Autumn Yoga and Island Sailing

As Europe begins to contemplate the long nights of winter, the allure of yoga in the semi tropical islands of Madeira beckons.  If its yoga and warm summer sailing, deep blue seas and miles of sandy beaches you’re after, this trip is for you. 

We are pleased to welcome Wide Ocean Retreat yoga group who will be practicing during this voyage.  Their retreats are attended by people from all over Europe and have become renowned as the go-to yoga retreat experts in Portugal and the Azores.  

The Santa Maria Manuela leaves the beautiful island of Funchal for the stunning anchorage and golden sands of Porto Santo. Upon its return the ship sails through the natural sanctuary of Ilhas Desertas.

We hoist our sails and head east under the shadow of the ancient volcanic island of Madeira with the lights of Funchal illuminating the night sky.  As we leave the lee of the island and the rolling swell begins to slow under our hull we get the first sense that we are indeed in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.  The water is so blue here that it almost seems the gods spilt a pot of ink when designing the archipelago. 

There is an open invitation to get fully involved in all aspects of sailing during this short passage between the islands, from helming to trimming sails and from navigation to going aloft.  

Portugal’s 800 kilometres of continental coastline boasts many fabulous beaches, but by November, even the most hardy of sun seekers are beginning to look south.  Porto Santos’ nine golden kilometres of fine sand, bathed by the turquoise waters of the Atlantic provides an enviable view for the passengers of Santa Maria Manuela.  The ship anchors right in front of this beach, which in 2012 was voted by ‘7 Wonders: Beaches of Portugal’ as “the best dune beach“, and is said to have medicinal qualities.  After a dip in the tepid waters of Porto Santo there is nothing better than relaxing in the sand dunes before returning to the ship for sundowners.

We then sail back to the luxuriant green island of Madeira with its primitive laurel forest, unique water channels, waterfalls and breath-taking vistas and the ever-blooming city of Funchal.

The yoga package is an extra on this voyage.  If you would like to join the practice or find out more, please contactantonio@wideoceanretreat.com

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.

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.

AGILITY & FITNESS

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 01872 58 00 22 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.

What to pack for a sailing holiday on the Eye of the Win

Below is a recommended travel packing list for a sailing voyage. See bottom of page for Diving Holiday Kit List

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