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A Real Hands-on Adventure Aboard a 4 Masted Heritage Schooner!

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Various berth and cabin options available

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€650

Embark Disembark Vessel DurationVoyage No
Mon 25-11-2024, 16:00Santa Cruz, Tenerife Mon 30-12-2024, 10:00Santa Cruz, Tenerife Santa Maria Manuela 35 NightsSM251124 V31

See Super Cabin Options below.

This unforgettable voyage departing from Tenerife, in the heart of the Canary Islands, has been planned with no fixed destination, and has been designed with true sailors in mind, offering you the freedom to sail as the wind dictates under your own steam.  Guided by your Captain and sailing crew, you’ll have all the time in the world to enjoy sailing under the canvas of this unique 4 masted schooner.

  • Voyage
  • Vessel

VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

  • Sail the stunning Santa Maria Manuela, a beautifully restored tall ship from 1937
  • Depart from Tenerife, Canary Islands, and return to Tenerife, exploring the seas around the archipelago
  • Let the wind dictate your course, with endless opportunities to sail where the breeze takes you
  • Enjoy hands-on sailing, participating in all aspects of life on board
  • Spot whales and dolphins and enjoy the tranquil moments as you unwind from daily stresses
Cabins Aboard Santa Maria Manuela

Santa Maria Manuela

Vessel type / Rig Gaff Schooner
Guest Berths 50
Beam 33ft
Draft 18ft
Deck Length 173ft
Overall Length 225ft
Tonnage 992 tons
Year Built 1937
More about the Vessel

Voyage Description

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

A voyage for Sailors!

This bespoke voyage presents an opportunity to really get hands on and has been designed specifically for sailors! The emphasis will be firmly on sailing – sail handling, navigation and helming.

This unforgettable voyage departing from Tenerife, in the heart of the Canary Islands, has been planned with no fixed destination, offering us the freedom to sail as the wind dictates.  Guided by our Captain and sailing crew, we have all the time in the world to enjoy sailing under the canvas of this unique 4 masted schooner.

Setting sail from Tenerife

As we depart Tenerife, you’ll be invited to help hoist the sails and feel the thrill of the wind filling the sails of the Santa Maria Manuela.  The days will be filled with a balance of hands-on sailing and leisurely moments. Whether you choose to helm, trim sails, learn celestial navigation, or relax on deck, this voyage allows you to disconnect from the rush of everyday life and embrace the rhythm of the sea.

Along the Way

The ocean offers surprises at every turn, from sightings of marine life like dolphins and whales to the breathtaking views of the Canaries from afar. The crystal-clear waters invite those with adventure in mind to take a refreshing swim, while the ship itself provides plenty of spaces to relax, read, or simply watch the horizon.

Returning to Tenerife

As the ship returns to Tenerife, you’ll carry memories of the open sea, the sense of adventure, and the peacefulness of a few days away from the fast pace of life. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a curious beginner, this voyage promises a true connection with the ocean, the ship, and to reconnect with yourself.

About Tenerife

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, offers a vibrant mix of culture, nature, and tradition. The island is known for its towering Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, which provides stunning views and hiking trails for nature lovers.

In the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you can explore colonial streets, museums, and historic churches. Another highlight is the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, famous for its colorful carnival, one of the largest in the world. In terms of cuisine, Tenerife offers specialties such as gofio, papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, and freshly grilled fish.

For beach lovers, the volcanic black or golden sand beaches, like Las Teresitas, are perfect for relaxation. With a blend of African, Spanish, and Latin American influences, Tenerife is a destination that surprises with its cultural and natural diversity.

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. 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.

SAILING STYLE & 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.

AGILITY & FITNESS

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.

 
 

Start & End Port

Santa Cruz, Tenerife

Santa Cruz, Tenerife travel.

There are cheap flights to Tenerife from all over Europe as it is a major winter sun holiday destination. You can probably find a flight from regional airports too. There are too many discount airline options to mention.

