Madeira
From CruisersWiki
Madeira
| Madeira | |
 Funchal, Madeira | |
 Flag | |
| Capital: | Funchal |
|---|---|
| Language: | Portuguese |
| Currency: | Euro € |
| Time Zone | WET (UTC + 0)
WEST (UTC + 1 summer) |
| More notes about the country | |
Background
The Madeira archipelago is an autonomous region of Portugal. The archipelago consists of Madeira Grande (741 km2, 250 000 inhabitants), Porto Santo (42.17 km2, 4 474 inhabitants), Deserta Grande, Selvagem Grande, Bugio Island, Selvagem Pequena, Selvagens' Fora Islet, and Desertas' Chão Islet.
There are suspicion that the islands were discovered by the Phoenicians, at any rate, the Romans knew them and called them the Purple Islands. The Portuguese rediscovered (accidentally) them in 1419. Two captains reporting to the famous Portuguese prince Henry the Navigator were driven by storms to Porto Santo (Holy Port) and they named the island in gratitude of their deliverance form being shipwrecked. They have been part of Portugal ever since. In 1976 they were granted autonomy.
Christopher Columbus was married to the daughter of the governor of Madeira and had a house, in the then capital of Madeira, Porto Santo.
The islands are part of SchengenAgreement and boats from the EU do not have to go through customs.
Climate & Weather
The climate of the islands is oceanic subtropical which is mild and fairly low humidity. The water temperature, influenced by the Gulf Stream varies between 17° C (winter) and 26° C (summer).
Sources of weather forecasting:
- Weather on Line gives detail 7 day forecast charts for the Madeira Archipelago
- Wind GURU is a surfer's site with worldwide wind forecasts
Charts
BA 1831 Arquipélago de Madeira
NIMA 51261 Arquipelago Da Madeira
Imray E3 Madeira
Any navigation notes here.
Local Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here.
Arrival/Departure procedures
All vessels arriving in Madeira, or moving between ports on the island, must contact the authorities on both arrival and departure. All vessels must make first landfall at an official Port of Entry. The vessel's registration documents and passports for all on board must be presented. A "clearance document" is then issued and must be presented to the authorities when visiting any of the other islands.
Immigration, Visas & Customs
Immigration
The same immigration procedures as for Portugal apply.
No visas required for up to a 90 day stay for nationals of the EU, Australia and New Zealand and a 60 day stay for citizens of the USA, Canada, and many others.
Customs
Firearms and ammunition MUST be declared on arrival.
PETS: The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is in operation in Madeira. This requires all pets to have a "Pet Passport" and all pets must have been microchipped, have a current Health Certificate and Rabies Vaccination Certificate. Animals are not permitted ashore until they have been cleared.
Health & Security
Submit any health warnings/information and any security details here.
Other Islands in the Group
- Porto Santo Island
- Porto Santo Marina (Port of entry)
Ports & Popular Stops
- Funchal (Port of entry)
- Calheta (Port of entry)
- Quinta do Lorde (Port of entry)
- Ponta do Sol
Cruiser's Friends
Submit details/contacts of cruiser's "friends" that can be contacted in advance or on arrival - who can offer information and assistance to our cruising "family".
References & Publications
- Anne Hannick Atlantic Islands Cruising Guide, RCC Pilotage Foundation, Imray Laurie and Wilson, Cambridgeshire
- Atlantic Crossing Guide, RCC Pilotage Foundation, Imray Laurie and Wilson, Cambridgeshire
Links to CruiserLog Forum discussions
Links to discussions on the CruiserLog Forum
External Links
- Madeira Wikipedia
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- January 2005 --Istioploos 07:47, 11 June 2008 (MDT)
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