Lyla Lindsey
The distance between England and Australia via the Atlantic Ocean is a well-travelled route, known as the Clipper route. This route offers the fastest circumnavigation of the world, taking ships from England down the east Atlantic Ocean to the Equator, crossing at about the position of Saint Peter and Paul Rocks, around 30 degrees west. The distance from England to this point is approximately 3,275 miles (5,271 km), which would take about 21 days. The entire route from England to Australia covers 13,079 nautical miles, which would take 54.5 days to complete.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance from England to Australia via the Atlantic Ocean | 13,079 nautical miles |
| Time taken | 54.5 days |
| Route | Down the east Atlantic Ocean to the Equator, crossing at about the position of Saint Peter and Paul Rocks, around 30 degrees west |
| Good sailing time | 21 days to reach 3,275 miles (5,271 km) |
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What You'll Learn
The Clipper route
Clipper ships were fast sailing ships of the 19th century, equipped with multiple sails supported by three masts and a sturdy square rig. They were of English origin and were used to facilitate the booming tea and opium trade between Europe and Asia. The route was also used by grain, wool, and gold clippers, which returned home with valuable cargos in a relatively short time.
The outbound journey involved ships leaving England and travelling down the east Atlantic Ocean towards the Equator. A good sailing time for the 3,275 miles (5,271 km) to this point would have been around 21 days. The route then continued through the western South Atlantic, following the natural circulation of winds and currents, passing close to Trindade. After about 6,500 miles (10,500 km) sailed from Plymouth, the route crossed the Greenwich meridian at about 40 degrees south, taking the clippers into the Roaring Forties. A good time for that run would have been about 43 days.
Once in the Roaring Forties, ships entered the ice zone, where there was a significant chance of encountering icebergs. The route then curved southeast past Tristan da Cunha, and ship masters weighed the risk of ice against a fast passage, going as far south as they dared. The clipper route returned via Cape Horn, which was infamous for its strong winds, currents, and hazardous conditions. The return trip continued further east, with ships that traded in Australia starting from Wellington and passing through the Cook Strait.
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Sailing via Cape Horn
Sailing from England to Australia via the Atlantic Ocean is a significant voyage, covering a distance of approximately 14,000 nautical miles. One possible route is to sail south-west from England, down the Atlantic, rounding Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America, and then crossing the Pacific to Australia. This route offers a chance to experience the challenges and beauty of the Southern Ocean and the legendary Cape Horn, but it is not a journey to be taken lightly.
Route Planning:
Weather Considerations:
The weather is a critical factor when planning this voyage. The Southern Ocean's roaring forties and furious fifties refer to the strong westerly winds found at these latitudes, and these can create enormous waves and treacherous sailing conditions. While these winds can assist a well-prepared boat, they can also quickly turn a journey into a survival situation if caution is not exercised. The Cape Horn area itself often experiences violent williwaw winds that descend from the Andes, and these can strike with little warning.
Preparation and Boat Choice:
A sturdy, sea-kindly boat is essential for this voyage, and it should be equipped for bluewater sailing with a focus on safety and self-sufficiency. A heavier displacement boat with a fin or full keel is often a good choice, offering stability and the ability to handle the Southern Ocean's waves. A center cockpit or a boat with a good dodger and wind protection for the helm is advantageous, as the crew will need protection from the elements. Ensure the boat has ample fuel and water capacity, and consider carrying extra provisions to account for potential weather delays.
Crew Experience and Safety:
The crew should be experienced and physically fit, with a good understanding of sailing and seamanship. It is beneficial to have a larger crew for this voyage to allow for rest and to handle any emergencies. All crew members should be competent in sail handling, navigation, and boat maintenance, and it is essential to have at least two skilled skippers on board. Safety equipment should be comprehensive and include multiple forms of communication, such as satellite phones and single sideband radios, as well as EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) and personal locator beacons.
Enjoying the Journey:
Despite the challenges, sailing via Cape Horn can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The sense of achievement in rounding this legendary cape is immense, and the beauty of the Southern Ocean, with its abundant wildlife and dramatic scenery, is unforgettable. The route offers the opportunity to visit remote islands and experience the unique cultures of the Southern Hemisphere. It is a voyage that truly connects the Atlantic and Pacific worlds and provides a deep sense of connection to the ocean and the natural world.
