Azores Northern- Cherokee 2022

Join Cherokee for an adventure sailing holiday in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores on the island of Terceira.  A popular destination for sailors on Atlantic crossings to and fro the Caribbean, the archipelago of the Azores 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. With so many islands and anchorages to choose from, exploring the Azores under sail is certainly the best way to see as much as possible with ease.

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 some longer passages on the water with a need for “all hands on deck”. Get involved with hoisting the sails, taking the helm, some basic navigation and night passages along the way.

Sailing the Azores

From the island of Terceira Cherokee will likely sail along the coast to Angra do Heroismo and then on to the small island of Graciosa. Dolphins and hopefully whales should join us along this 46 mile sail and we port here overnight with chance to spend the next day exploring the island ashore. Perhaps visit the impressive old volcano of Furna do Enxfre lined with beautiful forests and an impressive lava cave. The cave is accessible by a 183 step spiral staircase!

Set the sails North with a 145 mile night sail to the island of Flores. Depending on the wind, we will arrive on Flores the following afternoon, anchor overnight and spend the following day exploring the island. Perhaps visit the beautiful waterfall and forests of Poço Ribeira do Ferreiro. 

Wind permitting, sail on to Horta on the island of Faial, with another 133 mile overnight sail. Faial is a popular harbour destination, home to the lighthouse of Capelinhos on the north cape with a very special and beautiful volcanic landscape.

We will also sail to the island of Pico. Pico has a small shallow harbour with crystal clear waters and a fascinating museum about whaling with beautiful wooden boats. After a quick stop here, we return to the island of Terceira and its port of Praia Vitoria to mark the end of your sailing holiday!

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 hot drinks)

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please let us know when making your booking.

• Are there any added extras?

  There's an honesty bar for soft drinks and alcohol.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

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

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Yes, all cabins have either a hatch or porthole.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  Cherokee has two toilet/shower rooms.

• Are bedding and towels provided?

  All bedding and a towel is included but please bring your own swim towels (if needed). Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  No, Cherokee does not have laundry on board.

• Is there heating onboard?

  Yes, there is heating on board.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken on board?

  English and Dutch.

• Is there WIFI?

  No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech 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.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes charging facilities are available when the generator is running.

• What is the currency on board?

  Whatever the local currency is in the sailing destination.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  Not at all.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Cherokee is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy. She has a dropped transom with steps so getting on/off the boat is fairly easy.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

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

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  No.

• 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.

• Is there an age limit?

  Over 12's on most voyages.

Travel Planning

From: Praia da Vitória, Terceira

To: Praia da Vitória, Terceira

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

BY AIR:

Catch a direct flight from London Heathrow or London Gatwick with AirPortugal or SATA Azores to Terceira Airport. Terceira Airport is about 2.5 miles from Praia de Vitoria. It is then only a 20-minute bus or 5-minute taxi ride.

STAY IN PRAIA DE VITORIA:

Try Atlantida Mar Hotel, Hotel Praia Marina or Zigzag Hostel.