VI & VII CROSSING THE BLUE PLANET:
Mysteries of the Mediterranean

Four days of family sailing, learning and exploring from the waters of the Valencian Community to the shores near the islands of Ibiza and Formentera. All participants will be able to begin their journey in navigating a historical school ship by taking part in all the manoeuvres that a vessel like the Cervantes Saavedra requires.

In line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the UN, we aim to raise awareness among crew members about marine conservation through a guided tour of the Oceanogràfic of Valencia and its marine species recovery centre. They will take part in the workshops organised by the Oceanogràfic. 

The activities of the programme entitled “Mysteries of the Mediterranean” will take place at the Oceanogràfic and on board the boat. They will include workshops and activities such as a visit to the Arca del Mar, plankton observation practice, species identification and spotting, marine animal sample analysis, and the release of one of the turtles rehabilitated by the Oceanogràfic Foundation.

In addition, participants will take part in sailing manoeuvres, nautical activities and workshops, astronomy and navigation workshops, as well as water activities such as canoeing and stand up paddle boarding.

DURATION AND DATES:

  • August 5-9 (5 days, 4 nights)
  • August 20-23 (4 days, 3 nights)
logo-oceanografic-min

What is learned over the course:

  • Drills on a historic ship.
  • Marine conservation.
  • Astronomical navigation.
  • Water activities.
  • Coexistence on board.

Who is it aimed at:

Everybody.

Timetable 2026*:

Day 1

12:00 – Arrival at the Oceanogràfic and special guided visit.
14:30 – Lunch at the Oceanogràfic restaurant El Submarino.
16:30 – End of the program at the Oceanogràfic and departure to the Cervantes Saavedra.
17:00 – 19:00 – Boarding and distribution of cabins.
20:30 – 21:30 – Light dinner in port.
21:45 – 22:15 – Presentation of crew and equipment. Setting watch groups.
22:15 – 22:45 – Safety training (compulsory attendance).
23:00 – Departure.
23:30 – Hoisting sails drills (if conditions allow).
00:00 – 01:30 h – Aft lounge available. Night sailing.

Day 2

08:30 – 10:00 – Sailing breakfast.
10:00 – 10:30 – Navigation, sea watches, sai lifting.
11:00 – 12:00 – Nautical nomenclature workshop.
12:15 – Aperitif on deck.
12:00 – 14:00 – Free time.
14:30 – 16:00– Lunch.
16:00 – 17:00 – Coffee in the aft saloon.
17:00 – 18:30 – Oceanographic Workshop. Sea turtles.
18:30 – 19:30 – Free time.
19:30 – Release of turtles.
21:00 – 22:30 – Dinner.
23:30 – 00:30 – Night navigation workshop. Navigation lights and floodlights.
00:30 – 02:00 – Aft bar available.
Day 3

08:30 – 10:00 – Breakfast.
10:30 – Cabrera.
10:30 – 12:00 – Maritime visit to the Natural Park.
12:00 – Moored off La Cabrera.
12:30 – 14:00 – Free time and swimming (canoes and paddle surfing).
14:30 – 16:00– Lunch.
16:00 – 17:00 – Coffee in the aft saloon.
17:30 – 19:00 – Celebration events 30th Anniversary of Cabrera National Park.
20:00 – 21:00 – Free time.
21:00 – 22:30 – Dinner.
23:30 – 00:30 – Biology workshop: Trazos en la oscuridad.
We set off towards Las Pitiusas.
00:30 – 02:00 – Aft bar available.

Day 4

09:00 – 10:30 – Breakfast.
11:00 – 12:30 – Sailing watches at sea.
13:00 – 13:30 h – Striking the sails drill. Participation in the Ibiza anchoring drill.
14:30 – 16:00– Lunch.
16:00 – 17:00 – Coffee in the aft saloon.
17:00 – 18:30 – Water activities, paddle surf, canoeing and snorkelling.
18:30 – 20:30 – Oceanographic Workshop. Marine adaptations.
21:00 – 22:30 – Dinner.
23:30 – 00:30 h – Outdoor summer cinema.
00:30 – 02:00 – Aft bar available.

* Subject to modifications

OUTINGS AND FACILITIES

The course takes place on the schooner the Cervantes Saavedra
The ship is moored in the port of Valencia, a strategic enclave near the historic centre of the city, Albufera and very close to the City of Arts and Sciences.
Guided visit to the Oceanográfic de Valencia and its turtle recovery centre.

Captain’s Suggestions

  • The sailing times, timetables and places of anchorage are provisional and are subject to possible changes according to the sailing conditions and subject to the captain’s discretion, who, based on this, could delay the departure or bring forward the return.
  • Sailing experience is not required.
  • Suitable for children (recommended minimum age 8 years old).
  • Appropriate footwear must be worn on the deck of the boat (deck shoes or sneakers with a light-coloured sole. No heels).
  • Music can be played in the aft bar, as well as on the upper deck, as long as there are no drills happening at the time and respecting the rest of the crew and neighbouring ships in the coves.
  • Meals are self-service normally in two shifts.
  • Safety regulations must be observed at all times.

Description of the different drills to be carried out

Bow drill: Bow drill, anchor winch, stowage, use of ropes and knots, hoisting and lowering of the jibs. Maintenance of devices and conservation of wood.

Bridge drill: Bridge Management System, voyage planning along with interpretation of the weather forecast, navigation devices and aids, VHF radio communications (World Relief System. DISSTTRES), chart positioning, filling in the navigation log, interpretation of the ARPA radar, and will also act as helmsman under the command of the captain and his officers.

Stern drill: Lifting and lowering of sails, classic sailing, interpretation of the part for classic sailing, safe manoeuvring, correct rigging and correct use of lines for the postural safety of the students and maintenance of the rigging.

Engine drill: Knowledge of the different components of the engine, annotations in the engine log of the correct operating parameters, maintenance and vision of the operation of equipment in general (batteries, valves, filters)

At anchor Helping with cleaning, correct use of products according to the type of wood and food preparation, presentation and arrangement of tables.

Materials

  • Comfortable clothes.
  • Warm clothing.
  • White sole deck shoes
  • Cap
  • Cotton t-shirts
  • Sweatshirt
  • Nautical or waterproof jacket
  • Aqua shoes.
  • Shorts
  • Swimwear
  • Sunglasses
  • Suncream
  • Pareo
  • Sleeping bag to watch sunrises and watch projections on the sails
  • Exercise mat
  • Thick socks for deck nights
  • Navy blue beach towel
  • Bring flexible and / or folding travel bags (avoid rigid suitcases).

More information:

General Information:
info@goletacervantes.es

Coordinator:
fmartinez@ucjc.edu

Technical issues:
capitan@goletacervantes.es