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Luxury Cruise and Canoe Racing Event at Funchal Harbor

Madeira GuideMadeira Guide
February 21, 2026
3 min read

The port of Funchal is bustling this weekend with the arrival of the luxury cruise ship Le Dumont D'Urville and the prestigious Madeira Canoe Racing Cup. Both events highlight Funchal as a key destination for maritime activities.

Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is set to host two significant maritime events this weekend. The luxury cruise ship, Le Dumont D'Urville, made a brief five-hour stopover at the port of Funchal on Friday. This visit is part of a repositioning journey from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, with the ship carrying four passengers and 80 crew members. The cruise ship, operated by Ponant, arrived from Fort-de-France, Martinique, and is heading to Malta.

Le Dumont D'Urville, constructed in the Italian shipyards of Fincantieri and in service since 2019, is one of six sister ships designed for luxury and exploration. Its visit to Madeira, though brief, underscores the island's appeal as a destination for high-end tourism.

In addition to the cruise ship's visit, the Porto do Funchal will also be the venue for the TaƧa da Madeira de Regatas em Linha, a prominent canoe racing event. Scheduled for Saturday, February 21, this competition is part of the Regional Competition Calendar and will feature races in the Cadet, Junior, and Senior categories for both men and women.

The canoe racing event will see participation from 122 athletes across various clubs, including Associação NÔutica de Câmara de Lobos, Centro Treino Mar, Clube Naval da Calheta, Clube Naval do Funchal, and Ludens Clube de Machico. The event is crucial, as the winning club will represent Madeira in the upcoming Taça de Portugal de Velocidade in April.

These events highlight Funchal's vibrant cultural and sporting scene, drawing both locals and tourists to the harbor. The combination of luxury cruising and competitive sports underscores the diverse attractions Madeira offers.

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Madeira Guide

Madeira Guide

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