More than 500 yachts joined the Finding Dory transatlantic cruising community last season, with hundreds of boats now preparing for the 2026–27 Atlantic crossing season through a free, collaborative network of sailors.
What began a few years ago as a small, informal group of cruising sailors preparing to cross the Atlantic has grown into what organisers describe as the world’s largest transatlantic cruisers’ flotilla.
Finding Dory brings together sailors making east-to-west and west-to-east Atlantic crossings, providing opportunities to share knowledge, prepare for ocean passages and support one another along the way.
More than 500 yachts participated during the completed 2025–26 season, while the fifth edition, Finding Dory V, has already attracted nearly 300 boats as preparations for the new season gather pace.
Unlike traditional organised cruising rallies, Finding Dory has no entry fee, fixed departure date, sponsors or extensive rules.
Instead, participants make their passages independently, sharing advice and experience while meeting other cruisers at common staging points, including Gibraltar, the Canary Islands and Cabo Verde.
A different approach to crossing the Atlantic
The Finding Dory concept is based on collaboration rather than a formal rally structure.
Crews can exchange information about passage planning, equipment, weather preparation and destinations while retaining the freedom to choose their own routes and departure schedules.
The community also organises preparation webinars, giving participants access to specialist speakers and the experiences of sailors who have already completed ocean crossings.
At the centre of the network is noforeignland, a free online platform providing yacht tracking, communications, cruising information and blogs.
The platform allows participating boats to follow one another’s progress and maintain contact during their passages.
Cruising information created by sailors
Founded by Steve and Helena Neal, noforeignland launched its website in 2017 and introduced a mobile app in 2023.
The platform combines destination information, yacht tracking and social connections, drawing on contributions from cruising sailors around the world.
Helena Neal said the aim was to provide a modern alternative to traditional cruising reference material.
“noforeignland.com is replacing paper pilot books in the same way that electronic charts have replaced paper charts,” she said.
“Data is provided by sailors, for sailors, but moderated by my team to keep it up to date, accurate and reliable.”
The service is free to use, without paywalls or intrusive advertising, and its operators say they do not sell users’ data.
Funding comes from shareholder support and voluntary Patreon contributions from users.
Helping one another when things go wrong
Beyond passage preparation and social connections, the Finding Dory network has also provided practical assistance to sailors encountering difficulties offshore.
Atlantic crossings can present serious challenges, including dismastings, engine failures and medical emergencies.
Using noforeignland’s tracking and communications tools, participants have been able to identify nearby yachts and coordinate assistance when other crews encounter problems.
In some cases, boats have diverted to help fellow cruisers.
The community has also supported fundraising efforts, including crowdfunding for a replacement mast for a yacht that suffered a dismasting.
These examples highlight the value of maintaining connections with other cruising boats, even when each crew is undertaking its passage independently.
A community built around cooperation
Finding Dory organiser Peter Casier brings around 30 years of humanitarian experience to the project, much of it with the United Nations, including leading its humanitarian first-response team.
Casier said his approach to supporting cruising sailors aligned closely with the philosophy behind noforeignland.
“I have found Steve and Helena to be kindred souls,” he said.
“The collaboration is a natural fit between people with the same motivation.”
With the latest preparation webinars completed, boats participating in Finding Dory V are already making their way towards the Canary Islands and Cabo Verde ahead of their Atlantic passages.
Although the fleet shares information and maintains contact, each yacht remains responsible for planning and undertaking its own crossing.
The community’s motto captures the philosophy behind the initiative:
“Even as you cross the Atlantic by yourself, you don’t have to sail alone.”
How to join Finding Dory
Finding Dory is open to cruising sailors planning Atlantic crossings in either direction, with no entry fee or fixed departure schedule.
Sailors interested in participating can join the Finding Dory group on noforeignland.
Further background on the initiative is available through the noforeignland Finding Dory blog.
Source: Richard Freeborn – Noforeignland Ltd
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