Sail through the Azores at Christmas aboard a Tall Ship

Celebrate Christmas or ring in the New Year in an extraordinary way aboard the Tall Ship, sailing between the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo. This festive voyage combines the magic of the holiday season with the thrill of traditional tall ship sailing, offering memorable experiences both at sea and on land.

We begin our journey in Funchal, where you’ll board the beautifully restored four-masted schooner. After setting sail, we make our way to the golden island of Porto Santo. Once there, you can unwind on its peaceful shores, walk the island’s renowned 9-kilometer sandy beach, or explore its quiet, scenic landscapes.

The following day, we hoist the sails once more for our return crossing. During both legs of the journey, you’re welcome to take an active role on deck — from steering the ship to learning age-old seamanship — or simply relax and enjoy the warm holiday spirit shared between crew and guests.

Whether you're surrounded by sparkling seas or under a canopy of stars, this voyage promises a truly unforgettable way to celebrate the festive season.

Plan

Embarkation: Funchal - 4:00 p.m.
Disembarkation: Funchal - 10.00am.

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Other information

All crew members are welcome, even if they do not know the language spoken on board (english)

The price indicated is the rate per spot sharing a cabin with other people.

There are several types of cabins, both shared and exclusive. You can select the cabin you prefer on the booking screen. If you have any questions about its availability, contact us.

What's included:
- All meals on board (daily breakfast, lunch and evening meal).
- Refreshments (coffee, tea, water and juice) throughout the day.
- Use of safety equipment.
- All instruction on board by fully qualified crew.
- Third Party Liability Insurance.

What's not included:
- Travel to and from the boat.
- Personal travel insurance.
- For alcoholic and soft drinks please ask onboard crew members for details.
- Any excursions and meals on shore unless otherwise stated.
- Immigration fees.

What to pack? This is a list of the items we recommend you bring with you:
- Valid passport with 6 months validity.
- Certificates of medical and travel insurance.
- Warm hat and gloves.
- Wet weather clothing – waterproof and windproof jacket.
- Clothing – enough clothing for all weather circumstances and for sailing at night.
- Soft soled trainers or deck shoes.
- Swimming gear.
- Toiletries.
- Sunblock.
- Sunglasses.
- Sea sickness medication.
- Personal medication.
- Book.
- Camera.

Next dates

Boat details

Four masted schooner. At 223ft long (63 metres) she is the largest tall ship Classic Sailing offers activity holidays on, but the crew to guest ratio is excellent so you will be well looked after. This historic Portuguese tall ship has excellent facilities on board and plenty of holiday toys like dive ribs, 'stand up paddle boards' and kayaks, but this is also a ship where you can take part in the hands on sailing, join a night watch or climb the rigging.

All cabins have private ensuite WCs and showers, are carpeted, air conditioned and soundproofed for comfort.
Facilities:
- Ensuite shower and toilet.
- Cupboard.
- Reading light.
- USB.
- European two pin plugs.
- Privacy curtains.
- Towels and bed linen.
- Daily cleaning.
- Carpet.
- Air conditioning.

There are different types of cabins:
1 MASTER CABIN Couple Format: One double bed and a sofa for couples sailing breaks.
1 MASTER CABIN Family format: One double bed and two single bunks. A family room format.
4 DOUBLE BED CABINS: One double bed or two bunk beds.
6 DOUBLE BUNK CABINS: Two bunk beds.
3 COMMUNAL FOUR-PERSON SHARED CABINS: Two bunk beds.
3 COMMUNAL SIX-PERSON SHARED CABINS: Three bunk beds.

*Bed Length x width:
- Single: 185cm x 80cm
- Double: 185cm x 160cm

This schooner was once the flagship of the Portuguese cod fishing fleet. Built in 1937, in the same year as her sister ship Creoula, she was designed to fish the Newfoundland Banks and rich fishing waters of Arctic Greenland. She often carries the small rowing and sailing dories that would have set out from the mother ship to fish for cod, so you can continue her fishing tradition from small boats or from her huge wooden decks.

Specifications

Model: Custom - 4 masted scooner
Capacity: 44 spots
Length: 68.00 m
Cabins: 16
Year: 1937
Bathrooms: 16

Features

GPS
Radar
Life jackets
VHF
Sounding line
Electric windlass
Autopilot
Wind equipment
EPIRB
Generator
Tender
Bow thruster
Shower
Diving equipment
Fishing rods
HI-FI equipment
Wifi
TV

5 · 13 reviews

Island hop in the Canaries on a Tall Ship from Tenerife to Gran Canaria

HUGO

November of 2024

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Sail through the Azores from Sao Miguel to Terceira on a Tall Ship

Aleksandr

August of 2024

Great ship with fresh repair, friendly crew and well thought out route (Sao Miguel - Faial - Terceira)! It was a super experience!

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Reply from Nigel

Thank you so much for your kind words.
We are thrilled that you enjoyed your voyage and hope to see you on the Santa Maria Manuela again in the future!
Fair winds.

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Sail from Castellon to Port Vendres on a Tall Ship

Xesca

April of 2024

A great experience. A debt to the crew, who has been kind and very attentive. Captain Joao, a great professional. Hi, it would make sense to navigate both of them. The vaixell, impeccable. The menjar, molt bo. And it feels like it's like a house. Navigation with winds of 45 knots is fair and safe.

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Reply from Nigel

Thank you for your comments Xesca
It was a pleasure sailing with you!
Nigel

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Sail from Castellon to Port Vendres on a Tall Ship

Jaume

April of 2024

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Set sail from Funchal to the Canary Islands on a Tall Ship

Michel

November of 2023

The trip was organized very well.
I booked at the last minute and no surprises.
Michel

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Sail through the Azores on a Tall Ship from Flores

Susana

August of 2023

We have had a wonderful experience thanks to Nigel's management and the good work of the captain and crew.
Totally recommended!

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Reply from Nigel

It was a pleasure sailing with you. you are always welcome on board

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