The Azores to Portugal

Voyage Highlights

• Atlantic crossing
• Learn Celestial Navigation
• Rhythm of Ocean Sailing
• Night sailing
• Hands on Ocean sailing

Life on a sailing voyage

On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best sailing and shore landings for the forecast and most idyllic or sheltered anchors and ports. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights describe, but you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description below is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. If the following voyage description is not fulfilled for any reason, Maybe Sailing and Maybe Sailing Youth Initiative cannot be held responsible.

Join Blue Clipper in the Azores, for ocean sailing to Portimao, Portugal. This is an ocean adventure of epic proportions, sailing across the Atlantic, to the Algarve region on Portugal’s South coast.  Learn about Celestial navigation, gain skills in seamanship and learn to live on the ocean, at one with nature.

Those looking to become voyage crew on an ocean voyage, sailing across the Atlantic from the Azores to Portugal, ending the voyage in the busy town of Portimao.

This epic crossing will be a challenge for all, as you sail across the Atlantic.

Learn all about sailing a tall ship, work in a watch system, help to navigate the ocean, climb the rigging, mend a sail and get into the rhythm of ocean sailing. A great voyage for the career sailor too with plenty of miles, warm weather and seamanship skills to be learnt on deck and aloft.

Sail the Atlantic from Ponta Delgado in the Azores to Portimao, Portugal on this mini ocean adventure on this beautiful three masted expedition tall ship.

You really don’t need any sailing experience as the professional and experienced crew will run through everything from safety drills to how to pull ropes efficiently, find the right halliard or steer the 144ft schooner. You don’t even have to be super strong just bags of enthusiasm to sail a traditional commercially coded ocean voyager.

A Mini Atlantic Ocean Passage

The Azores has a rich maritime history and has always been a stopping off point for sailors sailing back across the Atlantic from the Caribbean.  The exposed tips of vast underwater mountains, the Azores lie on the nexus of the European, American and African tectonic plates, and they bear witness to the forces forever shaping our planet. This is a world of fumaroles, mudpots and scalding springs; of caverns, columns and grottoes formed from once molten rock; of blue lakes ringed by forests of laurel and cedar, and green pastures patterning the slopes of calderas.

Leaving the Portugese shores of the Azores behind,  Blue Clipper will set sail again for the final leg of her journey to Portimao, Portugal, roughly 900 miles!  On this voyage, you will be promised dolphins and whale sightings as you crusade through the ocean.  Just imagine, waking up in your cabin after your watch to the smell of freshly cooked bread and one of the crew members alterting everyone that a pod of dolphins are playing along the side of the ship! Grab that camera and get on deck!

As you sail into Portimao, there will be a whole host of mixed emotions as the voyage comes to an end. Once ashore, those emotions can be toasted to celebrate new achievements and friends!

What is included in the voyage cost:

• All meals on board Blue Clipper – including daily breakfast, lunch and evening meal
• Refreshments throughout the day
• Use of safety equipment
• Accommodation in a twin en suite cabin
• All instruction and lectures on board by fully qualified crew

What is not included:

• Travel to and from the boat
• Personal travel insurance. Check out Top Sail for specialist Tall Ship sailing travel insurance
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Any shore excursions and meals on shore (unless otherwise stated)
• VISA fees