True Spirit

Welcome to the harbor of Funchal, the beating heart of Madeira's maritime soul. As we stand here, overlooking the vast expanse of the Atlantic, we are connecting with the 'True Spirit' of exploration that defined the Age of…

We begin at the Funchal harbor, a deep-water port that has welcomed everyone from Christopher Columbus to modern solo sailors. This harbor is protected by the 'Loo Rock' or Pontinha, a natural volcanic outcrop that was reinforced…

In the spirit of maritime exploration, we must acknowledge the modern feats of endurance that capture the world's imagination. The story of Jessica Watson, who sailed solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the globe at just 16…

A short walk along the coast brings us to the bright yellow walls of the Fortress of São Tiago. Built in the early 17th century, this fortification was a direct response to the 'true spirit' of a different kind—the predatory…

Behind the fort lies the Zona Velha, or Old Town, the earliest residential area of Funchal. For centuries, this was the home of the fishermen and artisans who built the city. …

We cannot speak of the maritime spirit of Madeira without mentioning Christopher Columbus. Before he set sail for the 'New World' in 1492, Columbus lived in the Madeira archipelago—specifically on the neighboring island of Porto…

As we conclude this maritime tour, listen for the sounds of the 'rajão' or 'machete,' the traditional small stringed instruments of Madeira. Much like the 'sanshin' banjo we heard in the islands of Japan, these instruments were…

As our journey through the maritime spirit of Madeira comes to a close, take a final look at the Funchal harbor. We have explored the deep roots of discovery, from the first Portuguese caravels to the modern courage of Jessica…