Tall Ship Sailing & Exploring the coast of Spain
- Vessel: Florette
- Where: Spain/Portugal
- Duration: 8 days
- Embark: La Coruna, Spain - 17 August 2024, 16:00
- Disembark: Cascais, Portugal - 24 August 2024, 10:00
Sail with Florette from Northern Spain to Southern Portugal, discovering coastal harbour towns and river estuaries along the way.
Join the magnificent tall ship Florette in the Spanish port of La Coruna on the Northern coast of Spain. Set the sails South down the coast towards Portugal, exploring the deep fjords, estuaries and islets this rugged coastline is known for.
With fjord like inlets and warm sailing grounds surrounded by forested coastline, this is the perfect destination for a sunshine sailing holiday in Spain. Experience stunning mountains, the air full of the scent of eucalyptus, traditional ancient villages and beautiful deserted estuaries. Perfect for adventurers, couples and solo travellers looking for a hands-on tall ship sailing experience.
- Traditional tall ship sailing
- Hands-on experience
- Island Hopping
- Private Cabins
- Fully Crewed
- Half Board
- Sustainable Travel
- Sail area & highlights
- Gallery
- Life on board
- Kit list
- Travel planning
- The boat
- FAQs
- What's included
- Boat schedule
YOUR SAILING AREA
The West coast of Spain into Portugal
Join Florette on the northern coast of Spain in the maritime port of La Coruña. The town’s history is closely connected with its historic fishing and trading port, and the peninsula on which the historic part of town is situated is home to an interesting Romanesque road network with squares and medieval churches as well as the Hercules Tower, the oldest lighthouse in the world. The Museum of Fine Arts, with works by Goya and others on display, is also worth a visit before you join the boat!
From La Coruña, Florette will sail the West of Spain and down the coastline of Portugal before finishing in Cascais. This voyage is perfect for exploring this coast under sail and exploring seafront towns off the beaten tourist tracks. Anchor in estuaries and tranquil bays, cooling off in the clear water, snorkelling and making use of the boats paddle-boards.
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Exactly where we will stop will depend on the weather and wind. Sail and explore the beautiful Iles Cies situated in the mouth of the River Vigo and now a designated National Park teeming with birdlife. Anchor in its picturesque sheltered coves and swim in its glistening clear waters to the stretches of sandy white beaches. Follow the walking trails as they meander higher amongst the tree before reaching Mount Faro – a fabulous point offering spectacular panoramic views.
Read more about sailing in the Rias Baixas here.
Continue sailing south as you cross the invisible ocean border between Spain and Portugal and visit the bustling cities of Porto lined colourful merchant houses along narrow cobbled streets and the capital of Lisbon with its ancient history and maritime heritage. The final harbour of Cascais is just next to the city of Lisbon which is well worth spending a few days exploring after the voyage has finished!
The days will be spent with a mixture of sailing and exploring. When we drop anchor there could be time for an active hike, a bike ride or just a gentle wander. Our nights will be a mix of quiet calm anchorages, wine appreciation, maybe some star gazing and gentle conversation.
Florette
Guest berths: 28 Rig: Brigantine
Florette is the last active, originally built brigantine in the Mediterranean and one of the last wooden windjammers that are still actively sailing. After nearly 50 years operating as a cargo ship and a world war, she was discovered by the Haynes family at the end of the 70s, lovingly restored to a charter vessel and returned to her original condition.
She still remains in the same family, sailing and exploring the Mediterranean, Scotland and the Caribbean. From week long island hopping around the Aeolian islands to Atlantic crossings and winter sun sailing in the Caribbean, she certainly has something for everyone!
Over the past 45 years, Family Haynes has been faithfully restoring and maintaining her charm with her traditional rigging and still set all her sails by hand. Â As she was built to carry over 200t of marble deep sea, her construction is twice as strong as compared to a normal ship of her size. She is constructed with double oak frames and up to 13 meters long, 14 cm thick ironwood planks (azobe). Her topsides are built in the finest mahogany. She was originally launched in winter of 1921 in Italy as a pure wooden sailing ship with no engine to serve as a cargo ship.
Now, she has been equipped with the latest safety standards in accordance with EU guidelines for historic charter and sailing school ships and approved for deep-sea navigation. Below decks she has a combination of twin and triple cabins, authentic hammock bunks in the saloon or even take your chances and sleep on deck beneath the stars!
Read more here about what to expect from a traditional sailing holiday on board Florette.
More about FloretteLIFE ON BOARD
AUTHENTIC TALL SHIP SAILING
Florette and her crew always try to combine traditional classic sailing while immersing guests in the natural landscapes ashore; volcanoes, ancient culture and the specialities of the regional Italian cuisine. Florette invites you to get involved with her traditional sailing. With an original rig, it is certainly an all-hands on deck approach – which is surely part of the magic to this adventure sailing holiday.
Sailing Florette is a true family affair. Captain Ron is the 2nd generation to run and sail Florette with his family after his parents bought the boat back in the 70’s. Ron was brought up on the boat, as he is now doing with his family. Alongside Ron and his wife Nicole, Florette is fully crewed with experienced and knowledgeable sailors. Nicole is also the boats chef, cooking up fabulous Mediterranean cuisine, so you won’t be going hungry after a day of sailing and exploring.
HAVE FUN!
Florette commands attention wherever she sails with her traditional wooden hull, decoratively carved transom and her impressive sail rig. Sailing with her is part of the magic of this adventure holiday and is a huge part of the experience. She also has sea kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and snorkelling gear for guests to use at no extra cost. There is also fishing gear available which is used to catch fresh fish for supper!
