Rías Baixas, Spain

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Join us to explore the Rías Baixas of northwest Spain. Galicia has a stunning coastline of deeply indented inlets called rias, similair to lochs in Scotland, or fjords in Norway. The rias are warmer and offer a great cruising ground. There is a mix of flat water sailing surrounded by lush pine and eucalyptus forests as well as a taste of the open ocean, passing rugged capes and lighthouses. The sea is alive with dolphins, whales and bird life.

Amongst the rias are some beautiful islands with perfect white sandy beaches fringed with granite boulders (like the Outer Hebrides, but warm enough to swim). These are perfect for hiking and enjoying the beautiful views. If they were in the Mediterranean they would be famous, but the pleasure here is they are not! Here the islands are National Parks with strictly controlled numbers, we will visit with a permit and when the last trip boat goes we will have it pretty much to ourselves.

It's not just sailing and scenery, but a gastronomic delight. The seafood and shellfish are absolutely world class, easily available and very affordable. Think langoustines, octopus, clams, even the famous goose barnacles all washed down with the local wine. The Rías Baixas is the home of Albariño. The wider region produces great Rioja in red and the lesser found white, perfect for a lazy lunch. If seafood isn't your thing then the area is all about local produce, be it the cured pork, organic steak or corn fed chicken - eating out here is a true pleasure.

The pretty towns are steeped in culture, history, architechture and tradition, with Santiago de Compestella at the end of the Saint James way just up the road, and whilst pretty by day with historic streets, traditional galician houses and waterfront promenades, they really come to life at night. This part of Spain is not known for mainstream tourism and the tapas is still the authentic kind, a complimentary tasty light snack to keep you alive between the odd glass of something cold whilst pacing yourself until dinner. The best places open at 8.30 and you would need to stay up late to close a bar.

The days will be spent with a mixture of sailing and exploring. When we drop the hook there could be time for an active hike, a bike ride or just a gentle wander.

Our nights will be a mix of quiet calm anchorages, perfect for a home cooked meal, wine appreciation, maybe some star gazing or gentle conversation. In the morning you can dive off the side, take the paddle board for an explore or join us for a morning run or work out. Other nights we will be tied to the dock of a nice yacht club, or town marina - we will eat ashore and have the opportunity to enjoy the local hospitality with no wet dinghy ride home.

Start and finish will be Vigo. The best airport from London is Santiago De Compostela (SCQ) which has easy train and bus links (50 minutes). Alternatively, Porto in Portugal is 90 minutes away by road and is well served by all major and budget airlines from all UK locations. Vigo is accesible by bus, train or taxi. Porto itself is a great city to top and tail your trip with.

Booking Details

Key Facts:

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Charter times:

• Joining time for all charters is by 10:00am on the start date.
• All charters will finish at 4:00pm on the end date.

What's included:

• Qualified and experienced skipper and first mate.
• Fully coded yacht, licensed to charter anywhere in the world.
• Tuition and guidance from two Ocean Yachtmasters.
• Full Category A medical kit.
• All safety equipment.
• All onboard expenses.
• Paddle board.
• Breakfast, lunch and five evening meals onboard.
• Soft drinks.
• Local spirits, beer and sundowner cocktails.
• Wine with evening meals.

What's not included:

• Flights and transfers.
• Meals ashore.
• Masks and snorkels.

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