Sailing the Mediterranean: 2,000 Nautical Miles on a NEW Lagoon 43 Catamaran

Learning to Sail in Stages

From Sailing the Mediterranean to Crossing Ocean

Here are the three planned stages:

1. Mediterranean sailing, experience-building and skills development
2. Atlantic crossing and Caribbean exploration (November)
3. Pacific crossing to Australia (February next year)

In May 2025, after years of preparation and a detailed European delivery with TMG Yachts, Stage 1 began as Long set sail on the first leg of a global journey aboard his Lagoon 43, Long Story.

In this first stage, Long Story logged 2,041 nautical miles across some of the most iconic cruising grounds in Europe. These early legs offered Long the opportunity to apply everything he’d learned from online sailing courses and simulators, and to begin learning from the sea itself.

“This stage was all about training and experience-building. I wanted to learn every part of cruising, not just watch from the sidelines.”

Setting Sail: The First 700 Miles

“We set sail at dawn from Les Sables-d’Olonne. We hoisted the main and headsail and began the crossing. Along the way we were escorted by dolphins before we witnessing our first sunset at sea.”

Long’s journey began with a 700-nautical-mile passage to Cascais, Portugal, joined by two experienced captains. Along the way, he installed key systems, learned routines, and embraced every moment of life offshore. The Bay of Biscay is known for its challenging conditions, and this journey was no exception, but however, for Long it served as the perfect introduction to the reality of boating.

“It was certainly a challenge, but my boat could handle more than I realised.”

Portugal to Málaga: Confidence at the Helm

With the basics under his belt, Long took on more responsibility in Leg 2, from Cascais to Málaga, skippering the boat with one other crew member.

Long took on one of his first manoeuvres out of the marina, “Departure went surprisingly smoothly. The simulator training really paid off. I even practiced docking the night before using a simulator.”

While the route passed through areas known for orca sightings, careful planning and staying close to the coastline made for smooth sailing.

“I planned the route and departure time based on weather and sea state. We hugged the coastline, watched the water and spotted wildlife along the way.”

One of the most memorable moments? Sailing quietly past Gibraltar at night while a pod of dolphins danced in the underwater lights.

Málaga to Benidorm: Calm Waters and Quiet Confidence

The three-day leg from Málaga to Benidorm was a different kind of sailing, more reflective than intense. With light winds and gentle seas, Long Story motored much of the way along the Spanish coast, passing fishing boats and watching dolphins cruise alongside. The calm conditions were a welcome shift from the Atlantic, offering time to settle into routines, tweak systems, and take in the beauty of Mediterranean sailing.

“We sailed along the Spanish coast, fishing boats returning, dolphins swimming alongside, peaceful and beautiful.”

On day two, the wind returned, and Long hoisted the Code 0, finally enjoying a fast, full day of sailing. After over 50 hours at sea, including three consecutive night watches, Long Story dropped anchor in a quiet bay outside Benidorm, marking another milestone in this evolving offshore journey.

“Stefaan left to visit his cousin, and I was left on the boat with some homework; to go fuel up at a nearby marina, plan the next passage to Formentera and chart a course for the next leg. I found a good wind window where we could sail the whole way and used Navily to find reputable anchorages.”

Island Hopping and Hands-On Learning

The next legs of Long’s catamaran Mediterranean journey included Formentera, Ibiza, Mallorca and Cabrera. Island hopping offered a gentler pace and the chance to practice anchoring, sail trimming, and troubleshooting in real conditions.

“Compared to long passages, island hopping and anchoring felt more relaxed. Each morning, we weighed anchor, assessed wind and current, and headed to the next spot. With plenty of time, it was also a great opportunity to practice sail handling.”

From learning how to trim the Code 0 in shifting wind to adjusting for different sea states, Long embraced every opportunity. He even made a table of sail settings to keep onboard.

Westward Bound: The Journey Home to Fremantle

After rounding Cabrera Island, the easternmost point of his Mediterranean sailing route, Long turned Long Story westward, beginning the long return voyage toward Fremantle. With 18,000 nautical miles still ahead, the first stop was Motril, near the Strait of Gibraltar.

“As the boat slipped out of Cabrera’s fjord, dolphins splashed playfully alongside, one soaking me in a well-aimed leap.”

That night, under a full moon and silver-lit sea, he cast out a fishing rod and hooked something powerful, but after 20 minutes of imagining sashimi, the line snapped. A thunderstorm formed off the African coast, and while he welcomed it as a free deck wash, morning revealed the boat blanketed in fine Sahara dust.

Eventually, Long Story reached Motril safely, where she was hauled out for four months. Stefaan departed, and Long found himself alone on board, marking the close of this first chapter and toasted the moment with champagne. The Mediterranean leg was complete. The Atlantic now awaits.

Reflecting on progress

Docking, Planning, and Proud Moments

“At first, I was terrified of docking. But after watching the skipper once, I completed over 10 dockings on my own using techniques I learned from simulators.”

That sense of progress, from theoretical knowledge to real-world application, is what stands out in Long’s reflections. He’s particularly proud of handling route planning and weather analysis, skills that will be essential as he prepares for the Atlantic.

“Every decision I make now is based on experience and learning. That’s a big shift from when I started.”

Support at Sea: Sailing with a Skipper

“I didn’t hire a skipper for a vacation, this was training. Having someone I trusted onboard gave me confidence, especially at night. It made the transition feel safe but still challenging.”

For beginners sailing offshore, a mentor or skipper can make all the difference. Long and his skipper rotated watches, shared responsibilities, and treated each moment as a learning opportunity, not just a means of transport.

“We hope to continue sailing together on future legs.”

Looking Ahead

The Atlantic and Beyond

With Long Story hauled out in Motril, Spain, Long took a break before the next leg: a transatlantic crossing beginning in November. His teenage son joined him for the crossing, while his wife and daughter will enjoy the more relaxed cruising in the Bahamas.

“I’m looking forward to exploring the Bahamas, transiting the Panama Canal, and visiting French Polynesia, turning these once-abstract names into lived experiences.”

Beginner Sailing Tips from the Med

• Start with confidence tools: Simulators and courses help you rehearse real scenarios.
• Sail with someone more experienced: Not for comfort, but for growth.
• Slow down and Island Hop: It gives time to practice in a safe environment.
• Use apps that support learning: Navily, Nebolink, Windy, and chartplotters were essential.
• Celebrate the small wins: A smooth docking, a great anchorage, or trimming the sails just right.

Inspiring last words

“Some people joke that I’m addicted to putting myself through hardship, and maybe there’s some truth to that. After all, no pain, no gain. I don’t even know if this sailing adventure will succeed, but I believe we all need a dream. And it’s worth working hard for it, just in case it comes true.”

Stay tuned to hear more from Long’s epic adventure crossing the Atlantic and beyond.