Sailing from the Azores to Spain

Join modern yacht Cherokee for a sailing holiday in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. Arrive onto the Island of Sao Miguel in the port of Ponta Delgada- the perfect backdrop for your adventure sailing experience! The voyage will make a 6.5 day ocean crossing from the Azores to the Spanish port town of Vigo so is perfect for those adventurers wanting to experience a longer passage at sea and tuck some sea miles under their belt.

A small archipelago in the Atlantic, the Azores is popular destination for sailors on Atlantic crossings to and fro the Caribbean but it is an untouched tourist destination far away from the usual holiday hustle and bustle.

LIFE AT SEA

As with all of our sailing holidays, exactly where you stop and explore will be entirely dependant on the weather and tides. As you board Cherokee, owner and Skipper Jouke, will have a better idea of a route and what to expect from the week.

No experience is needed to climb aboard but a list for adventure is a must as there will be a long passage on the water with a need for “all hands on deck”. Get involved with hoisting the sails, taking the helm, some basic navigation and a 3 way night watch along the way.

An ocean Crossing

Depending on the wind, we will sail a short stretch along the coast of Sao Miguel on the first day, so everyone can get used to the ship and the sea. We might anchor at Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Camp. A kind of mini volcano with a perfect circular swimming place in the middle, a real mini paradise with a beautiful cliff walk. 

Set the sails for the crossing to Galicia in the north of Spain, 850 miles as the crow flies, but due to the North East wind at the Portuguese coast, we will sail in a more northerly direction the first few days. Probably in calm weather because of the ‘Azores High’ (the well known high pressure area) and when we pick up the ‘Nortada’ (the Portuguese North), we can speed to Spain. There is some margin for eventual bad weather or lack of wind but the crossing should take about 6.5 days. If we do arrive earlier, the coast of Galicia offers a beautiful sailing area because of its many inlets and islands. 

All voyages for Cherokee

Cherokee

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Cutter

In 2008, Jouke Lemmer purchased Cherokee after spending years sailing with his father’s ship amongst others. Cherokee was built in 2000 by award-winning boat builders J & J Design and a year after buying her, Jouke refitted Cherokee radically, transforming her into a truly comfortable charter vessel, giving her a cutter rig and space for a generator so as to offer his passengers power and hot showers!

She is a fast, 16m vessel with a stunning teak deck and spacious cockpit, and she operates with two crew members (her skipper and the bosun/chef). Cherokee is exceptionally good at what she was built to do – pure sailing. Read more about what to expect with life onboard here.

Jouke sails his ship all over the northern hemisphere, leaving Cherokee’s home port of Rotterdam in May and sailing anywhere from the Hebrides and the Channel Islands, the Faroe Islands and Ireland or even down to the North coast of Spain before making the journey back to Holland in October. Join him and his wonderful ship for the adventure of a lifetime – think exhilarating sailing, bucket list destinations and top-notch hospitality.

Deck plan

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.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and soft/hot drinks) Alcohol is not included.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please let us know when making your booking.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken on board?

  Dutch and English.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  Cherokee has two twin berth cabins and two double berth cabins for guests.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  Cherokee has two toilet/shower rooms.

• Are bedding & towels provided?

  Yes

• Is there an age limit?

  No!

• Do I need sailing experience?

  Not at all.

• Is there WIFI?

  No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes charging facilities are available when the generator is running.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  You can hire Sailing suits for £35 for the week.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

Travel Planning

From: Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel

To: Vigo, Spain

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.