Boston

Horta

Sailing with the Trades: From America to the Azores

Home > Upcoming Voyages > Boston – Horta
start
03-05-2026
end
17-05-2026
15
days
level
4
from
status
last availability

The Route

On Sunday May 3rd, with all preparations complete, the Clipper departs Boston. While the deck buzzes with activity, you can watch the imposing skyline disappear on the horizon. With the sails hoisted, the non-stop sailing adventure of approximately 2,000 nautical miles to Horta has begun.

On Open Water
Sailing across the Atlantic Ocean to the Azores is both beautiful and, at times, quite challenging. Changing weather patterns and strong currents are to be expected. There is a good chance that curious dolphins will accompany the Clipper on her voyage to the islands. In May, the North Atlantic is a rich habitat for marine mammals. Seabirds such as petrels and northern gannets also frequently circle the masts gracefully along this route.

Weather Conditions & Temperature
The voyage begins in the chilly spring of the American East Coast, with temperatures between 8 and 16 °C. As you progress, favorable westerly winds will carry you toward the milder and more stable weather of the Azores. As the Clipper crosses the ocean, the brisk sea air gives way to a pleasant, almost summer-like climate. Throughout the crossing, the temperature rises a little each day, until you are welcomed in the Azores by a wonderfully mild climate with temperatures ranging between 17 and 20 °C.

More about the destinations along the way? Keep reading below!

On the way to…

Discover history, culture, adventure

Boston, the capital of the state of Massachusetts, is one of the oldest cities in the United States and plays a significant role in American history. Founded by Puritan settlers in 1630 and known for events such as the Boston Tea Party, this vibrant city on the Atlantic Ocean has much to offer.

A 4-kilometer walking route, the Freedom Trail, takes you past historical sites, and the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum provides an interactive experience that brings the famous 1773 event to life. You can also visit Boston’s oldest public building, the Old State House, where key events of the American Revolution took place.

Education is a prominent feature in Boston, home to prestigious institutions such as Harvard University and MIT, whose museums and campuses you can visit. The city also boasts beautiful parks like Boston Common and Public Garden, perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities. For shopping enthusiasts, Newbury Street is the ideal destination, while sports fans can cheer on legendary teams like the Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics.

Boston

The legendary port of the ocean sailors

As the Clipper enters the bay of Horta, you will immediately understand why this harbor on Faial has been the favorite port of call for generations of sailors making the great crossing. It truly begins right on the quay. The harbor is a unique, colorful open-air museum; the walls and ground are covered with thousands of paintings and logos of ships (look for the Clipper Stad Amsterdam) that have docked here over the years. According to tradition, departing without leaving a painting brings bad luck, which has turned the quay into a vibrant archive of maritime adventures.

Just a stone’s throw from the quay, you will find the world-famous Peter Café Sport. This legendary institution has been the beating heart of the sailing world for over a hundred years. It is the perfect place to enjoy a local ‘Gin & Tonic’ after your crossing and to exchange tall tales with fellow sailors. Don’t forget to head upstairs to the impressive Scrimshaw Museum, where you can admire a beautiful collection of historical engravings on whale teeth.

From the café’s terrace, you have a spectacular view across the bay toward the neighboring island of Pico. The enormous volcanic cone rising from the ocean reaches over 2,300 meters, making it the highest point in Portugal and providing an unforgettable backdrop for your final hours by the water. Whether you stroll through the flowery streets of the town or simply soak up the atmosphere of the harbor, in Horta, you can feel in everything that the ocean is never far away.

Horta

Sailing & Adventure

Immerse yourself in the sailing experience by actively participating in crew activities.

You are invited to work alongside the crew during their watches. Whether assisting with navigation, learning the art of sail handling, or participating in other aspects of seamanship, this hands-on experience adds a unique dimension to your sailing adventure. What could be more beautiful than standing lookout with nothing but the sea around you? It’s a unique experience to feel small and insignificant in the overwhelming nature. Gaze into the waves, enjoy the vast ocean, and perhaps spot a few whales which are frequently seen in this area.

Besides sailing, there are plenty of other activities! We also recommend you to assist the crew, for instance, in maintenance, to truly experience life on board a sailing ship.

