Offshore Ocean Passage from the Azores to Gibraltar

Your Sailing Area

Join luxury yacht Kairos for an adventure sailing holiday in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores on the island of Faial.  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. The islands are still mostly underdeveloped from resorts and retain their traditional Portuguese island charm.

From here, you’ll spend the next 8 days at sea, sailing across the Atlantic towards to southern coasts of Portugal and Spain to finish in the port city of Gibraltar.

This offshore sailing holiday adventure is great for those wanting to gain sea miles and gain more exposure with longer passages at sea. The soft, steady up and down of the ship’s hull in the waves, the expanse of the sea, and the permanent gentle creaking of the rigging are the perfect ingredients for a relaxing and at the same time, adventurous holiday experience.

After receiving safety instructions and an introduction to sailing from the ship’s crew, you will soon be able to take part in sailing yourself. Hands-on assistance on deck is always voluntary, so if you want, you can just relax and enjoy watching the sailing manoeuvres and the traditional seamanship in action every day.

All voyages for Kairós

Kairós

Guest berths: 16 Rig: Bermuda Schooner

Offering guests a sailing holiday experience with luxury at the heart of everything she does, Kairós is a purpose built charter vessel designed with the beautifully elegant lines of classic boat. Spending her winters exploring Cape Verde, Kairos moves into the Med for the summer offering sailing holidays in Croatia, Corfu and Italy.

This beautiful luxurious schooner was designed by Klaus Röder in 2007 who based his design on a classic yacht whilst keeping up with the modern day schooners; built for performance sailing and guest comfort. Kairós offers a total of 7 private en-suite double cabins and 1 twin cabin for up to 16 guests, these private cabins have either a double bed or single bunks and all have air-conditioning. The  well appointed deckhouse has its very own small bar whilst below decks offers still more space to relax, from the saloon with its plasma TV to its very own library for relaxing while underway.

Built with luxury in mind, the outline on deck is of teak and mahogany with plenty of space to sun-bath, read a book and enjoy the views. All the sails are electronically retractable, so no need to “learn the ropes” here! The crew are, however, more than happy for guests to get involved with the operating and sailing of Kairós as much as they would like!

An admiralty ladder provides the perfect place to jump off into the warm Mediterranean waters, have a swim and climb back aboard with ease. Kairós also offers her guests the options of using her water skiing, wake-board, tube riding and snorkelling equipment!

The professional crew consists of the Skipper, first mate, mechanic, bosun, cook and 2 stewards, so you will most certainly be looked after during your time aboard Kairós.

Read more about what to expect from life onboard here.

Deck plan

LIFE On board

Sailing with Kairos is certainly an experience of luxury and style. Part of our range of luxury yachts, she has been custom built as a charter vessel from the plans of an original classic so retains beautiful elegant sailing lines, perfect for cruising around the Mediterranean. Unlike some of our more hands on sailing, aboard Kairos, you really don’t have to life a finger if you don’t want to! Her professional 5* star crew are on-hand to assist with everything you need for a truly relaxing sailing holiday. From daily cabin service, a trained chef, onboard water-sports toys and a finale Captains dinner; sailing with Kairos is an experience you certainly won’t forget.

She has a generous communal saloon, ample space on deck for sitting, sun-bathing and dining and all her cabins are private ensuite’s with double or twin bed options. Eating onboard Kairos starts with a rich breakfast buffet, onto a light 2-course lunch at noon, coffee, tea and cake in the afternoon, and a 3-course dinner served in the evening. Upon arrival, you will receive a welcome drink and on the last evening, the Captain’s Dinner will be served. One evening a week, all guests eat at their own expense on land to get to know the local cuisine.

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

• What COVID policies are in place for sailing with Kairos?

  There are currently no COVID-related restrictions.

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price (breakfast, lunch, dinner and filter coffee and tea). Alcohol and soft drinks are not included. One meal is eaten ashore at the customers own expense.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please let us know when making your booking.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English/German/Dutch

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  Kairos has 6 Deluxe Double Cabins Ensuite (10m2), 1 Standard Double Cabin Ensuite (8m2) and 1 Twin Bunk Cabin Ensuite (8m2) (latter 2 cabins are really well suited to younger sailors and solo travellers).

• Is there an age limit?

  Yes. Minimum age of 5, and as long as the child can swim.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  All cabins have their own ensuite.

• Is there WIFI?

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

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• 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: Horta, Azores

To: Gibraltar

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

Horta

BY AIR:

Horta airport is an 18 minute bus ride into Horta operated by Farius that runs 4 times daily, Monday-Friday. Flights with changes go to Horta airport from London Heathrow, London Luton, London Stansted, London Gatwick and Manchester with SATA and TAP Air Portugal.

STAY IN HORTA:

There are plenty of places to stay in Horta. Try Monte de Guia, Faial Marina Apartments and Porto Pim Azores Guest House.

Gibraltar

BY AIR:

Gibraltar Airport to the Port of Gibraltar is just a 3 minute taxi ride. Flights go direct to Gibraltar Airport from London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh with easyJet and British Airways.

STAY IN GIBRALTAR:

There are plenty of places to stay in Gibraltar. Try The Rock Hotel, The Eliott Hotel and Sunborn Gibraltar.