| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 03-03-2025, 16:00Lisbon, Portugal | Sun 09-03-2025, 10:00Funchal, Madeira | Santa Maria Manuela | 6 Nights | SM030325 V01 |
Sail from Lisbon to Funchal aboard Santa Maria Manuela, a historic 4-masted schooner. Enjoy hands-on sailing, scenic stops, and the beauty of Portugal and Madeira’s coastlines. Perfect for those seeking an adventure combining maritime history, beach relaxation, and cultural exploration.
| Vessel type / Rig | Gaff Schooner |
| Guest Berths | 50 |
| Beam | 33ft |
| Draft | 18ft |
| Deck Length | 173ft |
| Overall Length | 225ft |
| Tonnage | 992 tons |
| Year Built | 1937 |
This voyage is perfect for those seeking an immersive sailing experience combined with relaxation and discovery. Santa Maria Manuela’s blend of historical charm and modern comfort makes her ideal for those with a love of maritime history, as well as for those who enjoy hands-on sailing. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of the open sea, the cultural richness of Lisbon and Funchal, or the tranquil beauty of Porto Santo, this trip offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.
Your adventure begins in Lisbon, a city steeped in maritime heritage and bustling with a vibrant atmosphere. Santa Maria Manuela, a stunning 4-masted schooner, awaits as you prepare to sail down the Tagus River, passing under the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril bridge. The view of the bridge and Lisbon’s coastline, especially at sunset, is a sight to behold as you set course towards the open Atlantic.
From here, you’ll leave the city’s lively energy behind, swapping it for the vastness of the ocean. This isn’t just a journey; it’s a step back into maritime history on a beautifully restored vessel, originally crafted nearly a century ago.
As you head towards the Madeira archipelago, your journey covers over 500 nautical miles, giving you ample time to connect with the crew and other guests. On this voyage, you’re welcome to take the helm, trim the sails, or assist in navigation. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a complete novice, there’s something satisfying about contributing to the ship’s journey.
The voyage includes a stop at Porto Santo, an island known for its 9-kilometre stretch of golden sands and turquoise waters. Here, you can swim, explore the beach, or unwind on the sand. Porto Santo’s gentle beauty, combined with the island’s relaxed atmosphere, offers a peaceful break before continuing on to Funchal.
Throughout the trip, keep an eye out for wildlife. Dolphins are often sighted in these waters, and occasionally, whales too. The night skies, far from any city lights, offer a spectacle of stars. Gazing up at them from the deck is a moment that many describe as magical.
The journey concludes in Funchal, the vibrant capital of Madeira. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere, Funchal invites you to explore if you’re able to stay an extra day. Wander through the city’s bustling Mercado dos Lavradores, where you’ll find fresh produce and Madeira’s renowned black scabbardfish.
For a taste of local history, visit the 15th-century Funchal Cathedral or explore the Museum of the History of Madeira. And if you’re looking to savour local flavours, indulge in bolo do caco (garlic bread) and a glass of Madeira wine. The nearby Monte cable car and botanical gardens are perfect for those looking to capture panoramic views of the island.
In March, expect mild spring weather with daytime temperatures between 15°C and 20°C. The Atlantic waters begin to warm, making them suitable for some water activities, though the evenings may feel cool—packing a jacket is a good idea. Conditions can vary, with occasional rain showers and gentle winds making for relatively smooth sailing, though swells may bring a gentle roll to the journey at times. It’s a wonderful time to sail, with fewer tourists and comfortable temperatures.
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. While we hope you will enjoy taking part in the many aspects of sailing a traditional ship, please be aware that we can’t control the weather – there will be occasions when the conditions are just not congruent with sailing to your anticipated destination and an alternative itinerary will be offered. There may also be occasions when there isn’t the wind needed to sail and so the crew will utilise the ships engines (if installed). On rare occasions, the voyage may need to be delayed or cancelled – please see the vessel’s Terms and Conditions before booking.
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.
Every customer sailing with us will need to fill in basic medical questions on their booking application. If you are not sure if your current level of fitness and agility are up to a voyage, then please ring the Classic Sailing Office on 01326 53 1234 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.
You are going to be spending some time in the ports you embark and disembark from. These aren’t just logistical points; they’re opportunities for further enrichment. Take an extra day to discover what’s beyond the harbour. It’s not merely about filling time; it’s about making the entire journey worthwhile.
Keeping in Touch The exact location of your ship may not be known until closer to your joining time, you will be informed by email once the exact position has been confirmed. Make sure you take a note of the ship’s mobile/cell phone number with you in case you are delayed or there are any other problems on the day.
History Lisbon is a city steeped in maritime history. The Maritime Museum and the Jerónimos Monastery are a nod to Portugal’s illustrious sea voyages. For history buffs, the Alfama district is a labyrinth of narrow streets, capturing Lisbon’s Moorish past.
Culture Fado music often wafts through the air as you navigate the city’s hilly terrain. If you find yourself here in June, you’ll catch the vibrant Festas de Lisboa, featuring a parade of colourful sardine floats.
Sites of Interest to a Sailor From Lisbon’s shoreline, you might glimpse the towering statue of Christ the King and the 25 de Abril Bridge, a near-twin of San Francisco’s Golden Gate. The Tagus River offers natural shelter, historically providing a safe haven for sea vessels.
Entertainment You’ll find plenty of traditional Fado houses, jazz bars, and modern nightclubs. Docas de Santo Amaro is known for its nightlife where the quayside bars become vibrant as the sun sets.
Eating Out Don’t leave without tasting a pastel de nata. Seafood is, naturally, a staple, with bacalhau (salt cod) appearing in countless forms. For wine, you’d be amiss not to have a glass of vinho verde or port.
Nature Beyond the hustle and bustle, Lisbon has beautiful natural landscapes to offer, including the nearby Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, a grand blend of forested hills and rugged coastline.
Unique Features Lisbon’s trams are not only an effective way of tackling its many hills, but they offer a unique and historical ride through the city’s most scenic routes.
Accommodation For classic Portuguese grandeur, try the Pestana Palace or the Four Seasons Ritz Lisbon.
Official Tourist Website Visit Lisbon’s official tourism website for more information.
Weather Lisbon Winters are mild, with January hovering around 11°C. Spring offers pleasant temperatures, while summers can soar up to 30°C. Autumn is a transitional period, with mild to warm weather.
Sea and Beyond: A Responsible Mariner’s Guide Since you’re already investing in a unique sailing adventure, why not extend that spirit to your travel choices? Opt for more sustainable methods of transport where possible like trains, coaches or sharing a car. If you fly, and we realise this may well be the case, you could research some ways to offset the carbon created by the flight.
Special Interests If you have a special interest that you would like to find out about for this port or to tell us about, we would love to hear from you.
From the UK Lisbon is well connected by air to major cities in the UK. Alternatively, trains from London to Lisbon via Paris and Madrid are also available.
From Europe Trains and flights from several European cities make Lisbon easily accessible.
From North America Direct flights are available from several major cities in the United States and Canada.
From Australia While there are no direct flights from Australia, one-stop flights via Asian or Middle Eastern hubs are commonly used.
If Funchal is your leaving port then arriving into Funchal by sea, offers stunning views of the city perched on an ancient volcanic slope. Shadowing the city are impressive mountains covered in laurel bushes and banana trees, a natural park which was nominated a UNESCO Word Heritage site in 1999, Laurissilva of Madeira.
If you are flying in to join your ship then you may get a birds eye view of this volcanic jewel in the Atlantic Ocean, unless the trade wind mists are swirling on the summits.
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
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