Les Sables d’Olonne to Porto, Portugal Sea Warden Begins Her Atlantic Journey

Leaving the docks at Privilège Marine in Les Sables d’Olonne was one of those moments you feel deep in your chest. A mix of excitement, relief, gratitude, and just a little tension.

We said goodbye to many friends who had become part of this chapter. The final weeks at the factory were intense. We pushed hard to ensure every system was operational before committing to this Atlantic crossing: France to the Canary Islands, then Cape Verde, and ultimately the Grenadines in the Caribbean.

This isn’t a weekend cruise. This voyage will cover thousands of miles. When you’re ten days from land, there is no one coming to rescue you. Preparation matters.

I’ll write more about the Privilège catamaran and her systems in a future post. These boats are incredibly advanced, and ensuring everything was ready required persistence. We left with only a few minor items outstanding — close enough to confidence.

Crossing the Bay of Biscay in February

Here we go ...

Day 1, we pointed Sea Warden toward Spain. Our goal was to round the tip and work our way south before a large low-pressure system arrived.

We had no choice but to motor the entire way. We burned through 800 liters of diesel plus two fuel bladders filled before departure. We arrived in Portugal with less than 100 liters remaining.

And yet — we crossed the notorious Bay of Biscay in February with flat seas for all but the first day.

That’s almost unheard of.

After missing two previous weather windows, it felt like perfect timing. We had literally completed final repairs to the galley refrigerator at 8:00 a.m. the morning of departure — a system that had tested our patience for over two weeks. Nothing like fixing it and heading straight into the Atlantic.

A Tough First Day

We had six aboard: Captain Eric and Marine (our training captains), myself, Lori, and two Privilège team members documenting Sea Warden’s first voyage from Les Sables to the Canaries.

Day 1 was rough.

We hadn’t sailed since early December and were a bit rusty. Three out of six were seasick — including Lori and our two guests. It makes you question everything on that first hard day.

But by Days 2–4, the seas flattened beautifully. Everyone found their rhythm. Sea legs returned. Confidence grew.

Arrival in Vila Nova de Gaia

We arrived at Marina da Afurada in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Douro River from Porto.

Gaia and Afurada are traditional fishing communities with deep roots. For generations, families here made their living from the sea and river. Despite development around them, this village has worked intentionally to preserve its authenticity.

One of the most striking sights was the communal outdoor washing pools and long laundry lines stretched between wooden poles. It’s a glimpse into a way of life that still survives — neighbors gathering, open markets, daily routines unchanged for decades.

It feels real. Honest. Preserved.

The marina itself was welcoming and helpful. The staff and locals were genuinely curious about Sea Warden and our journey south.

Weather Hold

We had hoped to depart the next day.

Instead, six-meter (nearly 20-foot) seas kept us in port another 24 hours. Waves crashed outside the breakwater, and the harbor flew a red warning flag.

Portugal is famous for massive surf. Just south of us lies Nazaré, home to some of the largest waves ever recorded — often reaching 60 to 100 feet in extreme conditions. Knowing that energy was building offshore made patience feel wise.

When the flag finally turned green, we were ready.

Exploring Gaia

dinner in Villa Nova de Gaia

An unexpected extra day allowed us to explore more of the village and enjoy dinner together.

The cobblestone streets, narrow lanes, and small cafés felt untouched by time.

Night in Porto

At night, the Douro River reflected the city lights across the water in a way that felt almost surreal. Sea Warden rested quietly, preparing for the next leg south.

Some misc pictures:

Onward to Lanzarote

When the seas settled, we cast off once more — bound for Lanzarote in the Canary Islands.

This is only the beginning.

More to come.

Thank You for Following Sea Warden

This voyage is about more than miles. It’s about preparation, faith, teamwork, and embracing the unknown.

If you’d like to follow Sea Warden as we cross the Atlantic:

• Subscribe to the blog• Share this post with friends who love sailing and adventure• Follow our updates as we head toward the Canary Islands and beyond

The ocean teaches patience, humility, and gratitude.

We’re just getting started.

— James WardenSeaWarden.com