Sailing to the Azores

[Skabenga]

Hello Phantom Shipmates

Some advice please for those have done this route - I would like to sail from Gibraltar to the Azores - then up to Ireland - next year.
1. I have been told May is the best time to go once the Azores high is more stable.
2. I was thinking of leaving from Sagres - others have suggested I go further up the West Coast of Portugal to get a better wind angle to get offshore with the "Portuguese Trades"
3. I have been advised not to get to Azores end of May June - due to boats come from Bermuda and the return of the ARC.


Any thoughts - ideas - passage idea's would be graciously accepted.
Aye.
Dirk

[boatman61]

The prominent winds and current come from the North so rather than go direct I head for Madiera/Porto Santo then up to the Azores.
You can head across anytime between May and August, the only port seriously affected by the Caribe/US boats is Horta on Faial which most head for to clear in.

[Skabenga]

Boatman - thanks for that - you are a scholar and and a gentleman - and drinker of Good whisky.. So you are saying head for Madeira from Sagres - then go to Ponta Delgada...

[boatman61]

Yup.. just allow for your drift and it's a nice sail with beam reaches all being normal..

[Skabenga]

Aagh - my wife the Admiral says thank you..

[barcoMeCasa]

Originally Posted by Skabenga

2. I was thinking of leaving from Sagres - others have suggested I go further up the West Coast of Portugal to get a better wind angle to get offshore with the "Portuguese Trades"


Any thoughts - ideas - passage idea's would be graciously accepted.
Aye.
Dirk

I wouldn't bother trying to get any north in from Sagres, or lose any north going down to Madeira, lovely though it is

Useful site here for historical wind data
https://www.deepzoom.com/

Beam reach from Sagres

[Skabenga]

Thanks barcoMeCasa - my boat is also my house - will look- appreciate your input..

[Tupaia]

Did this route a couple of years ago. There and back. Avoid the orcas by sailing close to the coast from Gib to Portimao, a good place to wait for a weather window, then head as quickly as possible into deep water. Although you loose a little northing Porto Santo gives the opportunity to miss any depressions that do occur early in the season especially if the Azores high is pushed north. Then the Azores and a nice run into the channel. It is quite a lengthy passage so breaking it up makes for a relaxed trip rather than spending a day hove to waiting for a low to pass.

[Skabenga]

Thanks Tupaia - for the knowledge and suggestions - may I ask did you spend some time in the Azores - and what Islands/ harbours /anchorages did you visit or recommend. With thanks

[Tupaia]

The Azores is spread out and not the easiest to cruise from the south or east. I have visited Flores, Pico, Faial (Horta), Sao Jorge, Terceira (Praia Vitoria) and Ponta Delgada. All are worth a visit and all slightly different. As a stop on route Ponta Degada is the most obvious, the marina is large and can easily accommodate visitors. The anchorage outside the small marina in Terceira is also very nice. Horta is pretty full and is often plagued with rally boats. However, it is probably the most "cruiser friendly" Peter Cafe Sport is famous among cruisers.


If you need spare parts or flights then Ponta Delgada and Horta are the best choices.

[barcoMeCasa]

Originally Posted by Skabenga

Thanks Tupaia - for the knowledge and suggestions - may I ask did you spend some time in the Azores - and what Islands/ harbours /anchorages did you visit or recommend. With thanks

Lots info on https://www.noforeignland.com/

[barnakiel]

There are no portuguese trades in May. You are mixing up information.


The "trades" blow hard June till about end of Augus. Give or take.


Must be aware going early is not a good option either - till about June lows pass very close to, over, or just below the Azores, bringing nastiness, cold, rain and (to you)heading winds.


You can make a smaller leap to the Madeira, the look again at wx data, then jump on to the Azores. This is easier as the time slots are shorter and thus the wx forecast will be more reliable.


At ANY time of the year, have the boat and yourself very very well prepared. Mind you can get a bad storm on this route at any time of the year.


It is easy. But do look at the wx very closely and do NOT go if you see a train coming. They move at intervals - 5 to 10 days between them (vs a stationary object) so just watch them well and go when a mild one comes and when its track is not expected to get over, or to close to, the islands.


The Azores are a beutiful place and people there are very nice. Food is excellent. The weather, in the summer, tends to be excellent (if with a high % of calms).


Have fun.


b.

[Skabenga]

Barnakiel
Thank you for correcting me re the "Portuguese Trades". I was not sure how to describe them.. thank you for your advice and input..

[Bill Balme]

We did Lagos - Porto Santo - Madeira - Santa Maria - several islands in the Azores and then back to Lagos in 2021. One of our best sailing years!
Madeira was a surprise - in the best way possible with fantastic hiking.
After visiting the Azores three times by sailboat, we've now visited all 9 islands!
Highly recommend this sort of itinerary.

[Skabenga]

Hi Bill - thank you for your reply and encouragement to do this route - may I ask what time of the year did you do - departure dates - I just spoke to someone who loved the Azores so much they spent 3 months cruising the Islands.. Thank you and kind regards