Atlantic Sailing Adventure from Madeira to Cape Verde
Sail with tall ship Noorderlicht from Machico, Madeira to Sal, Cape Verde on a 1000nm Atlantic offshore passage.
Embark on an Atlantic sailing adventure aboard tall ship Noorderlicht for a 1000nm offshore passage from Machico in Madeira to the sun-drenched island of Sal in Cape Verde. This is the second leg of the full Atlantic crossing, and as Madeira fades from the stern, the open ocean fills the horizon completely.
This is an all-hands-on-deck experience as you hoist the sails, stand watch and take the helm across some of the Atlantic’s finest sailing waters. This voyage is perfect for adventurous sailors with some basic experience who are ready to feel the full pull of the open ocean aboard a traditional tall ship.
- 1000nm Atlantic offshore passage
- Hands-on tall ship seamanship
- Madeira to Cape Verde by sail
- Private cabins, full board
- Some sailing experience is recommended
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Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Atlantic Sailing from Madeira to Cape Verde aboard Tall Ship Noorderlicht
Machico, Madeira → North Atlantic → Sal, Cape Verde
As the Madeiran archipelago disappears from the stern and the open Atlantic stretches out ahead, this is offshore sailing in its truest form. Over eleven days, Noorderlicht makes her way south-west from Machico to Sal, covering 1000nm of open ocean on the second leg of the full Atlantic crossing. Guests join the 4-hours-on, 8-hours-off watch system alongside the crew, sharing the helm and hoisting the sails. The trade winds fill in as Noorderlicht heads south, and with them comes some of the most rewarding sailing of the entire voyage.
Departing from Machico, Madeira
Machico sits on the eastern coast of Madeira and is the original capital of the island. Quieter and more local in feel than Funchal, it is a nice place to spend a day before the passage begins. The bay’s crystal-clear water invites a last swim before departure, or relax in one of the authentic Portuguese restaurants along the waterfront.
1000 Miles of Open Ocean
As Noorderlicht heads south toward Cape Verde, the steady trade winds build, and the ocean comes alive. Keep watch from deck for flying fish skimming the surface, tuna hunting in the bow wave, sea turtles drifting past on the current and, if conditions are right, humpback whales breaking the surface on the horizon. Days at sea settle into a rhythm of watches, meals, open sky and the quiet satisfaction of covering real ocean miles under sail.
Arriving in Sal, Cape Verde
Cape Verde is a wild Atlantic archipelago sitting roughly 600 kilometres off the coast of Senegal with ten islands of dramatically diverse landscapes, from steep terraced fields and banana plantations to black volcanic peaks and sweeping sandy deserts. It is a real sailor’s paradise, where the trade winds blow reliably, and the ocean runs a deep, fierce blue.
Noorderlicht arrives at Sal, the most eastern of the islands, known for its wide white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and easy, welcoming atmosphere. After eleven days at sea, the fresh seafood, local bars and warm swimming of Sal make for a deeply satisfying landfall.
Part of the Full Atlantic Crossing
This passage is the second leg of the full offshore voyage from Falmouth to Sal in Cape Verde. If you are interested in joining the complete Atlantic crossing from Cornwall, you can find it here.
Aboard Tall Ship Noorderlicht
Noorderlicht is a traditionally rigged tall ship with comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests in private twin cabins. Built for offshore expedition work, she carries all modern navigation and safety equipment alongside her traditional rig. The galley and downstairs saloon sit at the heart of the ship, with a further seating area and bar in the deckhouse.
- Sleeping: Private twin cabins with bedding provided
- Food: Full board – hearty, home-cooked meals throughout the passage
- On deck: All hands on deck with hoisting sails, steering, and standing watch
- Atmosphere: Focused and hands-on with a small crew working together across the Atlantic
- Sustainability: Under sail wherever conditions allow for the full length of the passage
Things to note
Sailing vs Shoretime
Night watches?
Travel insurance notes
As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.
Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.
This voyage will be more than 12 miles offshore.
Getting Involved
Offshore passage sailing aboard Noorderlicht is as hands-on as sailing gets. From the moment the lines are cast off, guests are an active part of the crew, hoisting the sails manually, taking the helm, helping to plot the course on charts and standing watch through the night. All guests join the 4-hours-on, 8-hours-off watch system alongside the crew, sharing responsibility for the ship around the clock. It is a genuine working routine, and one that quickly becomes the rhythm of life on board. For those who want to learn, there is no better classroom than open water, and the crew are always happy to explain what they are doing and why.
