The Great Atlantic Expedition 2026
Leg: 26.1
Cruise rout: Alcaidesa-Madera -Horta
Opening leg of the expedition “Across the Green Islands of the Atlantic”.
Introduction
Leg 26.1 opens the entire Concept Sailing expedition and leads from Spain to Madeira and then to four Azorean islands. It combines long offshore passages with an intensive land programme full of hiking, volcanic landscapes, hot springs and dramatic coastal views.
LEG ITINERARY
Day 1 — Alcaidesa Marina (Spain)
Embarkation day: safety briefing, provisioning and yacht preparation.
Days 2–5 — Passage Alcaidesa → Madeira (630 NM)
Transit of the Strait of Gibraltar and entry into the open Atlantic. Settling into the 24/7 watch system.
Days 6–8 — Madeira
Highlights include the Ponta de São Lourenço hike, Funchal, Monte gardens, levada trails, Cabo Girão viewpoint and the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz. Quinta do Lorde Marina serves as our base.
Days 9–11 — Passage Madeira → Santa Maria (470 NM)
Favourable northeasterly winds, ocean night watches and opportunities for whale watching.
Day 12 — Santa Maria
Exploring Vila do Porto, Praia Formosa, Barreiro da Faneca and scenic viewpoints.
Day 13 — Santa Maria → São Miguel
Short passage ending in Ponta Delgada.
Days 14–16 — São Miguel
Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Furnas hot springs and the Azores' famous tea plantations.
Day 17 — São Miguel → Terceira (90 NM)
Arrival in Angra do Heroísmo – a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Days 18–19 — Terceira
Serra do Cume viewpoint and the Algar do Carvão volcanic chamber.
Day 20 — Terceira → São Jorge
Scenic sail to Velas, often with dolphins alongside.
Day 21 — São Jorge
Hikes across the famous fajãs and a tasting of São Jorge cheese.
Day 22 — São Jorge → Faial
Arrival at the iconic Horta Marina.
WHY JOIN THIS LEG?
- Offshore sailing combined with land exploration.
- Two ocean passages: Spain → Madeira and Madeira → Azores.
- Madeira – one of the most beautiful islands in the Atlantic.
- Four Azorean islands in one leg.
- Volcanoes, hot springs, lava pools and hiking trails.
- Legendary ending at Horta Marina.
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