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“Small” Atlanticcrossing from the Azores to Portugal

Atlanticcrossing with the KAIRÓS – sailing as part of the crew

This trip is not for passengers, but for real sailors! On the KAIRÓS, we cross the Atlantic from the Azores to Portimao, and you are right in the middle of it instead of just being there. As part of the crew, you will take part in watches, steer the ship, trim the sails and navigate the ocean together with the experienced regular crew.

A “medical” / seaworthiness is mandatory for this trip and sailing experience is welcome, as teamwork counts on board! Accompanied by the constant trade winds, we enjoy the pure feeling of sailing: endless expanses, breathtaking sunrises and the interplay of wind and waves. An ideal opportunity for anyone who wants to collect ocean miles for their SHS/RYA sailing license or actively experience Atlantic under sail.

Of course, we also offer our usual service and delicious food from our regular crew.

Further information about the trip and the travel price is available on request

Routenkarte der Segelroute 7
Start / end
Azores / Faial – Portimao
Arrival
Horta / Faro
Group size
Max. 12 guests
Places
Azores - Portimao

Itinerary

Every sailing trip follows the conditions of nature. The itinerary shown is a non-binding orientation and can change depending on wind and weather.

Independent arrival in Horta and embarkation in the afternoon. On board you get to know your fellow sailors, the crew and, of course, the yacht. A thorough briefing tells you everything you need to know about life and routines on board during the coming days at sea.

The first dinner together leaves time to get acquainted and to look ahead to the passage. The captain explains the current weather situation and the planned routing for the days ahead.

After breakfast it is time to cast off. The coast slowly falls away behind us and the open sea lies ahead of the bow. From now on the yacht is under way non-stop – by day and by night.

Whenever conditions allow, we sail. If you like, you can help the crew set and trim the sails, take the helm and learn more about navigation and seamanship. Joining in is warmly welcomed, but never a must.

On a passage, the sea sets the rhythm of the day. There is no fixed programme and no harbour to reach by a certain time. Instead, long hours of sailing, shared meals and quiet moments on deck follow one another.

The yacht continues her voyage through the night as well. If you wish, you can experience sailing beneath a starry sky and gain a very special sense of what a longer ocean passage feels like.

There is plenty to watch along the way: dolphins keep joining the bow for a while, flying fish skim across the surface and, with a little luck, a whale may even appear on the horizon. In between lie hours with nothing but sea and sky – and that is exactly what gives a passage its special appeal.

With every nautical mile you grow more familiar with the ship and her routines. The crew shares insights into navigation, weather, sail handling and life at sea. And so the passage itself becomes the true destination.

After several days at sea, the Portuguese coast finally appears on the horizon. The last nautical miles offer one more chance to enjoy the sailing and the time together on board.

After arrival, the traditional Captain’s Dinner takes place. Together with the crew and your fellow sailors, you look back on the distance covered and the special moments of the passage.

After a final breakfast together, it is time to say goodbye to the crew, your fellow sailors and the yacht. Disembarkation in Portimao and independent onward travel, or an extended stay ashore.

An intense time at sea comes to an end – with many miles sailed and a whole new perspective on travelling under sail.

Impressions of your trip

Your sailing yacht

Our first ship — and with her this special sailing concept was founded in 2007. At 38 m long with 556 m² of sail area, KAIRÓS is a little smaller than CHRONOS and RHEA, which makes her all the more personal and lets guests lend a hand on deck.

KAIROS

Cabin equipment

  • Wardrobe
  • Hairdryer
  • Hand and bath towels
  • Air conditioning
  • 230 V sockets
  • Life jackets
Discover the yacht

Cabin A

The largest cabins on the KAIRÓS, with a fixed double bed and a spacious bathroom.

Cabin B

With bunk beds or a small double bed. Bathroom with WC and a classic yacht shower.

Included services

  • Accommodation on board in the booked cabin category
  • Nautical crew and service on board
  • Sea passage during the trip
  • Full board on board
  • Water sports from on board
  • Water, tea and filter coffee

Not included

  • Travel to and from the yacht
  • Transfers
  • Soft drinks, Nespresso and alcoholic drinks
  • One evening to explore the local cuisine ashore
  • Shore excursions and tips

Dates & prices

“Small” Atlantic crossing from the Azores

 – 

Azores / Faial – Portimao

Crossing

Yacht: KAIROS

Sold out
Cabin A (p.p.)
€ 2.000,–
Cabin B (p.p.)
€ 2.000,–

Book now

Send us your request without obligation — we will get back to you personally.

