| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 23-07-2024, 16:00A Coruna | Sat 27-07-2024, 10:00Lisbon, Portugal | Santa Maria Manuela | 4 Nights | SM230724 V15 |
Join Santa Maria Manuela for an authentic sailing experience from La Coruña to Lisbon, stopping at the beautiful Berlengas Islands. Engage in traditional sailing, witness stunning landscapes, and immerse in the rich cultures of Spain and Portugal. Enjoy hands-on activities, sunset drinks, and the thrill of navigating along the Atlantic coast.
| Vessel type / Rig | Gaff Schooner |
| Guest Berths | 50 |
| Beam | 33ft |
| Draft | 18ft |
| Deck Length | 173ft |
| Overall Length | 225ft |
| Tonnage | 992 tons |
| Year Built | 1937 |
La Coruña, a vibrant port city, marks the beginning of your journey. Here, the Tower of Hercules stands as the world’s only functioning Roman lighthouse. Wander through the city’s Spanish squares and medieval churches, soaking up the local culture before being welcomed aboard by Santa Maria Manuela’s friendly professional crew.
Your voyage takes you west towards the infamous Cape Finisterre, where the north Atlantic winds create exhilarating sailing conditions. As you navigate around the Cape, keep your fingers crossed for a helpful north wind to speed you towards the Berlengas Islands. Halfway down Portugal’s Atlantic Coast lie the ruggedly beautiful Berlengas Islands, a natural reserve, celebrated for their crystal-clear water, unexplored caves and an unspeakable beauty. This junction of the Mediterranean and Atlantic climates gave rise to a unique ecosystem, now a natural sanctuary protected by UNESCO since 2011. The Santa Maria Manuela is the only ship blessed with the unique opportunity to anchor here, thanks to our close connections with local authorities. The ships kayaks are available for those with exercise in-mind, or explore the islands by zodiac.
Your journey concludes in Lisbon, a city where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Glide beneath the Ponte da 25 Abril bridge, docking near the Oceanario de Lisboa. If time allows, stay a day longer to explore Lisbon’s charms. Don’t miss the Belem Tower and the Alfama district, where the streets are alive with Fado music.
July brings favourable conditions for sailing this route. Expect mild temperatures and a good chance of north winds aiding our journey. The sea in these parts can be lively, making for an authentic sailing experience.
On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best and safest sailing routes for the forecast. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described above, 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 might be possible, based on past trips, or prior experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. 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.
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. Handling cargo adds an extra dimension – building teamwork and communication skills and leaving you with a great sense of achievement.
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.
The exact location of your ship within the harbour will be given in time for your voyage.
How to Get There
From the UK
The most straightforward way to get to A Coruña from the UK is by plane. Direct flights are available from London to A Coruña Airport, which is about 8 km from the city centre. If you fancy a road trip, you can drive through France and Spain, but be prepared for a journey that could take upwards of 20 hours. Coaches are also available but are the least recommended due to the long travel time.
From Europe
If you’re coming from other parts of Europe, flights are plentiful and usually quite affordable. Alternatively, you can take a train into Madrid and then a domestic train to A Coruña. The Spanish rail system is efficient and offers a scenic journey.
From North America
Transatlantic flights usually land in Madrid or Barcelona. From there, you can catch a domestic flight to A Coruña or opt for a train journey if you’re not in a rush.
From Australia
For our mates down under, the journey is a long one. The most practical way is to fly into a major European hub like London or Madrid and then take a connecting flight to A Coruña.
What to Do in A Coruña
History
The Tower of Hercules, an ancient Roman lighthouse, is a must-see. It’s not just a historical marvel but also offers panoramic views of the Atlantic. The city is also home to several museums like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Archaeological Museum.
Culture
A Coruña is rich in Galician culture. The city comes alive during the Festival of María Pita, celebrating a local heroine. Traditional Galician music and dance are integral to the city’s cultural fabric.
Sites of Interest to a Sailor
The coastline here is a sailor’s dream. Riazor and Orzán beaches offer stunning views of the Atlantic. The coastline is dotted with smaller harbours, and while we don’t care for marinas, these are charming spots to drop anchor. Don’t miss the Punta Herminia and the Monte de San Pedro for some of the best views.
Entertainment
The city has a vibrant nightlife with a plethora of bars and clubs. Live music is common, and you’ll often find traditional Galician tunes being played alongside modern genres.
Eating Out
Seafood is the star of the show here. Octopus, shellfish, and hake are local favourites. For a unique dining experience, try the ‘pulpeiras,’ or octopus stalls.
Nature
Beyond the sea, A Coruña offers lush landscapes and parks. The Garden of San Carlos offers a peaceful retreat, and for those looking to hike, the Fragas do Eume natural park is just a short drive away.
Unique Features
What sets A Coruña apart is its blend of modernity and tradition, its love for the sea, and its warm, welcoming people. It’s a place where every sunset over the Atlantic feels like a personal performance, just for you.
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.
Sustainable Travel Carbon Offset Schemes
By selecting sustainable travel options and actively participating in carbon offset initiatives, you can make a positive impact while journeying to or from your voyage.
Here are some suggestions for carbon offset websites.
UK: One popular carbon offset website in the UK is “Clear” who offer a range of carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and organisations. They provide detailed information about their projects and allow users to calculate and offset their carbon footprint online.
North America: In North America, “Terrapass” is a well-known carbon offset website. Terrapass offers carbon offset projects across the United States and Canada. They provide options for individuals, businesses, and events to calculate and offset their carbon emissions. Terrapass also offers additional resources and information on sustainable living.
Europe: A popular carbon offset website in Europe is “MyClimate.” MyClimate provides carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and travel. They offer a carbon footprint calculator and allow users to support various sustainable projects worldwide. MyClimate focuses on promoting climate protection and sustainability.
Australia: “Greenfleet” is a prominent carbon offset website in Australia. Greenfleet focuses on planting native forests to offset carbon emissions. They offer individuals and businesses the opportunity to calculate and offset their carbon footprint by contributing to tree planting projects across Australia. Greenfleet provides detailed information about their projects and the positive environmental impacts they create.
Please note that these carbon offset websites may vary over time, so it is recommended to research and explore multiple options to find the most suitable one for your needs.
If any of these links do not work it would be kind of you to inform us, many thanks.
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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