, quick to clean up, suit the majority of teenager’s palates, and deliver the calories needed for long, busy days on the water.
Mealtime is often a highlight of each day! Students prepare all of the meals with help from the staff using a combination of packaged and canned goods we import from the US and fresh produce we pick up locally. While we mostly eat all meals onboard the vessel, occasionally, students have the option to eat at a restaurant during shore time.
After enrollment, we ask families to inform us of all dietary restrictions and allergies. We can accommodate vegetarians, and vegans, as well as those with various food allergies. However, if you have a severe allergy or specific dietary expectations, please call our office before enrolling.
What do I need to bring?
Given that all students will be living aboard a sailboat for the duration of this outdoor adventure camp, we recommend that you keep things simple and avoid over packing. Students are given the opportunity to do laundry in the middle of the trip and are able to hand wash and hang clothes on deck to dry, so there’s no need to pack several weeks’ worth of clothing.
Our hope is that families will have minimal purchases prior to the trip, so we’ve compiled our packing lists in a way that you’ll find most of what you need in your closet at home. Around mid to late March, we make available our Pre-Trip Packet to enrolled students, which contains a detailed packing list for this year’s adventures.
Nitty Gritty
Travel Docs & Visas
- All Students – Must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the voyage end date.
- Non-U.S. Students – Must hold a valid U.S. visa that permits entry by sea. In almost all cases, this will be a B1/B2 Visitor Visa. Students who already have another valid U.S. visa (e.g., F-1, J-1, C1/D, or other multiple-entry visas) may use it, provided it allows lawful re-entry to the U.S. by vessel.
- Why a Visa? – ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) is not valid for arrivals or potential re-entry by private vessel. For this reason, all non-U.S. students must hold the appropriate visa before joining Vela.
Immunizations
For visiting the Mediterranean, the CDC recommends that all travelers are up-to-date on routine vaccinations that most of us had as children (measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine.
That said, we understand that families have varying opinions on vaccinations. Some greatly desire the precaution; others prefer to avoid possible side effects of certain medications. Coupled with the fact that each student has unique medical considerations known best by his or her doctor, AQ does not supply medical advice. For this reason, we recommend that all families refer back to the expertise of the CDC from time to time.
Where does the trip start and end?
- Trip start date – July 7th
- Vessel embarkation point – New York City, New York (airport code JFK)
- Trip end date – August 15th
- Vessel disembarkation point – Tarragona, Spain (Barcelona Airport code BCN)
Are flights included in the tuition?
Since students join us from all over the world, the cost of transportation to and from the program is not included in the program tuition.
Who should we contact to book travel?
Helping to coordinate our students’ travel is of vital importance – and a mammoth task! For this reason, we strongly suggest that all families start by contacting our travel coordinator:
Leah Hernandez – AQ Travel Coordinator
Tel: +1.281.528.7727
Toll Free: 800.329.9000
Email: [email protected]
Even if you are not originating in the U.S., Leah will be able to provide options and guidance.
AQ Tuition Covers the following:
- All accommodation and group meals once the adventure is underway
- Vessel charter and related government fees
- Staff, local guides, and tips
- The use of all sailing, and water sports equipment (except for wetsuits, if needed)
- Sailing certification costs
Not included in the AQ tuition:
- Travel expenses from home to the program start location in New York – flights, taxi, baggage, taxes, visas, etc. and travel expenses to return home from Tarragona (via Barcelona).
- Required emergency evacuation insurance & International SOS and MedAire Membership (est. $175 – $250). LEARN MORE >
- Medical insurance, and optional trip cancellation insurance.
- Spending money for souvenirs, drinks/meals ashore – We recommend $300 – $350.
- Emergency money for unanticipated events such as doctors visits etc. – We ask that all students bring $300, which is held by staff and returned at the end of the program.
Living in the moment
Though the fundamentals of our adventures don’t change, specific logistics evolve as we get closer to the summer and then day by day based on weather. The animated map along with the adventure overview portions on this page should give all families a basic understanding of the kinds of activities we do on the voyage. We also suggest looking through previous Trip Logs for a more detailed travel log created by the students.
With this in mind, we encourage all participants to “live in the moment”. Traveling by boat requires flexibility and a willingness to accept adversity and change. We hope you’ll take any bumps in your stride, and enjoy the adventure!
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Requirements
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- Completed 9th Grade (or equivalent)
Certifications
- IYT International Crew
- IYT VHF Radio
- IYT Navigation Master
Sessions
| 21 Days | 6/15/26 - 7/5/26 |
$8,970 Save $600 |
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