There are no bookable departures for this trip at the moment. Please contact us for the options.

Important information

You can easily travel to the ports in the Mediterranean with the usual airlines. The best way to reach Cape Verde and the Azores is via Lisbon. The return journey from the Caribbean to Europe is usually via London or Paris. For the return crossing to the Mediterranean, fly via London to Antigua. Depending on the duration of your journey, you should allow a buffer of 1-3 days for the return flight or book a rebookable ticket.

The cruise price includes: costs for the nautical crew and service, accommodation on board in the booked category, sea transport, full board on board, water, tea, filter coffee. The price does not include: arrival and departure, transfers, soft drinks, Nespresso and alcoholic beverages, and gratuities. Please note: the service is limited on crossings. Participants are regarded as fellow sailors who can also support the crew with watches and other usual work on board. As the sea can be rough at times, a certain level of physical fitness is required. Sailing experience is an advantage. Possible ports and stopovers depend on the route and the time frame; the captain makes the final decision. Depending on wind and weather as well as technical conditions on board, the start and duration of the crossing and any stopovers may vary, without this giving rise to further claims on either side. For the return flight, allow a buffer of at least 1 day (regular crossings), at least 2 days (the ‘small’ Atlantic crossing) or at least 3 days (Atlantic crossing), or book a rebookable ticket. On a crossing, the ship is brought from A to B within a set period, so we may also have to motor. Please inform us of any known pre-existing medical conditions in good time before the start of the trip.

Sailing on the Atlantic is usually associated with the trade winds, which blow constantly in many parts. The weather can vary on long crossings, from calm conditions to heavy seas, and the influences of the Gulf Stream and crossing cold fronts require special attention. Up-to-date weather information is crucial for navigating through the various conditions in the Atlantic.

Life on board the Sailing-Classics yachts is very safe and well organised. The vessels meet the highest safety standards and are inspected annually. The captain and helmsman are graduates of a professional maritime college and undergo continuous professional development. The rest of the crew also receive intensive training in how to deal with emergencies. A compulsory safety briefing takes place at the start of every voyage. Furthermore, despite their speed, the yachts sail with remarkable stability – even in heavy weather, hardly any water comes on deck.

Both German and English are spoken on board the Sailing-Classics yachts. The language used amongst the international crew is English, whilst they communicate with guests in both German and English. On the KAIRÓS, we cannot always guarantee communication in German.

Meals on board Sailing-Classics are organised on a full-board basis and are included in the tour price. The day begins with a generous breakfast buffet, followed by a light two-course lunch and coffee and cake in the afternoon. In the evening, the on-board chef prepares a three-course dinner. On the final evening, the festive Captain’s Dinner is the culinary highlight. Once a week, a dinner is held ashore to sample the regional cuisine – this is not included in the tour price. Special dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for if notified in advance.

Sailing-Classics organises shore excursions using the crew’s motorised dinghies. On request, the crew will take you ashore and collect you again free of charge – simply let the team know in good time. In addition, in many sailing areas, the crew organises guided shore excursions with a local guide or accompanied by a crew member. The price per participant is communicated in advance and charged to your on-board account. Of course, you are also welcome to explore the surrounding area on your own.

The cabins on board the Sailing-Classics yachts are comfortable and practically furnished. Each cabin has its own en-suite bathroom with a toilet and shower cubicle, individually controlled air conditioning, a wardrobe, a hairdryer, and hand and bath towels. 230-volt sockets are available for charging electronic devices. A reusable water bottle is provided in every cabin and can be refilled at the water dispenser in the saloon.

At Sailing-Classics, you’re warmly invited to get actively involved in sailing – no prior experience or sailing licence required. You can help set and trim the sails, take the helm yourself, or lend a hand with other tasks on deck. The crew will be happy to explain the basics of sailing to you, show you how radar navigation works on the bridge, or give you a tour of the engine room. Those who prefer to relax can simply enjoy the passing scenery – the motto is: ‘Everything is possible, nothing is compulsory.’

To cancel your sailing holiday with Sailing-Classics, please send your cancellation request by email to info@sailing-classics.com. Written notification is required so that the cancellation can be processed officially. Depending on when the cancellation is made, Sailing-Classics’ tiered cancellation terms and conditions will apply. We strongly recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance to protect yourself financially.
On-board ABC – everything you need to know

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