With the Tall Ships Races: Bordeaux – A Coruña

Five nights from Bordeaux across the Bay of Biscay to A Coruña, together with the fleet of the Tall Ships Races 2027. You leave after the Bordeaux wine festival and arrive during the A Coruña tall ships festival, on board the Santa Maria Manuela.

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE

Route: Bordeaux – Garonne – Gironde – Bay of Biscay – A Coruña
Departure: Sunday 11 July 2027, Bordeaux, France
Arrival: Friday 16 July 2027, A Coruña, Spain
Duration: 5 nights
Ship: Santa Maria Manuela, four-masted schooner from 1937

Prices per person

Berth in a shared cabin (bunk): € 1,400
Bunk-bed cabin, per person sharing: € 1,600
Double-bed cabin, per person sharing: € 2,075

Lowest price from € 1,400 per person for a berth in a shared cabin. A cabin for yourself, a master cabin or a family cabin for three to four people is also possible; ask us for the price.

BETWEEN TWO FESTIVALS, IN THE MIDST OF THE FLEET

When the tall ships sail down the Garonne together and appear at the start of the race, you witness one of the finest spectacles in the sailing world. The Santa Maria Manuela sails along, but does not compete in the race herself.

After crossing the Bay of Biscay, A Coruña awaits, where the harbour festival sets the city buzzing.

THE ROUTE

Bordeaux

Arrive a few days early to enjoy the last days of the Fête du Vin, then board.

Down the river and the start

Together with the fleet down the Garonne and the Gironde, onto the Atlantic, where the race begins.

The Bay of Biscay

Help with the sails and the helm, climb the mast for a view of the fleet or enjoy it from the deck.

A Coruña

Arrival during the tall ships festival. Stay longer for the Tower of Hercules, the oldest working lighthouse in the world, and Galician seafood.

EXTRA INFORMATION

LIFE ON BOARD

The Santa Maria Manuela is a 68-metre steel four-masted schooner, built in 1937 for the Portuguese cod fishery off Newfoundland and Greenland, the famous White Fleet. After a thorough restoration she has been sailing again since 2010, now with guests. Every cabin has its own bathroom with shower: shared cabins with bunks for four to six people (separate for men and women), cabins with a bunk bed or a double bed, and spacious master cabins for two to four people. A permanent crew sails the ship; you are always welcome to help, but you do not have to. You can help hoist and trim the sails, take the helm, learn knots or climb the mast under supervision. If you prefer to rest, find a spot on deck or in the bowsprit net. Meals are provided on board and eaten together.

WHO IS THIS VOYAGE FOR

For tall ship lovers who want to experience the atmosphere of the Tall Ships Races up close.

GOOD TO KNOW

• A Coruña has an airport; Santiago de Compostela is an hour's drive away.
• No sailing experience is needed; the crew explains everything.
• The ship sails under the Portuguese flag and the language on board is English.
• Travel insurance covering medical costs and repatriation is required; cancellation insurance is recommended.
• Travel to the port of departure and home from the port of arrival is not included.
• Ideally arrive a day before departure: the ship cannot wait for late arrivals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does the ship take part in the race?

No. She sails with the fleet and is there at the start, but does not compete.

Can I continue to Lisbon?

Yes, the voyage to Lisbon departs from A Coruña straight afterwards.

Do I have to help with the sailing?

No. Help is welcome but never compulsory; the permanent crew sails the ship.

Does every cabin have its own bathroom?

Yes. All cabins on board, including the shared cabins, have their own bathroom with shower.

How do I book this trip?

Send us a request through the booking form on this page. Together we will check availability, your choice of cabin and the next steps.

The trip description and route are indicative. The programme depends on weather, wind and sea conditions; the captain has the final say on the route and ports.

All services that make up your trip are provided by independent suppliers. When you book, you enter into a contract directly with the supplier, the ship, under the booking conditions of that ship. As an agent, our service consists of promoting the trips offered by the supplier and acting as a facilitator in obtaining a booking agreement between the customer and the supplier. In doing so, we are always at your disposal with our experience and service.

The Tall Ship Santa Maria Manuela is a four-mast sailing ship built in 1937. This sailingship has a rich history as a cod fishing vessel and sailed mainly in the northern Atlantic ocean. Today you can sail on a cruise in modern comfort. The ship has been thoroughly restored in 2010 thanks to its new owner, the Portuguese group Grupo Jerónimo Martins. With a capacity of up to 50 guests, the sailing ship offers wonderful sailing trips worldwide.