| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 02-06-2024, 16:00Málaga, Spain | Fri 07-06-2024, 10:00Lisbon, Portugal | Santa Maria Manuela | 5 Nights | SM020624V9 |
Set sail from historic Malaga aboard the Santa Maria Manuela for a 5-day voyage to Lisbon, Portugal. Before departure, explore Malaga’s Moorish fortress, Alcazaba, and the Picasso Museum. Sail through Gibraltar Strait to reach Portimão’s golden beaches and charming old town. Join the crew in hoisting sails and learn nautical skills like knot-tying. Conclude in Lisbon, sailing up the Rio Tejo under the Ponte 25 de Abril. Once ashore, explore Lisbon’s musical and historic heritage at your own pace.
Please note
Please note that this voyage is largely upwind to bring Santa Maria Manuela northwards for the next part of her sailing season. This may require more use of the engines than normal.
“Absolutely loved this trip from Lisbon. Such a beautiful ship – have fallen completely in love with her and can’t wait to book the next trip.“
Kerstin
5 nights at sea aboard the Santa Maria Manuela.
Start in Malaga: Explore the birthplace of Picasso and its vibrant seafaring tradition.
Motor-sail through Gibraltar Strait.
Arrive in Portimão: Golden beaches and cobbled old-town streets await.
Volunteer sailing opportunities: Join the crew to hoist and set sails.
End up in Lisbon: Sail under the Ponte 25 de Abril and immerse yourself in Fado music and history.
| Vessel type / Rig | Gaff Schooner |
| Guest Berths | 50 |
| Beam | 33ft |
| Draft | 18ft |
| Deck Length | 173ft |
| Overall Length | 225ft |
| Tonnage | 992 tons |
| Year Built | 1937 |
Step on board for a 5-day motor-sailing voyage aboard the Santa Maria Manuela, starting from the pulse of the Mediterranean, Malaga, and concluding in the heart of Portugal, Lisbon. Malaga is not just any port town; it’s the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and a tapestry of Phoenician, Roman, and Moorish history. Before setting sail, roam around the Alcazaba—a Moorish fortress offering panoramic views over the Mediterranean—or pay a visit to the Picasso Museum to witness the oeuvre of the genius himself. Fancy a bite? You won’t be disappointed with the local Andalusian seafood.
From Malaga, we cut through the Gibraltar Strait and press on against the prevailing winds towards Portimão. This coastal town will enchant you with its golden sands and historic old town, replete with cobblestone streets and traditional Portuguese architecture.
Volunteer to assist the crew as we hoist the sails. The feeling of taking the helm of a 68-metre sailing ship is an experience you’ll cherish, feeling the vessel respond to the wheel’s slightest touch. Our crew are always on hand to impart their sailing wisdom and relish the chance for you to get involved.
Heading west, we pass by the Cape of Sao Vincente, making our final approach to Lisbon via the Rio Tejo, beneath the shadow of the city’s iconic suspension bridge, Ponte 25 de Abril. Lisbon is a treasure trove of culture, history, and music. After disembarkation, lose yourself in the narrow streets of Alfama or take in a Fado performance. Don’t miss the Belem Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Note
Please note that this voyage is largely upwind to bring Santa Maria Manuela northwards for the next part of her sailing season. This may require more se of the engines than normal.
When embarking on a sailing adventure, it’s important to understand that the word “itinerary” takes on a flexible meaning. This isn’t a road trip where you can plan each stop down to the minute. Instead, we embrace what we call a dynamic itinerary. Our skippers are as excited as you are to experience the voyage’s potential highlights, but the ultimate guide here is Mother Nature. We navigate in harmony with her, never against her.
So, what’s a dynamic itinerary? It means our captain or skipper is always prepared with a plan that’s anything but set in concrete. Weather conditions, sea currents, and other unexpected elements can lead to adjustments. However, rest assured that the final port is a constant goal and our track record for timely arrivals is something we’re really proud of.
In setting your expectations for the trip, know that our descriptions draw from a wealth of past experiences and voyages. However, they are not promises carved in stone; they are possibilities tethered to the realities of seafaring life. Routes, activities, and destinations are subject to change, often due to complex weather patterns, and safety requirements that may require swift decisions. That is the skill our Captains excel at.
