Voyage highlights
- Sail as part of Lisbon's Tall Ships Race parade under the iconic 25 de Abril suspension bridge
- Available for 15-25 year olds only
- Learn to sail the Santa Maria Manuela under the guidance of our professional crew
- Sail 250 nautical miles from the historic city of Lisbon into the ancient city of Cadiz
- Hands-on sailing experience in all aspects of the ship's life
- NOTE: Excursions off the ship are not included within the price and are to be arranged independently
- Our money back guarantee and COVID security policy
Voyage description
The 322 mile Lisbon to Cadiz Race is a classic coastal voyage, preceded by a free public festival on the Rio Tejo which will celebrate Portugal's maritime heritage, culture and music. Trainees competing in the race to Cadiz will take part in the opening parade through the docks of Lisbon cheered on by tens of thousands. After two days of festivities and familiarization with the Santa Maria Manuela, the Tall Ships will parade up the Rio Tejo, under the famous 25th de Abril suspension bridge and along Lisbon's stunning historic shoreline.
With the prevailing wind from the north, all aboard are on for an exciting downwind race which will follow Portugal's Atlantic and Algarve coasts before crossing the Gulf of Cadiz and into Cadiz, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe, dating back 3100 years.
After arrival ceremonies, crew parades and festivities put on by the town, trainees depart for home having had the experience of their lives and forged lifelong friendships.
About the 2021 Tall Ships Race (Postponed from 2020)
In 1956, the first race of the sail training Tall Ships took place from Torbay, UK to Lisbon, Portugal. It was supposed to be a final celebration of the world's remaining Class A Tall Ships. The event was so popular that it became an annual event and today it is the world's largest free public festival.
The objective of the Tall Ships Races is to encourage friendly rivalry amongst seafaring young people, while giving them the opportunity to develop themselves through sail training.
Everyone sailing aboard the Santa Maria Manuela during the Tall Ships Races is included in all aspects of sailing regardless of previous experience. There's nothing our crew like better than to share their knowledge of sailing this historic ship so you'll be in good hands. Each trainee will be placed in a watch team, which together will receive training, conduct ships tasks, race the ship and perhaps even find time to relax with a good book or talk to shipmates on the bowsprit netting.
The ultimate race of the 2021 the Tall Ships Race (Postponed from 2020) will start in Lisbon and stop in Cadiz.

PREPARING FOR YOUR SANTA MARIA MANUELA EXPERIENCE
Launched in 1937, and for many decades a flagship for Portugal's cod fishing industry in Newfoundland and Greenland, the renovated Santa Maria Manuela now offers hands-on sailing and island-hopping holidays, diving expeditions and sail training experiences as part of the Tall Ships Races and other festivals.
Many people who step aboard have not sailed before so our professional crew is ready to ensure a both rewarding and fun experience. Guests are invited to get involved in all aspects of sailing if they wish, from helming to trimming sails to taking part in night watches, but all activities are voluntary.
In addition to sailing, each journey may include a range of activities. If the weather and the itinerary allow the ships fishing equipment, kayaks, canoes and two 12-man powerboats are available to those with adventure in mind. Evenings are spent in good company sharing tales of the day's adventures around the bar or relaxing with a good book, playing board games or watching films in the Salon Terra Nova.
Cabins are basic but comfortable, each with a private shower and toilet. Paid for Wi-Fi is available through the ships satellite system.
The Salon Terra Nova seats 40 for meals with cushioned bench sofas also offering enough comfort to relax or to be used for company meetings. Bars on deck and below help to create a relaxed atmosphere.
Food is a key part of the Santa Maria Manuela experience, with the ships cook providing a variety of traditional Portuguese and international dishes.
On a sailing or diving journey we never use the word itinerary, as our captain will always be aiming for the best locations and most idyllic or sheltered anchorages and ports depending on the weather forecast. He is as keen as you to include some of the highlights described, but you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The journey description above is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or experience, but nothing is guaranteed.
The ship is available for individual or group holidays, whole vessel charter, business meetings, events and product launches, and as a location for films.
The crew of Santa Maria Manuela look forward to welcoming you aboard in 2018.
SAILING EXPERIENCE
No prior sailing experience is necessary to sail aboard the Santa Maria Manuela. Our crew will invite you to get involved in all elements of the ship's life, and is here to teach you all about the ship and how it sails should you wish, but participation is voluntary.
FITNESS
People of all ages and abilities are welcome to sail with us aboard the Santa Maria Manuela. To ensure everyone gets the most out of sailing with us we ask all passengers to be are independent and mobile.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THIS JOURNEY:
- All meals on board Santa Maria Manuela – including 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
CABINS
- The ship has 11 x 2 persons cabins, 4 x 4 persons cabins and 1 x 6 person cabin
- Each cabin has a private shower, toilet and comfortable beds set up as bunks
- There is a reading light and power socket (European 2 pin) next to each bed
- Couples have priority in the 2 person cabins. If you wish to guarantee a two-person cabin for yourself (1 person) we charge a 50% supplement. When the 2-person cabins are full, any additional booking will be in shared cabins split between male and female.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Travel to and from the boat
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic and soft drinks at the bar (We run a bar TAB during your journey, payable at the end of your journey in cash or card before you disembark).
- Any excursions and meals on shore
- VISA fees
WHAT TO PACK
This is a list of the items we recommend you bring with you.
- 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
- Valid passport with 6 months validity
PASSPORTS and VISAS
If your journey is sailing in foreign waters, you will require a full passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the end of the journey. You will be responsible for obtaining any necessary visas.
INSURANCE
We advise all those sailing with us to take out relevant travel insurance.
We have Third Party Liability Insurance to cover all on board Santa Maria Manuela.
BOOKING FORM
Please complete the booking form online in full. It not only gives us important information about how to contact you but also lets us know about any specific requirements you may have.
ANY FURTHER QUESTION
If you have any questions please email info@santamariamanuela.pt or call
