from Bordeaux to A Coruña for the Tall Ships Festival
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Highlights of the voyage
* Sail aboard the magnificent four-masted schooner Santa Maria Manuela
* Set sail from Bordeaux alongside an international fleet of tall ships
* Experience the start of the Tall Ships Race and sail in company across the Bay of Biscay
* Climb the mast, take your place on the bowsprit and experience life at sea from unique perspectives
* Share fun, friendship and adventure with your fellow crew
* Arrive in A Coruña during the vibrant Tall Ships Festival
* Enjoy life aboard a tall ship and make the most of time for explorations ashore
Trip description:
This unforgettable voyage begins in Bordeaux, where the excitement surrounding the wine festival "Bordeaux Fête du Vin" still fills the waterfront with music, celebration and the aroma of the region's world-famous wines.
We recommend arriving early to enjoy the festival to the full before boarding the Santa Maria Manuela.
Bordeaux, situated on the banks of the Garonne in southwest France, is a city where elegant architecture, renowned wines and the French art of living come together.
During the "Fête du Vin", the city takes on a particularly festive atmosphere: the riverfront becomes a place full of wine tastings, cultural events and celebrations that honour the region's rich wine heritage.
A stroll through the historic old town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – reveals magnificent squares, impressive landmarks and lively cafés at every turn.
Beyond the city's historic streets, Bordeaux serves as a gateway to some of the world's most famous wine regions, including Médoc, Saint-Émilion and Graves.
Whether discovering exceptional wines, enjoying the riverside ambience or experiencing the unique atmosphere of the "Fête du Vin" – Bordeaux is an unforgettable destination for lovers of culture, gastronomy and fine wines.
When the fleet departs Bordeaux, you become part of one of the most spectacular events in the sailing world.
Accompanied by some of the world's most magnificent tall ships, we sail down the Garonne and out onto the Atlantic, where the start of the Tall Ships Race unfolds before our eyes.
The atmosphere is electric as crews and ships from many nations set course for the notorious Bay of Biscay.
The captain welcomes you "Welcome aboard the Santa Maria Manuela!"
Relaxed time in the evenings on board
Help the crew handle the sails, try your hand at the helm or simply relax on deck and watch the sea stretch to the horizon.
Participation is entirely voluntary, and our crew will be on hand to assist you at all times.
There are many opportunities to lend a hand. Help the crew set the sails, take the helm or keep watch on the horizon as the ship heads northeast.
Between manoeuvres you can find a favourite spot on deck, browse a book or chat unhurriedly with other guests.
Away from everyday bustle there is time to notice the smaller things: the changing colours of the water, the sound of wind in the rigging and the first lights appearing along the coast.
Whether you want to get hands-on or prefer to relax and watch the activity – there's room on board for active learning as well as quiet moments of reflection.
After crossing the Bay of Biscay we reach A Coruña – just as the Tall Ships Festival is being celebrated there.
The harbour comes alive with visiting ships, cultural events, music and maritime festivities.
Consider extending your stay to explore the city, visit the impressive Tower of Hercules – the world's oldest working lighthouse and UNESCO World Heritage Site – or simply savour Galicia's famous seafood and welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you're drawn to the tall ships, to the sailing itself or to the festivities at both ends of the voyage, this crossing offers a rare opportunity to become part of a truly international maritime celebration.
A Coruña lies on Spain's northwest coast directly on the Atlantic and is a port city with a deep connection to the sea.
Its long waterfront promenade stretches for several kilometres and invites strolls where you can enjoy the view of waves breaking on the rocks and the beaches along the way.
The old town captivates with narrow lanes, traditional taverns and the lively Plaza de María Pita, named after the city's local heroine. At the tip of the peninsula stands the Tower of Hercules – the world's oldest working lighthouse and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A Coruña is also renowned for its regional seafood, served fresh in simple restaurants by the harbour, as well as for its contemporary cultural offerings with museums, galleries and modern architecture.
Thanks to good access to nearby coastal towns and nature parks, A Coruña offers a successful blend of urban life and proximity to the sea.
weather conditions
July brings warm and generally settled weather to both Bordeaux and Galicia.
Temperatures typically range between 26 °C and 31 °C in Bordeaux and between 22 °C and 26 °C in A Coruña, with long, sunny days, cooling sea breezes and excellent conditions for sailing as well as for explorations ashore.
Embrace the adventure of traditional seafaring and experience a very special sailing voyage aboard the "Santa Maria Manuela"!
And if you have any questions: we look forward to hearing from you 🙂
Your INMARIS Team
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More InformationMap from OpenStreetMap. When the map is displayed, data is transmitted to the provider.
More InformationGaff schooner
225 feet

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