An impression of a day at sea

Red watch
00:00 The red watch is expected on deck
02:00 At sea, it’s truly dark: behold more stars than ever before
04:00 End of red watch: enjoy a few hours of sleep
11:30 A delicious lunch is served in the longroom
12:00 Report to the deck: the red watch begins
13:00 The crew is eager to teach you all about sailing and navigation
15:00 Coffee tea break
16:00 End of the red watch, white watch takes over
17:00 Time for relaxation with a book or music
18:00 The dinner buffet is open
19:00 Daily briefing by the captain in the longroom
20:00 Witness a spectacular sunset on the open sea

Cabins

The cabins

The 14 guest cabins are located on the tweendeck and all have a porthole and 2 or 3 single beds. Some cabins are equipped with double beds and, when available, can be booked by paying a surcharge. All of our cabins are equipped with a number of power outlets. These electrical sockets are of the standard Dutch (European) F-connector type and rated 230 V.

The cabins

Your cabin

All cabins are equipped with a private bathroom with sink, shower and toilet. The cabins contain lots of wood and copper work which gives the cabins a classic, authentic look. All cabins are similar in layout and have an area of about 11 m².

Your cabin

Practical Information

EMBARKATION
Sunday May 3, 2026 at 17h00 (5:00 PM) in Boston, U.S.A.

DEBARKATION
Sunday May 17, 2026 at 10h00 (10:00 AM) in Horta, Azores

Are you aged 17 to 25 and interested in joining a voyage?
Contact us to find out about the opportunities available for young people.

Are you interested in a cabin with a double bed?
The surcharge is € 250,- (depending on availability).

The price includes:
· Breakfast with coffee, tea and juices;
· Morning coffee;
· Lunch buffet with coffee, tea and juices ;
· Afternoon coffee;
· Dinner buffet with coffee, tea and juices;
· Fresh fruit;
· Harbor and port dues.

ADDITIONAL COSTS:
• Flights and transfers;
• Additional drinks & snacks on board;
• Other personal expenses.

Guests and crew dine together in the longroom, where meals are served buffet-style. On board, simple yet varied and nutritious dishes are prepared in the galley. The meals are designed to be both tasty and nourishing, ensuring everyone can enjoy the journey to the fullest with enough energy for the activities on board.

Meal times are scheduled according to the watch system and are served in two shifts, each lasting 30 minutes:

07h30 & 08h00 breakfast
10h00 coffee break
11h30 & 12h00 lunch
15h00 coffee break
17h30 & 18h00 dinner

Included in the trip:
Three daily meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Fresh fruit, fruit juices, coffee, tea, and milk.

Optional during the trip, at extra cost:
Soft drinks, candy, chips, and alcoholic beverages like beer & wine.

Breakfast:
Home-baked bread, cheese and cold cuts, sandwich spreads, eggs, fresh fruit, yogurt and oats/granola.

Lunch:
Home-baked bread, cheese and cold cuts, sandwich spreads, soup, a hot snack, or salad.

Dinner:
A varied selection of vegetable-, meat-, and fish dishes, combined with potatoes, pasta, salad, curries, and stews.
Occasionally, the meal is concluded with a sweet dessert.

All guests are obliged to have a valid passport with them on board Clipper Stad Amsterdam.

Always inquire about the rules for the validity period of your passport for the country you are traveling to. In many countries, a passport is required to be valid for several months beyond the date of entry/departure.

VISUM
It is crucial and your own responsibility to check and arrange visa requirements for the countries you are traveling to and traveling from.

The best way to determine if you need a visa to enter a specific country is by contacting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Our ship is equipped with satellite technology to provide Wi-Fi connectivity during your journey. The shipping company offers 200 MB of data per person per day for sending and receiving data. Please note that the connection may be slower compared to onshore services.
If you require additional data, you can purchase an extra 200 MB package for €20.
Keep in mind that depending on the ship’s course, there may be times when the satellite signal is unavailable, and therefore, internet connectivity cannot be guaranteed.

Friends and family at home can always track the live location of the ship through our website (homepage).

