After 20 days and an incredible 2,900-mile journey across the Atlantic, Team “Joie de Vivre” triumphantly sailed into Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, aboard their trusted Bali 4.6. As proud supporters of the sailing community, we at Catamaran Guru had the pleasure of speaking with crew member Ray Ferguson about his experience navigating the open ocean and how the Bali 4.6 played a crucial role in their successful voyage.
The Journey Across the Atlantic
The team’s adventure began long before the official ARC start. In October, they positioned the boat from Split, Croatia, to Las Palmas, Spain—a demanding 2,500-mile trek through the Mediterranean. Once in Las Palmas, they spent several weeks provisioning the boat and adding essential upgrades, including a water maker and extra solar panels for redundancy.
On November 24th, the crew of five set sail from Gran Canaria, ready to take on the vast Atlantic. Their voyage presented a mix of conditions, with unexpected upwind sailing in the early days followed by consistent downwind breezes. As they settled into life at sea, they adapted to shifting weather patterns, including squalls and significant swells that tested both their skills and the boat’s capabilities.
How the Bali 4.6 Performed at Sea
At Catamaran Guru, we always emphasize the importance of choosing the right vessel for long-distance cruising. Ferguson shared how the Bali 4.6 Catamaran exceeded expectations, offering stability, comfort, and reliability. Unlike catamarans with netted trampolines, the solid foredeck provided a stable platform in rough seas, allowing for greater confidence and security.
The flybridge quickly became the preferred watch station, offering excellent visibility and protection. Crew members remained strapped in for safety, utilizing jack lines when moving around. While the boat experienced minor maintenance issues, including two mast climbs for repairs, it arrived in St. Lucia in excellent condition—ready to sail again just days later.
Life on Board: Camaraderie and Daily Rituals
One of the most fascinating aspects of transatlantic sailing is the isolation. Ferguson noted that despite 175 boats starting the ARC together, within days, they were completely alone—sometimes going 11 days without seeing another vessel. This solitude fostered a deep sense of camaraderie and teamwork.
Their watch system rotated every three hours, ensuring adequate rest while maintaining vigilance. A cherished daily ritual emerged—gathering on the front deck at sunset for a communal beer, a cheese platter, and discussions about the day’s events. This moment of connection provided a sense of routine and celebration amid the vastness of the ocean.
Fishing was another highlight, with fresh catches adding variety to their meals. Cooking duties were shared, and each crew member took turns preparing meals, further strengthening their bond.
What’s Next for Team “Joie de Vivre”?
Reflecting on the journey, Ferguson expressed his enthusiasm for future adventures, stating he would do the ARC again in a heartbeat—especially with the same crew. Looking ahead, he dreams of tackling a Pacific crossing, venturing from the Caribbean through the Panama Canal and onward to destinations like the Galápagos, Marquesas, and Bora Bora but they now want to do it on a Bali 5.4!
At Catamaran Guru, we love sharing the stories of passionate sailors and their experiences aboard Bali catamarans. The Bali 4.6 has once again proven itself as a top choice for long-distance cruising, offering comfort, space, and the resilience needed to cross oceans.
Catamaran Guru’s Epic Atlantic Crossing
Read about our own trip across the Atlantic on our Bali 5.4 in 2019! It was an epic trip full of surprises, not least of all that we crossed the finish line among the first three cats in the cruising class!
By all accounts, our crossing was a success. We tested the boat in a variety of weather conditions and sail configurations, reaching speeds of up to 18 knots as we surfed down waves. The Bali 5.4 proved to be solid, with a fast underwater design and a comfortable ride in most conditions, despite feeling a bit skittish at times due to its buoyant nature.
The hulls are sleek, and the boat is specifically engineered to handle the weight of a fully-equipped cruising catamaran.
While our goal was to perform well in the rally, we also wanted to enjoy the experience and stay comfortable during the long Atlantic crossing with eight people aboard. The Bali certainly met our expectations, and we all agreed that its sturdy foredeck made working the sails up front a breeze. We even discovered the perfect spot for a barbecue while sailing downwind. Check out the video!
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We have brand new Bali Catamarans (Bali 4.6 and Bali 4.8) here in Hollywood FL! Contact for information or to tour these vessels or our yacht charter management programs.