Sleeping and Relaxation
The interior of Noorderlicht is authentically decorated, giving it an informal, cosy and nautical atmosphere. There are spacious cushioned seating and dining areas in the upper and lower deck saloons – a good place to rest between watches, compare notes with fellow travellers or simply sit and watch the ocean go by through the portholes. The upper saloon is also where the bar sits; the coffee pot is always on, and guests are welcome to use the bar as they wish, with an honesty tab.
The sleeping area is located on the lower deck, with 10 twin cabins. All cabins have bunk berths, plenty of built-in storage, a washbasin, a mirror and charging ports. All bedding and towels are provided. There are four communal toilets and showers throughout the ship, cleaned daily. Each bathroom has dispensers for shampoo, conditioner and body wash.
A Typical Day
Life on a passage voyage is shaped by the watch system. With a 4-hours-on, 8-hours-off rota, each day has its own rhythm, time on deck keeping watch, time below to sleep, eat and rest. Watches can fall at any hour, day or night, and that is very much part of the experience. A night watch under a sky full of stars, far from any light pollution, with the sails full and the ocean around you, is one of those things that is hard to describe and easy to remember.
Meals punctuate the day and bring the whole crew together. Between watches, the saloon is a good place to read, rest or talk. When conditions allow, there is time on deck to simply enjoy the sailing, watching the horizon, looking out for wildlife or lending a hand with the sails. On longer passages, the days settle into a comfortable routine that feels very different from life ashore.
Dining Aboard
Good food is an essential part of life on board, and Noorderlicht’s professional cook serves excellent meals from the international kitchen three times a day. Breakfast is a continental spread with fresh bread, cooked eggs, meat, cheeses, yoghurt, cereals, muesli and fresh fruit, served at 8 am. Lunch follows around 1 pm, and dinner is usually on the table at around 7.30 pm, though mealtimes flex with the demands of the passage and the weather. Coffee, teas and soft drinks are available from the honesty bar throughout the day, and fresh fruit and biscuits are on hand between meals. Guests with dietary needs are encouraged to have a quick chat with the cook on the first day.
Noorderlicht
Guest berths: 12 Rig: Schooner
High above mainland Norway, the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard sits. An icy wilderness that tall ship Noorderlicht has called home since 1994. Spending her summers exploring Northern Norway & Svalbard, she takes guests on whale watching holidays along the south-west coast and offers longer adventures circumnavigating the whole island. She also offers expedition voyages across the Barents Sea for those seeking a more exhilarating, hands-on adventure with plenty of sailing.
A traditionally rigged tall ship, guests are invited to get involved with all aspects of sailing, although the wind in Svalbard can be unpredictable, so some time is spent under motor. Guests can still take the helm and help plot the course on charts with the crew.
Low-impact, environmentally friendly travel goes hand in hand with Noorderlicht’s ethos. Her ability to explore this part of the world is the best way to enjoy the beautiful, unspoiled nature. From glacier walks, birdwatching, whales, polar bears, and abandoned mining stations, Noorderlicht’s voyages are perfect for those wanting to discover remote locations far from the tourist crowds.
You don’t need any sailing experience to join Noorderlicht’s adventures, but a good level of fitness is recommended so you can hike the hills comfortably for dramatic views and take the opportunity to explore a sleeping village at night in the midnight sun. There is a good balance aboard to rest and relax, read a book or chat with fellow travellers as you travel between landing spots.
With comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests in private twin cabins, her size and draft allow her to reach some of the most remote areas of Svalbard, making her a great way to discover the hidden gems this breathtaking part of the world has to offer. The galley and downstairs seating area sit in the middle of the ship, with another seating area and bar in the deckhouse.
Deck plan
More about Noorderlicht
More holidays in Cape Verde or Portugal
Offshore Tall Ship Sailing from Tenerife to Cape Verde
Offshore Atlantic Yacht Sailing from Antigua to Portugal
Luxury Sailing in the Cape Verde Islands
Offshore Sailing from Gibraltar to Cape Verde
More holidays on Noorderlicht
Arctic Spring Sailing and Walking in Svalbard
Arctic Spring Sailing and Walking in Svalbard
Arctic Summer Sailing and Walking in Svalbard
Arctic Circumnavigation: Svalbard Sailing & Walking Expedition
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL
