Great Sailing 2026: Ocean Crossings Aboard Eldorado
Most people experience the ocean by flying over it.
A few cross it aboard large cruise ships.
But only a handful of travelers ever experience what sailors have known for centuries: crossing an ocean under sail, guided by the wind, living by the rhythm of the sea, and becoming part of a real crew.
That is exactly what Great Sailing 2026 aboard Eldorado offers.
Unlike a cruise, this isn't about entertainment, shopping or rushing from one port to another. It is a true ocean crossing where the journey itself becomes the destination.
What Is Great Sailing?
Great Sailing is MoreTime Expeditions' series of long-distance sailing crossings that connect Europe, Greenland, South America and Antarctica aboard the two-masted schooner Eldorado. Each route follows historic ocean passages once sailed by explorers, merchants and adventurers, giving participants the opportunity to experience life at sea in its most authentic form.
Instead of simply being passengers, everyone becomes part of the expedition.
No previous sailing experience is required. Professional instructors and crew teach participants everything they need to know throughout the voyage.
Meet Eldorado
Eldorado is far more than a beautiful sailing ship.
Built in the Netherlands and designed for long-distance voyages, the 38-meter schooner is equipped for Arctic and Antarctic navigation as well as autonomous ocean crossings lasting up to 35 days. Despite her expedition capabilities, she remains comfortable, offering heated cabins, private bathrooms, shared living spaces and all the facilities needed for life at sea.
Unlike a cruise ship carrying hundreds or even thousands of passengers, Eldorado welcomes only 12 guests together with a professional crew of five. That small number changes the entire atmosphere onboard.
Within a few days, strangers become teammates.
Meals are shared around one table.
Night watches become conversations under a sky full of stars.
Every sunrise and every storm is experienced together.
Learn Real Seamanship
One of the biggest differences between Great Sailing and ordinary cruises is participation.
You are encouraged to become part of the sailing life rather than simply observe it.
During the crossing you may learn how to:
- steer the yacht by hand;
- trim and set sails;
- keep navigational watches;
- work with ropes and sailing equipment;
- tie essential nautical knots;
- plan routes using paper charts;
- keep the ship's log;
- understand weather, wind and ocean conditions.
Everything is taught by experienced sailors who guide participants throughout the expedition. There is no expectation that you arrive with prior knowledge—only curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Ocean Crossings That Become Life Experiences
Life changes once land disappears beyond the horizon.
Days become simpler.
There are no traffic jams, notifications or schedules dictated by meetings.
Instead, your day is shaped by the weather forecast, your watch schedule, the movement of the sails and the changing color of the sea.
You begin to notice things that rarely matter in everyday life:
- the first dolphins appearing in the bow wave;
- seabirds following the yacht for hundreds of miles;
- stars bright enough to illuminate the deck;
- spectacular sunrises with nothing but open ocean in every direction.
Many participants say these crossings become less about travel and more about disconnecting from everyday routines and reconnecting with nature.
More Than Just a Sailing Trip
What makes MoreTime Expeditions different is that every voyage combines adventure with education.
The company was founded by sailors and instructors with years of experience aboard famous tall ships before launching its own expedition programs. Since 2020, MoreTime Expeditions has specialized in Arctic and Antarctic sailing expeditions and now operates one of the largest fleets of polar sailing yachts.
Learning never stops during the voyage.
Guests attend informal lectures about navigation, oceanography, wildlife, weather systems and the history of great ocean crossings. Depending on the route, expeditions may also include citizen science projects and environmental monitoring, allowing travelers to contribute to real scientific research while at sea.
Rather than simply taking you from one destination to another, MoreTime Expeditions turns every crossing into an educational expedition.
Small Crew, Big Adventure
Large cruise ships offer impressive facilities.
MoreTime offers something different: access, flexibility and community.
With only a dozen guests aboard Eldorado:
- everyone gets personal attention from the crew;
- you'll never feel like just another cabin number;
- it's easy to ask questions and learn directly from experienced sailors;
- every participant becomes an active part of the voyage.
This small-group format creates friendships that often continue long after the expedition ends.
Routes for Great Sailing 2026
The 2026 program connects some of the world's most spectacular sailing destinations, including:
- Spain to Greenland
- Greenland to the Azores
- Portugal to Cabo Verde
- Cabo Verde to Brazil
- Brazil to Uruguay and Patagonia
Some crossings span just over a week, while others combine multiple legs into extraordinary transoceanic adventures covering thousands of nautical miles.
Each route offers different weather, wildlife and sailing conditions, allowing participants to choose the adventure that best matches their interests.
Who Is Great Sailing For?
You don't need to be an experienced sailor.
Great Sailing is designed for people who want to experience the ocean in a completely different way.
It's ideal for:
- adventure travelers;
- photographers;
- outdoor enthusiasts;
- aspiring sailors;
- people preparing for future offshore sailing;
- anyone looking for an unforgettable personal challenge.
The only requirements are curiosity, a willingness to participate and a sense of adventure.
Why Choose MoreTime Expeditions?
MoreTime Expeditions doesn't treat sailing as transportation—it treats it as the adventure itself.
Every expedition is built around several core principles:
- Small groups that create a personal onboard atmosphere.
- Professional crews with extensive offshore and polar experience.
- Hands-on participation instead of passive sightseeing.
- Education and citizen science, allowing guests to learn while contributing to meaningful research.
- Authentic sailing, where wind, weather and teamwork shape every day at sea.
This philosophy has made MoreTime Expeditions one of the few companies offering genuine expedition-style ocean crossings rather than conventional sailing holidays.
Final Thoughts
Crossing an ocean under sail is something most people only dream about.
It demands patience, curiosity and a willingness to embrace life beyond the horizon—but it rewards you with experiences that no flight or cruise can offer.
Aboard Eldorado, you'll learn real seamanship, cross some of the world's most famous oceans, become part of a close-knit crew and discover why generations of sailors have fallen in love with life under sail.
With MoreTime Expeditions, Great Sailing 2026 is more than a voyage between two ports—it's an opportunity to become part of a tradition that has connected continents for centuries.
