17th Century Transatlantic Crossing Time: Typically 8–12 Weeks
Typical Duration
In the 17th century, a sailing ship crossing the Atlantic (Europe → North America/Caribbean) took 8 to 12 weeks on average (2–3 months).
Key Variables
| Factor | Effect on Duration |
|---|
| Wind patterns | Trade winds (eastbound) vs. westerlies (westbound); favorable = faster |
| Route | Southern (trade wind) route faster westbound; northern route for return |
| Season | Winter: storms, headwinds; Summer: hurricanes (Caribbean), calms |
| Ship type | Galleon/fluyt (slow, 3–4 kn) vs. later frigate/clipper (8–12+ kn) |
| Condition | Fouling, rigging wear, leaks slow progress |
| Crew skill/health | Scurvy, discipline, navigation accuracy |
Historical Examples
- Mayflower (1620): 66 days (Plymouth → Cape Cod) — relatively fast
- Spanish treasure fleets: 8–10 weeks (Seville → Veracruz) with convoy discipline
- French Canada runs: 6–8 weeks (La Rochelle → Quebec) using Gulf Stream
- Worst cases: 16–20+ weeks (becalmed, dismasted, blown off course)
Navigation Context
- No chronometer (Harrison's H4: 1761); longitude by dead reckoning / lunar distance
- Route knowledge: "Volta do mar" — sail west in trades, return via westerlies
- Stops: Canaries, Cape Verde, Azores for water, wood, repairs
Eastbound vs. Westbound
- Westbound (Europe → Americas): Slower (against prevailing westerlies in north; trades in south)
- Eastbound (Americas → Europe): Faster (westerlies + Gulf Stream); 4–6 weeks common by 1700s
Wanderlust World