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The Southern Ocean
The Australian Government regards the Southern Ocean as lying immediately south of Australia. The National Geographic Society officially recognized the ocean in June 2021, and it is now depicted on their maps.
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The Indian Ocean
Historically, the Clipper route, which includes a journey through the Indian Ocean, was the fastest sailing route for circumnavigating the globe. It offered captains the potential for substantial rewards, attracting many grain, wool, and gold clippers. The route, which ran south of the three great capes—the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin, and Cape Horn—exposed ships to fierce winds, enormous waves, and icebergs.
The Clipper route from England to Australia began in the east Atlantic Ocean, heading towards the equator. After crossing the equator, the route would turn south through the western South Atlantic, following the natural circulation of winds and currents. Ships would pass close to Trindade and then curve southeast past Tristan da Cunha, entering the Roaring Forties.
Once in the Roaring Forties, ships would encounter the ice zone, where there was a significant risk of encountering icebergs. Masters of ships would weigh the risks and decide how far south to venture, balancing the dangers of ice with the desire for a swift passage. The route from the Cape of Good Hope to Australia could be shortened by 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometres) by venturing further south, which also offered stronger winds.
Eastbound ships returning to England would stay within the ice zone, venturing as far south as possible to take advantage of the shortest route and strongest winds. Most ships would navigate north of Cape Horn, at 56 degrees south latitude, and then make their way back up the Atlantic Ocean, following the natural wind circulation in the eastern South Atlantic and a more westerly route in the North Atlantic.
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The Atlantic Ocean route
The journey begins in England, with ships setting off on the east Atlantic Ocean towards the equator. The first milestone is reaching the Saint Peter and Paul Rocks, located around 30 degrees west, approximately 3,275 miles (5,271 km) from the starting point. A good sailing time to cover this distance is considered to be around 21 days. From there, the route continues south through the western South Atlantic, following the natural circulation of winds and currents. This section of the journey takes the ships close to Trindade, and then they curve southeast past Tristan da Cunha.
The clipper route, a famous and historic passage, involves crossing the Greenwich meridian at about 40 degrees south. This marks the entry into the Roaring Forties, a significant milestone approximately 6,500 miles (10,500 km) from Plymouth, England. A good sailing time for this leg of the journey is about 43 days. Once in the forties, ships enter the ice zone, where there is a significant chance of encountering icebergs. To balance the risks, ship masters would navigate along the northern edge of the zone, roughly at a latitude of 40 degrees south.
The clipper route continues towards the Cape of Good Hope, and captains have to make a strategic decision. The great circle route from the Cape of Good Hope to Australia, curving down to 60 degrees south, offers a shorter distance by about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) and stronger winds. However, this route comes with the highest risks due to the combination of fierce winds, huge waves, and icebergs. Ships would weigh the dangers of navigating through this treacherous passage before deciding how far south to venture.
After rounding the Cape of Good Hope, ships would make their way back up the Atlantic Ocean, following the natural wind circulation. They would navigate up the eastern South Atlantic and then turn more westerly in the North Atlantic. This eastbound journey keeps ships mostly within the ice zone, and they would stay as far south as possible to benefit from the shortest route and the strongest winds. The clipper route then takes ships past Cape Horn, located at 56 degrees south, a notorious and hazardous section of the journey due to its strong winds, currents, and turbulent conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
The distance from England to Australia via the Atlantic Ocean is 13,079 nautical miles.
The Clipper route from England to Australia offered captains the fastest circumnavigation of the world. The route ran from England down the east Atlantic Ocean to the Equator, crossing at about the position of Saint Peter and Paul Rocks, around 30 degrees west.
A good sailing time for the 3,275-mile journey to Saint Peter and Paul Rocks would be around 21 days.
The Clipper route ran for much of its length through the Southern Ocean, exposing ships to fierce winds, huge waves, and icebergs.
In 1966, aviation pioneer Francis Chichester made the journey from London to Sydney in 107 days.
