| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 11-08-2025, 16:00Angra do Heroismo, Terceira, Azores | Mon 18-08-2025, 10:00Angra do Heroismo, Terceira, Azores | Santa Maria Manuela | 7 Nights | SM110825 V27 |
A hands-on sailing voyage through the Azores, exploring Terceira, Flores, and Corvo aboard the heritage schooner Santa Maria Manuela. Discover remote islands, dramatic landscapes, and Azorean culture.
| Vessel type / Rig | Gaff Schooner |
| Guest Berths | 50 |
| Beam | 33ft |
| Draft | 18ft |
| Deck Length | 173ft |
| Overall Length | 225ft |
| Tonnage | 992 tons |
| Year Built | 1937 |
This voyage is designed for adventurers who love both luxury and the thrill of authentic sailing. It’s ideal for those seeking to explore the untouched beauty of remote islands and embrace hands-on participation in navigating a historic vessel. With its focus on Azorean culture and natural wonders, it appeals to nature lovers, hikers, and cultural enthusiasts alike. Birdwatchers and photographers will also find ample opportunities to capture the unique wildlife and dramatic landscapes.
Your adventure begins in the vibrant harbour of Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira’s UNESCO World Heritage city. Known for its historic architecture, vibrant culture, and rich natural beauty, Terceira is the perfect starting point for this voyage. You’ll join Santa Maria Manuela in this atmospheric port, stepping aboard the beautifully restored 4-masted schooner that embodies the spirit of traditional sailing with a touch of luxury. The excitement of setting off westward is palpable as the crew prepares to navigate the Atlantic waters, bound for the stunning Azorean islands of Flores and Corvo.
Your journey to Flores promises a series of breathtaking vistas and remarkable experiences. Known as the Garden of the Azores, Flores enchants with its lush landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and volcanic lakes. Here, you’ll explore the famous Lagoas, or take a peaceful hike along trails that lead to dramatic viewpoints overlooking the island’s cliffs and valleys. In the village of Fajã Grande, Europe’s westernmost settlement, you’ll encounter a warm Azorean welcome and an authentic slice of local life.
Corvo, the next island on your itinerary, is the smallest of the Azores yet boasts a character all its own. Dominated by the impressive caldera known as Caldeirão, Corvo offers incredible opportunities for exploration and solitude. Wander the quiet streets of Vila do Corvo, where traditional life continues at a gentle pace, or take in the sights of migratory birds that make Corvo a renowned birdwatching haven. The island’s serenity and natural beauty are truly one of a kind.
As Santa Maria Manuela sails through the archipelago, you’ll experience the thrill of open-water navigation and the camaraderie of the crew. Whether participating in sail handling or enjoying the expansive deck, you’ll feel fully immersed in the journey. The night skies, free from light pollution, offer stargazing of an unparalleled clarity, a truly magical experience.
Returning to Terceira after a week at sea brings a blend of satisfaction and nostalgia. For those with an extra day or two, Terceira has much more to offer. Visit Algar do Carvão, an extraordinary volcanic cave with a stunning underground lake and intricate rock formations. The panoramic views from Serra do Cume are worth the hike, giving a bird’s-eye perspective of Terceira’s patchwork fields and coastline. Angra do Heroísmo, with its charming streets, unique architecture, and vibrant culinary scene, invites you to wander and savour your last taste of the Azores.
August in the Azores offers ideal conditions for sailing, with prevailing northwesterly winds that provide a smooth passage through the islands. Daytime temperatures range from a pleasant 22-27°C, making it warm enough for comfort but cool enough for activity. As evening falls, a light jacket will keep you comfortable on deck, especially when enjoying the cooler breeze and dazzling starlit skies. Expect some moderate swells as you cross open water, a reminder of the Atlantic’s power and beauty, but generally mild seas within the islands’ protective embrace.
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.
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.
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 Angra do Heroismo is steeped in maritime history, reflecting its key role as a strategic port during the Age of Exploration. The town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, replete with 16th-century forts and churches. For a deep dive into history, visit the Museu de Angra do Heroismo.
Culture The Azores have a rich tradition of folk music and dance, and Angra is no exception. The town frequently hosts festivals that showcase local traditions, like the Sanjoaninas Festivities in June, featuring parades, bullfights, and concerts.
Sites of Interest to a Sailor Angra offers coastal views that can take your breath away. Monte Brasil provides an elevated vantage point to view the harbours below. For those with a nautical bent, the local lighthouses, such as the one at Serreta, are worth a look. Sail by the numerous bays and headlands to truly appreciate the coastline.
Entertainment If you find yourself yearning for a bit of social merriment after sundown, Angra has a few watering holes and pubs that offer live music. You might also enjoy the local dance clubs where you can sway to both modern and traditional tunes.
Eating Out Angra has a range of dining options that include traditional Azorean dishes like Alcatra, a hearty meat stew. For seafood enthusiasts, the local lapas (limpets) are a must-try.
Nature Venture beyond the town to explore the island’s lush green pastures, hiking trails, and unique lava tunnels. The island offers guided tours and opportunities for bird watching and whale spotting.
Unique Features One can’t speak about Angra without mentioning the sulphur springs and the natural swimming pools formed by lava. These features offer a unique twist to the usual beachside experience.
Accommodation Some well-known accommodations include the Terceira Mar Hotel and the Quinta de Nossa Senhora das Mercês.
Official Tourist Website Visit Angra do Heroismo Tourism (website link) for more information.
Weather in Angra do Heroismo Winters are mild but wet, while summers are warm and relatively dry. Spring and autumn offer a pleasant, temperate climate, making these seasons ideal for outdoor activities.
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.
UK Flights are available from London to Lajes Airport in Terceira. Alternatively, you can fly to Lisbon and take a connecting flight.
Europe Direct flights are available from various European cities to Lisbon, from where a short connecting flight can get you to Terceira.
North America From the United States, one-stop flights are typically available, usually with a layover in Lisbon.
Australia A longer journey is required from Australia, often involving multiple layovers, commonly in Asian and European cities before reaching Terceira.
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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