Madeira Sailing School

Plan to arrive in Funchal by early afternoon on Day 1 to ensure plenty of time for check-in and orientation. Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) is just 15 minutes from the marina, with direct flights from most major European cities. We recommend booking accommodation near the marina for the night before if you're arriving late, though many students fly in the morning of and head straight to the boat. Funchal's Old Town is right next to the marina — perfect for exploring if you arrive early.

We typically conclude certifications and say our farewells by midday on Day 7, giving you plenty of time for afternoon or evening flights. The airport is a quick taxi ride from Funchal Marina. Many of our students extend their stay to explore Madeira's incredible hiking trails, levadas, and mountain peaks — if you have flexibility, an extra day or two on the island is highly rewarding.

Madeira's nickname 'Island of Eternal Spring' is well-earned — expect daytime temperatures between 25-30°C from May to October with reliable sunshine. The Atlantic provides consistent trade winds, typically from the northeast, creating ideal learning conditions. Sea conditions are moderate with ocean swells, which is exactly what builds confident sailors. Water temperature hovers around 22-24°C in summer, perfect for swimming. Morning conditions tend to be calmer, with winds building through the afternoon. Our instructors have years of experience reading Madeira's unique microclimates and always plan routes that match your developing skill level.

Pack light and practical: soft-sided duffel bags only (no hard suitcases). Bring quick-dry clothing, swimwear, a light rain jacket, non-marking deck shoes, and sandals for shore. Madeira's sun is intense — bring reef-safe sunscreen, quality sunglasses with a strap, and a hat. Layers are key as evenings can be cooler at sea. Don't forget a headlamp for night watches, seasickness remedies if you're prone, and a dry bag for electronics. We provide all safety gear and bedding. One nice outfit for shore dinners is recommended — Funchal has some wonderful restaurants.

Absolutely — that's exactly what we specialize in! Our ASA 101 course assumes zero prior experience. Most of our students have never set foot on a yacht before Day 1, and by Day 7 they're confidently handling the boat. Our instructors are passionate teachers who break down every skill into manageable steps. You'll be surprised how natural it feels once you understand the basics. The only prerequisite is a willingness to learn, a sense of adventure, and reasonable physical fitness to move around the boat.

Eating well is part of the experience! We provision the boat before departure with breakfast supplies and lunch ingredients — think fresh Portuguese bread, local cheeses, charcuterie, tropical fruits, salads, and plenty of snacks. Morning coffee is sacred. Dinners are typically enjoyed ashore, exploring Madeira's fantastic restaurant scene: fresh-caught fish, traditional espetada (beef skewers grilled on laurel sticks), and incredible local wine. Budget roughly €20-35 per dinner. Let us know about any dietary requirements in advance, and we'll ensure you're well-catered throughout the week.

Each week awards two ASA levels. Beginner weeks award ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat Sailing) and ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising) in 2026, and ASA 101 and ASA 102 from 2027. Intermediate weeks award ASA 103 and ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising), the level that lets you charter boats worldwide. Assessment is continuous throughout the week — there's no high-pressure exam at the end. Your instructor evaluates your practical skills, knowledge, and seamanship as you sail. Complete the required competencies, and you'll receive your certifications. We also include ICC/IPC (International Certificate of Competence) preparation, which is recognized across Europe and essential for Mediterranean chartering. Most importantly, we don't pass anyone who isn't genuinely ready — our reputation depends on producing capable, confident sailors.