Docking & Anchorages
Chart
Suggested Itinerary
Gallery
Regulations
Sailing in Portuguese waters you are expected to book in and out of every harbour you visit, which isn’t quite as difficult as it sounds. You can usually book out of ports the day before you actually leave. Also, because officials see the SailAzores charter boats all the time, they do seem willing to cut them some slack
SailAzores
All marina fees are covered in your charter fee, and SailAzores will make sure these are both spaces for your boat and people to greet you in every marina you visit. On the two islands without marinas, they will even make sure there are secure moorings to which you can tie up. The company’s fleet of Dufours ranges in size from 37 to 45 feet. You may want to favour a smaller boat, as the marinas on some islands are small with little room to maneuver.
Sailing route
It is best to sail from Faial or Pico in the central part of the archipelago, where there are the most islands in reasonable proximity to each other.
Charters
To charter a boat in the Azores, you need a fair amount of experience, as the sailing can be challenging, ranging from simple coastal hops to true ocean passages in sometimes strong weather.
Bookings
Sailing in Portuguese waters you are expected to book in and out of every harbour you visit, which isn’t quite as difficult as it sounds. You can usually book out of ports the day before you actually leave; also, because officials see the SailAzores charter boats all the time, they do seem willing to cut them some slack