17 - Autumn blue water sailing Lisbon to Funchal

Voyage description

This voyage takes us from Portugal’s historic capital, to the semi tropical island of Madeira, stopping to swim in the clear blue waters of Porto Santo and stroll along its famous 9 km white sand beach.

We set sail on this iconic ocean voyage along Lisbon's historic city shoreline, under the 25 de Abril suspension bridge and into the setting sun.  With 521 nautical miles of open ocean ahead there is an open invitation to get fully involved in all aspects of sailing, from helming to trimming sails and from navigation to going aloft.  When you are not involved in the sailing there’s plenty of time to fish, read, play board games or share sailing stories by the bar.

During this iconic ocean voyage you may find it impossible not to be captivated by the beauty and power of the ocean.  As we venture further into the Atlantic Ocean it may seem equally impossible that man could have had any negative impact on such a remote stretch of water.  It is at this point that, thanks to the support of our partners atWaste Free Oceans,we invite our guests to participate in our citizen science project to help assess the purity of the waters in which we sail.  At intervals during the voyage, we will trawl a small net to capture what is floating in the ocean, be it plankton, fish or small pieces of ocean litter and microplastics. Many find it shocking to find evidence of mans impact on the environment hundreds of miles offshore, but seeing this has a powerful effect, inspiring us to take action.  Your contribution will help raise awareness, and inspire change. 

Porto Santos’ nine golden kilometers of fine sand, bathed by the turquoise waters of the Atlantic provides an enviable view for the passengers of Santa Maria Manuela as we arrive in Porto Santo.  The ship anchors right in front of this beach, which 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.

Arriving into Funchal by sea offers stunning views of the city perched on an ancient volcanic slope, a mecca for hikers, cyclists, and golfers.  Shadowing the city are impressive mountains covered in laurel bushes and banana trees, a natural park which was nominated a UNESCO Word Heritage site in 1999.