| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 29-06-2026, 16:00Dublin, Ireland | Sun 05-07-2026, 10:00A Coruña, Spain | Santa Maria Manuela | 6 Nights | SM290626 V26 |
Join the Santa Maria Manuela on an exciting 6-night voyage, sailing down the Irish and Celtic Seas and out into the big blue. You’ll sail across the Bay of Biscay to Galicia- the Bay is notorious, but July is one of the best times of year to make this passage. Expect some cracking sailing, with the added 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 |
There is plenty to see, do and explore in Dublin if you’re able to stay a day or two before you join the ship. Visit the replica emigrant ship Jeanie Johnson, soak in the city’s history in it’s fascinating museums and make sure to find time for a ‘proper’ Guinness – it really does taste better in Ireland! Get inland too if you can, the countryside here is spectacular, and you might be keen for a good leg stretch before your passage!
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).
This trip will take you down the Irish Sea and out into the Atlantic, crossing the Bay of Biscay to reach Galicia.
Sailing into 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 after disembarking. The town itself is a fantastic place to spend a few days, with lots to explore, historically and gastronomically!
From A Coruna, it’s possible to set off on foot along the Camino Inglés to Santiago de Compostella, an ancient pilgrimage route of 75km. A proper leg stretch after your time at sea!
July offers long days and generally moderate winds for this route, and is one of the best times of year for a relatively calm crossing of Biscay. Expect lively sailing in the Celtic Sea with prevailing southwesterlies, easing to fairer weather and north–northeast winds as you approach Spain. Daytime temperatures will be around 16–20°C at the start of your voyage, rising to 20–25°C as you head south. All in all, expect some cracking sailing conditions but also the potential for 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.
Dublin wears its maritime history close to the surface. East Wall and Ringsend have old shipyards and workshops mixed with new industry. Poolbeg Lighthouse at the harbour mouth is a good spot for watching ships enter on the tide. If you can take the time and want something cultural, rather than the usual Guinness-and-pubs routine (although there is NOTHING wrong with that!), take a look at the Jeanie Johnston replica ship and museum.
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.
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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