Sleeping and Relaxation
Florette is one of the larger boats in our fleet so she has ample space both above and below decks. Her Captain and family live-aboard but they have their own separate quarters. Guests can enjoy private cabins in combinations of 2-3 berth bunks. All cabins share a total of four toilets and three showers with another shower on deck for a rinse off after some sea swimming! A generous saloon, bar and eating area sit below decks with a traditional wooden finish. Above decks there is a large cushioned area for relaxation, sun-bathing or sleeping beneath the stars (bring your own sleeping bag if this is something you fancy!). An alfresco dining area sits mid-ships, perfect for lunches in the sun or dinners at sunset.Â
Eating
Nicole prepares meals using local fresh ingredients, seasonal produce and local fish to make excellent, healthy Mediterranean dishes. Breakfast onboard everyday and six meals are included in the ticket price. These six meals can be a combination of lunches or dinners with the rest of guest meals eaten ashore at guests expense. The ticket price reflects this and gives guests the opportunity to sample and enjoy the local cuisine. If for some reason, Florette cannot get guests ashore, meals will be offered from the boat at a reasonable price.
Please check the What’s included tab for a breakdown of the ticket price and the board cash.
Kit list
Florette has limited space for possessions so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases so please bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack.
We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those that have sailed before may have their own preferences!
- Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best)
- Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
- Wash towel – micro fibre are lightweight and quick drying!
- Swimsuit and swim towel
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are both lightweight and quick-drying!)
It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring lots of layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!
- Warm, windproof and waterproof coatÂ
- Sun cream (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
- Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
- Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
- Camera/binocularsÂ
- Personal wash kit (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
- If you wish to sleep on deck under the stars or are booking a hammock berth, please bring your own lightweight sleeping bag
- Refillable water bottleÂ
- Charging cables for personal devicesÂ
- EU 2pin plug adaptor
- A good book to read!
- Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- HALF BOARD – All breakfast (includes tea and coffee), six meals (combination of lunch or dinner)
- Use of all facilities on board including snorkelling gear, paddle boards, kayaks, board games
- All bedding (pillow, duvet, bedding)
- All tender trips during the voyage, to and fro the boat
- Full crew, plus tuition
What’s not included
BOARD CASH (in EUROS please)
- €20 per person, per trip for water maker (unlimited water)
- €14 per person, per day for waste charge
- 6-7 meals ashore (at guests expense)
- Tea/Coffee/Alcohol (cash honesty bar)
- Wash or swim towels
- Use of sleeping bags for sleeping on deck (only if you want!)
- Domestic flights
- Insurance
- Crew and tour leader tips
EXTRAS?
Florette and her crew can organise extra activities for guests including things like wine tasting, BBQ evenings and pizza making nights. None of these are mandatory and will depend on the feeling of the group but once agreed, will be planned, costed and split between the guests. Florette runs a very fair ship and is transparent with any extra costs. All guests are responsible for recording their own usage/extras in their honesty tab which is payable in EUROS at the end of the trip.
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 not be more than 12miles offshore.
FAQ
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Are all meals included?
It varies between voyages so please check each individually. Most are Half board (breakfast & 6 meals - a combination of lunch or dinner) Some voyages are Full Board (breakfast, lunch, dinner & hot drinks).
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Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes, please ask at the time of booking.
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Are there any added extra's?
There are water and waste fees which require bringing board cash. A breakdown of this will be within your ticket/booking. Soft drinks & alcohol can be purchased onboard with an honesty bar.
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What are the sleeping arrangements?
5x family cabins (double+single), 2x double cabins, 4x twin bunk cabins.
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Is there a porthole in my cabin?
Every cabin has a large deck hatch.
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How many toilet/showers does she have?
4 toilets with 3 showers & 1 deck shower.
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Is bedding included?
All bedding is included but towels are not. If you would like to sleep under the stars on deck, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag!
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Is there a hair dryer on board?
No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!
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Will I be able to wash my clothes?
Not on week long voyages but on longer crossings it is possible.
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Is there heating/air conditioning onboard?
Yes.
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Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but very much appreciated.
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What language is spoken onboard?
English is the common deck language but there will be international guests and crew.
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Is there WIFI?
No! It's time to disconnect from the modern conforms and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.
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Can I charge my phone/Camera?
Yes, please bring 2pin European adaptors
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What is the currency on board?
EURO's
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Are there life jackets provided?
Yes
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How do I get on and off the boat?
Florette is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up the boats step ladder. There will always be a crew member to steady.
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Are Waterproofs provided?
No
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Are there any water toys?
Yes, Florette carries Kayaks and SUP's for guests use - a buoyancy jacket must be worn.
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Do I need sailing experience?
On her week-long voyages, no - just a love for adventure! On her Ocean crossings, some previous time on the water is recommended.
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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.
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Is there an age limit?
No min. age technically -but ideally 5+ with sailing experience. Over 70's must provide a medical certificate . For Caribbean voyages - it's 60+ Children go free when under 12 and sharing with adult parents in one cabin.
Gallery
imageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageTravel Planning
From: La Coruna, Spain
To: Cascais, Portugal
To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.
Getting There
La Coruna, Spain
BY AIR
La Coruna has an airport (LCG) which is about 20 minutes from the harbour. Either get a taxi down to the harbour or take the A4 bus operated by Autos Cal Pitta running almost every half hour and costing a few pounds. The journey by bus takes just 35 minutes, versus 20 minutes by taxi.
Getting Home
Cascais, Portugal
Lisbon Airport is a 25 minute taxi ride from Cascais harbour. Or you can take a train direct into Lisbon from Cascais and change for the airport shuttle.