3-Day Mediterranean Getaway

Setting sail from Sète

Sète is a hub of maritime activity even when there isn’t a festival on- the port links the Mediterranean to the Etang de Thau lagoon and the Canal du Midi, so there is a real mix of craft here. Escale à Sète festival just adds to the atmosphere. It’s the largest annual celebration of maritime traditions in southern France, attracting over 250,000 visitors. The Santa Maria Manuela will have been taking centre stage among other historic ships, with a lively atmosphere of traditional French music, food, and festivities. If you can, arrive in Sète a few days early to catch the height of the festival atmosphere before you join the ship.

Stepping aboard the Santa Maria Manuela you’ll be greeted with a tour and safety induction. Then you can settle into your cabin before getting to know your fellow sailors over dinner on board.

Along the Way

As you sail southwest, you’ll be invited to help hoist the sails, take the helm, and experience the rhythm of life at sea. The crew love sharing their seamanship skills and will encourage you to get hands-on. Join knot-tying workshops, climb the mast (weather permitting), or relax on the bowsprit. Sunset drinks on deck offer the perfect end to each day.

Sail with the wind, possibly heading south towards the Balearic Islands or, if weather conditions allow, stopping for a swim or enjoying the ship’s kayaks and paddleboards.

Your crew are a friendly and knowledgeable bunch, and will be happy to ‘show you the ropes’ – literally! Volunteers to hoist and trim the sails speed are always welcome, and the feeling of helming a 68m sailing ship as she responds to the command of the wheel is a unique experience! You might also want to climb the mast, or out onto the bowsprit (not at all compulsory, but going ‘aloft’ is, in our opinion, one of the highlights of a tall ship voyage).

Arriving in Castellón

Later in the month, the Valencian city of Castellón de la Plana will host the Escala a Castelló maritime festival, and you’ll see preparations well under way. There may even be a few other historic ships dotted around the harbour.

This is an interesting city, and one well worth exploring. The port at Grao de Castellón is active with fishing vessels, cargo ships and small working craft. There’s still a proper fish auction and an early-morning market where crews come straight off the boats. Inland, you’re quickly into orange groves and dry hills, good for walking or cycling between villages.

Wind, Waves & Weather

April offers good sailing between Sete and Castellón with long days and mostly moderate winds, but be prepared for sharp mistral bursts and potentially lumpy seas off the Gulf de Lion. South of Cap de Creus, conditions are generally milder and more predictable. Expect daytime temperatures of 15–19°C, dropping to 8–12°C at night.

Hands-On Holidays

Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail. For more on this, see our article ‘What is a Hands-On Sailing Holiday?’

Sailing Style & Life on Board

We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.

A Note on Voyage Descriptions

On a sailing voyage we never guarantee a specific itinerary. Skippers will always be aiming for the best and safest sailing routes given the forecast. They are as keen as you to include all the potential highlights of a voyage, but when it comes to sailing you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description provided is based on what we think is likely to be possible, based on past trips and prior experience, but nothing is guaranteed. As such, the scheduled joining ports, routes, activities and/or destinations may be altered. Due to the complexities of weather systems, this may be at very short notice.

What to pack for a sailing holiday on Santa Maria Manuela

Below is a recommended travel packing list for a sailing voyage.

Included

• Sailing Instruction
• Safety Equipment (Life jackets and harnesses)
• All meals to include cooked breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments throughout the day.
• Bed linen, duvet, towels for cabin (but please bring your own beach towel)

What is Not Included

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Travel to and from the start and end port
• Optional trips or tours taken ashore unless otherwise stated
• Alcoholic Beverages , but you can purchase drinks from the bar (you can set up a tab and pay at the end).

What to Bring

For any destination north of Cape Verde warm and waterproof clothing is very important, as it can get cold during sailing, especially at night, even in the summer. A waterproof and windproof jacket is recommended to help keep warm and dry. Waterproof rubber soled boots or shoes are also recommended to keep your feet dry and warm. It is a good idea to bring two pairs of shoes in case one gets wet as salt water soaked shoes take a while to dry. Madeira, Portugal and the Azores in summer can get pretty hot and it is easy to get sunburn at sea as the air is clear. The Cape Verde are in a tropical climate so a good sun screen is essential. Please remember that space on board is limited and pack accordingly. Pack comfortable and practical clothing for all weather circumstances, the key is layers!! It is recommended to pack in a soft bag that can be easily stored away as there is no room on board for suitcases. Electricity on board is European 2 pin sockets, please be sure to bring any adaptors you may need.

Passports, Visas and Insurance

If you voyage is sailing in foreign waters, you will require a full passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the end of the voyage. You will be responsible for obtaining any necessary visas. We have Third Party Liability Insurance and recommend all those sailing with us to take out relevant travel insurance to cover their voyage.

Medical Conditions and Special Diets

Please inform us in advance of any medical conditions you have and medication which you might need to bring with you. If you have any special dietary requirements it is essential you inform us prior to your voyage. We will make every effort to cater for all diets with prior notice.

Personal Items

This is a list of the items we recommend you bring with you.

• Warm hat and sun hat
• gloves - either sailing gloves or gardening type gloves
• Wet weather clothing – water proof and windproof jacket
• Clothing – enough clothing for all weather circumstances (think layers!!)
• Trainers or deck shoes
• shorts and t shirts
• nightwear (ear plugs ?)
• Toiletries
• Towels
• swimwear (googles are useful)
• Sun cream
• Sunglasses
• Sea sickness medication
• Personal medication
• Book
• Small torch (head torches are good!)
• Camera
• Log book (if you have one)
• Valid passport (voyages outside the UK)
• Travel insurance

Extras

• Musical instruments
• games or cards
• book/kindle

You can buy Santa Maria Manuela caps on board.

Diving Holidays on Santa Maria Manuela - Kit List

Please note the ship will only be carrying scuba diving equipment on the specialist diving voyages. On a diving voyage - Bottles and weights are included in the voyage price. If you need diving equipment other than bottles and weights it is €150 extra Nitrox costs €5 euros a dive Classic Sailing will expand on this kit list shortly.

We had the most amazing time. The crew were so friendly and helpful, the food was great throughout, and the cabins were really comfortable. We both climbed the rigging as the sun was setting over Porto Santo to round off a brilliant last day with the new friends we met. Thanks for the wonderful experience.

Ian & Dayna

I have sailed many times on tall ships, this is by far the best yet.

Richard

 

Terrific crew and ship and a lovely passage to the Azores. Crew and guests were very good and patient with someone who only spoke English. This is a terrifically well run vessel. Excellent accommodation, well serviced by a professional crew. All very friendly, helpful and willing to give information throughout. Many opportunities to get involved in most aspects of the ships operations. Very many thanks.

Keith

An amazing ship and amazing crew.

David

We had a terrific and adventurous time on board during Sachsen Sail in the Bay of Biscay. Thank you to all Santa Maria Manuela crew members!

Mario

Un voilier merveilleux avec un équipage très sympathique. Merci pour tout.

A splendid ship with a very kind crew. Thank you for everything.

Marie-Francoise