SHIP’S DOCTOR
When booking your trip, we request you to fill out a health declaration. If you provide any specific details here, the ship’s doctor may contact you to discuss your situation. Based on observations or strong suspicions of a limited physical condition and associated risks, the ship’s doctor may advise the captain to exclude you as a passenger from the voyage. The final decision rests with the captain. The ship is equipped with a small infirmary. Upon boarding, our ship’s doctor may ask you again to provide him with as much information as possible about your medication use and/or physical limitations, so that he can take this into account.
ARE YOU 70 – 75 YEARS OR OLDER AT THE START OF THE TRIP?
In addition to maintaining good physical condition, we especially want to emphasize to our guests aged 70 and older that having sufficient muscle strength and balance is essential.
To ensure that all our guests are well-prepared for the sailing experience aboard the Clipper, the following guidelines apply to travelers aged 70 and older:
INFORMATIONAL VIDEO FOR GUESTS 70+
All passengers aged 70 and older will receive a video showcasing the intensity and movements of the Clipper in various weather conditions. This will help you understand what to expect during the voyage and determine if this is suitable for you.
MEDICAL APPROVAL – CERTIFIED PHYSICIAN
For all of our guests who are 75 years or older at the start of the trip, a medical examination for maritime purposes is required by a certified doctor affiliated with an authorized institution in the Netherlands or a comparable institution abroad for non-Dutch guests (the costs are at your expense, and are expected to be between 105 and 160 euros). This concerns the declaration ‘without lookout and watch duties on the bridge’. Without this declaration, participation is not possible. We are happy to provide you with further information.
BOOKING PROCESS FOR GUESTS 75+ GUESTS
Once your booking is received, you will receive an email with detailed instructions on the medical approval process.
The email will include a list of approved medical examiners and guidelines on how to arrange the required medical examination. Once approved by a certified medical examiner, the booking process will proceed and be finalized. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
DOCTOR ONBOARD
The shipping company aims to have a doctor on board for multi-day sailing voyages. Your first point of contact on board for your medical inquiries, among other things, is the ship’s doctor.
SAFETY
During the welcome speech, the captain and the designated crew at their muster stations will brief you on safety aboard. Please be aware that the ship is in motion, which can cause items to fall, shift and doors to close. It is advisable to secure your belongings, keep doors closed and never hold onto a door frame.

Some countries require proof of vaccination for travellers wishing to enter or exit the country.
Travel requirements are updated often, so we recommend always checking the latest entry requirements before your trip.

We would like to remind you that you should always stay informed about and adhere to the travel advisories applicable to travel to and from the ship. These travels are your own responsibility.

It is recommended that you arrive at the port of embarkation one day prior to the scheduled embarkation. This precaution is advised because the ship cannot delay its departure in the event of travel disruptions. In addition, traveling to our next port of call may not be feasible due to long trips at sea or remote islands.

On your embarkation day, while the ship is in port, we provide the opportunity to drop off your luggage in the morning. Should you wish to take advantage of this service, please notify us in advance ([email protected]) to ensure that access to the ship is arranged before the official embarkation time.

Please keep in mind that unfavorable weather conditions (e.g., lack or excess wind) may cause the captain to decide to sail on engine power, enter or exit a port earlier/later.

Temperature:
Daytime: Around 15°C (Boston).
Nighttime: Approximately 8°C.
In Boston at the end of April the weather is highly variable and can be unpredictable. The city typically gets a decent amount of sunshine in April, but it is often partly cloudy or changeable.

Daytime: Around 17°C to 19°C (Horta).
Nighttime: Approximately 15°C.
The subtropical climate of the Azores, with comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities in early May, makes it an excellent time to explore the island.

Wind Strength and Direction:
Wind strength and direction can vary greatly. The crossing from Boston to Horta is typically characterized by westerly to northwesterly winds, with wind speeds ranging from moderate to strong.

Ship Movement Intensity:
This ocean crossing is rated at level 4. Expect moderate to heavy ship movement due to prevailing winds and ocean currents.

Clipper Stad Amsterdam is a member of SGR*. Within the limits of the SGR-guarantee arrangement, the multi-day trips published on this internet site are covered by the SGR-guarantee. This legally required guarantee means that consumers are assured that their prepaid travel money will be refunded if the other party (the shipping company) due to financial insolvency cannot fulfill the agreed performance. The travel prices on the website include a contribution to SGR.
* https://www.sgr.nl/english/

Travel Insurance
It is mandatory for all guests onboard to possess personal travel insurance during overnight sailing trips. The required insurance must cover medical expenses, accidents, and repatriation, in accordance with Article 13.9 of the General Terms and Conditions.

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Home > Upcoming Voyages > Boston – Horta