So when you join us, come with an adventurous spirit and a willingness to let the voyage unfold as it will. Trust in the skill of your skipper, the strength of your vessel, and the wisdom of centuries of seafaring tradition. Here, the journey genuinely is the destination.
When embarking on a sailing adventure, it’s important to understand that the word “itinerary” takes on a flexible meaning. This isn’t a road trip where you can plan each stop down to the minute. Instead, we embrace what we call a dynamic itinerary. Our skippers are as excited as you are to experience the voyage’s potential highlights, but the ultimate guide here is Mother Nature. We navigate in harmony with her, never against her.
So, what’s a dynamic itinerary? It means our captain or skipper is always prepared with a plan that’s anything but set in concrete. Weather conditions, sea currents, and other unexpected elements can lead to adjustments. However, rest assured that the final port is a constant goal and our track record for timely arrivals is something we’re really proud of.
In setting your expectations for the trip, know that our descriptions draw from a wealth of past experiences and voyages. However, they are not promises carved in stone; they are possibilities tethered to the realities of seafaring life. Routes, activities, and destinations are subject to change, often due to complex weather patterns, and safety requirements that may require swift decisions. That is the skill our Captains excel at.
So when you join us, come with an adventurous spirit and a willingness to let the voyage unfold as it will. Trust in the skill of your skipper, the strength of your vessel, and the wisdom of centuries of seafaring tradition. Here, the journey genuinely is the destination.
The weather should be warm and sunny but the winds are typically from the North so you might have to tack quite a lot, or do a bit of strategic motoring.
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.
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.
History
You can’t set foot in Malaga without feeling the weight of its history. The Alcazaba, a fortress built by the Moors in the 11th century, offers panoramic views and an unforgettable glimpse into the past. The nearby Roman theatre, still in use after two millennia, adds another layer to this historical tapestry.
Culture
In terms of culture, Malaga is Picasso’s birthplace, and it honours the artist with an excellent museum in the city centre. When you’re there, you might also stumble upon spontaneous Flamenco performances in hidden squares. The Holy Week celebrations are a spectacle of pageantry you won’t want to miss if you’re around in spring.
Sites of Interest to a Sailor
The headlands surrounding Malaga offer fantastic opportunities for spotting marine life, from dolphins to the occasional whale. The Cape of Gata, a sailor’s day-trip dream, has some of the most incredible geology and clear waters on this side of the Mediterranean. Faro de Calaburras is one of those lighthouses you want to see up close, standing defiantly against the elements.
Entertainment
Nightlife in Malaga varies from traditional tapas bars where locals and tourists alike revel in culinary delights, to modern rooftop lounges offering cocktails and sweeping views of the city. Live music is common, ranging from jazz to more traditional Spanish guitar.
Eating Out
For those looking to dine, be sure to try the region’s specialities like ‘espetos,’ sardines skewered and grilled on an open flame at the beach. Fresh seafood is the norm here, and the local wines pair beautifully with the flavours of the sea.
Nature
Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby Montes de Malaga Natural Park, featuring pine forests, hiking trails, and even the occasional waterfall. The beaches are not to be ignored either; they are well-kept and offer various water-based activities like paddle boarding and kayaking.
Unique Features
What sets Malaga apart is its blend of the old and the new. You can go from exploring ancient ruins to taking in some avant-garde art, all within a day. It’s a port city that offers a bit of everything, with an Andalusian soul that’s hard to resist.
Accommodation
Some well-known spots for accommodation include the Gran Hotel Miramar for a more luxurious stay and the Room Mate Valeria, known for its Andalusian style and modern comforts.
Heading Official Tourist Website
For more detailed information, the official tourist website for Malaga is malagaturismo.com.
Weather Malaga
In Malaga, you can generally expect a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot, with temperatures often reaching above 30°C, while winters are milder, rarely falling below 10°C. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions for exploring, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 25°C.
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.
How to Get There
From the UK
Direct flights from major UK airports to Malaga are plentiful. Alternatively, a combination of train travel to southern France followed by a ferry can make for an adventurous journey.
From Europe
Trains connect Malaga with various European cities, including Barcelona and Madrid. Buses also provide cheaper but longer options.
From North America
Direct flights are limited, but one-stop options through Madrid or another European hub are commonly available.
From Australia
There are no direct flights from Australia to Malaga. One or two-stop flights via Asian or Middle Eastern cities are the quickest options.
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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