While most of us Ocean Nomads are dreaming or preparing to cross the Atlantic Ocean by sail, Belgian kitesurfer Koen Darras is preparing for something that has never been done: 3000 Nautical Miles by kite!
At the end of 2026, the Atlantic Kite Crossing will depart from the Canary Islands, through Cape Verde, towards the Caribbean. A crossing that will take weeks through towering waves and unpredictable trade winds. No engine. It comes down to human endurance and the elements.
It’s an expedition in its purest form. One person takes on the ocean with only wind and willpower. Windfall sails alongside for safety, but every mile is Koen’s own.
When Koen Darras reached out to Ocean Nomads with his bold Atlantic Crossing kite mission with a bigger ocean impact message, and a call for support, we knew we had to help move it forward.
This is exactly why we started Ocean Nomads: to connect people to each other and to the ocean, and to support adventures and lifestyles rooted in mission and nature.
Over the years, Ocean Nomads has grown into a global network of sailors, expeditioners, vessels, projects, and sustainability-driven ocean people sharing a wealth of collective wisdom. We connect the right people, vessels, and experience to help bold ideas become real. And ripple!
Thanks to what we cultivated over time, we connected Koen with expedition vessel owner and Captain Thomas, long term Ocean Nomads ambassador, who will support him with SV Windfall, forming the safety and expedition backbone behind this crossing. We’re also helping bring together the experience, logistics, and support structure around the mission.
While the vessel remains on standby for emergencies, the crossing itself is completed entirely under Koen’s own power.
The expedition in facts
| What | First solo crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by kitesurf, a world first |
| Distance | 3,000 seamiles (5,000 km): Canary Islands to Cape Verde to the Caribbean |
| When | Late 2026 (exact date subject to wind conditions) |
| Duration | Multiple weeks on the open ocean |
| Method | 100% wind-powered: kitesurf, no engine |
| Safety | Expedition vessel Windfall (NL) under Captain Thomas van Thiel as safety platform |
The Ripple Effect
The ocean needs more attention, and more explorers moving with intention.
And the world needs more visible examples of lives lived with nature.
Let the ripple effect begin!
Most of the crew on this crossing comes from the Ocean Nomads network, and we’re very proud of that.
Koen and Thomas set off from Mindelo in Cape Verde. Ocean nomads gather there around New Year to see them off, and members hear first where and when.
Meet Koen in the Ocean Nomads network
Website: www.atlanticcrossing.world
