ASANI’S SECOND STEWARDESS TILLY SHARES HER EXPERIENCE OF OUR MAIDEN OCEAN CROSSING.
On 16 November, for the last time this year, ASANI slipped her lines in Europe, sailed from the dock and set out on the first leg of her maiden ocean crossing. We had spent the days prior preparing – stowing the interior, securing loose furniture, stocking up on supplies, checking safety equipment and completing safety drills – and we were ready for the voyage ahead.
Our port of origin was Livorno on the Italian coast, and we broke our journey in Gibraltar and Lanzarote to rest and refuel before finally sailing into the vast Atlantic Ocean. Our ultimate was destination the Caribbean, some 2,800nm away from Lanzarote, where we would welcome our first guests onboard.
As we began our first long-distance adventure, the excitement onboard was palpable. All the crew recognised the unique and special opportunity to be a part of ASANI’s maiden crossing. It was also the first ever ocean crossing for two of our crewmembers, which added an extra layer of anticipation.
From the moment we left Lanzarote, the ocean seemed to welcome us. Pods of dolphins accompanied us for the first few days, playing in our wake for hours. ASANI’s anchor hatches provided the perfect vantage points to watch them up close.
After dark, we were treated to more of the ocean’s wonders. The waters around the boat were often filled with bioluminescent plankton, which lit up the sea in a sparkling, bluey green display. One unforgettable night, more dolphins appeared to play in the glowing waters – it was pure magic.
Halfway across the Atlantic we held a Neptune ceremony to initiate the crew crossing for the first time. This ancient maritime rite traditionally marks the moment a ship crosses the equator and involves a trial by Neptune, ruler of the sea, for those who have never crossed before. With everyone dressed up, it was a fun moment that they will cherish for the rest of their yachting careers.
The crossing overall was as seamless as we could have hoped for, with ASANI truly proving herself as a capable and reliable yacht. After nearly three weeks of smooth sailing, we arrived in the stunning U.S. Virgin Island of St. Thomas on 8 December and were greeted by the island’s tropical warmth and lush landscapes.
Since our arrival, we’ve been busy preparing to welcome our first guests onboard. We can’t wait to finally share the ASANI experience with others and begin the next chapter of our journey.
