Autumn Bluewater Adventure

Set Sail from the Azores

You’ll join Santa Maria Manuela on the vibrant island of São Miguel in Ponta Delgada. If you arrive early, explore the historic architecture of the city and the verdant António Borges Garden.

After being welcomed aboard by the crew, you’ll receive a safety briefing and get to know your fellow sailors over dinner. Then it’s time to settle into your bunk for a cosy night aboard before setting sail the following morning.

Along the Way

Keep your eyes peeled for the array of wildlife that calls the Azores and the surrounding waters home; 2024 was 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 here. Sperm whales are the resident species, but you may also see blue, fin and sei whales. Bottlenose, Atlantic spotted and common dolphins are also common at this time of year.

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! 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. 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.

Arriving in Lisbon

Lisbon beckons, as you sail up the Rio Tejo beneath the city’s famous suspension bridge, Ponte 25 de Abril. After you disembark consider spending a few days here. Make the most of the opportunity to hear Fado music, visit historic neighborhoods like Alfama, the Belem Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Plus, of course, the Maritime Museum is an absolute must.

WIND, WAVES & WEATHER

Early October is a good time to make this passage. You’re likely to enjoy favourable northerly winds and a decent push from the Azores High, making for some cracking sailing. Average wind speeds at this time of year are around 10 to 18 knots, but this can pick up to 30 knots (force 7) on occasion if passing a low pressure system, so be prepared for a mixture of sea states. Temperatures will be pleasant: around 18–24°C in the day and 14–18°C overnight, cooler as you near mainland Europe. Where the Azores can be quite showery at this time of year, the weather should get increasingly settled as you make your way Eastward. Though there’s always the risk of rain, Lisbon generally has more sunshine than the Azores in the Autumn.

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 and 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