THE PORTUGUESE EXPERIENCE

“Changes in latitudes changes in attitudes” These words were written by sailing, singer songwriter, Jimmy Buffet and aptly sum up “The Portuguese Experience”.The voyage will give an opportunity to sail aboard a 65ft round the world racing yacht and visit the North, Central, Southern parts of continental Portugal as well as one of Portugal’s many Atlantic islands, Madeira.

The Port of Loexies is where the crews will embark, just 30 minutes from Porto. Porto lies on the north bank of the Rio Douro and is connected to the south by several bridges, one of which is the Dona Maria Pia Railway Bridge, built by Gustave Eiffel in 1877. Due to its strong links with the British and seafaring history with likes of Henry the Navigator departing these shores has made it an easy choice for our own departure.

A 162 Nautical mile cruise down the Portuguese coast will be taken from here to Cascais. Cascais, still retains much of the charm of its fishing past and indeed present. Here you will find a healthy variety of fish restaurants, boutiques and well-heeled hotels, not to mention a veritable fleet of pleasure craft bobbing alongside the colourful fishing boats in the bay.

A short familiarisation sail will then be taken down the Tagus River towards the capitol Lisbon and the Padroa do Descobrimentos (statue of the discoverers) from this monument a fun match race to Vilamoura on the Algarve will commence. Vilamoura offers a fabulous diversity of experiences, from quiet pine forest ambles and Atlantic beaches, to a casino and array of nightclubs. The main attractions though are the environmentally-conscious golf courses and the Museum of Cerro da Vila where the area's past is brought to the forefront by a preserved Roman site.

Finally a short swift ocean passage will be taken to the Atlantic island of Madeira and the Port of Funchal our final destination. Madeira is one of Europe's oldest travel locations and whatever your taste, be it from wonderful parks with exotic flowers, seascapes with towering cliffs, rustic villages in quiet valleys or the views of the mountains whose lofty peaks are a photograph waiting to be taken... Madeira will take your breath away.

This voyage once completed will not only give you an insight to a wonderful country but the chance to meet its friendly inhabitants. Successfully executed will complete “The Portuguese Experience”