La Rochelle — Lisbon (Cascais)

The next trip of the autumn campaign to the Mediterranean is one of the longest and most “oceanic”. First, we have to cross the Bay of Biscay, known for its harsh temper. But we are moving south, and the weather promises to be better and better!

After 3-4 days of non-stop passage, and after crossing Biscay, we will finally reach the Atlantic Ocean.

Here, depending on the weather, we will make a stop in A Coruña or Vigo. In A Coruña there is the world's oldest operational lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules, which we will visit for sure. The reserved Cíes Islands are located close to the bay of Vigo. There is a Caribbean-style anchoring berth on the protected side of the islands.

If the weather is calm, we can land on the Cape Finisterre, being considered the "end of the earth".

Having had a rest after the first long passage, we move on. Porto, where we must try to stop, is located less than 100 miles from Vigo. We highly recommend to take a long walk through the beautiful old town, with its hills and narrow streets, and enjoy the port wine in its homeland.

After Porto, we will have the final piece of the way - about 200 miles to the suburbs of Lisbon. Having sailed round Cape Roca, the westernmost point of Europe, and having overcome almost 800 ocean miles in 12 days, we will go ashore like experienced sailors who have met both rocking and calm sea and learnt how to set the sails in the light of the sun and stars. And next moment the ancient city will open its sea soul to us.

As always, all participants are expected to watch at the helm and climb the masts. We will learn how to read sailing maps, steer the course by the stars, adjust the sails and find our location in the sea by the lights of distant lighthouses.

Welcome aboard!