€1.080,00
Destination: Funchal - Porto Santo – Funchal, Madeira
Dates: 5th November (Board 1000h) – 9th November (Disembark 1000h)
Miles: 100nm
Voyage highlights
Voyage description
As Europe begins to contemplate the long nights of winter, the allure of yoga in the semi tropical islands of Madeira beckons. If its yoga and warm summer sailing, deep blue seas and miles of sandy beaches you’re after, this trip is for you.
We are pleased to welcome Wide Ocean Retreat yoga group who will be practicing during this voyage. Their retreats are attended by people from all over Europe and have become renowned as the go-to yoga retreat experts in Portugal and the Azores.
The Santa Maria Manuela 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 slow 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.
Portugal’s 800 kilometres of continental coastline boasts many fabulous beaches, but by November, even the most hardy of sun seekers are beginning to look south. Porto Santos’ nine golden kilometres of fine sand, bathed by the turquoise waters of the Atlantic provides an enviable view for the passengers of Santa Maria Manuela. 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.
We then sail 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.
The yoga package is an extra on this voyage. If you would like to join the practice or find out more, please contactantonio@wideoceanretreat.com
