Tall Ship: Exploring The Coast of Spain

Suited to

Families, Couples, Individuals, Groups

Difficulty

No sailing experience is required. Sit back and relax or get as involved with crew life as you like. Learning to navigate, trim and set the sails, and helm the ship.

Nights onboard

Vessel type

Florette

Vessel length

40m

Skipper

Yes

Insurance Required

Yes

Get ready to sail from Scotland to Spain on a majestic tall ship, you'll embrace the art of sailing and the beauty of Spain's coastal wonders. Get ready for this amazing hands-on experience!

Duration: 7 Nights - 17 August 2024 - 24 August 2024

Price: From £895 Per Person

Get ready for a journey that goes beyond just travel—from the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands to the sun-soaked coast of Spain, this tall ship expedition is a sailor's dream. Sailing Florette is a true family affair. Captain Ron is the 2nd generation to run and sail Florette with his family after his parents bought the boat back in the 70’s. Ron was brought up on the boat, as he is now doing with his family. Alongside Ron and his wife Nicole, Florette is fully crewed with experienced and knowledgeable sailors so just know you are in very capable hands.

As you sail the open sea, you'll learn the ropes of traditional sailing aboard a grand vessel, embracing both the quiet solitude of ocean life and the camaraderie of a shared adventure. Navigate past France's western shores and experience stunning mountains, the air full of the scent of eucalyptus, traditional ancient villages and beautiful deserted estuaries.

The raw, natural beauty of this voyage is filled with opportunities to explore historic ports and engage with diverse local customs. When it comes to food, you’re in for a treat! Nicole will be cooking up some fabulous cuisine, so you won’t be going hungry after a day of sailing and exploring.

You’re not just met with sailing on this adventure, when we drop anchor there could be time for an active hike, a bike ride or just a gentle wander around. Our nights will be a mix of quiet calm anchorages, wine appreciation, maybe some star gazing and gentle conversation amongst the crew.

This is not just a trip; it's a hands-on experience where the wind charts your course and your own sense of discovery steers the way.

Why You’ll Love This Trip

Navigate alongside skilled crew members and take your turn steering the ship or setting the sails, it's time to up your skills!
Enjoy the calm of early mornings on deck, perhaps spotting dolphins playing in the ship's bow wave, what a sight to see.
Uncover the history of Spain's ancient seaside cities and soak up their vibrant atmospheres.
Savour freshly prepared meals, often incorporating the catch of the day, and connect with fellow travellers over shared stories at the dinner table.
Make memories to last a lifetime whilst contributing to traditional sailing preservation and ocean conservation efforts.

Who The Trip Is For

No sailing experience is required. Sit back and relax or get as involved with crew life as you like. Learning to navigate, trim and set the sails, and helm the ship.
We cherish camaraderie, sustainability, and inclusivity. Join us on the Florette if these values resonate with you.
All are welcome aboard, including: Families, Couples, Individuals and Groups.
A perfect blend of adventure and culture, welcoming anyone with a love for the sea and a desire for discovery.

YOUR SAILING AREA

THE WEST COAST OF SPAIN INTO PORTUGAL

Join Florette on the northern coast of Spain in the maritime port of La Coruña. The town’s history is closely connected with its historic fishing and trading port, and the peninsula on which the historic part of town is situated is home to an interesting Romanesque road network with squares and medieval churches as well as the Hercules Tower, the oldest lighthouse in the world. The Museum of Fine Arts, with works by Goya and others on display, is also worth a visit before you join the boat!

From La Coruña, Florette will sail the West of Spain and down the coastline of Portugal before finishing in Cascais. This voyage is perfect for exploring this coast under sail and exploring seafront towns off the beaten tourist tracks. Anchor in estuaries and tranquil bays, cooling off in the clear water, snorkelling and making use of the boats paddle-boards.

Exactly where we will stop will depend on the weather and wind. Sail and explore the beautiful Iles Cies situated in the mouth of the River Vigo and now a designated National Park teeming with birdlife. Anchor in its picturesque sheltered coves and swim in its glistening clear waters to the stretches of sandy white beaches. Follow the walking trails as they meander higher amongst the tree before reaching Mount Faro – a fabulous point offering spectacular panoramic views.

