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Join a sailing adventure on a Tall Ship and set course for new horizons!

Funchal, Madeira (PT) - Funchal, Madeira (PT)

28 December 2026 - 02 January 2027

5 days, Santa Maria Manuela

From € 1450,-

Book this journey

Sail Training

in a shared cabin M/F: € 1450,-
in a bunk cabin (1 person): € 2700,-
in a bunk cabin (2 people): € 3600

Book this journey

No commitment yet – your booking becomes binding only after payment. Cancellation terms apply.

Santa Maria Manuela:
Funchal, Madeira (PT) - Funchal, Madeira (PT)

28 December 2026 - 02 January 2027

Start the new year in a truly unforgettable way, celebrating aboard the Santa Maria Manuela! This unforgettable voyage between the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo combines the pleasure of traditional sailing with one of the world’s most spectacular fireworks displays. The journey begins on December 28th as you set sail from Funchal to Porto Santo, enjoying the experience of sailing aboard the historic four-masted schooner. Upon arrival at the golden island, you can explore its serene landscapes, stroll along the 9 km stretch of fine sandy beach, or simply relax and soak in the peaceful surroundings. During the crossings between Porto Santo and Funchal, you’re invited to take part in the sailing, learn the knots, learn about maritime traditions and our scientific expeditions, or simply enjoy the camaraderie between crew and fellow guests. On December 31, you will return to Funchal to welcome the New Year with a magical view of the entire bay. The world-famous Madeira fireworks display lights up the sky and reflects over the Atlantic, creating a truly magical moment aboard the Santa Maria Manuela.
For Windseekers aged 14-80 years (trainees younger than 18 have to be accompanied by an adult).
There are different cabins available, both for single and double occupancy – contact info@windseeker.org for details.

Ports

Funchal is the capital of the Portugese Madeira Autonomous Region in the Atlantic. Vistit Quinta das Cruzes – an old Madeiran manor house turned museum, lively local market Mercado dos Lavradores and botanical garden Jardins Botânicos da Madeira. If you’re looking for a thrill of an adventure you must take a ride in the Toboggan – a wooden sled that guided by the drivers who will push you down steep hills.

  • Funchal, Madeira (PT)

  • Funchal, Madeira (PT)

Key points

  • Dates: 28 December 2026 - 2 January 2027
  • Embarkation: 16:00 / Disembarkation: 10:00
  • For Windseekers aged 14-80 years, 14-18 accompanied by an adult
  • Windseekers joining: maximum 36
  • No sailing experience required!
  • Official language on board: English
  • Price includes: accommodation and meals, excludes drinks at the bar
  • Price excludes transportation costs to-and from the ports. Our travel counsellor can advise you and book your transfers
  • Possible diets: regular, vegetarian, gluten-free, some allergies
  • Windseekers need to have a health insurance and a travel insurance
  • Bedding and towels are provided on board

  • "At first I didn't know what to expect and I felt kind of insecure, but the crew was really amazing and I had an unforgettable journey."

    Finn (15), Belgium

You sail on the Santa Maria Manuela

Santa Maria Manuela
Shipping type: Grand Bank Schooner
Homeport: Aveiro (PT)
Date built: 1937
Trainees: 50
Length: 68,64m
Height of mast: 37 m
Sail: 1130 m2

Santa Maria Manuela is is serving as a Sail Training  Ship. Unlike in the past, she will no longer bring fishermen to the fishing banks of Newfoundland and Greenland. Instead, these days she brings a new touristic offer, which stands …

Read more

Windseeker logs

  • On the Right Course

    Gulden Leeuw, 2017 Rendez-Vous Tall Ships Regatta

    Atlantic Crossing from Halifax to Le Havre

    – by Anna (mentor's notes)

      Aug 2nd 2017   Second Day at Sea Today we have started hauling a smaller vessel, Peter von Danzig – we are currently expecting to go on motor for 2 days before the race will resume. The evening was much calmer than yesterday …

    Read log

  • This is Where I Belong

    Oosterschelde, 2013

    Sailing from Maurituis to Australia

    – by Hannah Hurford

    When I found out that you could still sail traditional ships I remember thinking: a) this is probably a joke, and b) why have I not done it yet? I had experience sailing on yachts and dinghies but with an interest in naval …

    Read log

Photos

  • Trainees
  • Trainee

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STO Garant

This Journey is covered by the STO Garant guarantee. You can find the conditions for this guarantee scheme on STO Garant’s website (www.sto-garant.nl/en/downloads).

This process is automatic and you do not need to do anything else. After receiving your booking, Windseeker will send you detailed information on how and when to pay for your journey – together with all the other important details.

 

What does it mean?

In short: you do not pay the booking amount to Windseeker but instead into an escrow account. This trust account holds your payment in reserve until your journey’s end. The booking amount is then released to Windseeker on the day after your trip ends. If Windseeker or the Ship should become financially insolvent before the end of your trip, STO Garant will implement the guarantee. The Guarantee Scheme details how you can make a claim under the guarantee in such cases. You can read more about this here.