Offshore Sailing from Cornwall to Madeira
Join tall ship Noorderlicht on a hands-on sailing passage from Cornwall to Madeira.
Experience offshore sailing to Madeira aboard tall ship Noorderlicht. A 1200nm passage from Falmouth in Cornwall to Machico on the eastern coast of Madeira. Built for exactly this kind of expedition, Noorderlicht is a capable and seaworthy tall ship, and this non-stop Atlantic crossing is as hands-on as sailing gets.
Hoist the sails, stand watch and take the helm as the English coast fades and the open ocean takes over. This voyage is perfect for adventurous sailors with some basic sailing experience who are ready to take on a serious offshore passage and arrive somewhere truly special.
- 1200nm Atlantic offshore passage
- Hands-on tall ship seamanship
- Cornwall to Madeira by sail
- Private cabins, full board
- Some sailing experience is recommended
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Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Offshore Sailing from Cornwall to Madeira aboard Tall Ship Noorderlicht
Falmouth, Cornwall → North Atlantic → Machico, Madeira
Falmouth is one of Britain’s great sailing ports and a fitting place to begin a 1200nm offshore passage south into the Atlantic. From the mouth of the Fal estuary, Noorderlicht sets course for Madeira, trading the familiar waters of the English coast for open ocean within hours of departure. This is a non-stop voyage, and participation by guests is essential to the 4-hours-on, 8-hours-off watch system alongside the crew, sharing responsibility for the ship around the clock. Hoist the sails, plot the course and take the helm as Noorderlicht makes her way south through the Bay of Biscay and out into the North Atlantic. Some previous sailing experience is recommended before joining this passage.
Setting Sail from Falmouth, Cornwall
Falmouth is a historic working port at the entrance to the peaceful Fal estuary – the third-deepest natural harbour in the world, and one that has drawn sailors to its shores for centuries. Before boarding, take time to explore the town. Cobbled streets and waterfront pubs offer some of the best seafood in Cornwall, while picture-postcard hilltop houses and green hills roll away into the estuary waterways beyond. This is a genuinely maritime town and a working harbour with real character, the perfect place to begin an Atlantic passage.
Arriving in Madeira
The archipelago of Madeira sits 1200 miles south of the UK in the North Atlantic, off the northwest coast of Africa – an autonomous region of Portugal with a character entirely its own. The main island is volcanic, dramatically green and rugged, rising steeply from the ocean in a way that makes landfall after an offshore passage feel genuinely earned.
Noorderlicht anchors at Machico on the eastern coast – the original capital of the island and its historical birthplace. Quieter and more local in feel than Funchal, Machico offers a warm welcome at the end of a long passage:
- A rare golden sand beach – man-made, but no less welcome after days at sea
- Crystal clear bay waters ideal for swimming
- Hiking routes to viewpoints, green hills and historical monuments
- A year-round sunny climate and a relaxed, unhurried pace
Continuing the Voyage
This passage is the first leg of the full offshore voyage from Falmouth to Sal in Cape Verde. If you are interested in joining the complete Atlantic crossing, you can find it here.
Aboard Tall Ship Noorderlicht
Noorderlicht is a traditionally rigged tall ship with comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests in private twin cabins. Built for offshore expedition work, she carries all modern navigation and safety equipment alongside her traditional rig – everything needed for a serious Atlantic passage. The galley and downstairs saloon sit at the heart of the ship, with a further seating area and bar in the deckhouse.
- Sleeping: Private twin cabins with bedding provided
- Food: Full board – hearty, home-cooked meals throughout the passage
- On deck: All hands on deck from hoisting sails, steering, to standing watch
- Atmosphere: Focused and hands-on with a small crew working together across the Atlantic
- Sustainability: Under sail wherever conditions allow for the full length of the passage
Things to note
Sailing vs Shoretime
Night watches?
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 12 miles offshore.
Getting Involved
Offshore passage sailing aboard Noorderlicht is as hands-on as sailing gets. From the moment the lines are cast off, guests are an active part of the crew, hoisting the sails manually, taking the helm, helping to plot the course on charts and standing watch through the night. All guests join the 4-hours-on, 8-hours-off watch system alongside the crew, sharing responsibility for the ship around the clock. It is a genuine working routine, and one that quickly becomes the rhythm of life on board. For those who want to learn, there is no better classroom than open water, and the crew are always happy to explain what they are doing and why.
