Lisbon to Madeira Cherokee 2022

Join modern yacht Cherokee for a Portuguese sailing holiday from Lisbon to Madeira.  The voyage is the perfect sailing adventure for those who want to experience a longer passage at sea and build up some sea miles.

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.

Portuguese Sailing

Swap the Portuguese coastline for the island of Madeira as you sail across the Atlantic from Lisbon.

Set the sails from Lisbon down the Tagus river and past the iconic Torre de Belem to Sesimbra. Depending on the wind direction, Cherokee may port at the mainland harbour of Sines or sail directly 455 miles to Porto Santo, which is a smaller island off Madeira.

If the weather cooperates, you will have a day left in Porto Santo to relax and explore. Porto Santo is desert-like and very different from the green landscapes of Madeira. Set the sails for one last time to head over to the main island of Madeira. With volcanic landscapes, green rugged cliffs and pebbly beaches, Madeira is the perfect backdrop to depart from Cherokee. Known as the land of eternal Spring, Madeira is well worth staying on a few days to explore.

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: Lisbon

To: Funchal, Madeira

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