Atlantic crossing from Cornwall to Cape Verde | 23 days offshore sailing via Madeira

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Arrival: Sat 31.10.2026, 16:00
Departure: Sun 22.11.2026, 09:00

Departure: Falmouth, Cornwall, England
Destination: Sal, Cape Verde

Sailing area: Atlantic / Madeira / Cape Verde Islands

Price:

Double cabin: € 4,320 p.p.
Single cabin: € 6,912 p.p.

— ATLANTIC CROSSING FROM CORNWALL TO CAPE VERDE —

Come aboard the Noorderlicht and experience a genuine Atlantic crossing from Cornwall to Cape Verde. This voyage leads from Falmouth in southwest England via Machico on Madeira to Sal, one of the Cape Verde Islands.

In total, you'll cover around 2,200 nautical miles on the Atlantic. This is not a relaxed coastal cruise, but a genuine offshore passage for adventurous sailors who want to experience life at sea intensively.

You'll take part in the watch system, help set and trim the sails, take the helm and discover first-hand what it's like to be at sea for days on end. Along the way, the climate, light and atmosphere change: from the wilder Atlantic coast of Cornwall via the green volcanic island of Madeira to the warm island world of Cape Verde.

— WHY THIS VOYAGE IS SPECIAL —

• 23-day Atlantic crossing from Cornwall to Cape Verde
• Around 2,200 nautical miles on the Atlantic
• Two long offshore legs: Falmouth–Madeira and Madeira–Cape Verde
• Two-night stopover in Machico on Madeira
• Hands-on sailing in watch system: 4 hours on watch, 8 hours off
• Small ship's company with a maximum of 12 guests
• Private twin cabins, full board and professional cook
• Chance of night watches under starry skies, flying fish, sea turtles or whales
• Suitable for adventurous sailors with basic sailing or boating experience

— FROM FALMOUTH TO MACHICO ON MADEIRA —

The voyage begins in Falmouth, a historic harbour town in Cornwall. The town lies at the mouth of the Fal and is known for its maritime character, lively waterfront, pubs, fish restaurants and sheltered natural harbour.

After boarding, the Noorderlicht sets a course southward. The first leg leads from Cornwall out onto the Atlantic towards Machico on the east coast of Madeira. This passage is approximately 1,200 nautical miles long and gives you an immediate sense of a genuine offshore voyage: making miles, keeping watch, following wind and weather and gradually finding your rhythm with the ship.

During this first long leg, you'll get to know the ship, the crew, your fellow travellers and the watch system well. Life aboard quickly finds its own rhythm: four hours on watch, eight hours off, then the cycle begins again.

— TWO-NIGHT STOPOVER ON MADEIRA —

The first leg ends in Machico on the eastern side of Madeira. Madeira is volcanic, green and rugged, with steep mountains, deep valleys and an impressive coastline.

Machico is the island's original capital and feels smaller and more local than Funchal. The bay with clear water, the beach, green hills and historic atmosphere make it a lovely place to feel solid ground beneath your feet again after the first ocean leg.

In Machico, the Noorderlicht remains at anchor for two nights. This stop forms a natural break in the middle of the Atlantic crossing. You'll have time to rest, swim, stroll through Machico, eat at a local restaurant or head further into the island's interior.

During these two nights, accommodation is on board on a bed-only basis. This means: you sleep aboard, but are free to explore Madeira in your own way and eat ashore.

— FROM MADEIRA TO SAL, CAPE VERDE —

After the stop on Madeira, the Noorderlicht sets course southward once more. The second leg leads from Machico to Sal and is approximately 1,000 nautical miles long.

This section can be among the finest sailing days of the entire crossing. Temperatures rise, the days take on a more southerly feel, and the Atlantic spreads endlessly around the ship.

Along the way there's a chance of special sightings, such as flying fish, sea turtles and, with a bit of luck, whales on the horizon.

During this leg, too, everyone takes part in the watch system. It's precisely through the repetition of keeping watch, sleeping, eating, sailing and living together that the special feeling of a genuine ocean voyage emerges. You're not simply on your way across the Atlantic – you're living right in the middle of it.

— ARRIVAL AT SAL —

After around 2,200 nautical miles at sea, the Noorderlicht reaches Sal, the easternmost island of Cape Verde. The contrast is striking: from Cornwall via Madeira to a warm Atlantic archipelago off the coast of West Africa.

Cape Verde consists of ten islands with very varied landscapes: volcanic mountains, green valleys, arid plains, white beaches and turquoise water.