Sleeping and Relaxation
The interior of Noorderlicht is authentically decorated, giving it an informal, cosy and nautical atmosphere. There are spacious cushioned seating and dining areas in the upper and lower deck saloons – a good place to rest between watches, compare notes with fellow travellers or simply sit and watch the ocean go by through the portholes. The upper saloon is also where the bar sits; the coffee pot is always on, and guests are welcome to use the bar as they wish, with an honesty tab.
The sleeping area is located on the lower deck, with 10 twin cabins. All cabins have bunk berths, plenty of built-in storage, a washbasin, a mirror and charging ports. All bedding and towels are provided. There are four communal toilets and showers throughout the ship, cleaned daily. Each bathroom has dispensers for shampoo, conditioner and body wash.
A Typical Day
Life on a passage voyage is shaped by the watch system. With a 4-hours-on, 8-hours-off rota, each day has its own rhythm, time on deck keeping watch, time below to sleep, eat and rest. Watches can fall at any hour, day or night, and that is very much part of the experience. A night watch under a sky full of stars, far from any light pollution, with the sails full and the ocean around you, is one of those things that is hard to describe and easy to remember.
Meals punctuate the day and bring the whole crew together. Between watches, the saloon is a good place to read, rest or talk. When conditions allow, there is time on deck to simply enjoy the sailing, watching the horizon, looking out for wildlife or lending a hand with the sails. On longer passages, the days settle into a comfortable routine that feels very different from life ashore.
Dining Aboard
Good food is an essential part of life on board, and Noorderlicht’s professional cook serves excellent meals from the international kitchen three times a day. Breakfast is a continental spread with fresh bread, cooked eggs, meat, cheeses, yoghurt, cereals, muesli and fresh fruit, served at 8 am. Lunch follows around 1 pm, and dinner is usually on the table at around 7.30 pm, though mealtimes flex with the demands of the passage and the weather. Coffee, teas and soft drinks are available from the honesty bar throughout the day, and fresh fruit and biscuits are on hand between meals. Guests with dietary needs are encouraged to have a quick chat with the cook on the first day.
Noorderlicht
Guest berths: 12 Rig: Schooner
High above mainland Norway, the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard sits. An icy wilderness that tall ship Noorderlicht has called home since 1994. Spending her summers exploring Northern Norway & Svalbard, she takes guests on whale watching holidays along the south-west coast and offers longer adventures circumnavigating the whole island. She also offers expedition voyages across the Barents Sea for those seeking a more exhilarating, hands-on adventure with plenty of sailing.
A traditionally rigged tall ship, guests are invited to get involved with all aspects of sailing, although the wind in Svalbard can be unpredictable, so some time is spent under motor. Guests can still take the helm and help plot the course on charts with the crew.
Low-impact, environmentally friendly travel goes hand in hand with Noorderlicht’s ethos. Her ability to explore this part of the world is the best way to enjoy the beautiful, unspoiled nature. From glacier walks, birdwatching, whales, polar bears, and abandoned mining stations, Noorderlicht’s voyages are perfect for those wanting to discover remote locations far from the tourist crowds.
You don’t need any sailing experience to join Noorderlicht’s adventures, but a good level of fitness is recommended so you can hike the hills comfortably for dramatic views and take the opportunity to explore a sleeping village at night in the midnight sun. There is a good balance aboard to rest and relax, read a book or chat with fellow travellers as you travel between landing spots.
With comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests in private twin cabins, her size and draft allow her to reach some of the most remote areas of Svalbard, making her a great way to discover the hidden gems this breathtaking part of the world has to offer. The galley and downstairs seating area sit in the middle of the ship, with another seating area and bar in the deckhouse.
Deck plan
More about Noorderlicht
More holidays in Cornwall, Portugal or UK
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Tall Ship Sailing in Cornwall Aboard Bessie Ellen
Sailing the Caledonian Canal and Great Glen Way
Sailing Weekend in South Devon
More holidays on Noorderlicht
Arctic Circumnavigation: Svalbard Sailing & Walking Expedition
Arctic Summer Sailing and Walking in Svalbard
Arctic Spring Sailing and Walking in Svalbard
Offshore Sailing from Cornwall to Madeira
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL
