We are pleased to announce the next major offshore voyage for Ariel, our Hallberg Rassy 53. The yacht will be participating in the High Latitude Challenge 2026-2027, an event that involves an extensive route across the Americas and demands meticulous preparation and careful navigation management.
Ariel, a ketch designed for long ocean passages, offers the necessary robustness and comfort to face such a vast itinerary. The Hallberg Rassy 53 is a model renowned for its stability and safety, crucial aspects when sailing in remote areas and variable conditions. Both the boat and the crew, led by Paolo Casoni, have been prepared to ensure maximum self-sufficiency and safety, fundamental elements for independent sailing in the higher latitudes.
The Project: A Long-Range Commitment
The High Latitude Challenge (HLC) is a cruising rally that commits the participating yachts to an extended route, touching upon both the cold and tropical zones of the hemisphere. For us, this represents an opportunity to test Ariel’s capabilities on demanding routes, managing the logistics and planning required for an intercontinental voyage.
The Detailed Itinerary: From the Atlantic to the Southern Pacific
Our journey will commence at the end of October 2026 from the Canary Islands (scheduled to depart from Gran Canaria or Santa Cruz de Tenerife).
The first phase of the voyage will be dedicated to the descent through the South Atlantic. The route will take us along the South American coast, with the aim of reaching the continent’s southern tip. Following a challenging sail that includes navigating the Strait of Le Maire, the arrival in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, will mark the conclusion of the southbound leg.
Ushuaia will be the turning point. From there, starting around March/April 2027, the upward journey towards the Northern Hemisphere will begin, following a route that will wind through the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans:
- Galapagos: After the trans-Pacific passage, this will be the first significant stop in tropical waters.
- Panama Canal: The transit, essential for re-entering the Atlantic.
- Mexico: A stop along the West or East coast, depending on the route.
- Bahamas & Bermuda: Important waypoints in the North Atlantic.
- Azores: The final stop before the concluding transatlantic crossing back towards Europe.
The return is planned for June 2027. The entire expedition is estimated to cover over 20,000 nautical miles.
We invite you to follow the activities of Ariel and its crew through our updates and our tracker. Here, you will find information on the preparation, travel details, challenges encountered, and stopovers along the High Latitude Challenge route.
Monitor Ariel’s voyage at www.arielhr53.com.