Heading for the Athlantic : Crossing onboard a Bali Catamaran

At dawn in Hyères, the quayside slowly comes to life. The Bali 4.6 from the Philisa group, usually moored in the Gulf of Saint‑Tropez, casts off for an extraordinary adventure: a transatlantic training passage between Hyères, Tenerife and Le Marin, led by Philisa Sailing School. A two‑part crossing, a full‑scale learning experience This exceptional course unfolds in two stages: • First leg: Hyères → Tenerife — around 1,200 nautical miles across the Mediterranean and through the Strait of Gibraltar. • Second leg: Tenerife → Le Marin (Martinique) — the great Atlantic crossing, following the traditional trade‑wind route. On board, five trainees from different backgrounds share the same dream: to learn, to sail, and to experience the sea in its most authentic form. “A transatlantic crossing is more than a course — it’s a school of life. You learn as much about yourself as you do about navigation.” — Philippe Le Corre, skipper of the Bali 4.6 At the helm: an experienced skipper, Philippe Le Corre With 7 Atlantic crossings eastbound and 5 westbound, and holder of the Unlimited Sailing Instructor certification, Philippe Le Corre embodies the spirit of Philisa Sailing School: rigorous training combined with a deep passion for the sea. Calm, patient, and attentive, he guides his trainees with kindness, turning every manoeuvre into a learning opportunity. The ideal boat: the Bali 4.6 The Bali 4.6 — a true blend of comfort and performance — is perfectly configured for long‑distance passagemaking: • 4 spacious double cabins • 1 Pullman cabin • A bright, panoramic 360° saloon • And above all, the rigidity and performance that define Bali catamarans This boat already has many miles under its keels. After a full season sailing the Mediterranean from the Gulf of Saint‑Tropez, it is now heading toward its next cruising ground: the Caribbean. A new life begins — both for the boat and for those who will sail her. Provisions: the final challenge before heading offshore Between crates of dried fruit, nets of oranges, bags of rice and stacks of canned goods, the crew spent several days carefully preparing the boat. A transatlantic crossing is also about autonomy: managing resources, planning ahead, and staying organised. Provisioning becomes the first real lesson of life at sea. The spirit of departure On the quay, the mooring lines are ready to be released. Faces reveal a mix of excitement and respect for the vast ocean ahead. Behind them lies the Mediterranean. Ahead: the Atlantic. A chapter closes, and a new adventure begins.