Leg 10/2026
13 -20 July: Madeira – Santa Maria – Pontadelgada/Sao Miguel/Azores, 500 nm
This leg is normally starting in the NE trades and will sooner or later die out when we begin to approach the Azores High. The beginning will be nice sailing but possibly at the end it will be some more motoring if we are not lucky enough to catch some westerly flow from a Low Pressure passing further south than normal during the summer.
This is intended to be an ocean sailing leg, intended, without any surprises and just pleasant Atlantic cruising.
It all starts in Madeira, an island well worth visiting for its lush nature and great hikes.
Staircase to heaven? Madeira has 1800m high mountains!
Funchal Marina is the start of this leg on Madeira
Funchal from the top of the mountain
Of course, visiting the madeira manufacturing is a “must” before we cast off!
Easy sailing from Madeira to the Azores in 2021. Just left Madeira (in the background)
We will make landfall on Santa Maria, the island some 60nm south of Sao Miguel! We will explore this fine island before heading north the remaining 60nm to Ponta Delgada where the leg ends.
Hiking on Santa Maria
From the main island Sao Miguel, there are frequent flights to the major airports in Europe or via Lisbon. Or why not prolong your holiday to explore some of the other Azores islands while you are here?
A nice Mahi Mahi caught in 2021 during the crossing between Madeira and Azores.
Fresh such from a caught tuna.
Active vulcanos on Sao Miguel!
Beautiful lakes on Sao Miguel
Tea plantation, the only one in Europe is on Sao Miguel!
Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel
One of my favourite restaurants in Ponta Delgada.
