Expedition Sailing from Spain to Portugal

YOUR SAILING AREA

Spain to Portugal

Begin your sailing holiday in the traditional fishing port of Vigo, home to Europe’s largest fishing fleet. An industrious port on the one hand but traditionally and culturally Spanish on the other. Wander the old city walls and soak up the historic Spanish architecture, old tavernas and traditional tapas bars before boarding Skyelark. The voyage will see a balance of exhilarating coastal sailing and visits to traditional Portuguese towns.

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Leaving the Rias behind, Skyelark will sail south down the coast will of Portugal, with a mix of full day sails followed by days in ashore to explore. Discover the famous cities of Porto and Lisbon, as well as the smaller towns of Peniche (sardine capital), Nazare (world famous surf town) and the fishing town of Sines, with its rugged coast and miles of white sandy beaches.

Skyelark will finish in the Algarve town of Lago.  The prevailing winds should be behind us, giving us fast ocean sailing in trade wind conditions. We will mostly sail by day and be in marinas and ports at night, giving us ample opportunity to get out and explore. This is an expedition sailing experience rather than relaxed cruising, so everyone will be helping out to sail the boat.

All voyages for Skyelark

Skyelark

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Sloop

Skyelark is a luxury Oyster 62 sailing yacht, built for elegance and speed whilst maintaining the utmost comfort for her guests both below decks and while under sail.

Designed and built as a competitive pedigree to match her beautifully drawn lines and sumptuous interior she has had many successes in ocean races and regattas.

Her sloop rig and modern design mean sailing with her can be done with just two people and she is an excellent boat to learn the ropes during your sailing holiday.

Below decks, private cabins are beautifully appointed and a well thought out layout means she is suitable for a variety of travellers; single sailors, couples or private charters of family or friends. Skyelark has a spacious saloon and a generous galley where the crew will prepare healthy and home-cooked meals after a days sailing. with full air conditioning, Webasto heating and quiet flush heads, staying abord Skyelark is more akin to a hotel than a boat!

On deck there is a large, safe and family-friendly cockpit, a lounging deck and transom seats. There is always somewhere comfortable to be, either for socialising or some quiet reflection.

A  removable bimini over the cockpit keeps the sun or the rain out, and if the weather is inclement at anchor, then a full cockpit enclosure keeps everyone snuggly warm, whilst maintaining the alfresco views.

Oyster 62’s are known to circumnavigate with young families on board or sail to the Arctic reaching 80 degrees north. Oyster 62 ‘s offer the perfect package of speed, elegance, luxury and easy, safe comfortable cruising – Skyelark is certainly one of the finest examples. She spends her summer sailing the UK, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly with voyages around Scotland and the Hebrides before sailing winters in the Caribbean.

Take a look inside!

Deck plan

Life on board 

Skyelark is part of our luxury fleet and as soon as you step onboard you will feel the high quality finish and standard throughout the boat. From the comfortable cockpit seating area on deck for al fresco dining under the stars to the well appointed stateroom ensuite cabin, Skyelark’s design has been well considered to ensure luxury and comfort are at the forefront of her sailing experience.

Smooth Sailing

Fitted with all the mod-cons, guests are welcomed to get involved with the sailing of Skyelark if they wish but the easy winch system and racing rig mean she is designed to be operated with a small crew. So if sitting back and enjoying the views is top of your list, you’ll be well looked after aboard. On her expedition sailing voyages, guests are encouraged to get involved to fully experience life at sea.

Sleeping, Eating and Relaxation

All meals are cooked aboard so you can be sure to be very well fed, with both healthy and cooked choices for breakfast, delicious lunches and a varied menu of home-cooked food for dinner. Below decks, Skyelark has private twin cabins, a generous ensuite double cabin and VIP luxury double cabin for that added bit of comfort.

Read more about life onboard Skyelark here.

What’s included

• All inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and soft/hot drinks)
• Alcohol
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and a wash towel
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• Use of the boats stand-up paddle-board

What’s not included

• Waterproofs
• Meals ashore
• Any flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

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 not more than 12miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all food and drink is included in your ticket price* *On 10 day Caribbean voyages, 4 meals (lunch or dinner) are to be eaten ashore to get the full Caribbean experience.

• Are there any added extra's?

  No, unless you go ashore. Excursions are not included.

• Are drinks included?

  Yes.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please ask at the time of booking.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  3x Twin, 1x Double and 1x VIP cabin if req.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  3 bathrooms, all with showers.

• 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.

• Is bedding included?

  All bedding and wash towels are included. Please bring a swimming towel if you wish to swim ashore.

Travel Planning

From: Vigo, Spain

To: Lagos, Portugal

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

Getting There

The best airport from London is Santiago De Compostela (SCQ)  which has easy train and bus links (50 mins).

Alternatively Porto in Portugal is 90 mins away by road and is well served by  all major and budget airlines from all UK locations. Vigo is accessible by bus, train or taxi.  Porto itself is a great city to top and tail your trip with.