Offshore sailing voyage from Madeira to Cape Verde – 1,000 nautical miles of pure ocean experience

🔷12 November 2026 16:00 to 22 November 2026 09:00
Prices:
€3,000 p.p. // Double cabin
€4,800 p.p. // Single cabin

A maximum of 18 guests will be on board during this voyage.

🔷Experience the ultimate ocean voyage
Come aboard the impressive sailing vessel Noorderlicht and experience an unforgettable sailing adventure across the Atlantic Ocean. During this offshore sailing voyage from Madeira to Cape Verde you are part of the second leg of an Atlantic crossing from England. This is the ideal trip for adventurous travellers with basic sailing experience who want to experience the real life at sea.

🔷Sail from Madeira to Cape Verde
Your adventure begins in Machico, situated on the east coast of Madeira. This charming place, once the original capital of the island, offers an authentic and sunny start to your journey. Unlike the volcanic landscape of Madeira, Machico has a rare golden sandy beach. The crystal-clear bay invites you for a refreshing swim, whilst hikers can enjoy green landscapes, viewpoints and historic sights.

After boarding, you slowly leave Madeira behind. Once the archipelago disappears over the horizon, it's time to set the sails together with the crew and head south. In the coming days everything revolves around the rhythm of the ocean and life on board.

🔷Practical sailing experience on the Atlantic Ocean
This ocean crossing is a non-stop sailing voyage of approximately 1,000 nautical miles to the island of Sal in Cape Verde. During this passage it is literally a case of 'all hands on deck'. You actively help with:

〰Setting and trimming sails
〰Steering the ship
〰Learning traditional seamanship

In addition, you work according to a classic watch system of 4 hours on watch and 8 hours off watch, together with the crew and the other guests. This ensures an authentic and intensive sailing experience where teamwork takes centre stage.

🔷Discover the paradise of Cape Verde
After days on the open sea you reach Cape Verde, a rugged and diverse island group in the Atlantic Ocean, about 600 kilometres off the coast of Senegal. This archipelago consists of ten islands with an impressive variety of landscapes: from black volcanoes and dry deserts to green plantations with bananas and coffee.

The waters around Cape Verde are a true paradise for sailors and nature lovers. During the passage you can observe wildlife such as:

〰Humpback whales
〰Flying fish and tuna
〰Sea turtles

🔷Arrival on Sal – relaxation after your adventure
Your destination is the island of Sal, known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue sea. Here you can relax wonderfully after your sailing adventure, enjoy fresh fish dishes, discover local bars and readjust to life ashore.

🔷A voyage for true adventurers
This voyage forms the first leg of a greater adventure towards Cape Verde, but stands on its own as an unforgettable experience. No stopovers, no distractions – just you, the sea and the ship.

Book your place on board
Do you dare? Book now and experience the ultimate freedom of sailing on the open sea. 🌊⛵

🔷Important information
〰Type of voyage: Non-stop ocean crossing (no stopovers en route)
〰Experience: Basic sailing experience recommended
〰Activity: Active participation in sailing is mandatory
〰Watch system: 4 hours on watch / 8 hours off

🔷Who is this voyage suitable for?
This sailing voyage is perfect for adventurers who:

〰want to experience a longer offshore passage on the Atlantic
〰want to actively participate in sailing
〰are looking for an authentic, off-grid experience.

Experience the freedom of the open sea and discover the magic of traditional sailing on this unique Atlantic sailing adventure from Madeira to Cape Verde. 🌊⛵

🔷The ship (More information at: https://rederijvanlinschoten.de/schiffe/noorderlicht/)
The interior of the Noorderlicht is authentically furnished and exudes an informal, cosy nautical atmosphere. Spacious seating and dining areas on the upper and lower decks offer ample space for guests to dine, compare photos or simply relax and read. There is also a small library on board.

The upper saloon houses the bar; the coffee pot is always ready, and guests can use the bar according to a fair accounting system. The sleeping quarters are on the lower deck with 10 twin-berth cabins, each equipped with bunk beds, built-in storage, washbasin, mirror and charging points. Bed linen and towels are provided, so nothing needs to be brought. There are four shared toilets/showers on board, which are cleaned daily. Each bathroom is equipped with dispensers for shampoo, conditioner and shower gel.

The Noorderlicht is a Dutch professional sailing vessel and as such complies with extensive national and international safety regulations. She is regularly inspected by the Dutch Shipping Inspectorate (SI). The entire crew is also professionally trained to international standards (STCW) and follows regular safety training.

🔷Catering on board
Good food on board is just as important as on any other sailing vessel. The professional chef prepares excellent dishes of international cuisine three times a day. Breakfast is served at 8 o'clock and includes fresh bread, boiled eggs, cold meats and vegetables, cheese, yoghurt, muesli, cereals and fresh fruit. Lunch usually follows around 1 p.m. Coffee, tea and soft drinks are available at the bar throughout the day. Fresh fruit and biscuits are always available. Dinner is served around 7:30 p.m.

Guests with special dietary requirements are encouraged to discuss this briefly with the chef on the first day. The chef can prepare vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free meals, but not vegan dishes.

🔷Included in the price:
〰Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and hot drinks)
〰Bed linen (pillow, sheets and blanket)
〰Towels
〰Nautical crew and professional cook
〰Harbour fees and fuel costs
〰All dinghy trips