Atlantic Crossing from Cornwall to Cape Verde
Join tall ship Noorderlicht on a hands-on Atlantic crossing from Cornwall to Cape Verde
Embark on a tall ship Atlantic crossing aboard Noorderlicht covering 2200nm from Falmouth in Cornwall to Sal in Cape Verde, with a two-night stopover in Machico, Madeira. This is a bucket-list offshore voyage for those who want to truly experience life at sea. Join the crew as you hoist sails, stand watch and take the helm across some of the Atlantic’s finest sailing waters.
This voyage is perfect for adventurous sailors with some basic sailing experience and a genuine wish for adventure. This 23-day passage combines open ocean miles, a taste of Madeira and a hands-on tall ship sailing experience.
- 2200nm full Atlantic crossing
- Stopover in Machico, Madeira
- Hands-on tall ship seamanship
- Private cabins, full board
- Some sailing experience recommended
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
A Full Tall Ship Atlantic Crossing: Cornwall to Cape Verde
Falmouth, Cornwall → North Atlantic → Machico, Madeira → Sal, Cape Verde
Sail 2200nm of open Atlantic sailing from Falmouth to Sal, experiencing a genuine offshore voyage on a traditionally rigged tall ship. Noorderlicht departs Cornwall and heads south, crossing the Bay of Biscay before the trade winds build and the rhythm of life at sea settles in. A two-night stopover in Machico, Madeira breaks the voyage at its midpoint with time to stretch your legs, explore the island and rest before the second leg south to Cape Verde. Guests join the 4-hours-on, 8-hours-off watch system alongside the crew for the full crossing, sharing the helm and hoisting the sails.
Leg One: Falmouth to Machico, Madeira
Falmouth is a historic working port at the entrance to the peaceful Fal estuary, the third-deepest natural harbour in the world. Before boarding, take time to explore the town with its cobbled streets and waterfront pubs with some of the best seafood in Cornwall. Its picture-postcard hilltop houses and green hills roll away into the estuary waterways beyond.
From Falmouth, Noorderlicht sets course south into the Atlantic, covering 1200nm to Machico on the eastern coast of Madeira. The main island is volcanic, dramatically green and rugged, while Machico, the original capital of the island, offers a quieter, more local welcome than Funchal. The bay’s crystal-clear water invites swimming, while viewpoints, green hills and historical monuments reward those who want to explore on foot.
Two Nights in Madeira
Noorderlicht spends two nights at anchor in Machico, giving the ship a natural pause at the midpoint of the crossing. Accommodation during these two nights is on a bed-only basis, giving full crossing guests the freedom to explore Madeira at leisure – local restaurants, the golden sand beach, swimming in the bay or heading inland to the island’s dramatic volcanic interior.
This stopover also marks the transition between the two legs of the voyage, with guests joining for the second leg from Madeira, while those who have completed the first leg from Falmouth say their farewells.
Leg Two: Machico, Madeira to Sal, Cape Verde
Noorderlicht sets her sails south, and the 1000nm passage to Cape Verde begins. The trade winds build steadily, the ocean runs a deep, fierce blue, and the sailing becomes some of the finest of the entire crossing. Keep watch for flying fish skimming the bow wave, sea turtles drifting on the current and humpback whales breaking the surface on the horizon.
Cape Verde is a wild Atlantic archipelago sitting roughly 600 kilometres off the coast of Senegal with ten islands of dramatically diverse landscapes, from steep terraced valleys and banana plantations to black volcanic peaks and sweeping sandy deserts. Noorderlicht arrives at Sal, the most eastern of the islands, where wide white-sand beaches, turquoise water and warm, easy hospitality welcome guests after 2200nm at sea.
Joining for One Leg or the Full Crossing
This voyage is made up of two distinct legs, and guests are welcome to join for either or both:
- Leg One: Falmouth, Cornwall to Machico, Madeira – 1200nm (link to Cornwall to Madeira page)
- Leg Two: Machico, Madeira to Sal, Cape Verde – 1000nm
- Full Crossing: Falmouth to Sal – 2200nm, 23 days
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. 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 throughout – bed only during the two-night Madeira stopover
- On deck: All hands on deck with hoisting sails, steering, and 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 crossing
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 Cape Verde, Cornwall or UK
Scottish Short Break Sailing the Firth of Clyde
Sailing through the Inner Hebrides of Scotland
Sailing Weekend in South Devon
A Sailor’s Voyage from Scotland to Cornwall
More holidays on Noorderlicht
Arctic Summer Sailing and Walking in Svalbard
Svalbard Expedition Sailing: Arctic Autumn
Arctic Circumnavigation: Svalbard Sailing & Walking Expedition
Arctic Summer Sailing and Walking in Svalbard
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
