Join Nordhavn 76 Spirit of Ulysses crossing the Atlantic (virtually)

Nordhavn 76 Spirit of Ulysses © Nordhavn

On Friday, December 3, Nordhavn 76 Spirit of Ulysses will embark on an Atlantic Crossing, a 2,000 nm trek from the Canary Islands to Barbados. It will be the apex of a dream adventure for owner Mike Ridgway, a retired businessman who decided a couple years ago that he wanted to take his life in a different direction. Quite literally.

Earlier this year, Mike purchased Spirit of Ulysses which had been lying in mainland Spain. It put the wheels in motion for a global exploration, one that Mike had thought about making ever since he retired from his computer software job. Following the delivery of the N76, Mike, a native New Zealander, set forth a plan to shake the boat down with several overnight cruises around the Med, traveling from to Ibiza, Mallorca and Gibraltar so he could familiarize himself with the boat and learn the ropes from his captain Jordi, who had just come off a Nordhavn 86. The N76 is Mike's first boat, which he purchased for its safety, seaworthiness and successful track record of long, ambitious cruising. He also tapped Jordi for his experience with Nordhavns especially when it came to offshore passages.

Along with Mike and Jordi on this 10+day crossing will be Mike's friend, Lisa Bryan, and Nordhavn staffers, James Leishman who is Mike's salesman, and Doug Harlow, Nordhavn's website and media specialist. For James, the trip is an opportunity to get another ocean crossing under his belt. But more important, it is the chance to spend time with his client. "I'm really excited to support Mike in achieving his long-time dream," said James. Is it odd for Nordhavn employees to accompany their clients on voyages? Not at Nordhavn. "We've got the most experienced sales team in the business," James said. "We're hands on. We know these boats like no one else, so it's natural to continue to be there for our clients. It's in our best interest to make sure our clients have success and enjoyable experiences with their Nordhavns."

The crew will take a look at the weather prior to departure, but expect to shove off from the island of Lanzarote Friday morning. They are taking a southern route for this crossing, said James, so the water and air temps should be warm. "I anticipate a great trip," he said. "It should be a lot of relaxing and good fishing."

There will be daily log updates (service permitting) from the boat. You can submit questions to the Spirit of Ulysses crew by using the form below, and follow along with them via the GPS tracker map as they take on the high seas and embark on one Nordhavn owner's dream journey.

For more information visit nordhavn.com/nordhavn-76-spirit-of-ulysses-is-crossing-the-atlantic-and-you-can-virtually-join-them