Sal is known for broad sandy beaches, clear water and a relaxed atmosphere. After weeks at sea, arriving here feels like a very special conclusion to a long and intensive voyage.

— SAILING ACTIVELY ON A TALL SHIP —

The Noorderlicht is a traditionally rigged tall ship with comfortable accommodation for a maximum of twelve guests. The ship is built and equipped for offshore expeditions and combines classic sailing character with modern navigation and safety technology.

This voyage is hands-on. Guests help set sails, steer, keep lookout and stand watch. You are not a passive passenger, but part of life on board. Together with the crew and your fellow voyagers, you keep the ship underway day and night.

During your watch, you help keep the ship safe and moving well. You keep lookout, follow the course, watch for changes in wind and weather, assist with sail handling and can take the helm under supervision.

You use your off-watch hours for sleeping, eating, reading, showering, relaxing on deck or simply gazing at the ocean. After a few days, a natural rhythm develops that is distinctly different from life ashore.

— WATCH SYSTEM: 4 HOURS ON WATCH, 8 HOURS OFF —

Throughout the Atlantic crossing, guests and crew take part in a watch system of four hours on and eight hours off. This is an integral part of this voyage.

The cycle of watch, off-watch, meals, sleep and shared tasks shapes life on board. It is precisely this rhythm that makes an ocean passage so intense.

You experience the ship by day and by night: sunrises after an early watch, quiet hours under starlit skies, focused moments in changing winds and the feeling of sharing responsibility with the crew for the course and the ship.

— NOT A COASTAL CRUISE, BUT A TRUE PASSAGE —

Between Falmouth and Machico, and between Machico and Sal, the Noorderlicht sails non-stop. There are no additional harbour stops or shore excursions along the way. The sea itself is the programme.

That is what makes this voyage so special. You leave the normal daily rhythm behind and live with the wind, waves, watches, meals, calm and the ship.

The stop in Madeira provides a welcome break, but the essence remains the ocean passage: long stretches, open sea, teamwork and the special feeling of truly experiencing the Atlantic under sail.

— LIFE ON BOARD AND CATERING —

On board you sleep in a private twin cabin. Bed linen and towels are provided. The galley and saloon form the heart of the ship, complemented by an additional seating area and bar in the deckhouse.

During the days at sea, the voyage includes full board. Meals are prepared and eaten together on board. Mealtimes are important moments of the day: to settle in after a watch, share experiences and look ahead to the next leg of the voyage.

Only during the two nights in Machico, Madeira, is accommodation provided on a bed-and-breakfast basis. You can then decide for yourself where to eat and enjoy Madeira's local atmosphere.

— WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR? —

This Atlantic crossing is suitable for adventurous sailors who want a genuine offshore experience. It suits you well if you:

• want to make a true Atlantic crossing
• want to sail longer offshore passages
• bring some basic sailing or boating experience
• are physically fit enough for an active ocean voyage
• you want to actively help out on board
• want to experience the watch system of 4 hours on and 8 hours off
• can be flexible with wind, weather and life at sea
• can move about safely on board even in rougher conditions
• prefer a small tall ship to a large cruise liner
• want to combine Madeira with a long ocean voyage
• want to arrive at Cape Verde after 2,200 nautical miles on the Atlantic

For this voyage a maximum age of 75 years applies. More important than sailing experience alone are motivation, team spirit, physical fitness and a willingness to live in the rhythm of ship, crew and ocean.

This voyage is less suitable if you are mainly looking for plenty of time ashore, comfort without active involvement or a fixed daily programme. The core of the voyage is the ocean sailing itself: standing watch, sailing, working together and crossing the Atlantic.

— INCLUDED IN THE PRICE —

• Full board during days at sea: 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

— NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE —

• Alcohol and soft drinks
• Transfer to and from the vessel on arrival and departure days, for example flight tickets
• Travel insurance
• Meals during the two nights in Madeira not included

— GOOD TO KNOW —

The exact route and schedule depend on wind, weather, sea state and safety. On an Atlantic passage, weather and nautical conditions can always influence daily planning, passages and arrival times.

This voyage is ideal if you want to experience a real ocean passage, sail actively and live for several weeks in the rhythm of the Atlantic. It is less suitable if you expect a classic round trip with many shore excursions or a fixed daily programme.

A detailed trip description and further information about the vessel, the route, suitability and life on board can be found on the Rederij van Linschoten website.

If you have any questions about the voyage, physical suitability, travel to Falmouth, return travel from Sal or suitable insurance, we are happy to advise you personally.