Sail through Wine Country and across Biscay

VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel in comfort in the newly renovated Santa Maria Manuela
• Sail from France’s famous wine city of Bordeaux
• Explore the elegant port city of La Rochelle
• Sail a magnificent four-masted schooner
• Cross the notorious Bay of Biscay

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

After a safety briefing and some basic sailing training, you set off on your adventure.

When you think of Bordeaux, it’s wine that comes to mind; and no wonder, with 60 appellations and 7000 winemakers, the city is the capital of a region which is home to some of the oldest vineyards and finest wines in the world. But Bordeaux has so much more to offer, unveiled perfectly during our first 24 hours cruising down the River Garonne, passing a landscape rich in culture, nature vineyards and enchanting chateaux.

You might be a bit apprehensive about joining any sailing ship, but it is great for solo travellers and couples alike as you are made welcome and soon introduced to sailing activities. Pulling ropes together and finding your way around the ship is always a great way of making friends quickly.

Soon we sail into La Rochelle, known as La Ville Blanche (the White City) because of its luminous limestone facades. One of France’s foremost seaports from the 14th to 17th centuries, the city boasts arcaded walkways, half-timered houses, ghoulish gargoyles and a fabulous collection of lighthouses- all rich reminders of its seafaring heritage. Overnight here and then it’s on, across the notorious Bay of Biscay!

There’s nothing the crew like more than to share their knowledge with guests, and they will encourage you to get actively involved with all aspects of the ship’s life. Volunteers to hoist and trim the sails are always welcome, and the feeling of helming a 67m sailing ship as she responds to your command of the wheel is a fantastic feeling!

Knot classes are a great way to learn new skills while sharing stories, and if the weather allows there’s the opportunity to go up the mast or relax in the bowsprit netting.

Your voyage finished in the port city of La Coruna. Disembarking the following morning, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this historic city.

 

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

The weather is always changeable, but Santa Maria Manuela is a large and solid ship, and sea-kindly. You’ll get to learn the ropes and gain your sea legs in coastal waters, before making your way out into the Bay of Biscay, where the conditions can get quite choppy. Do take precautions if you’re prone to seasickness.

HANDS-ON HOLIDAYS

Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be the 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.

 

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 on the vessel pages about day to day life, the ship’s facilities and accommodation.

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.

Below is a recommended travel packing list for a sailing voyage.

See bottom of page for Diving Holiday Kit List

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.

 

Santa Maria Manuela is a new vessel to the Classic Sailing fleet. We first became aware of her at the Tall Ships Race Fleet visit in Torbay in 2016. She has new owners who are incredibly proud of the ships history and are developing many new roles for the ship with a major niche in adventure holidays and oceanographic expeditions that benefit the world's oceans.

First Hand Knowledge

Classic Sailing co-founder Adam Purser has recently sailed on board a dive expedition in Cape Verde. He spent quite a bit of time getting to know the ship, its style of operations and the characters in the crew. You can speak to him in Classic Sailing UK Office on 0044 (0)1872 580022

Customer Feedback

Here are a few customer comments from previous trips. We hope to have many more soon.

Terrific crew & ship and a lovely passage to the Azores. Crew & Guests very good and patient with someone who only spoke English. It would be difficult to find a better one. This is a terrifically well run vessel, or was on this trip. 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 operation & involvement in the vessel's past history.The Island was beautiful and rather unexpected. Best wishes & Good Luck for the future.Very many thanks"
Keith H. 28-04-18

We had a terrific and adventurous time on board during the Sachsen Sail 2018 in the Bay of Biscay. Thank you to all Santa Maria Manuela crew members and maritime greetings from Leipzig, Germany. " Mario L. 25-09-18

Un voilier merveilleux avec un équipage très sympathique .Merci pour tout" Marie-francoise A. 05-09-18