Our Transatlantic Voyage on Windstar's Wind Surf

  Reflecting on our Transatlantic Voyage on board Wind Surf   "Slow travel helps you find the quiet moments between the noise." There’s a certain magic in crossing an ocean under sail. On Windstar Cruises ’ sailing ship Wind Surf , a transatlantic voyage becomes more than travel. It’s an immersion in the rhythm of the sea. Days stretch unhurried across the horizon, sails billow in the wind, and time slips into the slow cadence of sunrises, starry nights, and endless blue seas. This small sailing ship offers not just a journey, but the rare chance to truly connect with the ocean, others, and yourself. Sometimes, but only rarely, can words fail to adequately describe the wonder and beauty of an experience. Our 14-night, 15-day voyage spent on Wind Surf is one of those moments. Reviews of Wind Surf and Windstar can seem over the top when viewed online. Comments such as: “ruined all other cruises for me”, “Once you try a Windstar cruise you will be Hooked”, and “Great, Grea...

  "Today we chase not land, but clarity." Disembarking Wind Surf , Arriving in Cadiz Spain After two weeks at sea on board Wind Surf, we have reached the long-awaited moment when land is within sight. As the coastline of Spain rises on the horizon, the promise of Europe pulls us forward. Today would be a day of mixed feelings, ranging from excitement to reluctance to depart this magnificent sailing ship and her amazing crew. Early Morning on Wind Surf Despite several late nights and many early mornings, Sean was on deck at 4 AM, and I joined him around 5:00 AM to witness our arrival into Cadiz, Spain. At these hours on deck, it was still completely dark outside, and the wind was very strong.  A large flock of gulls was still escorting the ship through the choppy seas, curiously all staying on the windy side of the vessel. Both the birds and their shadows were lit up by the lights along the side of the ship. As we made our way toward the bow, we passed the group of Rock D...

  "There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." Beverly Sills Wind Surf Transatlantic Sailing Day 14 180 Degrees from Normal Today is our last full day on board Wind Surf . The goal of more than two weeks of sailing across the Atlantic is near - Europe is on the horizon.      Final Day at Sea This morning dawned completely calm. The ocean in every direction was flat and blue, with not a single whitecap, and only ripples on the surface. After the active seas of yesterday, it was almost an eerie feeling. The clean white lines of the sails stood out against the clear blue sky, which was broken by a series of interesting cloud formations. Today is our last full day at sea on board Wind Surf, and we are trying hard to keep the sadness at bay. The last two weeks seem to have slipped away, and we are far from ready to leave behind the calming expanse of the ocean and the friends we've connected with during the voyage. We'd had a late night, sitting up in Compas...