From Vigo, we set course for the ocean. For the first two days, we sail only during the day, allowing everyone to gradually get used to the boat and each other. Passing through Viana do Castelo, we sail up the Douro River to Porto, a beautiful city with impressive bridges. Although the city is somewhat in decay, this adds to its charming, Anton Pieck-like appearance, and Porto is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. We stay here for a day to enjoy the city.
Next, we sail overnight to Peniche. Night sailing is a unique experience, especially on the ocean with the wind at our backs and the calm ocean swell. Peniche is a large fishing port on a peninsula, with a charming waterfront. If the weather allows, we can enjoy a drink, such as a Vino Verde, on a cozy terrace.
Along the west coast of Portugal, the constant wind, the Nortada, also known as the “Portuguese North,” blows. This means we have a broad reach wind for our sailing. Typically, the wind starts around noon and increases significantly in the afternoon, continuing until sunset.
Our next stop is Cascais, a large marina and the seaside resort of Lisbon. The following morning, we can visit Sintra, located near Lisbon in the wooded hills of the Serra mountains. Here, we find a fairytale landscape of ornate palaces, castle ruins, and exotic gardens.
In the afternoon, we sail a short distance to the center of Lisbon, a beautiful experience where we pass by some of the city’s highlights, such as the famous Torre de Belém, an iconic 16th-century fortress that once guarded the entrance to the Tagus River.
In the evening, we dine at a nice restaurant and then take a stroll through the vibrant city back to the boat.
The daily distances vary, depending on the weather and tides, between 40 and 120 miles. The above schedule is subject to weather, wind, and tide conditions, and may be adjusted if necessary.
Category A/C: This sailing trip combines long passages, where we cover real ocean sailing miles from one port to another, with several shorter sailing days and time for shore excursions. There will also be some overnight sailing in a watch system.
