Sailing the Spanish Fjords & Iles Cies

Join modern yacht Cherokee for an adventure sailing holiday on the Spanish coast. Explore the nature reserve of the Iles Cies and the mainland estuaries of Rías Baixas from Vigo.

Enjoy sunny Spanish days in the remote and beautiful area of Galicia. Experience breathtaking mountains, the air full of the scent of eucalyptus, traditional ancient villages and beautiful deserted estuaries.

Galicia

Begin your voyage in the port of Vigo on the northwestern coast of Spain. An industrious port on the one hand but a traditionally and culturally Spanish one on the other. Wander the old city walls and soak up the historic Spanish architecture, old tavernas and traditional tapas bars.

The beautiful Iles Cies is an archipelago situated in the mouth of the River Vigo and now a designated National Park teeming with birdlife. The Iles Cies has two main islands which belong to a national reserve which protects the Ria de Vigo.

Anchoring here requires a special permit and it is quite a journey from the mainland so to arrive here under sail with Cherokee really is a unique sailing experience. Spend time anchored in its picturesque sheltered coves swimming in its glistening clear waters and exploring ashore along stretches of sandy white beaches. Follow walking trails as they meander high amongst the tree before reaching Mount Faro – a fabulous point offering spectacular panoramic views.

The Rías Baixas are another beautiful set of mainland estuaries, perfect for exploring by boat. Each estuary ( four in total) are only a days sailing from Vigo and offer sheltered picturesque anchorages and some breath-taking onshore explorations.

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.

The time at sea is yours to make your own and guests are invited to become as involved as much as they like – take the helm and hoist the sails and sit back, relax and soak up the Spanish sunshine and enjoy the views!

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: Vigo

To: Vigo

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