SailingTree

About the school

rusailing is an RYA training centre based in Marina de Lagos, on Portugal’s Algarve coast. It’s the longest-running RYA school in the country, offering a range of sailing and powerboat courses in English, from beginner level to Yachtmaster Ocean. The team is experienced and hands-on, with a focus on realistic tidal training in a relaxed but professional setting. Courses run year-round aboard privately owned yachts, making good use of the Algarve’s reliable weather and coastal conditions.

The location

Lagos sits on the southwestern tip of Portugal, right where the Algarve coast starts to shift from calm southern beaches to the wilder Atlantic. It’s a great spot to sail because you get a mix of conditions—protected waters inside the bay for easing into things, and open sea just past the headlands if you want more of a challenge. The coastline is full of character, with rocky cliffs, sea caves, and sandy coves you can only reach by boat.

How to get there

To get to rusailing in Marina de Lagos, the most convenient airport is Faro (FAO), located about 90 km away. From Faro, you can rent a car or take a taxi for the one-hour drive via the A22 motorway. Ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt also operate in the area and are a practical option. There’s also a direct airport bus that runs a few times daily to Lagos, though driving is usually faster and more flexible. Alternatively, you can fly into Lisbon Airport (LIS), which has a wider range of international flights. From Lisbon, the drive to Lagos takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. If you prefer public transport, take a taxi or metro to Gare do Oriente station and catch a high-speed train to Tunes, followed by a short regional train to Lagos. Once in Lagos, Marina de Lagos is centrally located and easy to reach by foot, taxi, or a short local ride.

Best time to go

The best time to sail in Lagos and along the Algarve coast is from April to October, when the weather is warm, dry, and the winds are generally steady. During these months, daytime temperatures range from 22–30°C (72–86°F). The sea is calmest in summer, while spring and early autumn offer quieter marinas and great sailing without the peak season crowds.