V23 - Autumn blue water sailing: Funchal - Tenerife

Voyage description

This voyage takes us from the semi-tropical island of Madeira to the rugged island of Tenerife, with stops to swim in the clear blue waters of La Gomera, a magical hidden gem of the Canaries.

Setting sail from Madeira’s lush green shores, adorned with primitive laurel forests, unique water channels, waterfalls, and breathtaking vistas, we embark on this iconic ocean journey. Funchal, the ever-blooming city, bids us farewell.

Just a day’s sail south of Madeira’s Ilhas Desertas lie the Ilhas Selvagens marine park, which celebrated 50 years of protection in 2021 by extending the zone to become Europe’s largest at 2,677 km2. Weather permitting, we may have the opportunity to go ashore using our zodiacs to spot the mystical Shearwater, known to nest on the rocky shores of this lunar-like island.

With 285 nautical miles of open ocean ahead, there's an open invitation to fully engage in all aspects of sailing, from helming to trimming sails, navigation, and going aloft. When not involved in sailing, there’s ample time for fishing, reading, playing board games, or swapping sailing stories by the bar.

During this open 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 humans could have any negative impact on such a remote stretch of water. It is at this juncture, thanks to the support of our partners at Waste Free Oceans, that we invite our guests to participate in our citizen science project, assessing the purity of the waters in which we sail. At intervals during the voyage, we will trawl a small net to capture plankton, fish, or small pieces of ocean litter and microplastics. Many find it shocking to discover evidence of humanity's impact on the environment hundreds of miles offshore, yet witnessing this has a profound effect, inspiring us to take action. Your contribution will help raise awareness and inspire change.

On the penultimate day, we anchor off the beautiful island of La Gomera, known for its palm-filled valleys, deep ravines, black sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and enchanting forests, earning it the title of the Canary Island’s hidden treasure.

Our journey concludes as we disembark on our final day in Santa Cruz, Tenerife.

When preparing for your voyage please bear in mind:

• Your passport must have at least 6 months validity at the time of travel
• The SMM is granted no flexibility for the embarkation and disembarkation times from the customs authorities
• All guests must be between the age of 14 and 80 yrs at the time of travel