| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 25-08-2024, 16:00Angra do Heroismo, Terceira, Azores | Mon 02-09-2024, 10:00Lisbon, Portugal | Santa Maria Manuela | 8 Nights | SM250824 V20 |
What do ‘Island Paradise’, ‘Bluewater Sailing’ and ‘City Breaks’ all have in common? The stunning 4-Masted schooner, Santa Maria Manuela of course! Sail from UNESCO-listed Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, to the bustling city of Lisbon, covering 855 nm. Encounter whales, learn sailing skills, and participate in a citizen science project. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the open ocean!
– Travel in comfort in the newly renovated Santa Maria Manuela
– Sail 855 nautical miles from the Azores to Lisbon
– Hands-on sailing experience in all aspects of the ship’s life
– Spot for whales and dolphins, fish, share sailing stories by the bar or lose yourself in a good book
– Support our citizen science project to raise awareness of the problem with marine litter
– Sail into Lisbon at sunrise under Lisbon’s 25 de Abril suspension bridge
– After disembarking consider spending a few days exploring Lisbon with its bustling cobbled streets, rich history, ancient culture and vibrant night life.
| Vessel type / Rig | Gaff Schooner |
| Guest Berths | 50 |
| Beam | 33ft |
| Draft | 18ft |
| Deck Length | 173ft |
| Overall Length | 225ft |
| Tonnage | 992 tons |
| Year Built | 1937 |
You’ll join Santa Maria Manuela in Terceira, docked in UNESCO-listed Angra do Heroísmo, the Azores’ oldest city, with its 16th-century fortress and Renaissance town. Angra do Heroísmo is a fascinating place, if you’re able to arrive a day early, we highly recommend exploring the city, consider visiting Algar do Carvão with its 90m-deep volcanic chimney, and the island’s small vineyards and lava-rock bathing pools in Biscoitos are popular tourist sites.
After being welcomed aboard by the crew, you’ll be ready to embark on your adventure. National Geographic elected the Azores archipelago the most beautiful place in the world and there can be no better way to travel from the archipelago back to Lisbon than on board the Santa Maria Manuela.
Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the array of wildlife that calls the Azores and the surrounding waters home; 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the ban on whaling in the Azores. Since 1984, whale numbers have grown, and they have returned to their old feeding grounds of the Azores, so you may be lucky enough to catch sight of one of these magnificent creatures. Sperm whales are the resident species, with blue, fin and sei whales, and bottlenose, Atlantic spotted and common dolphins are also common at this time of year.
This bluewater crossing is a classic tall ship sailing experience. 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 something to savor. On a Classic Sailing holiday, you can do as much or as little as you like, but we do encourage you to get stuck in and take part to really have a holistic Tall Ship adventure! Of course, there’s always plenty of down time too!
Knot classes are a great way to learn a new skill whilst sharing sailing stories with shipmates, and if the weather allows there’s the opportunity to go up the mast or relax in the bowsprit netting. A drink at sunset on the deck is the perfect way to round off each day.
Lisbon beckons, as you sail up the Rio Tejo beneath the city’s famous suspension bridge, Ponte 25 de Abril. After you disembark consider immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Lisbon, with its Fado music, historic neighborhoods like Alfama, and stunning viewpoints. Visit the Belem Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
August graces the Azores with pleasant temperatures ranging from 17°C to 25°C (63°F to 77°F), providing an ideal climate for both sailing and exploring the islands.
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 Angra do Heroismo is steeped in maritime history, reflecting its key role as a strategic port during the Age of Exploration. The town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, replete with 16th-century forts and churches. For a deep dive into history, visit the Museu de Angra do Heroismo.
Culture The Azores have a rich tradition of folk music and dance, and Angra is no exception. The town frequently hosts festivals that showcase local traditions, like the Sanjoaninas Festivities in June, featuring parades, bullfights, and concerts.
Sites of Interest to a Sailor Angra offers coastal views that can take your breath away. Monte Brasil provides an elevated vantage point to view the harbours below. For those with a nautical bent, the local lighthouses, such as the one at Serreta, are worth a look. Sail by the numerous bays and headlands to truly appreciate the coastline.
Entertainment If you find yourself yearning for a bit of social merriment after sundown, Angra has a few watering holes and pubs that offer live music. You might also enjoy the local dance clubs where you can sway to both modern and traditional tunes.
Eating Out Angra has a range of dining options that include traditional Azorean dishes like Alcatra, a hearty meat stew. For seafood enthusiasts, the local lapas (limpets) are a must-try.
Nature Venture beyond the town to explore the island’s lush green pastures, hiking trails, and unique lava tunnels. The island offers guided tours and opportunities for bird watching and whale spotting.
Unique Features One can’t speak about Angra without mentioning the sulphur springs and the natural swimming pools formed by lava. These features offer a unique twist to the usual beachside experience.
Accommodation Some well-known accommodations include the Terceira Mar Hotel and the Quinta de Nossa Senhora das Mercês.
Official Tourist Website Visit Angra do Heroismo Tourism (website link) for more information.
Weather in Angra do Heroismo Winters are mild but wet, while summers are warm and relatively dry. Spring and autumn offer a pleasant, temperate climate, making these seasons ideal for outdoor activities.
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.
UK Flights are available from London to Lajes Airport in Terceira. Alternatively, you can fly to Lisbon and take a connecting flight.
Europe Direct flights are available from various European cities to Lisbon, from where a short connecting flight can get you to Terceira.
North America From the United States, one-stop flights are typically available, usually with a layover in Lisbon.
Australia A longer journey is required from Australia, often involving multiple layovers, commonly in Asian and European cities before reaching Terceira.
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.
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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