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From 600€ per person
From 600 € /person

Adventure offered by Nigel

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As Europe begins to emerge from the long cold winter, the allure of the semi tropical islands of Madeira beckon. If its warm summer sailing, deep blue seas and miles of sandy beaches you’re after, this trip is for you. The ship leaves the beautiful island of Funchal for the stunning anchorage and golden sands of Porto Santo. Upon its return the ship sails through the natural sanctuary of Ilhas Desertas.

We hoist our sails and head east under the shadow of the ancient volcanic island of Madeira with the lights of Funchal illuminating the night sky. As we leave the lee of the island and the rolling swell begins to flow under our hull we get the first sense that we are indeed in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The water is so blue here that it almost seems the gods spilt a pot of ink when designing the archipelago.

There is an open invitation to get fully involved in all aspects of sailing during this short passage between the islands, from helming to trimming sails and from navigation to going aloft.

Porto Santos’ nine golden kilometres of fine sand, bathed by the turquoise waters of the Atlantic provides an enviable view for the passengers of the ship, which anchors right in front of this beach. That beach in 2012 was voted by ‘7 Wonders: Beaches of Portugal’ as "the best dune beach", and is said to have medicinal qualities. After a dip in the tepid waters of Porto Santo there is nothing better than relaxing in the sand dunes before returning to the ship for sundowners.

There is no hurry to return to Funchal. After leaving Porto Santo there is time in the schedule to sail past the Ilas Desertas Nature Reserve, three uninhabited islands still in their purest state (Deserta Grande, Ilhéu Chão and Bugio). In addition to the mystical Shearwater, which is known to nest on the rocky shores of this moon-scaped island, Desertas islands are home to a colony of Mediterranean monk seals, also known as sea wolves - the rarest seal in the world.

We then sail north back to the luxuriant green island of Madeira with its primitive laurel forest, unique water channels, waterfalls and breath-taking vistas and the ever-blooming city of Funchal.
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  • Plan
    Embarkation: Funchal (10.00h)
    Disembarkation: Funchal (10.00h)
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Other information
The price indicated in the activity corresponds to a communal shared bunk cabin and is the lowest of all the rates we offer. We have more type of cabins (bunk bed cabin, double bed cabin, master cabin...) at higher prices.

Contact us so that we can inform you about availability and prices.
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From 600 € /person
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Itinerary
Nigel
Meet Nigel, the coordinator
9 reviews At Sailwiz since 2018
I am a passionate sailor, and whenever possible spend my weekends in or around the water with my family. In 2017, after 13 years, I stopped working at the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and moved to Portugal to work on the Santa Maria Manuela project to run sailing holidays.
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Response rate: 78%
Response time: Less than a day

Boat details

Four masted schooner Santa Maria Manuela offers adventure voyages, island hopping, ocean voyages, diving and oceanographic expeditions for individuals of all ages and groups. 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.

Santa Maria Manuela 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.
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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

Additional Information

Included
  • Meals on board
  • Professional skipper
  • Bed linens
  • Paddle Surf
  • Fishing equipment
Payment methods
  • Credit/debit card

5 · 9 reviews

  • avatar
    Michel
    November of 2023
    The trip was organized very well.
    I booked at the last minute and no surprises.
    Michel
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  • avatar
    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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    SMM
    Reply from Nigel
    It was a pleasure sailing with you. you are always welcome on board
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  • Avatar
    Antonio
    July of 2023
    The best experience lived on a sailboat and more in the spectacular Azores
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  • avatar
    juan
    July of 2023
    A privilege to have been able to navigate the SMM. Memorable
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    SMM
    Reply from Nigel
    Hello Juan

    It has been a pleasure sailing with you. Thank you for your passion and interest in MMS. You are always welcome back. Good winds.
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  • FOTO EC1
    eduardo
    July of 2023
    All very positive. Especially the crew and cleanliness
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    SMM
    Reply from Nigel

    It has been a pleasure sailing with you. Thank you for your passion and interest in MMS. You are always welcome back. Good winds.
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  • Avatar
    Jackie
    July of 2023
    The journey has far exceeded my expectations.
    The entire crew was lovely and the boat was wonderful.
    I have learned and enjoyed a lot. I hope I can repeat!
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See the 9 reviews
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Response rate: 78%
Response time: Less than a day
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