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A Bali for the Transat’Espoir: One Family’s Adventure for DFDL
Crossing the Atlantic as a family with four children on board is a project that requires preparation, confidence, and a boat capable of supporting every moment of the adventure. For the Transat’Espoir, the DFDL family chose to set sail aboard a Bali, a catamaran designed to combine comfort, safety, and the art of living at sea. This family of six sailors achieved their dream: sailing from the Canary Islands to Martinique while supporting an important cause — research into leukemia and blood disorders.
“Our family’s Atlantic crossing was the result of a full year of preparation, during which we tried to think through every detail.
One of the most important decisions was choosing the right boat for this adventure with two adults and four children aged 10, 8, 6 and 4.
After initially considering a monohull, we found a Bali 4.6 that met all our criteria and was available for a crossing at the end of November 2025. We had a brief scare when, just a few weeks before departure, we learned that this boat would no longer be making the crossing. However, North Star, a Bali 5.4, eventually became our faithful companion for the journey.
Although we had prepared ourselves to handle such an impressive boat, we quickly discovered that it was remarkably easy to manoeuvre, especially when casting off and leaving the small secondary harbour of Las Palmas.
Of course, the many manoeuvres throughout the crossing were not always effortless, but they could easily be handled by a single adult from the flying bridge.
During one month of sailing, the only manoeuvres requiring a second person were those in harbour or climbing the mast.
As for life on board, we particularly appreciated the extraordinary comfort of the saloon: a safe and welcoming space, naturally ventilated and offering a constant panoramic view.
Once we reached Martinique, the natural airflow allowed us to fully enjoy the tropical climate.
Whether for homeschooling, board games, music, reading, or sharing family meals, the space offered by the typical Bali layout was ideal for us throughout the journey from the Canary Islands to Martinique.
The exceptional volume of this beautiful catamaran, combined with the variety of living spaces, allowed those looking for some quiet time to enjoy their own space without being disturbed by the others’ activities.
Beyond this exceptional comfort, we always felt a strong sense of safety.
Even in 35 knots of wind and four-to-five-metre waves, we always felt completely secure on this boat, which proved to be a truly seaworthy vessel.
The ability to manage everything from the saloon was invaluable during the long night watches, in which even our older children were able to take part while remaining connected to the sea around us.
When it was time to step ashore, we felt happy, proud, and grateful to have achieved this dream. North Star, this Bali 5.4, was the perfect companion for an adventure filled with safety and serenity.
And if one day we decide to cross the Pacific, as suggested by our children, there is no doubt that Bali will be our first choice.
This adventure was created to support the DFDL Foundation, which funds research into leukemia and blood disorders. To learn more or contribute to the project: https://dfdl.org/actualites/transat-espoir/”