17 October – 6 November 2025 | $6995
This trip is a mixture of offshore passage making and exploring some North Atlantic islands! We’ll start in Portsmouth in the UK, cross the Bay of Biscay, and end in Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. If ocean sailing in many different thrilling conditions is what you’d like to experience, then this is the adventure for you.
The itinerary is largely going to be subject to weather and although we have plenty of time built into the trip for waiting for the ideal forecast, it does mean that the exact dates and ports of this trip will most likely change. There is a distinct possibility of a different itinerary/ timing on the south coast of the UK, or of needing to omit a stop in either the Ilhas Selvagens or Tenerife, depending on weather. The itinerary below is just one example of the many variations this trip could take.
When our forecast opens up we’ll set sail on our ocean crossing beyond the Bay of Biscay, and on to the subtropical Portuguese island of Madeira. You’ll have time to take in a bit of Madeira – there’s gorgeous hiking, famous street toboggans in Funchal, or you could just sit back and enjoy some down time after a challenging passage. If the weather looks calm enough, we could stop at the wildlife refuge of Selvagem Grande, which is part of the archipelago of Ilhas Selvagens. The weather will continue to warm in the final few days sailing south to the Canary Islands.
All meals on board Sea Dragon during this trip are delicious and vegetarian, with the addition of fish if we catch any along the way.
This is not a trip for the infirm or physically unfit – you MUST be able to go up and down the companionway and move safely about the boat while in rough conditions, have good balance, and be in good health. Please contact us with any health questions or if you answer “YES” to any of the questions on our health questionnaire prior to signing up for the trip!
Ardent Training is offering a discount on the RYA Day Skipper Theory online course to anyone signed up for this trip. If you’re interested in taking the course, let us know when you sign up and we can give you the discount code!
KEY POINTS
- Distance: 1700 nautical miles
- Cost: $6995
- Date: Oct 17 – Nov 6, 2025 (21 Days, 20 Nights)
- Start: Portsmouth, UK
- End: Lanzarote, Canary Islands
For more details on the trip, please explore the drop down menus at the bottom of the page.
Tentative Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Portsmouth, UK
Arrive at Sea Dragon between 1500-1700.
Day 2: Boat/safety briefings
We’ll spend the day going through boat/safety briefings, getting well orientated with Sea Dragon. By the evening we’ll have moved across the Solent to Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
Days 3-4: To Falmouth
Sail the English Channel on an overnight passage to Falmouth, a maritime town oozing with character.
Day 5: Set sail
Weather forecast depending, this could be the day we slip lines and head offshore.
Days 6-12: On passage
From Sea Dragon showing what she was made for in the Bay of Biscay, to cracking out the cruising chute as we sail on down to Madeira: this is sure to be an awesome ocean passage.
Day 13: Explore Madeira
Stretch your legs and hike the lush mountains, catch a wild toboggan ride down the hills, or chill out on the beach.
Day 14: Sail to Ilhas Selvagens
After a couple nights on the dock and enjoying being in port, we’ll drop lines and point our bow SE. This will be an overnight passage.
Day 15: Arrive Selvagem Grande
The wonder and remoteness of this island is apparent immediately. This special stop gives the opportunity to walk around the island to see the flora and fauna in a place virtually uninhabited. The last time we visited, we were extremely grateful for the guided tour from the posted ranger. Spend the night at anchor.
Day 16: Selvagem Grande and Departure for Tenerife
After having the morning to wander ashore or take a nice swim, we’ll up anchor and set sail for Tenerife. It will be a short overnight sail on this leg of our North Atlantic islands journey!
Day 17: Arrive Tenerife
This island will be dramatically different from Selvagem Grande and be ‘bright lights, big city’ in comparison with its vibrant waterfront full of shops and restaurants. Spend the night on the dock.
Day 18: Explore Tenerife
Take the day to explore further from the waterfront. Hike near El Tiede, visit one of the oldest Draco trees in the world, or ride bikes. There are so many different areas to explore.
Day 19: Sail to Lanzarote
It will be an overnight sail to our final island of the trip. One last passage to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of time at sea.
Day 20: Arrive Lanzarote
We’ll arrive on the dock and have the evening to explore the city. There’s many a restaurant to visit on this last night together.
Day 21: Departure Sea Dragon
Plan to depart the boat by 0900.
The deposit is only $500. It’s non refundable if you back out, but if we cancel or modify the trip we are happy to return your money or apply it to a different voyage. Please review the Crew Contract for full details of this trip. The remaining balance is due 60 days before the trip begins.
If you have any questions or queries please get in contact via the “Contact Us” page below. You can also schedule a call with us too.
Contact Us
– 20 nights accommodation on Sea Dragon
– All meals (vegetarian), snacks, and drinks on board
– Sailing Instruction
– Safety equipment and foul weather gear
Contribution does not include:
– Transportation to Portsmouth or onward travel from Lanzarote.
– Additional nights spent ashore
– Personal expenses while in port
We are likely to experience a few sunny days and a few rainy ones too! It could get quite chilly on the overnight sail. Take a look at our Temperate packing list.
Portsmouth is a 1hr45m train from London Gatwick Airport, or a 1hr30m bus from London Heathrow Airport.
Lanzarote Airport is a 1hr30m bus ride from Marina Rubicon, Lanzarote.
All Crew members are responsible for their own passports and any necessary visas. You must have at least 6 months remaining on your passport beyond our arrival in Lanzarote.
Please look into the specific type of visa you need for arriving at these destinations by sea, or contact us directly to discuss.