Vila Franca Do Campo
Trips from
US $910
Captain
SailZen
Vila Franca Do Campo, Portugal
6 reviews
'''''''''''''Hello viajante!
My friends call me "Branco," and I was born in Vila Franca do Campo, on São Miguel Island in the Azores, where the ocean has always been a part of my life.
My sailing journey began in 1999 when a school teacher encouraged me to try dinghy sailing at the local nautical club. From that moment, I fell in love with the sea.
In 2008, I turned this passion into a career, working as a professional crew member and traveling the world. Along the way, I learned about different cultures and worked with some of the best yacht charter companies and private yacht captains in the industry. Eventually, I became a superyacht captain, which taught me invaluable skills and provided me with experiences I'll never forget.
Despite the adventures abroad, I felt the pull of home. In 2017, I returned to the Azores to start my own sailing business, bringing together all my knowledge of boats and sailing. It's a way to share the freedom, peace, and adventure I feel on the water with others.
The spirit of sailing comes from a song my dad loved: "The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind." Just like the wind, I want to guide guests to unforgettable experiences, following the natural rhythm of the ocean.
With every trip, I aim to make sailing smooth, relaxing, and unforgettable—a chance to feel free, connected, and calm.
You are more than welcome aboard!
I hope you enjoy it, you sail and you feel Zen!'''''''''''''
Charter
Rating
5.0
6 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
5.0
Experience
All reviews (6)
Showing 1 – 5 of 6 reviews
Linda Jackson
Florida, US•Member since 20265.0VerifiedSail-Zen: A highlight in Sao Miguel
2,5 Hr – Private Sailing Tour (AM) • 9 adultsMy family of 9 people recently sailed around around the beautiful volcanic islet of Vila Franca do Campo in Sao Miguel. We booked through the Boatbooker and sailed with Captain Andre on his magnificent sailboat, Sail-Zen . Andre and his lovely wife, Claude, were so kind and graciously exceeded all of our expectations which made our trip perfect : It was peaceful, educational, exciting and truly 2 1/2 hours of joyful fun which made our sailing adventure a highlight of our trip to the Azores. When I booked our adventure with Sail-Zen I mentioned our 12 year old grandson had recently gone to a sailing camp and was certified as a “sailing captain”( of a very small Sailfish.) Andre took this to heart and after motoring around and explaining the history of the interesting crater he motored into deeper waters. It warmed my heart when Andre said, “Captain Parker, can you please man the helm while I lift the sail”! … a very special memory! Claude( forgive me if this is mispelled) then prepaired delicious treats we all enjoyed. The morning was spent exploring the beautful catamaran ( equipped with 4bedrooms!) , lounging on the trampoline and talking to Captain Andre about his fascinating history of 11years sailing around the world! Towards the end of our adventure Andre let down the anchor , gave us two paddle-boards and gave us time in the water to enjoy! Our time with Andre and his lovely wife on their magnificent Sail-Zen sailboat could not have been better! We definitely give it a 5 star rating!!! ….Chip and Linda Jackson and family
Response from CaptainDear Chip, Linda, and family, Wow… thank you for such a heartfelt review. It was an absolute pleasure to welcome your family aboard, and we’re truly honored that your time with us became one of the highlights of your trip to the Azores. One of my favorite moments was seeing Captain Parker take the helm! He did a fantastic job, and I hope that memory inspires him to continue his sailing journey for many years to come. Please tell him that Captain André is expecting to see him back one day as a “real” captain! Thank you also for your kind words about Claudie. She’ll be delighted to know that her homemade treats were such a hit. Our goal is always to share not only the beauty of São Miguel from the sea, but also our passion for sailing and to create genuine, lasting memories for every guest. Knowing that we achieved that with your family means more than you can imagine. Thank you once again for choosing SailZen. We hope to welcome all of you back aboard whenever your adventures bring you to the Azores again. Fair winds, Captain André, Claudie & the SailZen Crew
Jamilla WrightRepeat customerTexas, US•Member since 2026•2 trips5.0VerifiedTrip so good I cried happy tears
2,5 Hr – Private Sailing Tour (AM) • 3 adults • 1 childThis was an incredible sailing adventure. Not only did the captain and first mate go out of their way for my husbands birthday including homemade Italian style chocolate cake, champagne, beers, snacks including homemade dips -- but the scenery, knowledge of history and boat were amazing. The view of the island from the water was majestic and the trip was so magical for my husband, myself and our 3.5 year old I cried happy tears at this bucket list memory. In addition, they were great w little kiddos as it was our daughters first ever time on a boat! Cannot recommend them enough. Run don't walk to book them for your boat adventure in the amazing Azores!
Response from CaptainDear Jamilla, Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words. Reading your review truly means the world to us. It was an absolute pleasure to celebrate your husband’s birthday with your family, and we’re so happy that the homemade cake, champagne, and little surprises made the day even more special. Knowing that your daughter’s very first boat trip became such a wonderful memory—and that the experience brought happy tears—is the greatest compliment we could receive. Creating moments like these is exactly why we do what we do. Thank you for trusting us to be part of such a special chapter of your Azores adventure. We hope to welcome your family back on board one day for another unforgettable sailing experience. Fair winds, The SailZen Crew
Sheyna BrucknerMaryland, US•Member since 20265.0VerifiedAmazing experience!!!
Trip for Sheyna • 4 adultsCaptain Andre and Claudia were amazing hosts, we felt right at home with drinks, homemade snacks and a gorgeous boat. They were so communicative and flexible with pickup and dropoff. One of the best things we did on the island. 5 stars would recommend to everyone, the best day on the sea!!!
Response from CaptainDear Sheyna, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a pleasure to welcome you aboard EXPLORA, and we’re so happy to hear that your time with us was one of the highlights of your visit to the Azores. Your kind words truly mean a lot to us. We hope to see you again for another sailing adventure in the future. Fair winds, Captain André & Claudie
Brittany MathisRhode Island, US•Member since 20265.0VerifiedFantstic experience!
2,5 Hr – Private Sailing Tour (AM) • 8 adults • 2 childrenThe crew was amazing. They took such good care of my family, especially my young children. They were very friendly and easy going. The boat was also incredibly clean and cozy. I recommend to anyone visiting the island with a group.
Chris BrownFlorida, US•Member since 20265.0VerifiedBest private yatch charter in the Azores
7 Hr – Private Sailing Tour • 2 adultsOur private charter trip was excellent. The yatch is very well appointed and Captain Branco is an expert and very accommodating. This was definitely a highlight in our Azores adventure. I would charter with them again whenever possible!
Response from CaptainThank you so much for your kind words! ⛵️ It was a real pleasure having you aboard EXPLORA and being part of your Azores adventure. We’d be delighted to welcome you back anytime for another sail! 🌊 Fair winds,Captain Branco