Sailing routes in Portugal
Portugal is ocean cruising for experienced crews: the Atlantic with a long swell, tides of 3–4 metres and the nortada, the northerly that blows down the coast at 15–25 knots in summer. Bases are in Lisbon and Cascais, for Sesimbra, the Arrábida coast and the Sado estuary with its dolphins, and in Portimão and Lagos on the Algarve, with warm water, the cliffs and beaches of the south coast and the Ria Formosa lagoon. The Azores are a world of their own in mid-ocean: 50–90 nm between islands, volcanoes and whale grounds. The season runs May to October, almost all year on the Algarve.
Portugal
When is the best time to charter a yacht in Portugal?
Around Lisbon the season runs May to October; June and September are the best months, with a weaker nortada than in July and August. The Algarve is sailed almost all year: winters are mild, with shorter days and more Atlantic fronts. In the Azores the window is June to September, when the Azores high sits over the islands.
Which sailing route should I pick in Portugal?
Sailing routes in Portugal, planned day by day: “Portimão — Sagres”, 7 days, about 114 nautical miles; “Ponta Delgada — Santa Maria”, 7 days, about 129 nautical miles; “Lisbon — Setúbal”, 7 days, about 148 nautical miles. Each route page has the legs, miles and overnight stops.
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht?
For a bareboat charter (no skipper or crew provided), yes: a skipper's licence and, as a rule, a VHF radio certificate. Without a licence, we add a skipper, paid separately from the boat price.
What is the security deposit and how is it paid?
The security deposit is your insurance excess in case of damage, usually €1,000–8,000. It is taken at the base at check-in on a credit card issued outside Russia: charter companies don't accept Russian cards or debit cards. With a hired skipper the deposit terms may be different, and not every charter company accepts a cash deposit or deposit insurance: check with the manager.