The harbour in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is huge, with two marinas and miles of harbour wall and quaysides for cruise ships and bigger tall ships. Berths for tall ships are small fry for the port authorities as the bigger more profitable ships get priority, so the sailing ships captain will have to go where ever the port authority puts them, and they may not get to stay there for very long.

Please book a flight that gets in at a sensible time for you to get to the ship on time, even if it means getting there the day before and booking into a hotel.

If your vessel is small enough to get into one of the marinas then we can usually be a bit more specific as to where to find the ship beforehand.

The ships exact location in port is often controlled by the port authorities and they will only allocate a docking position a few days before. You will be informed as soon as possible of their exact joining location.

Any changes will be communicated to you before your voyage start date. Make sure you make a note of the ship’s number found in your confirmation email in case of any problems on the day.

Take a Photo of your Ship

We recommend you take a photo of your ship with you to show taxi drivers so they can get to to the right ship!

You can usually see the ships masts on the other side of the harbour, but the taxi drivers will know the shortest route to get to that berth. If you are the independent type with a rucksack walking from the bus depot, chose your route with care, or ask a local, or you could end up walking miles without finding the cruise ship / public entry to the dock.

A day out in Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital city of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, offers a fantastic range of activities and attractions for a memorable day out. Here’s a description of a day in Santa Cruz de Tenerife:

Start your day by exploring the vibrant city center. Take a stroll along the wide avenues and admire the beautiful architecture, blending traditional Spanish and modern styles. Begin at Plaza de España, a picturesque square with a large artificial lake that reflects the surrounding buildings. Enjoy the lush gardens and fountains while savoring a leisurely breakfast at one of the nearby cafés.

Next, head towards the iconic Auditorio de Tenerife, a stunning architectural masterpiece known for its unique design resembling a giant wave or a sail. Take a moment to appreciate the grandeur of this concert hall and capture some photos of the magnificent structure against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

From there, make your way to the bustling Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, a lively market where locals gather to buy fresh produce, meats, and other goods. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, sample local fruits, and perhaps purchase some traditional Canarian products or souvenirs.

For a touch of culture, visit the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre (Museum of Nature and Man), located in the heart of the city. This fascinating museum showcases the natural and cultural history of the Canary Islands, featuring exhibits on archaeology, anthropology, and the unique flora and fauna of the archipelago. Explore the collections, including mummies, Guanche artifacts, and interactive displays that provide insight into the islands’ rich heritage.

Afterward, take a short stroll to the Parque García Sanabria, a lush urban park filled with exotic plants, sculptures, and colorful flower beds. Find a shaded spot and relax, or perhaps grab a snack from one of the park’s cafes while enjoying the tranquil ambiance.

To satisfy your appetite, head to the coastal area of Santa Cruz and indulge in a seafood lunch at one of the local restaurants. Try some of the freshly caught fish, octopus, or Canarian-style potatoes known as “papas arrugadas.”

In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the waterfront promenade, enjoying the refreshing sea breeze and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re up for some shopping, browse the numerous boutiques and department stores lining the streets, offering everything from designer brands to unique local crafts.

As the day draws to a close, make your way to the Parque Marítimo César Manrique, a stunning saltwater swimming complex designed by the renowned Canarian artist César Manrique. Relax in the sun, swim in the crystalline pools, or unwind in the jacuzzis, all while admiring the striking architecture and surrounding palm trees.

Finally, end your day by savoring a delicious dinner at one of Santa Cruz’s many restaurants, where you can indulge in a variety of international cuisines or savor traditional Canarian dishes. Pair your meal with a local wine or a refreshing tropical cocktail to complement the flavors.

With its vibrant atmosphere, cultural attractions, delightful cuisine, and beautiful coastal setting, a day out in Santa Cruz de Tenerife promises to be a delightful and enriching experience.

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.

Kit List

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.

Review

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
sailing for beginners

 

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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