 Madeira : Profile
Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal. The majority of yachts arrive in Madeira during October and November on their way to the Canary Islands and the Caribbean, while some leave direct from the main port Funchal to cross the Atlantic. There has also been an increase in the number of American boats cruising the Atlantic circle of Bermuda, Azores, Madeira and Canary Islands during the summer, while Madeira has also become a popular port of call in the spring, for yachts returning to Europe after wintering in the Canaries. Only two islands of this volcanic archipelago are inhabited, the largest, Madeira Grande, which gives its name to the whole group, and Porto Santo to the northeast. The smaller islands of the main group are Ilha Chao, Ilha Deserta Grande, and Ilheu de Bugio. There are only basic repair facilities in Porto Santo and for any work it is best to sail over to Funchal. There are no facilities or provisioning on any of the other adjacent islands. The Ilhas Selvagem, north of the Canary Islands, are a wildlife refuge administered by Madeira, and yachts wishing to visit them need permission from the authorities in Madeira.
The islands have a pleasant and mild climate all year round, the air temperature rarely falling below 60°F (16°C) in winter or rising above 72°F (22°C) in summer. Due to the influence of the Gulf Stream the water temperature similarly varies only between 17° and 21°C (63-70°F). The prevailing winds are north-easterly and all the ports and anchorages are sheltered from this direction. Only the more variable winds of winter and the passage of lows across the North Atlantic can cause problems, otherwise Madeira can be visited virtually all year round.
Madeira: Calheta
*
, Funchal
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, Ponta do Sol
, Quinta do Lorde
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Porto Santo: Porto Santo
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*Indicates a port of entry.
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