Madeira Sailing Adventure

Journey through the lush, dramatic landscapes of Madeira, ideal for adventurers seeking a blend of nature and oceanic challenges.

Requirements: You can sign up to this course without prior experience.

Certifications: Sign up on any date to earn either ASA 101 & 103, or ASA 103 & 104 according to your previous experience. Contact us to check for availability if you are interested in ASA 105 & 106.

Date Range: Madeira courses happen on selected weeks on the months of May, June and September. Please contact us to explore further dates.

Boat type: Monohull

The course fees include: 

- 7 nights accommodation aboard a modern cruising sailing yacht. 

- Professional Sailing Virgins Instructor to help guide you through the week and keep the vibes high at all times 

- 2 x ASA Levels (including textbooks and certifications)

- Breakfast and lunch daily as well as two dinners on the boat 

- All fuel, mooring fees, water and ice for the boat 

The course fees do not include: 

- Travel to and from the course meeting point

- Meals, drinks and activities ashore 

- Instructor gratuity

Sample Itinerary

(Note that the exact route changes each week depending on the weather, crew preferences and any special events that are happening.)

Day 1 - Base Marina, Funchal to Caniçal

Arrive at the Marina do Funchal, Madeira Island, to meet your fellow sailors and the instructor. You will receive a safety briefing and will have some time to get comfortable on the boat. Afterwards we will head sail to Caniçal where you will spend the night at anchor.

Day 2 - Porto Santo Island

Wake up to the sound of the Atlantic Ocean and start your day with a beautiful mountain hike. Head out for a 4-hour sail to Porto Santo Island where you can find beautiful beaches and ideal sailing conditions.

Day 3 - Porto Santo Island

Deepen your sailing skills in the consistently excellent sailing conditions and protected waters of Porto Santo Island. You will also have time to enjoy the beaches here - they may surprise you!

Day 4 - Desertas island

After breakfast you will sail from Porto Santo to the national park of Desertas island, a sanctuary of the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal. An exciting downwind run full of adrenaline and top speeds will be the highlight of your sailing week.

Day 5 - Calheta and Cabo Girão

Enjoy the calm of the appropriately-named Desertas Islands before heading back to the main island of Madeira. Today’s destination: the port town of Calheta. You will also have the chance to visit Cabo Girão where you can step on the famous glass platform on 580 meters overlooking the cape.

Day 6 - Funchal 

Today we will visit one of the world famous levadas (mountain walks) for a breath of pure fresh mountain air to contrast with the ocean breezes during the week. You will also have your final sailing lessons before we will spend the night on anchor in Funchal.

Day 7 - Base Marina, Funchal

On our last day, it is time to take your ASA exams. Afterwards we will sail back to the marina in Funchal and the group will head for a delicious local dinner one last time. The course finishes the following morning. You will receive a debrief and be anointed an ex-Virgin!

Payment Schedule

When booking with a deposit, the payments will be due according to the following schedule:

- 90 days before course commencement: 50% of the total amount

- 60 days before course commencement: 100% of the total amount