Active Sailing Course in the Azores – Learning and Navigation

Your cruise

In the heart of the Atlantic, the Azores archipelago offers exceptional sailing terrain, wild, contrasting and deeply maritime. This cruise is an invitation to take to the open seas in a different way: sailing to the rhythm of the islands, learning by doing, and immersing yourself in an unspoilt natural environment.
Between volcanoes, steep cliffs and deep waters, each day is an opportunity to better understand the sea, the wind and navigation, in a setting conducive to discovery and sharing.

Your possible stops during this cruise

Here's a sample itinerary for your active sailing stage in the Azores.
This itinerary is given as a rough guide and may be adjusted according to weather conditions, group pace and teaching objectives.

Day 1 - Terceira | Boarding & getting started
Welcome from 6pm at Terceira marina.
Settling in on board, getting to know the boat and crew, initial discussions about the week's program. Safety briefing, organization of life on board and convivial dinner to launch the adventure.

Day 2 - Terceira → São Jorge
First sail of the course.
Gradual getting underway: maneuvers, sail trimming, watches and first sensations of sailing in the Atlantic. Arrive in São Jorge and spend the night at anchor or in port, depending on conditions.

Day 3 - São Jorge | Exploration on land
Day dedicated to discovering the island: excursion ashore, visit to the Sete Fontes park, hikes in the heart of a lush natural environment with waterfalls, natural pools and spectacular panoramas of the archipelago's volcanic reliefs.

Day 4 - São Jorge → Pico
Sail to the island of Pico.
Learn to maneuver, read the local weather forecast and manage coastal navigation. Arrival opposite the emblematic Azores volcano.

Day 5 - Pico | Discover the island
Free time ashore to discover Pico: village, volcanic vineyards or hike to the island's summit, weather and group conditions permitting. A day between land and sea, at the crew's pace.

Day 6 - Pico → Faial
Short sail to Faial.
Arrival in Horta, a must for sailors from all over the world. Discover the town, the marina and the legendary Peter's Café Sport, a symbol of Atlantic maritime culture.

Day 7 - Faial → Graciosa
Sail to Graciosa, a more private and peaceful island. Work on autonomy, boat management and crew life as you sail the miles.

Day 8 - Graciosa | Exploration on land
Discover the island: visit the town, walk around the volcano, thermal baths and unspoilt countryside. A stopover for relaxation and observation.

Day 9 - Graciosa → Terceira
Last sail of the course to Terceira.
Review what you've learnt, consolidate what you've learned, and sail actively until you return to port.

Day 10 - Terceira | Disembarkation
Disembarkation at 10am at Terceira marina.
End of the course, discussion of the experience and separation from the crew. Disembarkation at 10am at Terceira marina. End of the course, discussion of the experience and crew separation.