This is a typical itinerary. What makes ocean sailing so special however is that there can be no fixed itinerary. The wind and the weather ultimately shape what's possible each day but everything is very flexible within that.

Day 1: Joining day

Join the boat between 1200 and 2000hrs (the closer to 1200 the better but we know flights and such like don't always work like that, so don't worry!) Get your belongings packed away and relax. There's plenty of things to do in the future but right now it's about relaxing, finding your way around the boat and enjoying the surroundings. Spain is a great place to be at this time of year and there's lots to do and see ashore.

Day 2: Briefings and training in the beautiful Rias

Today is all about getting up to speed with the boat. Whether you are a complete novice or more experienced sailor, everyone benefits from detailed introductions, safety briefings and training sessions. You will have two highly experienced instructors guide you through every aspect that you need to know to have a great sailing holiday. By lunchtime we should be casting off the lines, hoisting the sails and working through all the key sailing manoeuvres such as tacking and gybing, reefing and knot tying! By the end of the day everyone on board should feel comfortable with the basics - even though there's more to learn and practice every day. We may well anchor in the Isles de Clies, a truly beautiful nature reserve.

Days 3-5: Exploring the Rias & preparation for the big crossing

We'll spend the next few days sailing in and exploring the charmin Rias. It is usually still lovely and warm at this time of year, but we will have the water to ourselves. There are endless lovely towns and anchorages to explore each day. We'll end in Baiona. It is a beautiful fortifed town, there is loads to see with its special history and the weather  is usually perfect for tapas and a cold beer or two prior to our big ocean passage. There are also the beautiful islands of the nature reserve where we can anchor and explore. This is a very special place. With over 700nm of open ocean sailing ahead of us, we'll spend a full day making detailed passage plans, preparations and victualling the boat with all sorts of lovely food and meals. It's fantastic training for everyone and we'll be checking sails, storm sail, drogues and all the other equipment needed for this type of voyage.

Days 6-10: Ocean sailing passage to Madeira

The actual days we make this passage will depend entirely on the weather at the time. Once we set off into the Atlantic Ocean, you will settle into a 24 hour watch system where you will alternate between navigating, helming and trimming sales, galley duty and cooking up a hearty meal for the crew and off watch time where you can sleep, rest, read and contemplate. Life at sea is very special and you will soon be into the rhythm and a fully involved member of the crew. You can expect to be at sea for around 5 days and nights, depending on conditions.

Days 11-12: Exploring Madeira

If we have made good time, it's lovely to spend a day sailing to Funchal, the capital. Wherever we go, it's a matter of relaxing and exploring all that this island has to offer. The weather is usually warm and after all those days at sea, there is nothing better than some serious rest, recuperation and fun with the crew. Every adventure holiday needs some down time too!

Day 13: Debrief & clean up

It's always amazing how quickly everyone has become firm friends and the boat and its routines seem so familiar. Yet it's time to wrap it all up and head home. We'll get the boat back to how we found it, sign logbooks, exchange emails and disembark by 1200hrs

JOINING & LEAVING THE BOAT

• You should join the boat in Vigo after 1200 hrs on the start day. (Watch leaders see below). It is good if you can join us as close to 1200 hrs as possible, but if your flight or ferry gets in later than this, that is fine. We will ask you closer to the time to let us know your travel details.
• The port is easily reached from the airport by taxi or bus
• You will disembark the boat in Madeira at 1200 hrs on the last day.

FLYING

• Vigo (IATA code: VGO) is served by many airlines such as Ryanair and others. It is a 20 minute taxi ride from the airport.
• You will fly out of Madeira (IATA code: FNC). TUI, Easyjet and Jet2 all fly there among others. It is about a 20 minute taxi ride to the airport.

Airline websites

Vueling

TAP

TUI

Easyjet

JOINING AS A WATCH LEADER

If you are joining as a watch leader, you should be at the boat ready to start lessons at 1000 hrs on October 29th

AGE & EXPERIENCE

These adventure sailing holidays are open to everyone aged 18 years and over. If you are aged 70 or over, or have any concerns about your health, we ask that you get a doctor's note before booking. This is just to make as certain as possible that you will be okay out on the water.

NO PREVIOUS SAILING EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED

CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT

We provide the foul weather clothing, life-jackets and all other technical equipment you will need. We really urge you not to spend any extra money unless you are sure you want to! You need to bring a sleeping bag and some waterproof boots.

See more information and the full kit list here

MEDICAL DECLARATION

We are committed to helping as many people as possible have an amazing sailing holiday and experience the magic of the sea. Our skippers and mates have medical training and the boats have some medical supplies and equipment on board. However, the reality is that once on board access to professional medical assistance is going to be slower than if you were on land. If we are offshore it may be some days. For this reason we ask you to check through the medical disclosure form below before you book. If you answer yes to any of the questions, you should get in touch with us before you book. It will probably still be fine but it's good to make sure. You will be asked to submit the form electronically 14 days before the start date, ensuring that we have the most up to date information.

See the Medical Declaration here

TRAVEL INSURANCE

• It is essential that you have adequate travel insurance in place for your sailing holiday.
• We strongly recommend that you arrange insurance that covers you for any medical mishaps in the build up to your holiday so that should you have to cancel, you can reclaim you fees.
• Please note we cannot refund your money or cancel your invoice due to medial issues.
• For our latest guidance on travel insurance, please read here.

TRIP CATEGORY: OCEAN SAILING

Extended periods at sea

• These expeditions have small numbers of people on board. When you book, you are committing to being a part of the crew.

• These are genuine adventure sailing holidays and you will be helping sail the boat, planning where we go, navigating, cooking and keeping the boat clean and tidy.
• When you book, the deposit is non refundable. It is possible to cancel subsequently, however you may still be liable for the balance of the invoice, depending on how close you are to the start date when you cancel.
• Please ensure you  have read and agreed to the T&Cs and read the Trip Notes before booking.

Terms & Conditions

Trip Notes