Sail to Madeira on a 4-Masted Schooner

Setting sail from Tenerife

Your journey begins in the lively port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Before departure, take time to explore the island if you can. You might enjoy wandering the colonial streets of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or experiencing Tenerife’s natural wonders in Teide National Park. With Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, casting its shadow over the island, you’re set against a remarkable backdrop as you board Santa Maria Manuela.

After being welcomed aboard by the crew, you’ll receive a safety briefing and get to know your fellow sailors over dinner. The captain will go over the latest weather forecast and itinerary, and you will either enjoy your first night aboard moored in Santa Cruz, or set sail that evening and enjoy the sunset over the sea.

Along the Way

As you sail from Tenerife, the remote Selvagem Islands, a protected wildlife haven, lie along your path. These pristine islands are famed for their colonies of seabirds, and if conditions allow, you may venture ashore to witness this untouched environment up close. The crew will invite you to participate in every aspect of sailing, from taking the helm to learning traditional knot-tying techniques. On board, you’ll enjoy the camaraderie of shipmates, with plenty of time to relax on deck, taking in the expansive Atlantic views as Santa Maria Manuela glides through open waters. By night, unwind under a starlit sky, a serene experience away from the bustle of daily life.

Arriving in Funchal

This voyage concludes in Madeira’s capital Funchal. Known for its rich culture, markets, and celebrated wines, Funchal is well worth exploring if you have time. Extend your stay and visit Mercado dos Lavradores, a bustling market where you can taste exotic fruits and fresh local delicacies like bolo do caco and black scabbardfish. For those with an interest in history, the Museum of the History of Madeira or the Funchal Cathedral offers insight into the island’s rich past.

Wind, Waves & Weather

Leaving Tenerife to windward can make for a fairly sheltered start to this passage, but do expect conditions to be variable on the open ocean parts of this voyage. Wind speeds average 15 to 20 knots (force 4 to 5) in December, which can make for cracking sailing, but the prevailing Northerly trade wind direction may necessitate spells of motoring or motor-sailing. The occasional Atlantic low pressure system can bring stronger gusty winds and changeable wind direction. This can also cause confused seas and the potential for uncomfortable swell. Offshore temperatures will sit at around 18–22°C, dropping to 15–18°C at night.

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