| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 25-04-2026, 16:00A Coruña, Spain | Wed 29-04-2026, 10:00Brest, France | Santa Maria Manuela | 4 Nights | SM250426 V14 |
Join the Santa Maria Manuela on a 4-night sailing voyage across the Bay of Biscay. The weather will determine the route on this trip, with the ship either striking out into deep water or sticking closer to the coast. Either way expect some exciting sailing in the comfort of Santa Maria Manuela’s beautifully restored accommodation!
| Vessel type / Rig | Gaff Schooner |
| Guest Berths | 50 |
| Beam | 33ft |
| Draft | 18ft |
| Deck Length | 173ft |
| Overall Length | 225ft |
| Tonnage | 992 tons |
| Year Built | 1937 |
Sailing from A Coruna is pretty special, particularly if you’re able to see the Tower of Hercules, which has served as a lighthouse here for nearly 2000 years. A visit to the tower is a must if you have time before joining the ship. The town itself is a fantastic place to spend a few days, with lots to explore, historically and gastronomically!
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.
As you make your way out to sea you’ll be invited to help hoist the sails, take the helm, and experience the rhythm of life at sea. Your crew are a friendly and knowledgeable bunch, and will be happy to ‘show you the ropes’ – literally! 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).
The route for this trip will be dictated by the weather, either striking out into the Bay of Biscay, or hugging the Atlantic coast of the Basque Country and France.
As you approach, Brest’s vast natural harbour comes into view. This has been a strategic naval base for centuries, and today it’s a city that blends maritime heritage with modern energy. If you have time before heading home, visit the National Maritime Museum, housed in the Château de Brest, or explore the bustling waterfront, where working boats and tall ships share the docks.
Much depends on the route taken, but this promises to be a classic Biscay crossing in variable spring weather — lively seas, cool nights, and shifting winds. Daytime temperatures will be around 14–18°C, dropping to 9–12°C at night. Expect some cracking sailing conditions but also some potentially lumpy seas.
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?’
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.
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.
Adam here. You were looking at A Coruna and I thought I might be able to help. This port is more than a simple embarkation point, it can enrich your sailing holiday in real terms. Staying a day here transforms your journey into something broader. Expect a working harbour, lively town, and Atlantic coastline offering genuine salt-air character. If you can visit the lighthouse Faro Vilan on the headland, the view is amazing.
A Coruna lies on Spain’s north-west Atlantic coast in Galicia. For sailors switching from modern yachts to traditionally rigged boats, it offers a sense of maritime lineage. The approach by sea shows headlands, the working port basin, and a long seafront promenade lined with distinctive glass-balconied buildings. You’ll feel the transition from sea to land with authenticity.
History
Explore the Tower of Hercules, a Roman-built lighthouse still in use today, perched on the headland. Visit the 12th-century Church of Santiago in the old town. The port area has long been an Atlantic trading gateway.
Culture
Galician language and traditions are alive in A Coruna. The glass-windowed “galerías” along the northern promenade reflect the local climate and style. The annual Fiestas de Maria Pita in August brings live music, processions and street life.
Sites of Interest to a Sailor
From the deck approach you’ll pass the bay with white-balcony buildings and marina. The headland with the Tower of Hercules marks the entrance. The promenade gives excellent vantage for tide, sea and ship movement. Head north along the walkway to spot the coastline and islands.
Entertainment
When you step ashore you’ll find bars and taverns around the old town and marina. In the evenings live music occurs in smaller venues and cultural centres. The city offers a comfortable night after a day at sea without being over commercialised.
Eating Out
Seafood dominates. Think goose barnacles, spider crab, hake dish “a la Gallega”. Pair with Galician wines. View the waterfront terraces and sample local prawns or monkfish. Dining here reflects the Atlantic more than the Mediterranean.
Nature
The Atlantic coast brings rugged seascapes, wide bays and nearby beaches such as Praia de Orzán and Praia de Riazor. For a sailor, these shore excursions offer a contrasting pace to ship life. Hills and coastal trails lie within easy reach for a half-day off-ship.
Unique Features
What sets A Coruna apart is its genuinely Atlantic character plus its working port combined with city amenities. The glass-balconied façades, enduring Roman lighthouse, and peninsula form give it a distinctive flavour among coastal destinations.
If you stay on land before or after your voyage look for hotels in the city centre with port or seafront views. Choose something comfortable for rest ahead of sailing. Some spa options exist in the region if you wish a slower start or finish.
https://www.coruna.gal/tourism/en Concello da Coruña
Winter – Coastal temperatures hover around 10-16 °C. Atlantic storms possible.
Spring – Cooler start, then moderate; good sailing conditions with lighter crowds.
Summer – Warm but rarely hot: highs around 20-25 °C; comfortable for sailors and sightseers.
Autumn – Mild, similar to spring; increased chance of Atlantic systems but good for slower travel and fewer tourists.
As you participate in a traditional sailing voyage choose transport and lodging with sustainability in mind. Use rail or bus rather than private car where possible. If you fly to reach A Coruna, look into carbon-offsetting schemes and plan transport from the airport efficiently.
If you have a particular interest—marine archaeology, lighthouse architecture, surf conditions, Galician folk music—let us know. We can highlight tailored experiences in A Coruna to match your special interest.
From the UK: There are direct flights from London to A Coruna seasonally. Alternatively fly to Santiago de Compostela and transfer by train or coach to A Coruna. Ferry options across the Bay of Biscay are limited, so air or rail is most practical.
From Europe: A Coruna is well connected by flights to major Spanish cities and some European hubs. Train or coach from nearby Galician cities is reliable.
From North America: You will need a connection usually in Madrid or Barcelona, or possibly Lisbon, then onward to A Coruna. Ensure adequate lay-over time.
From Australia: The route typically involves a Middle-East or Asian hub, then into Madrid or Barcelona, followed by connection to A Coruna. Allow generous transit time and schedule flexibility.
For international travel plan to book 3-6 months ahead. For spring, summer or autumn voyages begin monitoring 4-6 months before departure. For high-demand periods start early.
Travel mid-week or outside peak times. Consider airports near A Coruna for cheaper arrival options. Check airline websites for direct offers. Use incognito mode when browsing. Use flight trackers, sign up for deal alerts.
Use tools like Skyscanner’s Savings Generator to analyse booking windows. Combine date flexibility with advanced monitoring to find value.
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Explore Shoreham, West Sussex—historic harbour town near Brighton. Ideal for sailors, with culture, nature, and easy rail links to London.
There’s a maritime museum inside the old castle with models, small craft and gear from working boats. The international maritime festival held biennially fills the harbour with traditional vessels, but even outside that, you’ll usually see something interesting moving on the water. Brittany is famed for its seafood, so make a beeline for a waterside bistro and ask for the catch of the day! A bit further afield, the Armorique Regional Natural Park offers unparalleled hiking opportunities and splendid coastal scenery.
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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