2023 Maybe Portimao to Dublin

YOUR SAILING AREA

EXPEDITION SAILING

This sailing holiday 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.

An exact itinerary isn’t set as Maybe will need to make best use of the wind and tides. Sail up the coast of Portugal, stopping possibly at Lisbon, Vigo, Porto or La Coruna along the way before making the sailing across the infamous Bay of Biscay. The French coast greets us after the crossing where a stop over at Brest might be on the cards before heading towards the Cornish coast and making our way up toward St George’s Channel to reach the Irish coast.

There are currently no voyages scheduled. Please get in touch with the VentureSail team to find out what’s available, or if other upcoming voyages might be suitable.
Call us in the Office on 01872 487288 or email [email protected], and we will be happy to help you find your next adventure!

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Maybe

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Gaff Ketch

Built in 1929, classic boat Maybe is a beautifully shaped 28m gaff ketch. A strong sea-worthy vessel, she is built with extra strength using steel frames, a hardwood hull and teak decking. After a complete overhaul in 2007 and a restoration to her original Gaff rig in 2011, she now spends her summers sailing Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and winters keeping warm in Spain and Portugal.

She has a rather famous history, once being owned by Jan Jacob Van Rietschoten, father of the flying Dutchman, Cornelis ‘Conny’ Van Rietschoten. Having spent most of her life privately owned sailing around the world, she has been owned by her present owners since 1989.

Guests are invited to get involved with all aspects of sailing Maybe, from hoisting the sails, taking the helm and even some basic navigation. An onboard chef provides breakfast, lunch, dinner, hot breads and cakes throughout voyages, ensuring you won’t be going hungry after a day on the water!

Read more about Life on board Maybe here.

More about Maybe

Life on board Maybe

Sailing with classic boat Maybe is certainly an enjoyable, hands-on experience and guests are encouraged to get involved with all aspects of sailing this magnificent tall ship. With private cabins and generous communal spaces below decks, she’s perfect for solo travellers, couples or even family groups. The crew are well versed in sailing Maybe with her season running skippered charter holidays and taking Youth Sail training voyages to share this rich maritime history with the younger generation.

Getting Involved

From hoisting the sails to taking the helm, the friendly and knowledgable crew are always on hand to show you the ropes. If you’re new to sailing, don’t worry – the crew will guide you in exactly what to do, even if you’ve never stepped foot on a boat before. Sailing with Maybe is an experience you won’t forget! A beautifully restored classic tall ship, get involved with hoisting sails and being on hand to tack and jibe.

Sleeping, Eating & Relaxation

Pitch in together with the crew to cook locally sourced produce, fresh fish and home-made bread with hearty home-cooked meals and plenty of tea, coffee and cake!

Below decks is a nod to the traditional tall ship era with decorative wooden panelling throughout. A generous saloon area is great for eating hearty home-cooked meals, sharing sea faring tales or maybe a game of cards with your fellow crew. There are three twin bunk cabins and a fourth 4-person cabin that all share a large shower/toilet.

Read more about what to expect from a typical day and life onboard Maybe.

 

Kit list

Maybe has limited space within the cabin with 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 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)
•  Waterproof boots or wellington boots (dependent on weather forecast)
• Swimsuit and swim towel (optional) 
• 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 coat and trousers
• Sun cream (please consider reef safe, eco products where possible)
• Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
• Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
• Camera/binoculars 
• Personal wash kit (please consider reef safe, eco products where possible)
• Charging cables for personal devices
• A good book to read!
• Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring

Travel Documents

•  Please assume full responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements to the country if/as required.

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 be more than 12miles offshore.

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?

  4x twin cabins, each has storage and a sink.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  All cabins have deck hatches.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  There are 2 toilets/showers for guest use.

• Are bedding and towels provided?

  Bedding and towels are provided. Please bring your own towels for swimming.

• 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, Maybe does not have laundry on board.

• Is there heating on board?

  Yes.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English

• 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.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes there are UK 3 pin plug in each cabin.

• What is the currency on board?

  GBP - pounds sterling.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Maybe 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 over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.

• Are waterproofs provided?

  Yes, for use on the boat only. Please bring a light weight waterproof if needed for going ashore.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure and a want to get actively involved.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  Yes, there is a stand-up paddle board for guests to use free of charge.

• 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?

  We recommend over 8+ years accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 ratio but please check in the office for any under 18's as it can vary from voyage to voyage.

Travel Planning

From: Portimao, Portugal

To: Dublin, Ireland

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

GETTING THERE

Portimao, Portugal

AIR

Faro Airport requires taking a 45-50 minute taxi ride to [Doca Pesca] Parchal. This is much easier than multiple changes on public transport. Flights are direct to Faro Airport from major UK airports. 

STAY

There are plenty of places to stay in Portimao. Try Colina Da Lapa & Villas, Flor da Rocha or Quinta Aida Cottages and B&B Suites.

 

GETTING HOME

Dublin

The port is centrally located and only minutes from the city centre and ten minutes from the airport.

AIR

There are direct flights to Dublin from London’s Heathrow, Luton, City, Stansted, Southend and Gatwick airports. The average flying time is just one hour.

FERRY

There are excellent connections from mainland UK and mainland Europe to Dublin.

STAY

There is a lot of choice in Dublin. Try Harding Hotel, Pembroke Townhouse Dublin and Eccles Townhouse.