Continue sailing south as you cross the invisible ocean border between Spain and Portugal and visit the bustling cities of Porto lined colourful merchant houses along narrow cobbled streets and the capital of Lisbon with its ancient history and maritime heritage. The final harbour of Cascais is just next to the city of Lisbon which is well worth spending a few days exploring after the voyage has finished!

The days will be spent with a mixture of sailing and exploring. When we drop anchor there could be time for an active hike, a bike ride or just a gentle wander. Our nights will be a mix of quiet calm anchorages, wine appreciation, maybe some star gazing and gentle conversation.

HALF BOARD – All breakfast (includes tea and coffee), six meals (combination of lunch or dinner)
Use of all facilities on board including snorkeling gear, paddle boards, kayaks, board games
All bedding (pillow, duvet, bedding)
All tender trips during the voyage, to and fro the boat
Full crew, plus tuition

BOARD CASH (in EUROS please)

€20 per person, per trip for water maker (unlimited water)
€14 per person, per day for waste charge
6-7 meals ashore (at guests expense)
Tea/Coffee/Alcohol (cash honesty bar)
Wash or swim towels
Use of sleeping bags for sleeping on deck (only if you want!)
Domestic flights
Insurance
Crew and tour leader tips

LIFE ON BOARD

AUTHENTIC TALL SHIP SAILING

Florette and her crew always try to combine traditional classic sailing while immersing guests in the natural landscapes ashore. Florette invites you to get involved with her traditional sailing. With an original rig, it is certainly an all-hands-on-deck approach – which is surely part of the magic of this adventure sailing holiday.

Sailing Florette is a true family affair. Captain Ron is the 2nd generation to run and sail Florette with his family after his parents bought the boat back in the 70’s. Ron was brought up on the boat, as he is now doing with his family. Alongside Ron and his wife Nicole, Florette is fully crewed with experienced and knowledgeable sailors. Nicole is also the boat chef, cooking up fabulous cuisine, so you won’t be going hungry after a day of sailing and exploring.

HAVE FUN!

Florette commands attention wherever she sails with her traditional wooden hull, decoratively carved transom and her impressive sail rig. Sailing with her is part of the magic of this adventure holiday and is a huge part of the experience. There is also fishing gear available which is used to catch fresh fish for supper!

SLEEPING AND RELAXATION

Florette is one of the larger boats in our fleet so she has ample space both above and below decks. Her Captain and family live-aboard but they have their own separate quarters. Guests can enjoy private cabins in combinations of 2-3 berth bunks. All cabins share a total of four toilets and three showers with another shower on deck for a rinse off after some sea swimming. For Atlantic crossings and Caribbean voyages only, under 30’s have the chance for a true authentic pirate experience to stay in a hammock! Each hammock will be allocated a seamans chest for any belongings and will strung up in the saloon between 9pm and 8am.

A generous saloon, bar and eating area sit below decks with a traditional wooden finish. Above decks there is a large cushioned area for relaxation, sun-bathing or sleeping beneath the stars (bring your own sleeping bag if this is something you fancy!). An alfresco dining area sits mid-ships, perfect for lunches in the sun or dinners at sunset.

EATING

Nicole prepares meals using local fresh ingredients, seasonal produce and local fish to make excellent, healthy Mediterranean dishes. Breakfast onboard everyday and six meals are included in the ticket price. These six meals can be a combination of lunches or dinners with the rest of guest meals eaten ashore at guests expense. The ticket price reflects this and gives guests the opportunity to sample and enjoy the local cuisine. If for some reason, Florette cannot get guests ashore, meals will be offered from the boat at a reasonable price.

Please check the What’s Included tab for a breakdown of the ticket price and the board cash.

LA CORUNA, SPAIN

BY AIR: Flights go direct from Santiago de Compostela Airport to London Gatwick/international airports.

Indirect flights go to La Coruna Airport from to London Gatwick. Once there take the A4 bus (35 minutes) that runs almost every half hour.

CASCAIS, PORTUGAL

Lisbon Airport is a 25 minute taxi ride from Cascais harbour. Or you can take a train direct into Lisbon from Cascais and change for the airport shuttle.